Immortal Glory Legendary Wedding Destinations Of India

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing, popular wedding destinations; it never fails to attract couples with its astounding local cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. Often lauded for treating its guests as Gods (Atithi Devo Bhava), there are certain states in the country that have never failed to charm the tourists with their vintage beauty and tempting holiday packages. In a country full of surprises, some places rule the charts of popularity among the soon-to-be-married. Wedding Affair lists four such places for an ultimate wedding experience.

 KERALA

Mountains, lakes, mystic atmosphere, romance, and adventure — if there is a place that possesses all these traits at once, it is Kerala. The viridescent landscape and venturous locations mark it discretely on the map of premier destinations for weddings. The 600 kilometre-shoreline of the Arabian Sea houses several gorgeous palm-lined golden beaches, and the lofty mountain ranges that stretch throughout the area reinforcing serene natural beauty and exuberant wildlife. The state is accommodated by an intricate network of canals and emerald backwaters that constitute the rustic sense of place in the region. The experiences that you can foster here are numerous — from bathing the elephants in their natural habitats to being appeased by the idyllic folk ballads in the ethnic environs. Munnar — one of the most popular hill stations in the country — is located in this God’s own country, where you can walk in natural beauty, inhaling the natural scent of spices infused in the air. Enjoy the animated festivities of the state, experience the indigenous lifestyle, rejuvenate yourself with Ayurvedic spas, and habituate yourself with a relaxed lifestyle; that is how you align yourself with the symphony of nature in the lively Kerala.

Places To Visit: Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Beypore, Marari Beach, Cherai Beach, Amrithamedu, Echo Point, Marayoor, Kundala Lake, Devikulam Hills, Bekal Fort, Anjengo Fort, Periyar National Park, Poovar Island, Muziris, Kerala backwaters, Neelakurinji.

Preferential Venues: Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam; The Leela Raviz Kovalam; Marari Beach Resort; Spice Village; Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere; Lake Palace Resort; The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort and Spa; Punnamada Resort; Paradisa Plantation Retreat; The Leela Raviz Kovalam; Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala.

GOA

The offshore island of Goa is also one of the smallest states in the country. A rendezvous of Indian and Portuguese cultures, the state isn’t just about pounding surf and party paradises. The vintage charm of the Portuguese architecture and a susegad way of life, make it a haven of tranquillity that can mesmerise you, urging you to stay longer. Unwind yourself with a whiff of the sea and a glimpse of gold and azure as you tie the knot with your partner; letting the soothing sights and sounds of the aquatic life soak you in realms of pleasure. Goa harbours such scents of spices that had historically attracted the Portuguese, and still continues to charm the tourists to disentangle themselves in the land of golden shores. The state’s antique forts, Catholic churches and baroque architecture add to the subtle charm of the region. Host your ceremonies at the serene beaches and let go of all your mundane worries to be captivated by Goa.

Places To Visit: Aguada Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Calangute Beach, Sé Cathedral, Chapora Fort, Anjuna Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Baga Beach, Harvalem Waterfall, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cabo de Rama, Mahadev Temple, Anjuna Flea Market, Agonda Beach, Titos Lane, Tropical Spice Plantation, Dudhsagar Falls.

Preferential Venues: W Goa; Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa; Alila Diwa Goa; Cidade de Goa; ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa; Caravela Beach Resort; The Park Calangute; Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa; The Zuri White Sands; Goa Resort & Casino; Grand Hyatt Goa; Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Goa; Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat; Heritage Village Resort & Spa Goa; Goa Marriott Resort & Spa.

 GUJARAT

Gujarat — the land of legends and lions — is the home to vivid colours and radiant cultures that are known for their warmth and hospitality. Replete with natural grandeur, bucolic lifestyle, and Indo-Saracenic architecture, the state is sure to brim your senses with a gleeful journey of folk traditions. Also known as the land of contrasts, the state encompasses lands of several types and textures — from the salt deserts of Kutch and the semi-arid heathlands of Kathiawar Peninsula to the south-eastern lands of wet and fertile coasts. The polychromatic traditions of ethnicities, the endowment of palatial structures and grandiose architecture combined with variegated sculptures, handicrafts, arts, and festivals, render a majestic touch to the land. Gujarat is a state that can provide you with exclusive experiences such as a beach wedding in the adjoining union territory of Daman and Diu, palatial weddings at Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara or a nature-based wedding at Aam Bagan in Ahmedabad. The guest is God here.

Places To Visit: Statue of Unity, Rani-ki-Vav, Gir National Park, Shree Somnath Jyotirling Temple, Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Aina Mahal, Modhera Sun Temple, Champaner, Rann of Kutch, The Calico Museum of Textiles, Sayaji Baug, Dumas Beach, Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery.

Preferential Venues: Balaram Palace Resort; Lukshmi Vilas Palace Banquets & Conventions; Aam Bagan; Heritage Khirasara Palace; Woods at Sasan; Radisson Hotel Kandla; The Gateway Hotel Athwalines Surat; Regency Lagoon Resort; Hyatt Ahmedabad; Madhubhan Resort & Spa; KABIR Hotel & Spa; Royal Oasis; VEDIK RESORT; Vivanta Vadodara; Neonz Lifestyle & Recreation Club; Eulogia Inn.

JAMMU & KASHMIR

Think of beauty, think of Kashmir. There is not a place in the world which can provide the congruity in the calm, peace and serenity that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) can enclave one with. Acting as the crown of Indian sub-continent, J&K is a disposition of scenic beauty, ideal winter tide weather, and placidity of the natural environs, making it an ideal location for those looking for an exotic nature-based wedding. The

intermontane region of Kashmir in western J&K — Vale of Kashmir — is the epitome of serenity and natural beauty. The winter capital of the state — Jammu — is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north and Northern-Plains in the south, and is also known as the city of temples. A union of several cultures and tourist spots in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Patnitop and others make it one of the top choices for wedding destinations in India. The sum total of these physiognomies of the region, augment the appeal of its beauty.

Places To Visit: Bahu Fort, Jhelum River, Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Amarnath Cave, Raghunath Temple, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Nubra Valley, Mughal Gardens, Hazratbal Shrine, Pangong Tso, Vaishno Devi.

Preferential Venues: Vivanta Dal View, Srinagar; Vardaan Resort, Patnitop; The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa; Triden Kashmir Resort; The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar; Hunder Resort Nubra Grand; Grand Mumtaz Hotels.