Air Travel
Where can I book my flights? How can I get the best deals for air travel? Are there any group and/or family discounts?
You can book a flight online at: https://www.sumeruholidays.com/nav/holiday_package_search
Note: Airfaresfluctuate frequently and we recommend booking early to lock-in better prices and seats
When do you recommend I travel from the Canada to India and should I go to Delhi or Bangalore first?
• If you are a first time visitor to India, we strongly recommend that you land in Delhi first and attend WCF 2016 before traveling to Bangalore for other events at the International Center in Bangalore
• There are several pre and post-event programs planned in Bangalore. Please refer to the Programs & Registration section of the FAQs for more details. All events are listed on: https://www.artofliving.org/world-culture-festival#/pre-post-events
• We also have some sightseeing packages that have been put together for your convenience on the Sumeru Travels Website on: sumeru travel website
• In general we recommend a day’s gap between your arrival to India and your first sightseeing trip or event, so you have time to recover from jet lag
How do I travel between Delhi and Bangalore and how long does it take to travel between them?
• Delhi to Bangalore is about a 2.5 hr flight. Flying is the best and fastest option.
• Train travel is possible. It can take up to 36 hours and can be very tiring if you are not used to train travel in India.
• You can buy air tickets for travel within India via Sumeru Travels: https://www.sumeruholidays.com/nav/flight_search
Who can I contact for additional info about travel?
For additional questions, please send an email to Vaishnavi vaishnavi.palaparty@artofliving.ca
Hotels
The World Cultural Festival (WCF) packages include the hotel accommodation as part of the package. We recommend booking packages with hotels that have a 4 star rating or above.
If you want to book hotel alone, please go to: https://www.sumeruholidays.com/nav/hotel_search
Area-wise, please try to book in the Noida, Greater Noida areas and Patparganj. These areas in the suburbs of Delhi , on the same side as the venue (MayurVihar).
Some Hotels with a 4 star or above rating are (sorted by distance from the venue):
1. Savoy suites, greater NOIDA - 5 kilometers (kms)
2. Savoy suites, Noida, Sector 16 - 5 kms
3. Park Inn Radisson, Patparganj - 6 kms
4. Park Ascent Hotel, NOIDA - 6 kms
• If you book packages or hotels through: sumeru travel website, airport pickups are typically included. Please check the package/hotel booking for exact details.
• Airport Taxis are available at both New Delhi and Bangalore airport. Always pay the meter fare. Do not accept fixed rates as you won’t know if you are getting a good deal. Check with your hotel if they provide transport to and from the hotel.
• For Delhi check: http://www.newdelhiairport.in/to-from-airport-tool.aspx
• For Bangalore, to get to the ashram from the airport you can take a taxi and use the following link for directions: https://www.artofliving.org/bangalore-ashram/how-reach-ashram
• The Bangalore ashram has its own taxi service, call: +91-9886019292 or email: taxi@sumerutravels.com
Is it possible for me to book a hotel without purchasing an entire travel package through Sumeru Travels? Are there any search tips for Hotels?
Yes, you can search for hotels on the sumeru travel website. You have the option to sort search results by Price, hotel star rating and Hotel name. On the left hand side of the Hotel web page, you also have the option to search by specific Hotel star rating, amenities and hotel category. To view results in USD, please select USD under “Display currency”.
Is it possible for me to book a hotel without purchasing an entire travel package through Sumeru Travels? Are there any search tips for Hotels?
Yes, you can search for hotels on the sumeru travel website. You have the option to sort search results by Price, hotel star rating and Hotel name. On the left hand side of the Hotel web page, you also have the option to search by specific Hotel star rating, amenities and hotel category. To view results in CAD, please select CAD under “Display currency”.
Programs & Registration
How do I register just for the WCF if I do not require hotel accommodation in Delhi?
Passes will be available for purchase for attending the WCF Celebrations from March 11-13th. An online link to purchase passes will be provided in November.
