Touring meets Traditions with India Destination Weddings

Allison Sodha

Last week, we spotlighted the tradition of mehndi in India. The ancient art form is generally applied during festivals and special occasions, particularly weddings. Did you know that Sodha Travel coordinates India Destination Weddings? Over the years, we have been delighted to plan the details for wedding celebrations throughout India. Often, the bride and groom wish to incorporate a tour for their friends and family before or after the wedding festivities. This is a great way for the guests to experience the highlights of India and also witness a traditional Indian marriage.

Priest at a Hindu wedding, India Priest at a Hindu wedding, India

As the owner of Sodha Travel, I actually have personal experience with planning a destination wedding in India. Six years ago, I was married in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Over 30 people (mostly Americans) accompanied us to India, and we felt it was important to give our guests the opportunity to visit the sites. For one week before the wedding, they visited Delhi, Agra, Samode and Jaipur. Then, they flew to Ahmedabad and joined us for the three-day wedding festivities. In addition to viewing the Taj Mahal at sunset and riding an elephant at Amber Fort, we also included time to shop for clothes and accessories for the wedding. It was a wonderful way for our guests to meet one another before the event and collectively experience the traditions. After arriving in Gujarat, the celebrations continued and included a mehndi ceremony, Garba (Gujarati dance), and marriage/reception.

Destination Wedding in Gujarat, India Destination Wedding in Gujarat, India

Although Sodha Travel has primarily planned destination weddings at palaces in Rajasthan and resorts on the coast (mainly Kerala and Goa), we have specialists who have also coordinated events in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Some of our brides and grooms request intimate affairs, while others prefer grand celebration with fireworks and elephant rides. If you are interested in an India destination wedding, or pre or post wedding touring, contact a Sodha Travel Destination Specialist.

Topics: Family, India, Kerala, Events, Shopping, Festivals and Holidays, Rajasthan

Allison Sodha

Written by Allison Sodha

As the President of Sodha Travel and author of Go! Girl Guides India, Allison has spent almost two decades exploring South Asia. She has a passion for creating experiences fueled by a deeper understanding of local communities.