Top places for destination wedding in India

PURI: The beautiful beach town offers options like Mayfair Waves, Mayfair Heritage, Chariot Resort & Spa, Holiday Resort, Toshali Sands, Sterling, and Seven Hills. The packages typically range from Rs.8,000 -15,000 a night, making it an affordable budget choice.Hotel cost: Rs.12-30 lakhBest time: October-February

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ALIBAUG: The coastal town with its beautiful beaches is just 100 km from Mumbai and a perfect destination. It’s also among the cheaper options, with top venues including the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, The Mansion House, Prakruti Resorts, Tropicana Resort & Spa, etc.Hotel cost: Rs.15-40 lakhBest time: October-November, January-February

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SHIMLA: There are many easily accessible places in and around Shimla for cozy weddings in beautiful settings. The more popular ones include the Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Wildfl ower Hall, Oberoi Cecil, Woodville Palace, ITC Welcomhotel, Radisson, etc.Hotel cost: Rs.30-60 lakhBest time: March-April, October-November

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South Goa is preferred for destination weddings due to its quieter, private beaches. Some of the top-end hotels include Park Hyatt, Zuri White Sands, Taj Exotica and The Leela (not operational after 6 October 2022), while some of the other resorts are the Caravela Beach Resort, Beleza by the Beach, Mayfair Hideaway Spa & Resort, and Zeebop by the Sea.Hotel cost: Rs.20-60 lakhBest time: October to March

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KUMARAKOM: This backwaters paradise near Kottayam is currently among the hottest destinations for weddings. With spectacular backdrops, it offers a range of scenic locations of hotels and resorts, with Zuri Kumarakom, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Taj Kumarakom, Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond among the top rated.KOVALAM: This beautiful beach locale has wedding venue options ranging from top-end 5-star hotels to 3- and 4-star hotels. Some are The Leela, Vivanta by Taj Green Cove, The Raviz, Niraamaya Surya Samudra, Uday Samudra, and Turtle on the Beach.KOCHI: This tiny port city is one of the most picturesque. Some of the popular venues include Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Kochi Marriott, Trident, Le Meridien, Holiday Inn, etc.Hotel cost: Rs.15 lakh – Rs.1 croreBest time: October to March

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MAHABALIPURAM: This tiny town along the Tamil Nadu coastline, an hour from Chennai, is fast becoming a hot destination for beach weddings. Some popular 4- and 5-star venues include Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Chariot Beach Resort, Intercontinental Hotel, Taj Fisherman’s Cove, etc.Hotel cost: Rs.15-55 lakhBest time: November to March

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RISHIKESH: Another popular new entrant to the destination wedding list, it offers a wide range of options from budget to premium luxury. The lack of wide open spaces or parks is compensated by the beautiful locations on the banks of the Ganges river. Some options for weddings are Ganga Kinare, Aloha on the Ganges, Anand Kashi by the Ganges, Taj Resort & Spa, The Roseate Ganges, and Summit by the Ganges.DEHRADUN/MUSSSOORIE: These scenic hill towns are fast becoming trendy wedding destinations, with top preferences including the recent Hyatt Regency, Four Points by Sheraton, ITC Welcomhotel, Jaypee Residency, JW Marriott, Ramada by Wyndham.JIM CORBETT: This quaint town by the Kosi river offers ideal backdrops for a small wedding. The Riverview Retreat, Namah, Tarangi, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Club Mahindra and many other venues offer open spaces for a tranquil wedding.Hotel cost: Rs.18-60 lakh (Rishikesh); Rs.15-50 lakh (Dehradun/Mussoorie); Rs.20-40 lakh (Jim Corbett)Best time: October to March (Rishikesh); March to June (Dehradun); February-March, October -November (Jim Corbett);

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HAVELOCK ISLAND: The logistics and travel costs are higher, but you can trim your guest list to 50-75. There are more 3- and 4-star options, and fewer 5-star hotels. Some include Taj Exotica, Sea Shell Resort &Spa, Beach Island, Barefoot at Havelock, Munjoh Ocean Resort, and Coral Reef Hotel.Hotel cost: Rs.25-60 lakhBest time: October to February

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BENGALURU: This IT hub is fast emerging as a wedding destination for South India, with several 4-and 5-star properties and outdoor venues offering expansive backdrops to weddings. Some of these include the Leela Palace, Taj West End, JW Marriott, Moongate, White Mist, Antra, among several others.COORG: Kodagu, known as the Scotland of India, is a perfect hill station venue for destination weddings, with properties like Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Club Mahindra, Heritage Resort, Amritara Ambatty Greens, Kadkani River Resort on the Cauvery river perfect for a serene wedding.Hotel cost: Rs.25 lakh – Rs.1.5 crore (Bengaluru); Rs.25-50 lakh (Coorg)Best time: October to February

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