With Destination Weddings being a big market in India, It is the time now when Indian Tourism Industry should start looking into promotion of more Destinations (apart from already exhausted Rajasthan and Goa).

Idea of touring around Southern India more specifically Tamil Nadu and Kerala was lived up when I was invited for a FAM tour of one of the Beach Resorts in Mamallapuram near Chennai. Its an hour drive from Chennai International Airport which is as good as you driving any Resort in South Goa from Airport. The Resort is all set to invite the Couples who are looking for more uncommon and private Beach Destinations to celebrate the most memorable day of their life.

The Resort has about 142 Rooms categorised into Chalet Cottages, Poolside Cottages, Private Pool Villas, Sea facing Villas etc. but all of them has got a very typical south Indian feel pleasantly mixed up with modern amenities.

There are variety of indoor and outdoor Venues which could take up a gathering upto 2000 people so fit enough for an extravaganza if you are looking for any. I personally found the Beach Side Venues to be really suitable for a small gathering (100-150 pax) weddings. The view of Sea at the backdrop is completely clear with no shabby shacks and resturants in between. The sound of crushing waves is loud and audible!

The Resort offers variety of outdoor activities like Fishing, Zorbing, ATB Biking, Outdoor Games and what not for a perfect holiday. The Food is amazing! and not to mention the typical south Indian meal also has its own charm.

Chennai being just an hour away, logistically any kind of Setup, decoration, Music, entertainment etc could be well organised.

Please feel free to contact me if this sounds interesting to you and you are open to see you getting married at this lovely place. Just drop a line at mail@ankit.in

Here are few Pictures shot from my Mobile but this gives an idea of how the Property looks like everyday and NOT the Photoshped glittered Shots.

My first impression as soon as I entered Raas Leela was “WOW”, consider that I have been living in Udaipur past 30 years and have been to every nook and corner!

This small Tented Property by the side of Lake Pichola overlooking City Palace, Lake Palace and Aravali Hills is such a great charm that I could not resist myself visualizing how good this Venue could be for Intimate Weddings.

The outdoor Lawn  is very well maintained and normally runs as a popular Restaurant. This place is bought up aesthetically to work as a Wedding Venue with adding just some small touches to the setup and Decoration. The Place itself is so scenic and captivating that you do not feel like putting anything on top to make it look better.

They have 7 Luxury Tents to fit in a small gathering but there are several nice Heritage Hotels around to accommodate more Guests. The Lawns are good for a Party of 100-125 Guests.

The only challenge is the approach to Raas Leela, you have to walk 100 meters in narrow lanes to get here after parking your Vehicle but honestly thats worth.

Here is a preview of one of the Parties we organised at Raas Leela and very much looking forward to organise a Wedding here soon. If it looks like the Place you have in mind, do feel free to drop a line and I shall be pleased to see you married there.

Raas Leela - Almost Love at first sight

Tents at Raas Leela

Palaces and lake at backdrop

More to come soon ….

Here are the glimpses of a very elegant, traditional and fun filled Wedding being hosted at Chunda Palace. Since the aesthetic beauty is appealing enough, the couple always wanted to keep the surroundings natural and minimal. We chose the Top Terrace as Venue for Wedding Ceremony to look after their idea.

Mandap was set set up in one of the Gokhda (Gazebo) which represents old style of Architecture. Thin curtain of fresh and fragrant Jasmine Flowers was put in front and the colorful Floral Rangolis all around Chunda Palace.

A Sunset Wedding Ceremony followed by a sit down Dinner was further  thoroughly enjoyed by “dance off” till 4 in Morning (at an indoor venue).

The Memory Book

Beautiful Backdrop

Dinner Setting

Table Setting

Kerala

Destination Weddings in Kerala is still a novice and yet to be developed concept but it stands a perfect competitor to any of international destination in the World. Kerala has already marked its powerful presence on world tourist map, several Charter Holiday makers are flying in Groups every year to experience this mini India and enjoy the variety of tourist spots ranging from secluded beaches to backwater Resorts, Spa and Ayurveda Centers, Hill Stations, Wildlife and nonetheless romantic Houseboat breaks.

For those who are new to Kerala, “On the southwestern coast of India, almost touching the tip of the peninsula, Kerala occupies the region known as the Malabar Coast. It is surrounded by the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala is like a narrow strip of land lying between the Arabian Sea to the west and the hill ranges called Western Ghats. This geography defines Kerala’s main identity as a green, rain-rich state filled with inland water bodies.”

Some of the most popular Tourist spots in Kerala are
Kochi – A Metro Town with thousands of year old culture still persisting in everybody’s daily life. It has an International Airport.

Kumarakom – Backwater, Houseboat and Luxury Resorts

Alleppey – Beaches

Munnar – Hill Station and Spice Gardens

Thekaddy – Wildlife

Kovalam – Beach

Trivendrum – Beach and Metro life

Several others such as Palakkad, Iddukki, Kollam etc are equally magnificent.

Kerala - God's own country

If you are Planning a Wedding in Kerala, the first thing to consider is the natural theme and you have so many choices to pick from. The Beaches are generally clean and areas attached to Resorts are isolated. Houseboats are fit for a very small gathering and couple only, Hill Station Resorts have superb green surroundings at an altitude, Backwater Resorts offer variety of cultural experiences with modern day luxury. So not only does you and your guests could have a great time enjoying wedding but also spend their Holidays touring around Kearala.

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Logistically speaking Kerara is very well connected with majority of International Destinations via direct or indirect Flights (via Mumbai). Its easy to move in and around Kerala since the distances are not too large. Traditional as well as Western Weddings could be well planned and there is an easy access to Decorators, Florists, Entertainment companies, services like Wedding Minister, Photographers and Videographers etc. everything is available but need to be sourced in deliberately. It is little difficult to translate the regular Supplier into what is demanded into a Destination Wedding (normally minimalism with a class) however Wedding Planner could play a good role here for you.

Elephants which have been an Indian Icon and a dream for many to have their presence in Wedding could be well taken care of, infact your Wedding procession could have as many as Elephants you want. Folk Dancers would amaze you with live performances while South Indian and international cuisine would add up to memorable wedding.

Sea facing beautiful Lawns in Kovalam

There are Resorts and Hotels available into various sizes and budgets making it possible to hire out complete place and have a full privacy during the 2-3 days of wedding festivities. In the coming weeks I shall be reviewing several Spots and Venues in specific from Weddings point of view, so if you are leaning for a Wedding in Kerala, do keep reading this section.

Get in touch to plan a Destination Wedding in Kerala

Chunda Palace is a great example of heritage architecture in modern days. This grand Haveli (no less than a Palace) offers 56 Rooms and Suites at 3 levels. Chunda Palace is located next to Oberoi Udai Vilas with green surroundings and one of the best views from any Room. It overlooks the Lake Pichola, City Palace and Aravali hill ranges.

Chunda Palace

Every level has its own Swimming Pool including the Terrace. Rooms are as large as suites with all the modern comforts like LCD Televisions, Minibar, Jaccuzzi in Bathrooms, Large Beds with really comfortable Mattresses.

The best and unique part of property is the paintings and art work on Walls and Roofs. The paintings resemble the Frescoes of Mandawa region and have been done by the local Artists with lot of intricacy.

In terms of Wedding Venues, I found the Terrace to be simply amazing! It has a capacity of 200-250 guests seated. An airconed indoor hall combined with Terrace makes a logical combination to have early evening functions inside and then rest of event at Terrace outdoor. It has the larges roof top Swimming Pool in Udaipur. The traditional Gazebos (gokhdas) adds upto charm of terrace. There is a separate Bar on the terrace which can hold 80-90 guests conveniently.

There are several other open spaces to have the pre wedding events like Courtyard, Restaurant at the base level. Chunda Palace is planned to be commercially operational by July this year. It surely looks like a very promising spot for holiday and wedding.

Click here to view the Glimpses of Wedding at Chunda Palace

Until now the best places to stay and get married in Udaipur have been the princely piles on Lake Pichola’s shores or its fairy-tale island palace. http://www.travelmatch.co.uk/holidays/goa-holidays.html Fateh Garh offers something different: “Heritage Renaissance” style. Perched on a hilltop 20 minutes outside the city, this 51-room Palace Hotel incorporates local stone and antique architectural elements culled from abandoned historic buildings. A confection of bulbous domes, sugar-white pillars, crenelations, and intricate jali screens, it escapes the kitschy through its graceful proportions and airy reception areas, courtyard, and verandas—all of which are graced with antiques and delicate frescoes inspired by the style of Rajput miniatures.

Within the first year of its commencement as an Hotel, it attracted several couples to get hitched in a royal style. It has also become a popular location for Film and popular Television shoots. The know T.V. serials “Rakhi ka Swayamwar” and also “Rahul ka Swayamwar” were shot at Fatehgarh.

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It is definitely a perfect package for families who would like to occupy entire Palace (51 Rooms and Suites accommodating upto 125 guests) and experience the traditional grandeur over the 3/4 days period. Its an advantage available venues like the Darbar hall, Courtyard, Poolside, Jai Bagh etc would be at at their disposal with a complete privacy. The newly done Lawns called Jai Bagh can accommodate a gathering upto 300-350 guests at one point of time.

Jai Bagh which overlooks the Lake Pichola and has a beautiful backdrop of palatial facade is also available to be used for Wedding Events for non resident guests, it adds upto the feasibility of FatehGarh as a venue for Wedding Events.

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Wedding at Taj Mahal (I shy out writing introduction of Taj Mahal) in Agra is not an uncommon idea! I realized this a while back when I received almost 50th Email from a prospective Bride asking if wedding at Taj Mahal is possible?

The email read

” Hi

I was wondering whether you could organise a wedding in a garden overlooking the Taj Mahal. It would just be the two of us – no guests.

Thanks”

I always deeply regret to write a blunt response to the request stating that Taj Mahal is a public monument including all the areas nearby (Gardens and grounds) and therefore it is not allowed to organise any private event in the premises.

I have already given an attempt to organise “something” at Taj Mahal. This Australian couple contacted me to get married infront of Taj Mahal and as a standard response. The Couple visited India 15 years back and this is where he proposed her . I informed them the restrictions however their perseverance and love towards the Taj Mahal made me think of exploring the closest possibility. After a series of email we sorted the way out together.  It was planned to drive them from Delhi to Agra a day before and have a brief meeting. Next day morning we planned the “Ring Ceremony” infront of the Taj Mahal (dont get ideas… it was done completely secret). The same evening a traditional Indian wedding was organised for them at one of Hotel overlooking Taj Mahal.

Ring Ceremony at the Taj Mahal was the trick actually.  I had heard that any attempt to organise a “private ceremony” at Taj Mahal can be a risk and you could be questioned by security, management and might have to face the fuss which people around you can make at that moment. So we thought of a wiser way and planned to make it completely casual. The Couple just walked in front of the Taj Mahal to sit at the Bench in front mean for Photography. Very casually they exchanged the Rings without getting specially noticed by the crowd around. This was all Photographed from a distance so that it can be a part of memories. That was the only and best possible way to achieve their dream of “bonding” in front of Taj Mahal to complete the proposal ones made 15 years back.

Indian Ceremony and the private dinner in evening was perfect to add to the emotions and occasion.

So anyone looking to get married at the Taj Mahal, please make up your mind that this is actually not possible the way you might have wanted it. You might look for other uncommon ideas like “Wedding in the Air“.

The Taj Mahal

Udaipur needs no introduction as one of the most popular tourist destination on world map, it has been recently acclaimed as “the best place in world” by “Travel and Leisure” Magazine.

Udaipur lies in southern Rajasthan near the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh borders. It rests in the shadows of the Aravalli Mountains, at a height of 577m. The old city is surrounded by the city wall, on the east side of Lake Pichola. It has an average elevation of 598 meters (1961 feet).  Located at the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The geography of area makes the tourist feel as if they are at a Hill Station. Udaipur as a town is very well developed still keeping the greenery and charm of an old Heritage City. It appears to be superior than any other destination in Rajasthan when it comes to choice for a place to get married.

What gives Udaipur an edge over other Destinations in Rajasthan?
- The place as a Tourist Spot is perfect for a relaxing and romantic holidays. Must visit tourist attractions
- Proximity to Gujarat (making it easier for the Gujarati NRI families to get their local guests to Udaipur)
- Connection with Delhi and Mumbai (International Airports), their are daily Flights, Trains and Buses available.
- Choice of so many exclusive and luxurious palace venues to have a variety
- Presence of all major 5* Hotels chain like Leela, Taj and Oberoi
- Availability of affordable yet authentic traditional Hotels
- Activities like tourist site seeing, excursions and safaris
- A less crowded and clean-green town
- Suitability for moderate to high budget events and any size of gathering between just a couple to 1500 guests.
- The aesthetic beauty serves as best of decoration so a minimal touch ups brings any venue to its best

A bit about the  Venues …
The City Palace Complex combining two Grand Heritage Hotels called “Shiv Niwas Palace” and “Fateh Prakash Palace”, historical monuments (now being offered as venue for royal weddings) like Jagmandir Island Palace, Zenana Mahal, Manek Chowk and Darbar Hall have helped a great deal to popularize Udaipur as the ultimate and exclusive choice for weddings.  The ambiance and the aesthetic beauty at all the venues is one of its kind and unmatched.

Amongst all Jagmandir Island Palace is the premium most choice and only available option for the main Wedding day. Many Celebrities and upscale weddings have been witnessed at this venue. It is said that Shah Jahan took refuge at jagmandir and this is where he got the inspiration to build Taj Mahal. It is often referred to as a swarg ki vatika or garden of heaven. When cocktails, theme-dinners, banquets and wedding ceremonies are organised here, the flowers and special lighting, folk dancers and fireworks bring alive this garden of heaven in vibrant colours of celebrations. Musical soirees and performances at the Garden Courtyard, wedding ceremonies at Kunwarpada Chowk, lavish buffets or sit-down banquets at Kunwarpada Lawns.

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Fort Fatehgarh which has started its operation as a Hotel has come out to be most promising venue. It is a Heritage Renaissance Resort – Sanctuary with 360° commanding views of  Aravali Hill Ranges, Lake Pichola, City Palace Complex and the old city. Heritage Renaissance – a term used to describe the laborious transplanting of the stone by stone, pillar by pillar of a heritage structure from a place not very far away to a new location thereby conserving the rich Architectural Heritage for the generations to come.

Within the first year of its commencement as an Hotel, it attracted several couples to get hitched in a royal style. It is definitely a perfect package for families who would like to take up entire Palace (50 Rooms and Suites accommodating upto 125 guests) and experience the traditional grandeur over the 3/4 days period. Its an advantage available venues like the Darbar hall, Courtyard, Poolside, Jai Bagh etc would be at at their disposal with a complete privacy. The newly done Lawns called Jai Bagh can accommodate a gathering upto 300-350 guests at one point of time.

Jai Bagh is also available to be used for Wedding Events for non resident guests, it adds upto the feasibility of FatehGarh as a venue for Royal Wedding.

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Heritage Hotels and Specialty Restaurants
For smaller groups and families who really dont want to be over the top, Udaipur offers a choice of very beautiful historical Haveli converted Hotels which could be used for stay as well as the Wedding festivities. Many specialty and theme Restaurants are also available to host the private parties.

Chunda Palace is another suitable option for a Royal Wedding, it  is a great example of heritage architecture in modern days. This grand Haveli (no less than a Palace) offers 56 Rooms and Suites at 3 levels. Chunda Palace is located next to Oberoi Udai Vilas with green surroundings and one of the best views from any Room. It overlooks the Lake Pichola, City Palace and Aravali hill ranges.

Feel free to seek any assistance if you are planning a Destination Wedding in Udaipur

Ever thought of a getting married in air while the world “look up” to you and you are pronounced as Man and Wife 300 meters above the “City of Lakes” while the view is just breathtaking? It definitely sounds like a Fairytale but let us make it happen for you

On the chosen day, we shall pick you up from your “Palace” in an authentic Vintage Car and bring you to the Flight’s site. You are welcomed by Wedding Planner and introduced to the Wedding Minister. Now you are all set to go for uniting in the Air. As the Hot Air Balloon Flight takes off and reach above the center of Lake Pichola the ceremony of “exchanging Rings and Vows” is solemnized by the Wedding Minister. There will be a Photographer with you to capture the life time memories. What better place can you find for the first kiss than in the sky of this world’s number one Heritage City “Udaipur”. The view from above will be picture perfect overlooking Lake Palace, City Palace, old City and the beautiful Aravali Hill ranges.

You return down as a Man and Wife where Cake and Champagne for Toast is eagerly waiting for the bridal couple. After the Wedding Portraits being shot you are escorted to Palace for a romantic private dinner. Live instrumental music will add upto the ambiance and there can not be a better way to end the new beginning by Grand Fireworks display.

Sounds good? Write me back if that is your idea of a Destination Wedding!

Wedding in sky

A destination wedding is a wedding held in a setting away from your hometown. Oftentimes, a destination wedding and the honeymoon are celebrated in the same venue.

What’s a destination wedding like? Picture yourselves in a warm, luxurious atmosphere with happy friends and family toasting the two of you. Music plays and a feast of fine food awaits.

Every wedding detail, from the setting to the officiant to the flowers and the cake, can be arranged at the destination to suit your taste. After the wedding ceremony, you won’t have to leave this breathtakingly beautiful location so soon… if you choose to have your honeymoon there as well.

Past few years India has been portrayed and well marketed as a Wedding Destination with a unique proposition of adding up “Indian Wedding elements”. I have catered to couples who have never been to India but wish to get married following Indian customs and the underline is “it should be at an exotic location”. Today Destinations like Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala are much in vogue and fully equipped to invite such concepts.

The size of Destination Wedding is surely smaller than what the couple would have done in Home Town since an overseas travel could be involved where the invitees would be just the close family and the dear friends. Sometimes its just the Couple who elopes to an exotic destination to get Married. Apart from India the very popular Destinations in Asia are Malaysia, Mauritius, Australia and Thailand.

Along with the Wedding festivities most of the Guests also aim to have a great holiday experience since they might be sparing their annual Holidays, that is one reason why most of Destination Weddings are planned keeping in view the holiday period.

In my future posts I shall try to detail each Destination which is popular or could be a potential Wedding location.