Together, in Kerala
Kesava& Rose
Saturday, 15 May 2027Date to be confirmed
Aluva · Kerala · India
A wedding. A little exploring.
A few days together.
We’d love to celebrate with you. Here’s a simple guide to getting here, settling in and joining us for a little exploring afterwards. Come earlier or stay longer if you like; there’s no fixed holiday itinerary to follow.
A little note: our date, venues and activities are still being finalised. Please wait before making non-refundable bookings.
The plans
Aim to arrive two or three days before the wedding so you have time to settle in. There are no organised activities beforehand.
- 15 MaySaturday
- Wedding & reception
A church ceremony in or around Aluva, followed by a reception nearby.
Venues, map pins, arrival time and finish time to follow.
- 16 MaySunday · optional
- Backwaters boating
A relaxed daytime outing together. A shared dinner is also being considered, either this day or the next.
Boat, meeting point, transport and timing to follow.
- 17 MayMonday · optional
- Another day together
Possibly a Fort Kochi heritage walk, with time for cafés and exploring independently.
Activity and timing to be confirmed.
Join whichever outings suit you. Let us know which you’re interested in so we can plan numbers.
Getting here & around
Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK), serving Kochi. For transfers and everyday trips, our suggested default is Uber or a car arranged through your hotel, rather than hiring a car to drive yourself.
The airport also has round-the-clock prepaid taxi counters in its domestic and international terminals, a useful backup if your app or mobile data isn’t working.[4]
Save your hotel’s address and map pin before flying. For longer outings, ask the hotel about a car with a driver. Wedding-day transfer arrangements will be added once the venues are confirmed.
Thinking about renting a car?
Self-driving is optional, not something you need for the wedding. For a short visit, Australian drivers need both a valid International Driving Permit and their current physical Australian driver’s licence, covering the vehicle they intend to drive. Smartraveller currently gives a three-month limit without an Indian licence.[6]
Arrange the IDP before departure through the Australian Automobile Association or its authorised motoring-club network. An IDP does not replace your licence, and a digital licence alone is not sufficient.[2]
Before paying, get the rental company to confirm foreign-driver eligibility, minimum age, deposit, insurance/excess and the airport collection process. An IDP alone does not guarantee that a company will rent to you or that your insurance covers the hire.
Where to stay
Area and hotel suggestions are coming. We’re looking for comfortable hotels with helpful reception staff, air-conditioning and easy access to meals. You do not need to stay beside the church for the whole visit.
Fort Kochi will be an alternative for guests who prefer a heritage-area stay, with a longer journey to Aluva. We’ll add realistic road-transfer guidance rather than relying on a ferry shortcut.
Recommended areas, hotel shortlist, booking tips and what accommodation or activities are hosted: to be confirmed.
Before you fly
Check your Indian entry permission in advance. For Australian-passport guests attending as visitors, an e-Tourist Visa is normally the appropriate route. Apply through the official Indian e-Visa portal, check its eligibility conditions, and have your approval before flying. Carry a printed copy of the granted ETA.[1]
If you hold a valid OCI, you do not need a separate tourist visa for this visit.[5] Guests travelling on Indian passports do not need an Indian visa. If you already have a valid Indian visa, check whether it covers your trip rather than automatically applying again.
Visa timing, passport & arrival checklist
- Apply with time to spare. The current e-Visa FAQ permits tourist applications up to 120 days before arrival, with a minimum of four days. Don’t leave it to that minimum; recheck the window for your chosen visa before applying.[1]
- Check your passport. The e-Visa portal specifies at least six months’ validity when applying. As a conservative planning rule, also leave at least six months from arrival and keep two blank pages available. Check the requirements for your own entry document.[1]
- Complete the free e-Arrival Card during the 72 hours before reaching India. This is separate from your visa, not a replacement for it.[3][8] Indian-passport guests can skip this foreign-visitor step.
- Keep the essentials accessible: passport, visa/OCI, hotel address, return or onward booking and travel-insurance details. Arrange suitable travel insurance before the trip.
Entry and driving guidance checked 23 September 2026. Recheck the official rules before your May 2027 trip.
A few useful details
What to wear
Church and reception dress guidance to follow. We’ll clarify expectations for Indian and Western outfits.
Weather & packing
Plan for heat and humidity, with light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and something for rain. Local weather and packing notes will be refined closer to the trip.
Phone & everyday essentials
Mobile data, payments, drinking water and nearby essentials: a short practical checklist is coming.
Free time
Fort Kochi cafés and shops, a massage near your hotel, or simply a relaxed day. A small list of optional suggestions will follow.
Gifts & hosted plans
Gift preferences and exactly which outings, meals or transfers are hosted will be added before invitations go out.
Let us know
Who’s coming, likely travel dates, activity interests, dietary requirements and any mobility needs.
Reply-by date, RSVP method and local contact to follow. Please don’t send passport or payment details.
Kesava & Rose