1.  Welcome to the 50th India Carpet Expo

Dear Buyer,

Thank you for registering for the 50th India Carpet Expo.

We are delighted to welcome you to this landmark edition, celebrating five decades of connecting international buyers with India's leading manufacturers and exporters of handmade carpets and floor coverings.

This manual has been prepared to help you plan your visit to Bhadohi, including your international travel, visa, accommodation, airport transfers, local transportation and participation at the Expo.

2.  Plan Your Visit at a Glance

EXPO DATES : 4–7 Oct 2026 | VENUE: Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi | NEAREST AIRPORT : Varanasi (VNS) | ARRIVAL CITY : Varanasi

Recommended Travel Plan

International buyers may consider the following itinerary:

International Destination  →  Varanasi  →  Hotel  →  Bhadohi Expo  →  Varanasi  →  International Destination

A typical visit may be planned as follows:Day

Suggested Plan

3 Oct: Arrive in Varanasi / Check-in at hotel

4 Oct: Visit India Carpet Expo / Business meetings

5 Oct: Visit India Carpet Expo / Business meetings

6 Oct: Visit India Carpet Expo / Business meetings

7 Oct: Final Expo visit / Business meetings / Departure planning

The above is only a suggested itinerary. Buyers may plan their travel according to their flight schedules and business requirements.

 3.  Expo Venue

Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi

The 50th India Carpet Expo will be held at:

Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Bhadohi is popularly known as the "Carpet City of India" and is one of the world's major centres for handmade carpet manufacturing.

The Expo venue provides an opportunity for international buyers to meet Indian manufacturers and exporters and explore a wide range of handmade carpets and floor coverings.

Expo Dates

4–7 October 2026

Buyers are encouraged to plan sufficient time for visiting the Expo and conducting business meetings with exhibitors.

4.  How to Reach Bhadohi

By Air

The nearest airport to Bhadohi is:

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Varanasi

Varanasi is the most convenient air gateway for international buyers travelling to Bhadohi.

The airport has connectivity with major Indian cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, providing onward connections to international destinations.

The road journey from Varanasi Airport to Bhadohi generally takes approximately 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

5.  Planning Your Flight

International buyers are advised to check flight schedules carefully when planning their visit.

Recommended Option

Where convenient, buyers may plan their international arrival at Varanasi (VNS).

Alternatively, buyers may arrive through another major international gateway in India, such as New Delhi or Mumbai, and take a domestic connecting flight/train to Varanasi.

⚠  Important

Please allow sufficient time between international and domestic connecting flights, particularly where separate tickets are booked.

Buyers selected for any specific travel/transport arrangements by CEPC will receive separate communication regarding the applicable arrangements.

6.  Accommodation

Bhadohi is the principal carpet manufacturing centre and the location of the Expo.

For international visitors, Varanasi offers a wider range of hotels, restaurants, transport facilities and tourist infrastructure and may therefore be a convenient base for the Expo visit.

Accomodation in Bhadohi

• RE:GEN:TA & ROYAL ORCHID HOTELS LIMITED : 

MANISH THAKUR, Associate Director of Sales – National Sales

Mobile :- +91 9717298603 | WhatsApp :- +91 9910585878

sales1.delhi@royalorchidhotels.com

Accomodation in Varanasi

• Taj Ganges, Varanasi

• Ramada Plaza Varanasi

• Radisson Hotel Varanasi

• DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi

These are indicative options only. Buyers should confirm hotel availability and make their accommodation arrangements according to their travel plans.

⚠  Important

If CEPC separately confirms hotel accommodation for a particular buyer, the buyer should follow the hotel and booking instructions provided by CEPC.

7.  Visa Requirements

International buyers should ensure that they have the appropriate visa before travelling to India.

For eligible business visitors, the Indian e-Business Visa may be applicable, subject to nationality and eligibility.

Buyers should verify the latest visa requirements and apply sufficiently in advance.

Official Indian e-Visa Portal

indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Visa Recommendation Letter from CEPC

If you require a Visa Recommendation/Invitation Letter from CEPC to support your visa application, you may submit your request through the online request form provided by CEPC.

You may be required to provide:

❖   Passport copy

❖   Company/business details

❖   Residential and business address

❖   Proposed travel itinerary

❖   Details of the Indian Embassy/Consulate

❖   Other information/documents as required by CEPC

Issuance of the Visa Recommendation Letter is subject to verification and approval by CEPC.

⚠  Important

A recommendation/invitation letter from CEPC does not guarantee the grant of an Indian visa. The final decision regarding visa issuance rests with the competent Indian authorities.

8.  Airport & Local Transportation

From Varanasi Airport to Bhadohi

The approximate road journey between Varanasi Airport and Bhadohi is around 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Buyers should plan their airport arrival and hotel check-in accordingly.

Local Transportation

Transportation between Varanasi and Bhadohi can be arranged through:

❖   Hotel transportation

❖   Private taxi/car

❖   Local transport operators

❖   Other arrangements communicated by CEPC, where applicable

Selected buyers receiving transportation support from CEPC will receive separate instructions regarding pick-up points, timings and designated vehicles.

⚠  Important

Please do not assume that independently arranged transportation expenses will be reimbursed by CEPC unless specifically confirmed in writing.

9.  Suggested Buyer Itinerary

To make the most of your visit, buyers may consider the following:

Day 1 — Arrival

❖   Arrive at Varanasi

❖   Transfer to hotel

❖   Hotel check-in

❖   Rest and prepare for Expo visit

Day 2 — 4 October

❖   Travel to Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi

❖   Visit exhibitors

❖   Explore product collections

❖   Conduct initial business meetings

Day 3 — 5 October

❖   Full day at the Expo

❖   Meet selected exhibitors

❖   Discuss sourcing requirements

❖   Review samples and collections

Day 4 — 6 October

❖   Continue business meetings

❖   Discuss pricing, quantities and delivery

❖   Explore additional suppliers

Day 5 — 7 October

❖   Final meetings

❖   Follow-up discussions

❖   Finalise business contacts

❖   Departure preparation

Buyers may adjust this itinerary according to their flight schedules and business requirements.

 10.  Preparing for Your Expo Visit

To make your visit productive, we recommend preparing your sourcing requirements before travelling.

Buyers may carry:

❖   Company profile

❖   Business cards

❖   Product specifications

❖   Preferred sizes

❖   Material requirements

❖   Design references/images

❖   Target price range

❖   Expected order quantities

❖   Packaging requirements

❖   Delivery requirements

❖   Private-label/custom manufacturing requirements

If you have specific sourcing requirements, you may communicate them to CEPC where appropriate.

11.  What to Expect at the Expo

The India Carpet Expo is a dedicated B2B sourcing exhibition.

Buyers will have an opportunity to:

❖   Meet leading Indian manufacturers and exporters

❖   Explore new collections

❖   Discover traditional and contemporary designs

❖   Compare qualities, materials and constructions

❖   Discuss customised products

❖   Explore sustainable products

❖   Identify new suppliers

❖   Discuss commercial requirements directly with exporters

❖   Build long-term sourcing relationships

 12.  Product Categories

The Expo showcases a broad range of handmade carpets, rugs and floor coverings, including:

❖   Hand-knotted carpets

❖   Hand-tufted carpets

❖   Handwoven carpets

❖   Wool carpets

❖   Silk carpets

❖   Wool & silk blends

❖   Cotton rugs

❖   Jute and natural-fibre products

❖   Dhurries

❖   Kilims

❖   Shaggy rugs

❖   Gabbeh rugs

❖   Traditional carpets

❖   Contemporary and modern rugs

❖   Designer carpets

❖   Sustainable and eco-friendly products

❖   Custom-made carpets and rugs

 13.  Business Meetings with Indian Exporters

Buyers may discuss the following with participating exhibitors:

1.    Product specifications

2.    Materials and construction

3.    Sizes

4.    Colours and designs

5.    Minimum order quantities

6.    Pricing

7.    Samples

8.    Production capacity

9.    Production timelines

10. Quality requirements

11. Packaging

12. Shipping and delivery

13. Payment terms

14. Private-label/custom manufacturing

Buyers are advised to independently evaluate commercial terms and enter into business arrangements directly with the concerned exporter.

14.  Buyer Entry & Registration

Your registration for the India Carpet Expo has already been received by CEPC.

You do not need to register again.

Please retain your registration acknowledgement for your records.

Registered/approved buyers should carry:

❖   Passport

❖   Registration acknowledgement

❖   Buyer confirmation/badge, where issued

❖   Business cards

Entry to the Expo is subject to CEPC's registration and verification process.

 15.  Currency & Payments

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR / ₹).

International visitors are advised to carry internationally accepted payment cards and a reasonable amount of local currency.

Currency exchange facilities are available at major airports, banks and authorised exchange centres.

16.  Electricity

VOLTAGE: 230 V | FREQUENCY: 50 Hz |  SOCKET TYPES : C, D, M

International visitors are advised to carry a universal travel adapter.

17.  Weather in October

October in the Bhadohi/Varanasi region is generally warm during the daytime and comparatively comfortable during the evening.

Visitors are advised to check the latest weather forecast before travelling and pack accordingly.

18.  Travel & Business Etiquette

During your visit, buyers are requested to:

❖   Maintain professional conduct

❖   Respect exhibitors and their intellectual property

❖   Seek permission before photographing products or displays

❖   Take samples/catalogues only with the exhibitor's permission

❖   Respect commercially sensitive information

❖   Honour scheduled business meetings

❖   Communicate sourcing requirements clearly

19.  Travel Insurance

International buyers are advised to obtain appropriate international travel and medical insurance before travelling to India.

Please keep your travel insurance and emergency contact details readily available during your journey.

 20.  Important Travel Checklist

Before travelling, please ensure that you have:

☐  Valid passport

☐  Appropriate Indian visa, where required

☐  Visa Recommendation Letter from CEPC, if required

☐  Flight tickets

☐  Hotel confirmation

☐  Expo registration acknowledgement

☐  Business cards

☐  Company profile

☐  Product/sourcing requirements

☐  Travel/medical insurance

☐  International payment card/local currency

☐  Universal travel adapter

☐  Copies of important travel documents

 21.  Useful Links

India Carpet Expo Website

www.indiacarpetexpo.com

Overseas Buyer FAQs

www.indiacarpetexpo.com/overseas-buyers/visitor-faqs

Travel & Accommodation

www.indiacarpetexpo.com/overseas-buyers/travel-accomodation

Official Indian e-Visa Portal

indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

22.  Contact Us

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

www.cepc.co.in

Email: info@cepc.co.in

For assistance relating to your participation in the India Carpet Expo, please contact CEPC through the official communication channels.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

We sincerely thank you for registering for the 50th India Carpet Expo.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bhadohi — the Carpet City of India — from 4–7 October 2026, and to facilitating meaningful business interactions with leading Indian manufacturers and exporters.

50th INDIA CARPET EXPO 2026

4–7 October 2026  •  Carpet Expo Mart, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

(Setup by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India)