Wedding

Indians are raising the bar for destination weddings and with celebrity couples choosing international destinations like Borgo Finocchieto in Tuscany and Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como for their nuptials, the competition is getting tougher. For a luxurious, clichéd affair, money is not an issue, but attention to detail is. Digging deeper into locations back at home, we found that there are plenty of picturesque settings; from sun-kissed beaches to quaint havelis and mystical oceans to breathtaking spa resorts that make an appealing wedding destination. Discover our selection of the most opulent destinations across India that resonate luxury:

Atali Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Image Credits: Atali Ganga

The small river town where the spiritually exhausted Beatles once composed 48 songs is an offbeat wedding destination now. The rich heritage, quiet sanctity, and the river with adrenaline running through it have made Rishikesh the befitting spot for intimate weddings. Atali Ganga is situated right on the banks of the winding river, away from the humdrum of the town crowded by tourists and pilgrims. From the glass doors of the duplex cottages one gets unforgettable views, painted in greens and browns. The imposing Himalayas dominate the landscape from a distance. Luxeva Recommends: The resort has a 45 ft by 20 ft pool- a real luxury in the mountains- around which you can host some of your pool-themed pre-wedding soirées. Price: Starts at INR 14,000 per night

Book on Atali Ganga

Contact: 91 11 29212641

Address: Milestone 30, Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192



Munjoh Ocean Resort, Havelock Island, Andaman

Image Credits: Munjoh

A typical evening sky in the Havelock Island looks like Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night come to life. The setting sun brushes a golden glow on the white sand and creates a magical effect perfect for a romantic beach wedding. The isle is only 20 km long and 6 km wide but its vintage charm makes a picture-perfect wedding location. Munjoh Ocean Resort reveals a vast expanse of the ocean and a wedding here is a chance to prove how deep your love is. Pun intended. The sporty lot may love the idea of sealing the deal under the water with fascinating turtles and jellyfish in attendance. For those who are not into marine life, we suggest saying I Do in an intimate beach ceremony on the white sands. Luxeva Recommends: Candlelight dinners under the stars and a host of activities like scuba trips, snorkelling, and nature walks for the guests. Price: Starts at INR 10,600 per night

Book on Munjoh

Contact: +91 9474296200

Address: Beach No 5 Havelock, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211



Deogarh Mahal, Deogarh, Rajasthan

Image Credits: Deogarh Mahal

The city of Deogarh, overshadowed by its more popular neighbours like Jaipur and Udaipur, is the lesser-known gem that nobody talks about. The highlight is the 17th-century palace, Deogarh Mahal, that is only a hundred kilometres away from Udaipur. Offering a taste of royal living, this luxury heritage fortress proudly boasts a character influenced by its glorious past. At one time it served as an inspiration to the historic Hawa Mahal of Jaipur. The palace has 50 suites and rooms with individual themes and all equipped with mod cons while still retaining the royalty of a palace. The central courtyard, however, gives a more rajgharana feel, owing to the marble Deogarh throne on display. Luxeva Recommends: The Mahal’s highlight is the Maharana suite that features a grand bedroom, a bathroom designed like a train, and a sheesh mahal made with Belgian glass and paintings dating back to 1670. Price: Starts at INR 4500 per night

Book on Deogarh Mahal

Contact: +91 9928834777

Address: Palace Road, Deogarh Madaria, Deogarh, Rajasthan 313331

Khyber Himalayan Resort And Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir

Image Credits: Khyber Hotels

Right next to the highest gondola of the world, stands the Khyber Resort offering imposing views of the surrounding valleys and the ski slopes. Think different from the typical wooden hut found usually in the mountains. Sprawling over an area of seven acres in the Pir Panjal mountain range, the resort screams luxury with its three restaurants serving a mix of Kashmiri, North Indian, Continental, and Mediterranean cuisine, a cigar lounge, an ayurvedic spa and a pool. All the 85 rooms here are floored in teakwood, covered with silk carpets and boast walnut furniture. Some of these rooms also have their own private heated pools! Luxeva Recommends: At a height where finding network connectivity is almost impossible, the Khyber Resort offers internet connectivity in all its rooms. Price: Starts at INR 30,000 per night

Book on Khyber Hotels

Contact: +91 9906603272

Address: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg 193403, Kashmir (J&K)



Tijara Fort Palace, Tijara, Rajasthan

Image Credits: Neemrana Hotels

The fort’s Rajput-Afghan style architecture is clearly visible in all the palaces in its premises- the Mardana Mahal (that was exclusively for the royal men), Rani Mahal (for the queens), and the Hawa Mahal (a place for pleasure). Lounging by the open-air pool you can have regal views of the Rani Mahal that was built by the Maharaja for his mother Moosi Rani (the favourite mistress of the Maharaja’s father). Masons from Delhi and Kabul were appointed to design the fort using large double pillars that were carried uphill by elephants. Legend has it that the Maharaja’s favourite parrot and elephant died in mourning immediately after his death. Seven colossal terrace gardens that are often compared to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon link the 20 suites and 40 rooms to the dining and living area. Luxeva Recommends: In the heart of the fort is the Kanch Mahal, a royal structure made up of glass, for a royal wedding dinner. Price: Starts at INR 12,600 per night

Book on Neemrana Hotels

Contact: +91 9587885003

Address: Hasanpurmafi, Tijara, Rajasthan 301411



Amanbagh, Ajabgarh, Rajasthan

Image Credits: Amanbagh

Around 100 kilometres away from the tourists and touts of Jaipur lies Amanbagh, near the buffer zone of Sariska National Park. The red sandstone villas and cupolas that turn rose-tinted in the yellow light of the dusk tell a tale of the glorious past of this place. The Haveli was once used for hosting hunting parties by the Maharaja of Alwar (the maternal grandson of Jodha Bai). The resort’s 37 Mughal-styled suites do all the magic to keep guests indoors. The haveli suites can be divided into three sections- a convex-roofed bedroom with a kingsize glass and marble bed, a glass corridor topped with a cupola, and a bathroom as big as a studio apartment in Mumbai. The walkways are lined with safeda, dates, and bougainvillaea trees. Luxeva Recommends: Each of the suites have a private courtyard with a large bathtub made from bottle green marble, imported from Udaipur. Price: Starts at INR 64,000 per night

Book on Aman Hotels and Resorts

Contact: 01465 223333

Address: District Alwar, Ajabgarh, Rajasthan 301027



Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom, Kerala

Image Credits: Kumarakom Lake Resort

Kumarakom, a cluster of beautiful islands, is a melange of nature and historic architecture in god’s own country. In the backwaters of this tropical paradise is the Kumarakom Lake Resort, an ideal location for an exotic lakeside wedding. The resort stands alongside the shimmering lake Vembanad and hits all the right notes. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall rated this place a 10 on 10 during their Kerala jaunt to celebrate the 65th birthday of the Prince. The retreat has 49 villas designed with materials sourced from historic homes, and incorporate details like intricate roof structures and carved doors. Luxeva Recommends: The resort hosts a sundowner on a bedecked boat cruising the Vembanad lake. Price: INR 20,000 for one night

Book on Kumarakom Lake Resort

Contact: 0481 2524900

Address: North Post, Vayitharamattom, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563



Suryagarh, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Image Credits: Suryagarh

Weddings in Rajasthan are not just about the larger than life palaces. At Suryagarh, you have a fair chance of exchanging rings in the middle of a lagoon and tying the knot in the Thar desert, with an oasis painting the perfect backdrop for your mandap. From the signature welcome that marks the showering of rose petals to the shields and swords decorating the lobby walls and the jaali windows and jharokhas, everything about Suryagarh gives a glimpse of the Rajputana way of life. Luxeva Recommends: Enjoy breakfast with peacocks while the manganiars (the folk musicians of Rajasthan) play some classical tunes on the sarangi and kamaicha. Price: Starts at 26,500 per night

Book on Suryagarh

Contact: +91 7827151151

Address: Kahala Phata, Jaisalmer-Sam-Dhanana Rd, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001



The Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal, Nainital

Image Credits: The Lake Resort

At a picturesque setting like this, you feel that you are on top of the world. And quite literally when you are at The Lake Resort. The resort lies more than 4000 feet above sea level and gives stunning views of all the nine corners of Naukuchiatal. According to common folklore, this rare view can help one attain Nirvana! Nestled in the central Himalayas and surrounded by 70 acres of serene oak forests, the property brews a nostalgic experience. The lake is not the only scenic view you get from this heritage hotel. At a distance stand the Kumaon Hills hemmed by walnut and oak trees. One doesn’t need to look beyond the perimeters for a glimpse of the wilderness. With daisies and dahlias almost everywhere in the vicinity, a regal romantic setup is right in front of the eyes. Luxeva Recommends: The mandap overlooks the lake and gives picturesque views of this bird watcher’s paradise that is home to around 150 species of birds. Price: Starts at INR 5800 per night

Book on The Lake Resort

Contact: +91 8449947183

Address: Dist Nainital, Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand 263136



Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett, Uttar Pradesh

Image Credits: Aahana Resort