Tying the Knot in Sri Lanka

India Outbound

January-February 2019

Get hitched in style, on the idyllic Indian Ocean isle

Thanks to the recent spate of celebrity nuptials, Indians are spending big on exclusive destination weddings. While not everyone can do a grand Italian affair a la Virat-Anushka or Ranveer-Deepika, Sri Lanka is second to none when it comes to dreamy ceremonies in a picture-postcard setting.

Fast emerging as a prime destination for both weddings and honeymoons, our beautiful neighbour has a buffet of experiences to offer: hot-air balloons, elephant rides, dense jungles, private beaches and sunset cruises. All of this at possibly lower budgets than even in India—what’s not to love?

Consider this:

When the wedding is outside your hometown, your invitee list narrows down considerably.

Hotels in Sri Lanka offer excellent all-inclusive packages and some even specialise in hosting Indian weddings.

With its geographical and cultural proximity to India, Sri Lanka does not lack Indian food, priests or the materials needed for the rituals. Organising a wedding in Sri Lanka is almost like doing it in a different Indian city, except that it is still abroad and exotic.

A leading name amongst resorts that can customise a dream-come true Sri Lanka wedding is Jetwing, a group of luxury hotels.

‘‘In 2011, we had the opportunity to organise a grand and enchanting celebration where the family and friends of the couple occupied both Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Beach in Negombo. Every aspect was tailored to the couple’s preferences, from food to décor with stunning views of the Indian Ocean as the backdrop to the special occasion,’’ says Hyacinth Gunawardena, general manager of Jetwing Beach and Jetwing Blue, who has supervised nearly two dozen grand Indian weddings at Jetwing Hotels.

SOUTHERN STYLE

If you are a South Indian, you could consider Jaffna for its unique Tamil culture and colourful temples and churches. There you’ll easily find a Tamil priest and all the items necessary for your South Indian wedding. Picture the scene as the couple and family walk through the ancient Jaffna town with its melange of Dutch and Tamil architectures and reach an intricately carved Hindu temple. >> Jetwing Jaffna

WILDLY ROMANTIC

Want privacy and creativity? Go for a ‘wild nature’ wedding, where you can have the lush Sri Lankan jungles almost entirely to yourself. The couple reaches the venue on a decorated elephant. Fresh flowers and exotic plants create a heart-of nature ambience while you enjoy all the facilities and services of a 5-star property. >> Jetwing Lake

BLISS BY THE BEACH

Beaches are clearly one of the USPs of Sri Lanka. Negombo, a smooth 30-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is both convenient and beautiful. As the sun casts an orange glow across the Indian Ocean, families and friends welcome the couple for a beach cocktail party with champagne and canapés, exotic drumbeats fill the air. The reception is followed by a party, with DJs belting out your favourite numbers under the stars.

> Jetwing Lighthouse

> Jetwing Blue

> Jetwing Beach

> Jetwing Lagoon