Get hooked in God’s own country!

Kerala, with its coconut palm lined stretches of quiet beaches and serene backwaters, is turning out to be a much sought after wedding destination

     Weddings today, have transformed from being a mere function to a grand celebration. Kerala has in its offing, some of the best scenic locations in India for destination weddings, the perfect wedding package, from venue to honeymoon choices. 

           The scenic beauty of Kerala is one of a kind. It has scores of picturesque locales from the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, the majestic Bolgatty palace, to the exotic resorts at Kumarakom and Kochi.The serene backwaters, the tranquility of nature and beautiful greenery provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic theme wedding. 

       The ever green hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad, with its misty mountain ranges and sprawling waterfalls are sure to transport one to a dreamland. A trip on a houseboat along the enchanting backwaters is another alternative for after wedding party and honeymoon. From floating cottages, heritage villas to lonely islands, Kerala has it all – the perfect choice for honeymooners.

       Destination weddings and themed traditional weddings are in vogue, so are wedding planners and event management companies, who help in planning the entire dream wedding. “The most sought after wedding venues in Kerala are Ramada Resort, Kochi, The Raviz, Kollam, The Zuri Resort, Kumarakom, besides other breathtaking venues like The Leela Kovalam, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kadavu resort, Calicut and Vythiri Village, Wayanad”, says Arabind C, Managing Director, Tamarind Weddings. 

       Many foreign nationals, who have visited Kerala earlier, flock back to the state to hold small intimate wedding ceremonies. Apart from foreigners and north Indians, non-resident Keralites residing abroad, also want to have a wedding in their home state with their loved ones.

           While foreigners and north Indians choose their traditional wedding customs like the English style or north Indian style, the NRI’s choose to get married in the traditional elaborate Kerala way! Praful Thachery and Vaishali Bansal, both IIM graduates from Delhi, did not think twice before choosing Kerala for a wedding destination. “We wanted to have a quiet wedding with close family members only. We chose Kerala for its scenic beauty, the serene ambience and atmosphere, a great get away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi city life”, says the newlyweds, who chose to have a Rajasthani themed  wedding eve, complete with mehendi and dhol and the traditional  Hindu wedding.

       Kerala has been witness to inter-cultural weddings too. The Chinese bride, Youyou Duanmu, and Malayali groom, Rahul, both residing in New York, will fly down for the wedding next month at the scenic Ramada resort. “Preparations are on in full swing for a North Indian Sangeet night with a thematic entrance sequence for the couple and other fun surprise elements, like fireworks and wish lanterns release by the couple, followed by Hindu Nair style wedding”, says Anu Arabind, Tamarind Weddings.

       The tropical paradise of Kerala was chosen by National Geographic Traveller as one among the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the 13 paradises in the world. One don’t need a better reason to choose Kerala for an ideal wedding venue. All those planning a dream wedding at an exotic location, head to God’s own country, the perfect getaway place for a destination wedding.

-sherene joseph