Last Updated:
Kerala wedding tourism: Beyond palace hotels and sandy beaches, the real magic is unfolding where tradition meets intimacy, and celebrations become stories.
From the misty hills of Wayanad to the palm-lined backwaters of Bekal, these destinations are proving that intimacy, authenticity, and affordability can co-exist beautifully.
In the evolving world of destination weddings, a quiet revolution is underway in Kerala’s lesser-known towns. Forget the predictable grandeur of palace hotels or the glossy postcard beaches, today’s couples are seeking something different: a celebration that’s deeply personal, rich in culture, and cradled by nature. From the misty hills of Wayanad to the palm-lined backwaters of Bekal, these destinations are proving that intimacy, authenticity, and affordability can co-exist beautifully.
Bekal: Where Backwaters Meet Bridal Dreams
“Bekal’s tranquil backwaters, lush palm-fringed landscapes, and deep cultural roots make it unforgettable for couples looking to go beyond the ordinary,” says J. Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of Gateway Bekal. Spread across 30 acres near the historic Bekal Fort, this resort offers a distinctive blend of luxury and local charm. Its pièce de résistance? The Boat Baraat—a cinematic, backwater entry for the groom that turns tradition into theatre.
Gateway Bekal’s 151 accommodations, from private villas to cozy cottages, allow for both grand celebrations and secluded pre-wedding retreats. Couples can host haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies against riverside lawns or in the open-air amphitheatre, where Kerala’s natural beauty becomes the ultimate décor. Menus fuse global cuisine with Kerala’s traditional flavours, and evenings can be capped with custom outdoor dining under a canopy of stars. Add kayaking, nature walks, and Ayurvedic spa therapies, and a wedding here feels less like an event and more like an immersive retreat.
Wayanad: Whispered Vows in the Hills
If Bekal is all about water, Wayanad is about the air – cool, crisp, and scented with cardamom. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa offers panoramic views of lakes and mountains, all without the inflated price tag of more commercial destinations.
“Wayanad is a value-rich destination that doesn’t compromise on beauty or experience,” says Ranjith Kumar, General Manager of Taj Wayanad. Sprawled across 10 acres, the property is designed for intimate gatherings, with an open-air amphitheatre that frames ceremonies against breathtaking vistas. Some rooms even come with private plunge pools for those who want to turn their wedding stay into a mini honeymoon.
Here, celebrations extend beyond the mandap, early morning cycling tours, forest walks, and wellness therapies create a rhythm of connection and calm. The resort’s curated menus and bespoke décor options ensure each couple’s vision is realised with both elegance and heart.
Kumarakom, Varkala, and the Rise of Soulful Weddings
Wedding planners are seeing a shift in demand towards places that aren’t just locations but living narratives. “Over the past year, we’ve seen couples move beyond the usual Alleppey or Kochi,” notes Khurram Khan, Co-Founder of Parinaya Sutra. “Places like Mararikulam, Varkala, and the heritage town of Fort Kochi have emerged as serene, culturally rich destinations.”
One standout? A recent wedding in Kumarakom where the baraat arrived by traditional houseboats, and the sadhya feast was served under 200-year-old mango trees. It was less about luxury in a conventional sense and more about creating moments that felt poetic, rooted, and unrepeatable.
Wellness and Culture as the New Luxury
The shift isn’t just anecdotal, data backs it up. Cleartrip’s PeekAboo travel trends tracker reports that Kerala saw a 4% increase in bookings from April to May 2025, with Thiruvananthapuram recording a 23% spike. While spiritual tourism remains a draw, wellness-focused experiences—think Ayurveda-based therapies and serene backwater stays—are increasingly woven into wedding itineraries. Couples and guests aren’t just coming for the celebrations; they’re coming to recharge, reflect, and reconnect.
The Future of Indian Wedding Tourism? Personal, Poetic, and Rooted
Kerala’s smaller towns are quietly proving that you don’t need a palace to feel royal. Here, wedding magic comes from the emotion in the vows, the fragrance of jasmine in the evening air, and the way the light hits the backwaters at sunset. As more couples choose purpose over pomp, these destinations—once considered hidden gems—are stepping into the spotlight as the future of thoughtful, experience-driven Indian weddings.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
view comments
