Selecting a wedding destination is no less than ‘Precision Extraordinaire ‘- it is the key to creating your very own fairy tale. To select a dream place that’s ‘beyond magical’ can get tricky sometimes. Luckily India’s geographical diversity extends the scope of selecting a venue at large. Exchanging vows is a mystical experience and you can choose to do it either deep in the lush green woods or at a place surrounded by beautiful lakes and waterfalls or on a beach with the breeze blowing through your hair or a palace if you have decided to put on your prince coat and princess shoes on. Here is a list of the most preferred wedding destination for that big fat wedding, you would want to have a look at:

HYDERABAD- “The city of nawabs”

 

What makes the ‘HOME OF NAWABS’ all the more lucrative is its rich culture, tradition and heritage. Once known as the ‘city of gardens’, Hyderabad has a wide variety of open plush gardens with gazebos, palaces, hotels and resorts to choose from for your big day. If your partner and you are up for experiencing the pure ‘NAWABI’wedding, then nothing can be better than dressing up like one. This beautiful city allocates the finest boutiques and fashion labels for wedding attires in the country, so take a day or two extra for making your RECCEE trip into a shopping spree. From aesthetic KhadaDuppata, Chikankari, Kanjeevaram silks to a plethora of Sherwani and suits and don’t forget those pearls and diamonds studded jewelryofcourse, they have it all covered. Your guests are going to have a salient time while taking in the sight of Golconda fort, Charminar, Husain Sagar, the colorful and artistic markets and some Sufi Qawwali will be enough to entice them. Hyderabad is very well connected by all means so don’t worry about your guests making it on time. To hold your wedding functions under the clear serene blue sky with wafting wind the time between Oct – Mar is quite ideal.

GOA- “Home to tropical beaches”

 

Holding your partner’s hand while exchanging your vows under the dusky purple sky, with the feel of warm sand between your feet and a beautiful beach view in sight; enchanting isn’t it? Goa has always been a desirable destination for getting hitched in style. You can plan a small intimate or a lavish extravagant wedding as Goa is home to splendid tropical white beaches with clear blue water, some really glorious Portugal style villas in exuberant colors and with a striking view of open gardens. They also have huge open-air halls to accommodate more than 100 guests comfortably. If you are looking for something more discreet then Goa’s backwaters are just for you! A lavish wedding on a cruise that can allocate more than 150 people with some heart-warming food and good music. Bingo! A tour to Goa Velha, Panaji and Candolim will get your guests moving, while shopping at Anjuna,Mapusa and Mandrem is a therapy in itself. Goa is well connected to the rest of the world by air; travelling through rail and buses is just as easy. The best time for a wedding is from mid Nov – mid Feb as the weather is just immaculate this time of the year.

UDAIPUR- “Venice of The East”

 

Udaipur is the ‘Venice of the East’ and lies amidst the gorgeous Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan. The rich Rajputana culture and heritage with magnificent palaces and surreal weather is what makes this city a perfect destination for a grand royal wedding. The city has a vast range of Havellis, gardens, resorts and hotels with a spectacular view to pick from. These locations are like blank canvases waiting to be filled with colours. To make this wedding a long-lasting memory for your guests; Udaipur has a variety of activities to offer. Places like City Palace, Fateh Sagar and Pichhola Lake are sure to take their breath away. The vast array of markets such Hatipol Bazar, Bada Bazar, Bapu Bazar will keep them on their toes. The street food and the open terrace restaurants of Udaipur serve some lip-smacking delicacies which you are sure to relish. Udaipur is very well connected by air, rail and roads and the local transport is quick and reasonable. The best time for the wedding is from September until March. The rest of the months its either a bit too warm or can rain any minute. Now we wouldn’t want your perfect day to hold any obstacles so plan accordingly!

 

JAIPUR – “The Pink City”

 

This ancient pink city of Rajasthan is a trove of immense opulence, cultural wealth, embedded heritage beauty and a synthesis of Mughal and Hindu architecture. It has an expanse of glorious monuments, proud walled forts and magnificent palaces with intriguing folklore attached to them. Jaipur’s effervescent customs and traditions and its flamboyant venues is what makes it an alluring wedding destination. Vast variety of Palaces, Heritage Hotels and Resorts will help you organize a mesmerizing ceremony – with Beautiful lawn setting, exceptional décor in striking colors, traditional folk dance, music performances and puppet show for entertainment. Arrangements for a pool side DJ party with some lip-smacking cocktails to beat the heat never goes out of fashion. Jaipuri Pagdiwalas and the Panwalasare not to be missed at all. The caterers here are efficient enough to set a Royal multi-cuisine or a typical Rajasthani menu; the choice is yours!

The Panorama of the beautiful Hawa Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Albert Hall Museum and Jantar Mantar will leave your guests tongue tied. The unparalleled beauty of Jaipur’s markets makes it an exuberant place to be- from Johri Bazar, TripolaBazzar, Chandpole Bazar to Kripal Kumbh; you won’t know where to stop.

Jaipur is well-equipped with airports, railways and roadways in the country. It gets extremely hot in the summers so it is advisable to host the wedding between September – March.

KERALA- “Gods Own Country”

 

Kerala’s serene outlook and scenic vistas undoubtedly makes it a heaven on earth. It is a very diversified state with deep rooted culture and tradition providing you with a sea full of ‘themes’ for your perfect day. You can pick a charismatic houseboat wedding amidst the backwaters; away from all the hustle bustle or choose to say ‘I do’ standing on top of a cliff.Opt for a perfect traditional temple wedding or get hitched on a beach or in a divine cathedral- Kerala has the perfect backdrop for all kinds of wedding festivities.

Kerala has some exciting activities such as visiting the tea and coffee plantations, paragliding, bathing the elephants, bamboo rafting and canoeing along with some enticing art and dance forms to enjoy. It has some typically traditional mouth-watering dishes to indulge in. Also! Don’t forget to pamper yourself with Kasavu sarees and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages. Kerala is smoothly accessible through air, rail and road. The best time for the wedding is from Sep – Mar as the weather is quite appealing this time of the year

SHIMLA – “The Summer Capital Of India”

 

Shimla has been the summer capital of India since the British region. It’s Tudorbethanand neo- Gothic architectural styles takes us back to the colonial era. This beautiful hill station is an amalgamation of shimmery city lights, captivating dense forests and bright green hills and valleys. Shimla looks like a beguiling frosty dream in the winters – snow clad mountains, contrasting red brick houses, snowy pathways lined with spikey trees and frosty ferns while the street lamp illuminates light on this scene making it look like a fantasy.

Shimla’s romantic air and perfect mountain backdrop attracts people from all over the world for their big day. It is ideal for both- a small intimate ceremony as well as a grandiose wedding. Shimla’s luxury hotel chains, banquets, Garden resorts and open lawn venues are very well equipped to cater your wedding needs. Be it Banquets with warm, stylish and classy setting, a high-end lavish wedding celebration, an intimate wedding getaway tucked in the natures lap or a chic yet rustic setting with a majestic panorama of the mountains; everything is possible here.

The city’s captivating Himalayan views from Jakhu hill and Chadwick falls, it’s colonial architectural styles that reflects in state museum, Viceregal lodge and Gorton castle, exciting activities such as camping trekking and rafting along with markets full of woollen goods and wooden handicrafts – Shimla has truckload of places to explore. The city also has wooden cafes that serve delicious Tibetan cuisine.Shimla is well connected with many parts of India and can be easily reached my air, rail and roads. March – June is the perfect time to get hitched here.

AGRA -“A Little Clichéd, But Taj Mahal Is Indeed Romantic “

 

Once home to Mughal Emperors, gifted poets, accomplished historians, skilled painters and musicians this magnificent historic city of Agra holds timeless appeal to its visitors. Its striking Persian, Timurid and Islamic Architecture reflects in its monuments, forts and mausoleums that harks us back to a time that still feels alive. Agra is graced by the majestic presence of the exquisite and alluring Taj Mahal – a place that has been celebrating eternal love for centuries.

Hosting a wedding at Taj Mahalis very tricky and rare but Agra’s sumptuous hotel chains such as the Clarks Shiraz, The Oberoi Amarvillas, Double tree by Hilton and the Four Points by Sheraton offer a dramatic view of the Taj Mahal making them perfect venues for your big day.Blend yourself in Mughal tradition with vibrant Mughal décor, divergent floor length lehengas, long cholis and pishwas with tight shalwar along with the elaborate Jadau and Kundan jewellery. The royally embellished silk sherwanis, jeweled jootis and turbans is the perfect way to style yourself for the wedding.

Witness the glory of iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Behtab Bagh and Moti Masjid. A taste of Agra’s pethas, spicy and creamyMughalai curries, kormas and tikkas, dal-moth and Jalebis will have you roll your eyes back in ecstasy. Agra is buzzing with traditional bazars that sell ‘Bric-a-Brac’ – small replicas of Taj Mahal, ranging carpets and rugs, silks and leather products and much more.

Agra is extremely well connected by roads and rails and the nearest airport is in New Delhi which is a hub for national and international flights.October – March is a great time for the wedding as the weather is relatively cool

MUSSOORIE- “The Queen of Hills”

 

‘The queen of hills- Mussoorie is situated in the foothills of the mighty Garhwal Himalayan range. It provides you with absolutely eye soothing views of the clear skies, lush green hills lined with the enchanting tall Oak trees. The beautiful cool canals, waterfalls and the small stone and wood chimney houses adds to the Mussoorie’s captivating beauty.

It is an ideal destination for a charismatic wedding on top of a hill, amidst a brilliant sunset setting.
You can go for a romantic, lightly dimmed chick setting overlooking the orange sunset in the outdoors of a resort or choose to tie a knot in a mesmerising forest wedding surrounded by stunning tall pine trees in a contrasting orchid decor or go a bit off – beat and opt for an intimate bonfire wedding ceremony.

Your guests are going to be in awe after witnessing the magic of Laltibba, Gun hill point, Garden company, lake mist and Kempty falls. They will enjoy a hearty shopping stroll along the mall road which is lined with local shops and Restaurants. Some quiet and leisure time in the Victorian setting restro-bars will take you back to the vintage times.

The city of Dehradun has an airport and a railway station, from here you will have to travel by road to Mussoorie. Early April – midJuly is the perfect time for a soothing hill station wedding.

RISHIKESH – ” Abode of Sages”

 

“The yoga capital” of India is situated in the foothills of Himalayan range surrounded by Shivalik range. It is considered a very holy and tranquil place as river Ganga cascades rapidly through the city and it is also home to many Yogis, Rishis and Sages practicing meditation in the ashrams of Rishikesh. Being the main hub for pilgrimages (Chardham), yoga and meditation events, spiritual and soulful relaxation; this mystical town is always spewing with people from all around the world.

Weddings are a fresh start to life, a sacred bond that will last a life time; no place better than Rishikesh to start your blessed journey. Rishikesh is enriched with customs and traditions and if you believe in “made for each other” then entering into wedlock in an enchanting temple with an aura of spirituality surrounding you along with the repose sounds of river Ganga flowing in background is beyond magical. Rishikesh has a lot of prominent luxurious hotels that provide with the best arrangements for your D-day. Venues such as the SK regency, the stunning EllBee Ganga view hotel and the palatial hotel Nirvana Palace are a few venues you would want to consider.

Apart from being a gamut of traditions, Rishikesh also showcases out setting attractions. Your guests are going to feel rejuvenated after experiencing the spiritual and religious vibes of Tera manzil temple, Bharat mandir, ParmarthNiketan Ashram and Geeta Bhawan. Rishikesh is also famous for its adventurous sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, trekking and lakeside camping. You can shop for jewellery, precious stones, gems, clothes, rudraksh and other spiritual items in markets of Rishikesh.
Rishikesh has a good network of trains and buses. You can fly to Dehradun and then take a local/private car till Rishikesh. The ideal time for hosting the wedding is from late September – Mid November.

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS– “Getting Hitched By The Beach”

 

If you have a quiet, peaceful and relaxing wedding on mind, then Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the quaint destination for an exotic affair. These islands attract couples not only for their renowned beach and cruise weddings but also for their adventurous underwater wedding. The Havelock island, Ross island and Port Blair have beach resorts with pristine waters, white and golden shorelines surrounded with palm trees, presenting you with picturesque venues for your wedding.

They also have a few straw shacks for seating your short list of guests. They have an exquisite menu for seafood delicacies and a wide variety of wine. Andaman &Nicobar Islands are a haven for nature. Places like Jarawa reserve forest, Chidiyatapu beach, Karmatang beach (The Turtle Paradise) and “ScubaLov” cover everything from mangroves, coral reefs to underwater sports. Your family and friends are in for a treat! Port Blair has regular domestic flights that fly in from major metropolitan cities. October – May is a great time for a tropical island wedding.

LAVASA – “Have an Italian Backdrop to your Indian Wedding”

Lavasa is located in the Mose Valley of Western Ghats. This planned hill station has Italian style streets and buildings based on the Italian town Portofino. Lavasa is an absolutely breath-taking hill station with an outlook of a foreign city that helps you escape the city’s hustle and bustle and provides you with surreal views. With pleasant cool breeze, outstretched clear skies, glassy lakes and placid valleys and hills, Lavasa attracts a lot of tourists from around the country. If you are looking for a serene lake side wedding surrounded by your closest, and an Italian backdrop for some beautiful wedding and pre-wedding photoshoot then Lavasa is the spot for you.

Lavasa has a range of renowned hotels and resorts for hosting your wedding functions. From their excellent heart-warming hospitality to taking care of all the arrangements on time, they are quite sleek with what they do. Also, you can take your own wedding planner along if you wish to customize every details. Some of the stunning venues that you can look into are: Dasvino town &Country Club, Hotel Celebration and Residency Lake Resort.

Lavasa has some perfect spots for sightseeing. Places such as Tikona fort, Varsagaon dam, Devkund waterfall and Tamhinighat will leave your guests pacified. The Promenade is an open area buzzing with tourists and is lined with restaurants with outdoor seating that serve outstanding cuisines. Lavasa is also quite famous for its fun activities such as zip-lining, Jet ski and River Rafting. No trip is ever complete with some shopping; Lavasa exhibits a variety of national and international brands.

You can take a flight or train to Pune and continue the journey to Lavasa by a car or bus.

The duration between September – March is an idyllic time for a wedding in Lavasa.

 

    By - Arwa Shabbir