Top 5 Places for Destination Weddings in India

The Most Popular Places for an Indian Wedding

The interest in India as a wedding destination has greatly grown in recent years. These days, not only do foreigners want to get married in spectacular venues all across the country, Indians do as well! The most popular locations for destination weddings in India are the authentic palaces of Rajasthan, and beaches of Goa (and now Kerala). Regal wedding or beach wedding, it's up to you to choose. One thing is important though, make sure you have a decent wedding planner or hotel event planner to do all the organizing. Their help will be invaluable.

Here are five of the top destinations for weddings in India.

1. GOA

Goa is undoubtedly the most popular place for destination weddings in India. People flock to Goa's beaches to tie the knot. There are a couple of ways of arranging a wedding there -- either through a wedding planner, or through one of the luxury hotels. Beach weddings do require a permit.

Popular luxury hotels for weddings in Goa include The Leela, on secluded Morbor beach, and the Taj Exotica, on quiet Varca beach. Both are in south Goa. Alternatively, if you'd prefer an intimate garden wedding, try the gorgeous Turiya Villa & Spa near Palolem beach in south Goa. You'll have the assistance of the owner, who's a renowned architect and interior decorator

UDAIPUR FORT

2. UDAIPUR

What makes Udaipur such a standout destination for a wedding in India? Foremost is the setting. Known as the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur really is one of the most romantic and    charming places in India. A lot of this charm comes from the city's regal palace buildings -- and the best bit, you can get married in them! Contemporary wedding venues, these historical palaces are not. However, their uniqueness and fairy tale qualities make them very sought after.

 For those who still want to get married in an authentic palace, but in more contemporary style, there is Devi Gargh. Located around 45 minutes from Udaipur, this rambling 18th century fort-palace has been  refurbished in modern minimalistic style

JAIPUR PALACE

3. JAIPUR

The "pink city" of Jaipur is a favorite destination for those getting married due to the sheer range and diversity of wedding venues available. The range from authentic ornate palaces -- such as the Raj Palace, Rambagh Palace, and Jai Mahal Palace -- to old mansions.

Those looking for a less costly option for their wedding will find one of Jaipur's old mansions to be the perfect venue. Alsisar Haveli and Mandawa Haveli are popular choices.

If you'd like a wedding in a heritage venue away from the city, Samode Palace could be the answer. It's located around one hour from Jaipur, and is built into the Aravali Ranges. Its setting and the way it's illuminated at night make it a wonderfully romantic venue for a wedding.

JODHPUR FORT

4. JODHPUR

The extraordinary Umaid Bhawan palace hotel, with a hilltop location overlooking the "blue city" of Jodhpur, has played host to some very lavish weddings indeed. The palace is very much a modern day one. It was completed in 1944, after 15 years, making it one of the last great palaces to be built in India. The royal family of Jodhpur still occupies a section of the palace.If your budget doesn't extend that far, two other popular heritage places for destination weddings in Jodhpur are Ranbanka Palace and Ajit Bhawan.

Imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over Jodhpur, is a sought after place for wedding receptions.

HOUSE BOAT @ ALEPPY

5. KERALA

The attraction of Kerala as wedding destination is just being discovered. It holds much appeal for those who want a quiet and picturesque wedding in a tropical setting, along the banks of a lake or palm fringed canal, with food served on banana leaves. There are a number of resorts that cater to such weddings. The luxurious Zuri Kumarakom, near Alleppey, is perhaps the most popular.

After the wedding, head off on a honeymoon along the backwaters in a traditional style houseboat.

It's also possible to have a beach wedding in Kerala. Resorts such as The Leela in Kovalam arrange beach weddings. Varkala is a particularly scenic spot for a beach wedding.

Kerala is known for elephant themed weddings, where the groom rides on elephant back, too

source : http://goindia.about.com

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Honeymoon in Manali

Manali is one of the popular honeymoon destination of north India. Manali means the 'Home of Manu'.

In Hindu mythology, when world was drowned in flood, manu came to manali to recreate life. Manali is situated at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is 280km from Himachal’s capital Shimla. Manali’s Temprature remains mild in summers and falls in winters. If you want to experience snow fall, then visit manali in December-january.Being a popular tourist destinations, manali is well connected. Manali has a small airport names – “Bhuntar”. The closest railway station is – “Jogindernagar” which is 135km away from main town of manali. It is easily reachable by road too. There are daily tourist busses from Delhi or you can hire a taxi from delhi to manali.

Basic Facts About Manali 

State:	Himachal Pradesh
District	Kullu
Famous For	Hill Station
Languages	Pahari, Hindi, English
Best Season:	Oct - May
Pincode	175131
Places to visit	Hidimba Temple Vashisht Rohtang Pass Heli Skiing Hidimba Devi Temple Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa Gulaba Camp Malana Valley Manali Sanctuary Temple Of Manu Nehru Kund

Places to visit in Manali

Hidimba Temple:

Hidimba Temple

This temple believes to be from Mahabharata time and devoted Hidmibi Devi. This temple is located in the Van Vihar forest. This forest gives a beautiful view while going to temple. A major festival is held here in the month of May. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings. 

Manu Temple

Vashisht Temple

Rohtang Pass

Vashisht (3 kms)
Himachal tourism sulphar baths are major attractions. This little village is famous for its hot sulphar springs. It also has many old temples which are believed to be in existence from Ramayana era.

Manu Temple (2 kms)
As the name suggest Manu Temple is dedicated to manali’s founder – Manu. Manu Temple gives a beautiful view of manali. 

Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is located at the height of 3980m and gateway to many districts like Lahaul. Rohtang Pass is open from June to November and remain clode sue to snow fall in this area. Rohtang Pass is quite popluar among adventurous people for trekking.

Tibetan Temple

Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts center.

Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km of Manali is Old Manali, And is famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, to sage Manu. Solang Valley (14 kms) Solang Valley is just 14 kms from Manlali and is famous for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding etc. HPTDC organises ski packages during winter. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose.

Manali Sanctuary Manali sanctuary is spread over an area of 3,180 hectares. It is located in District . The sanctuary was notified on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933. Naggar Naggar is a beautiful village ,situated on a hill surrounding by forest. The region have various monuments ,which shows its glorious past.

Places to visit in Manali	Distance in Km
Arjun Gufa	4
Club house	2
Hidimba Devi temple	2.5
Jagatsukh	6
Kothi	12
Manu temple	3
Mountaineering Institute	3
Nehru kund	5
Rahala water falls	16
Rohtang pass	51
Solang valley	13
Tibetan monasteries
Vashisht hot water springs and temples	3
Mandi	110
Keylong	120
Trilokinath	152
Kaza	200
Kangra	240
Shimla	260
Chhatru (L&S)	81
Batal (L&S)	110
Kunzum Pass	122

How to reach to manali

By Air The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Manali.

From Thiruvananthapuram by taxi*

* Fares are subjected to change as per petrol / diesel price 

Chandigarh To Kochi (Cochin) Trains

Train No.	Train Name	Origin	Dep. Time	Arr. Time	Days Of Run
					M	T	W	T	F	S	S
12218	KERLA S KRANTI	Chandigarh	09:00	10:20	N	N	Y	N	N	N	N

source :honeymooninindia.com

photos : Google