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From Lake Shores

Located adjacent to backwaters, the picturesque Kayal Resort at Kumarakom redefines solitude.

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As Friday’s enthusiasm was knocking our doors with weekend plans, we, five friends, sat together to plan something out-of-the-box for the weekend. Selez, who never gets tired of her routine stress buster, surprised us saying, “Too many parties, crowd and noises. I am sickened of it. Let’s do something different. A short trip to a peaceful destination would be nice.” As we decided to get rid of the kerfuffle of city, we began surfing the Internet for serene hangout spots to spend a day. Backwaters were everybody’s choice; so we constrained our Google search to Kumarakom.

Abhishek whose choice is always thumbs up said, “Hey, how about this place, Kayal Resort at Kumarakom. The feedback seems to be good. And guess what… Rahul Gandhi had been here last year to attend a wedding. It should fairly be a decent place.” What a reason kayal resort, Kumarakomfor him to presume it to be good? Going through their website, we fell in for its description. Keeping our fingers crossed, we decided our weekend destination. Wishing good night we dispersed with a lot of expectation and excitement thinking about the next day.

By 6.30 am the quorum was complete and we started off keeping in mind that we need to halt at a food station. So before we drove off the outskirts of the city, we stopped the car at a restaurant. We ordered for egg roast with appams. After a few minutes, steamy hot appams and spicy chilli red egg roast were served. The flavour of spices was so much that we all thought it to last on our palms for hours.

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Destination

Clarifying routes with the help of local smokers at the roadside and the people at tea shops, around 8 am we entered the long stretch of road with glistening paddy fields on both sides.

On the way, we saw men climbing areca palm and swaying it to hop on to its neighbouring palm. As there were many dilapidated shacks all around (read toddy shops!), we got to see a good number of bare-bodied toddy collectors with plastic barrels tied around their waist hurriedly climbing palm trees and dropping-off sliding with the grip of a handmade coconut leaf which functions to be a safety belt for smooth landing.

After some visual rejuvenation, we moved on. But it was a bumpy ride in the next one-and-a-half hour and we reached the wooden entrance of the water engulfed Edassery Kayal Resort. The gates creaked open painstakingly to an unsullied gift of nature.

The resort

After parking our car, we treaded on to the gaped stony bridge, an architectural opening which showed us the dawdling water underneath. On arrival, we were served with a glass of tangy fruit juice, the welcome drink. We sat at the reception enjoying the breezy air which carried along with it a strong fragrance of the backwaters.

The silence of the place was often rhythmically disturbed by the shell chandelier which swayed to the moods of the wind. The foyer was craft fully adorned by wooden tress, brass accessories and water-filled antique vessels sprinkled with rose petals, adding grandeur to the ethnicity of the building. Its walls have indigenous terracotta murals depicting birds in the lakes perching on tree trunks pecking on tiny fish. As we were admiring the artist’s creativity and imagination carved on the wall, Shaji, in-charge of the resort, joined us. He gave a vivid description of the uniqueness of the resort.

“All the 24 well-planned cottages are built in slanted parallel rows which make it possible for all our guests to have an uninterrupted ringside view of the serene backwaters. This construction is one-of-its-kind,” says Shaji. The credit for this architectural masterpiece goes to architects Ramesh J. Tharaka and Monalitha Chatterjee who won the IIA Asia Gold Leaf Award for Resorts in 2009.

A stony passage from the reception led us to the six-feet deep crystal clear swimming pool and then to the accommodation. We were escorted to the resort boudoir which looked modern and luxuriously spacious with uncluttered styling, well-groomed wooden furniture with a semi-open air bathroom decked with bamboo shoots and white pebbles scattered around its roots. I slid open the white frilly curtain and there I saw how close we were to the edges of the water body.

Getting out of the room, we walked to the sheltered deck where we could sit down for hours together enjoying the incredible boundless beauty. The peace and solitude we enjoyed there got spoiled with the interruptions caused by ‘Anthoni’, ‘Thoma’ and more of their kind. These were passenger boats commuting people.

As it was hot and humid, we took cover under the canopy of trees.  We sat down and chatterboxes continued jabbering with no room for gossips. It was more of childhood talks about how we used to fish with towels, collect pebbles and some dangerous encounters we had with water. We had a whale of time there.

Bon appétit

kayal resort, KumarakomAs we had already decided to have authentic Kerala fish curry rice, we didn’t take much of captain’s time. Masala pappads, fried fish, fish curry, salads and rice filled our table. It was a hearty meal, freshly cooked and served at Rani Restaurant. To sum up our meal, we ordered for some puddings and payasams. An hour back, we were tired of the heat, but now it was heavy stuffing which made us feel exhausted.

Then we went to the banquet hall ‘Marthandam,’ coffee shop ‘Spain’ which is furbished with cane furniture, an entertainment zone and an executive bar furnished with rugged cart wheel designed furniture. This place provides a romantic milieu to surprise your loved one by gifting her a romantic candle-lit dinner by the waterside.

Twilight beauty

The sweltering heat prompted us to take a dip in the pool. There we met Steve, Anne and their twin girls, from the UK. We became friends. It was a kaleidoscopic view to see the herons flocking across the sun, which was about to be swallowed by the waters, and the far off palm trunks kissed by water fading overtime in darkness.

It was around six in the evening, so we thought of having some high tea before we return to Kochi. It was hard, but time was up for us to pack our bags. The twilight lent an ornate appearance to the resort and our footsteps bid adieu to the beautiful place.

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Expensive jewels owned by Nita Ambani

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The Ambanis are renowned for leading “King”-sized lives, and any glimpse into their world instantly becomes viral on social media. They rank among the wealthiest families in the world, and their notable contributions across a wide range of industries are matched by their admirable sanskars and grounded demeanour. At every public event, the family never passes up the opportunity to showcase their elegance and charm. The Ambani family’s women are also the best at styling some of the most gorgeous ensembles and accessorising them with distinctive pieces. One of the nation’s pioneering ladies, Nita Ambani, is married to the biggest business magnate and possesses an enormous collection of ostentatious jewellery. Let’s examine the list of some of Nita Ambani’s most stunning jewelled pieces.

Diamond choker necklace with pearl drops

At the lavish wedding celebration for Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja in 2018, Nita Ambani wore a necklace made of flawless diamonds. Nita wore an embroidered lehenga in a beige shade from the collection of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the designer partnership. She completed her ensemble with a choker made of pearl and diamonds, layered pearl necklace, and bold earrings.

Princess-cut diamond neckpiece

Nita Ambani was immaculate and lovely during her daughter Isha Ambani’s reception with Anand Piramal. She donned a baby pink chiffon saree that was profusely embroidered with buti work and cream-colored stones. She exuded elegance by pairing her outfit with a shirt embellished with intricate embroidery. All eyes were drawn to her princess-cut diamond neckpiece with cuboid-shaped diamonds and matching earrings, though. It was just too good to miss.

Jadau polki diamond jewelry set

On December 12, 2018, at Antilia, Isha Ambani’s mother Nita dressed simply like a queen. She chose a white lehenga by famous designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, which she accessorised with a dupatta, matching choli, and a red chadar with crystal embellishments tucked under her left shoulder. But her dazzling jewellery was what really made her look elegant. She wore a sleek nath, a maang teeka, bangles, a necklace, matching earrings, and a haath phool with jadau polki diamonds.

Polki Diamond Jewellery Set

During her daughter Isha Ambani’s wedding, Nita Ambani looked stunning in an ethnic outfit the colour of sunshine. Nita paired it with one of her statement pieces of jewellery, which included a sleek maang teeka, bangles, matching diamond drop earrings, and a polki diamond neckpiece exquisitely crafted with golden strings, to complete her look book.

Kundan set with gold-wired diamonds

A glance at Nita Ambani’s gorgeous ensembles with bold jewellery conveys a sense of royalty. During one of her public outings, she was observed displaying her elaborately designed jewellery to complement her traditional style. She chose a vivid orange lehenga choli and accessorized it with a haathphool, matching jhoomar earrings, and a gold-wired diamond kundan necklace that was fastened with two enormous pendants.

Two-tiered necklace made of diamonds and emerald stones

Nita Ambani wore a multicoloured choli with a bandhani lehenga at her son Akash Ambani’s wedding. She also chose to wear stunning diamond jewellery, which included a sleek nath, a maang teeka, matching earrings, and a two-tiered necklace set with emerald stones. The whole outfit she was wearing made her appear stunning.

Giant emeralds embellishment an uncut diamond necklace

With her poise and grace, Nita Ambani may easily outshine any Bollywood diva in terms of style statements. The wealthiest business tycoon’s wife possesses some unusual diamond jewels. During one such occasion, she was observed wearing a distinctive necklace set with enormous emeralds and uncut diamonds. She looked stunning when she wore her neckpiece with matching earrings, a large ring, and flower-shaped diamond bangles.

Saat Nori diamond necklace

Nita wore an orange silk saree and beautifully matched it with diamond jewels for Radhika Merchant’s Arangetram programme. She was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women of that era. Nita’s jewellery choices included a large locket and a diamond Saat Nori Haar with pearl tiers, matching flowery jhumkas connected by diamond long chains, a massive heart-shaped ring, and diamond bangles.

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Decoding Wedding Looks of Rakul Preet Singh & Jackky Bhagnani

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The most anticipated nuptials of the year were that of Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky  Bhagnani. When the famous couple released official images from their wedding ceremony a while back, the anticipation surrounding seeing them in their wedding finery finally subsided. The couple looked stunning together as they exchanged vows in a sundowner ceremony in South Goa, becoming husband and wife. 

The wedding outfit of Rakul Preet Singh has everyone in awe! In terms of bridal style,she is a shining example of grace and elegance. Examine her gorgeous lehenga in great detail, taking note of its elaborate design and the symbolic significance of its colours. Examine her jewelery selections, beauty tips, and hairstyle specifics. Take inspiration from Rakul’s sophisticated and magnificent wedding look and pick some style advice for your own unique occasion.

Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, the romance of the hour, likewise made the choice to forgo the vivid colour scheme in favour of delicate pink and ivory tones. The couple held their partners close to each other while flashing their million-dollar smiles in the official pictures they shared on the internet.

Rakul’s custom-made pastel pink lehenga by Tarun Tahiliani made her look like a dream. The actress donned a skirt covered in hundreds of small floral designs that were heavily glittered, beaded, and pearl-studded. She chose to wear a bustier for her choli, which was made with layers of net fabric that matched the colour of her lehenga. She chose full sleeves with a soft, see-through material buttoned down towards the end of her wrist as opposed to the short-sleeved option. Her dupatta was exquisitely adorned with numerous tiny, vibrant flowers throughout. Pearl and bead embroidery adorned the portion of the chunni that was precisely fastened to her bun.

The groom looked great in his ivory-coloured Tarun Tahiliani sherwani, which was embroidered with more elaborate flower patterns. He wore an achkan-style attire that gave off a royal vibe, and his exquisitely tied pagdi matched his choodidaar. It was covered in little studs all over and bordered with embroidery. The actor-producer channeled his inner Akbar by wearing a traditional mojris and carrying his drape in an elegant manner that matched his turban. Jackky also had a sarpech on his safa and a layered neckpiece made of kundan in shades of green. He was observed donning a sophisticated watch, his wedding band, and an additional emerald ring on his other hand.

Regarding Rakul’s jewelry, she opted for a stunningly crafted choker instead of the lengthy neckpieces. Her necklace’s enormous, blingy stones may easily cause blindness in anyone. Pearls, beads, and a few more medium- and small-sized gemstones were used to balance and assemble them. A maangtika and large, hanging earrings finished her ensemble. The massive, elegant, and shimmering engagement diamond she flashed on her ring finger was the talk of the town. Additionally, she donned pink kaliras and custom-made, minimalist choodas by designer Mrinalini Chandra.

The actress chose to use soft glam makeup in hues that complemented her wedding attire for her makeup look. For her D-day, she accessorized her eyes with eyeliner, a glowy base, and dark arched eyebrows, all complemented with a delicate pink lipstick shade. The actress also sported a modest mehendi on her hands, in keeping with the trend. They even decided on a backdrop and décor made of flowers. Baby’s breath flowers and enormous pink roses were used to make the varmalas.

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Say ‘I Do’ in Style: Unveiling India’s Best Wedding Destinations

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Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve decided to embark on the beautiful journey of marriage, it’s time to plan the wedding of your dreams. India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and magnificent venues, offers a plethora of options for couples seeking a memorable destination wedding experience. The locations can embellish the most special occasion of a person’s life with charm and an incredible magnificence. Perhaps that’s why Destination Wedding in India have become so frequent and sought-after. So, whether you love the beach or the palaces, the mountains or the forts, India has all of it to make your marriage ceremony an unforgettable event. Below is a list of wonderful sites for a Destination Wedding in India.

A Royal Celebration in Udaipur

The pinnacle of Rajasthani tradition and beauty is Udaipur. Anybody who loves India should visit this city, with its beautiful lakes, intriguing tombs, and elaborate temples. It’s one of the locations for weddings held abroad. You can choose from a wide range of locations, including gardens and palaces, to create the ideal atmosphere for your special day. Numerous internationally known wedding experts that will make your day flawless reside in the city as well. Udaipur offers weddings that are both traditional and contemporary, so there is something for everyone. One of the greatest wedding locations in India is Udaipur, if you’re looking for a royal feel for your special day!

A Beautiful Affair on Golden Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Known for its azure skies, crystal-clear oceans, golden sands, and tiny islets, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the most picturesque locations in India. It’s a wonderful place to have a wedding because of its beaches and lovely location. This island has also seen the construction of numerous stunning resorts, which in recent years have grown in popularity as venues for destination weddings. Additionally, the resort nestled among coconut trees provides a distinctive setting for the couple’s portraits. 

A Beach-Themed Goan marriage

Goa is among the greatest places in India for weddings if you want to exchange vows outside, on a beach with the setting sun in the background. You can arrange a wedding in one of Goa’s five-star hotels or in a gorgeous outdoor setting on a beach. In addition to these, you can arrange to get married in one of Goa’s historic churches. In Goa, the monsoon season runs from June to September, whereas the peak season is from November to February. For this reason, the ideal time to have a destination wedding in Goa is from late September to late October.

A Magnificent Jaipur wedding

With a tonne of lavish ceremonies and parties, Jaipur is a fantastic destination for weddings. With so many palaces and forts dotting the city and its surroundings, it’s the perfect location for weddings. For couples looking for something a little different, Jaipur is among the greatest destinations for destination weddings in India. There are many alternatives for ceremonies, including Hindu and Muslim rituals. Couples can hold their wedding ceremonies and parties in one of the city’s breathtaking gardens, which are among India’s most beautiful. There are numerous other locations in Jaipur, such as opulent hotels, resorts, and golf courses.

From Neemarana Fort, An Ages-Old Tale

One of the most beautiful and ideal locations for destination weddings in India is Neemarana Fort. There are both simple and ornate forts in this lovely location. Come here, then, if you’d like a regal-themed wedding. The Neemarana forts are encircled by lush chambers, tier-style patios, breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset, and more. If you want to have fun, this is among the greatest locations for destination weddings in India.

In Shimla, A Green Heaven

If you want to get married while seeing the sun set over the hills, Shimla is the perfect location. It’s not as difficult as you may think to have a wedding in this hilly area. Actually serving a variety of ethnicities, Shimla is one of today’s most multicultural hill stations. Any style of wedding can be planned here, regardless of your preferences. With its breathtaking snow-capped mountains and verdant plains all around, Shimla offers the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable wedding.

Kerala – God’s Own Country

Embrace the serene beauty of Kerala as you embark on a romantic journey amidst lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and mist-clad hills. Exchange vows in a traditional houseboat gliding along the scenic backwaters of Alleppey or host an intimate ceremony amidst the verdant tea plantations of Munnar. Kerala’s eco-friendly resorts, heritage properties, and luxury houseboats offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and hospitality, ensuring a truly memorable wedding experience.

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