Planning Trip to India
India has a very generous visa policy. Citizens of most country can get tourist e-Visa for 60 days by filling an application about a week before their travel. You can read more about e-visas. Just note that not all airports in India have e-Visa facilities, however, all the main ones do including Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bengaluru (Bangalore). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India.
Reaching Lucknow
One of the most convenient way to fly to Lucknow is to fly to Delhi or Mumbai, and then take a direct flight to Lucknow. For example, below are some estimates for reaching Lucknow. We would generally recommend avoiding Air India as the quality of service is not very good. We would also recommend booking the flight 3-4 months in advance since a lot of Indians fly back to India in December.
New York to Lucknow: A direct united United Airlines from Newark to Delhi, and then Air India from Delhi to Lucknow.
Hanoi to Lucknow: Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi to Bangkok, and then Air India from Bangkok to Lucknow.
Tokyo to Lucknow: China Southern Airline from Tokyo to Delhi, and then Air India from Delhi to Lucknow.
Staying in Lucknow
Lucknow is the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh (formerly known as Awadh also Oudh). There are reasonably good hotels that one can find. Make sure to book these in advance. Following are some good hotels in Lucknow.You can use Uber in Lucknow for commuting. This is better than using local taxi which requires you to negotiate a price (not advised). Other option is to use Lucknow metro which connects main parts of the city to the Airport.
What to do in Lucknow
Lucknow is famous for its food, clothing, and history.
Food: Lucknow is one of the hub of Awadhi food. It offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries as well as kebabs. Ask your hotel for more details. Shopping malls (e.g., Inox, Fun Republic), Subway, Dominos etc. will offer standard American food as well. Lucknowites drink chai (milk tea) but you can also find coffee in places like Cafe Coffee Day.
History: Lucknow has been one of the main cultural centers of Northern India. It participated in the 1857 war against British Empire, was one of the main centers of Indian Independence, and is today one of the fastest growing cities in India. Some famous cultural monuments include Residency, Bara Imamabarah, and Roomi Gate.
Clothing: Lucknow garments are quite popular in India. If you plan to wear Indian clothes at the wedding then you should be able to buy them locally here but do save a day for shopping (you may have to get them altered).
Tours around Lucknow
Lucknow is close to other major cities such as Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You can do the famous Delhi - Agra - Lucknow tour or a mix-and-match of your own. Do check the google group to find a tour or get people to join yours.
Delhi As the capital region of India, Delhi is a summary of all India has to offer.
Agra Home to the famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Agra is one of the most visited cities in India. It is accessible from Delhi via a 4hr drive on expressway.
Jaipur
Jaipur is known for its royal palaces, desert life and spicy food. Easily accessible from Delhi.
Shimla and McLeodganj (seat of Dalai Lama) Shimla is a city north of Delhi known for its scenic Himalyan beauty. In December and January, one can find snowfall on many days. McLeodganj nearby is the seat of Dalai Lama.
