Play 6 back to back strong GM tournaments in India

Starting December 2nd, you can participate in six prestigious Grandmaster events across India. Each tournament offers a minimum first prize of 3,00,000 INR, approximately $3500.

Here's a breakdown of the tournaments:

Note:
1- Bengaluru circular has not been officially published on the All India Chess Federation website. I think the event is already postponed. I will update this article once they publish it (Last update - 12 Nov 2024)
2- USD ($) amounts are approximate.

Visa Requirements

Foreign players can obtain an e-visa through India's official portal. The process typically takes 72 hours. You can visit the Government of India's website for more information.

Airports and Arrival

Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Banglore, and Kolkatta are 5 major airports in India from where all major airlines fly. You can check out airport website or the airport's Wikipedia page to see flights.
For Internal travel, first ask organizers. They will help you. Otherwise, you can check these airline websites - Indigo, Air India, Air India Express

Which Tournaments to Choose?

While the KIIT festival is open to all, the other events are primarily for players rated 1900 or higher. Although organizers may accept lower-rated players, it's important to note that this can impact the overall tournament experience.
Given this, I recommend focusing on the January tournaments in Chennai, Goa, and Bangalore. The Chennai GM event, being organized for 2000+ players for the first time, may have stricter eligibility criteria. Goa and Bangalore, however, have previously delivered well-organized events with high-quality conditions.
For a single event, Goa offers the best combination of strong competition and leisure opportunities. If you're planning to participate in two events, Goa and Bangalore would be a great choice. For three events, consider Chennai, Bangalore, and Goa.

Cost Considerations

Return flights from Asian countries typically range from $500 to $700, while flights from Europe can cost around $1000.
Organizers' Hospitality
Organizers often provide excellent accommodations and amenities for foreign 2200+ players, particularly Grandmasters and International Masters. This includes 4 or 5-star hotels with meals. If organizers don't give any offers, you can check booking(dot)com or Makemytrip website to find hotels. Following are some approx amounts to get an idea

• Good Hotel - $20-50
• 3-4 star hotel - $50-100
• 5 star hotel - $100+
• Meal for 1 in good resto - $5-8
• Meal at QSR - $3-5

Is It Worth Playing in Indian Tournaments?

Indian players in the 1800-2100 rating range are often underrated. If you're a 2200+ player aiming to improve your rating, the presence of lower-rated players can be challenging. However, if your primary goal is to enjoy strong competition and experience Indian hospitality, these tournaments are definitely worth considering.
To participate, please refer to the tournament circulars and contact the organizers directly.

Note: This blog is for informational purposes. I am not in any organizing team. But if you need any help, I can help you!

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