We're getting married
Larisa & Shine
5 January 2027
Countdown
Until the Wedding Day
Welcome!
To our favourite people,
We're so happy you're here.
We can't wait to celebrate this chapter with you.
Please join us as we unite our lives under God's blessing in the heart of Kerala, India. Your love and prayers mean the world to us, we can't wait to share this day with you.
RSVP
Let us know if you can make it
Please RSVP by 1st January 2027
Church Ceremony
In the presence of God, we will celebrate both our engagement and wedding ceremonies here, each on its own special day.
Knanaya Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop's House
Aramana Palli, Kottayam
Kottayam, Kerala, India
The Celebrations
Engagement · Mylanchi · Chantham Charthal
03 January 2027
Engagement Church Ceremony
A formal promise made in the presence of God and family. Our engagement ceremony at the church serves as the spiritual opening to our wedding festivities. It is a moment of sacred commitment and shared blessings before we transition into the music, laughter, and traditions of our Knanaya heritage.
Engagement Reception at Windsor Castle
Mylanchi Ideel
Brides Henna Ceremony
A vibrant tradition of beauty and blessing. The Mylanchi Ideel is a cherished Knanaya ritual where the bride is adorned with henna, symbolizing her transition into marriage. Accompanied by ancient folk songs (Purathanappattu), this ceremony is a joyful expression of community and heritage, celebrating the grace and new beginnings of the bride.
Chantham Charthal
Grooms Pre-wedding rituals
Chantham Charthal is a cherished pre-wedding ritual for the groom, involving a ceremonial shave and oiling. Accompanied by music, dance, and family blessings, this ritual prepares the groom for the wedding day and is a joyful expression of Knanaya tradition.
Dinner and Cocktails
Finish
Wedding Day
05 January 2027
Church Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception at Backwater Ripples
Cake Cutting
Entertainment
Cocktails
Dinner
Dancing the Night Away!
Dress Code
What to Wear
Day 1 Events
The colour scheme and dress code for this event will be updated closer to the time — please check back here for details.
Day 2 Events
Ladies: Saree, lehenga, or gown — anything that makes you feel gorgeous and confident.
Gentlemen: Formal attire — We want you to look and feel unstoppable.
Venues
Day 1 — 3rd January
Windsor Castle
Kodimatha, Kottayam
Following the ceremony at Aramana Palli, join us at Windsor Castle for an evening of vibrant pre-wedding festivities!
View on Google MapsDay 2 — 5th January
Backwater Ripples
Kumarakom
Following our marriage ceremony at Aramana Palli, the reception unfolds at Backwater Ripples — with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
View on Google MapsAccommodation
Our church and wedding venues are within 30 mins of central Kottayam. We recommend choosing one hotel for your stay, and have selected options to suit both locations.
Hotel Arcadia
Kottayam
Centrally located in Kottayam, with easy access to the church and all wedding venues.
The Windsor Castle
Kodimatha, Kottayam
This hotel is also our Day 1 engagement reception venue — guests staying here can walk straight from their room to the celebrations. No transport needed for the evening.
Backwater Ripples
Kumarakom, Kottayam
This 5-star lakeside resort is our Day 2 wedding reception venue. Guests staying here wake up to Vembanad Lake on the morning after the celebrations — a rather beautiful way to end the trip.
These are a few other recommendations from our events planner. Feel free to explore more options here or get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
Plan Your Journey
Getting Here
Everything you need to know to make your way to Kottayam, Kerala
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the recommended arrival point — approximately 70 km from Kottayam (~1.5 hrs by road).
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is an alternative (~150 km, ~3 hrs).
On arrival, pick up a Jio or Airtel tourist SIM at the arrivals hall — staff set it up on the spot, and data in India is wonderfully affordable.
Kottayam Railway Station is a major stop on the Ernakulam–Thiruvananthapuram rail corridor with excellent connections from across India.
For your convenience and flexibility, we recommend using the Prepaid Taxi counter located just before the airport exit. It is the most reliable way to travel to your accommodation, especially for late-night arrivals.
How it works: No pre-booking is needed. Simply head to the counter, state your destination, and pay a fixed fare.
Wait time: Usually under 15 minutes.
Estimated Fares:
• Compact Sedan: ~₹2,400 (~£23 / ~$27)
• SUV: ~₹3,600 (~£34 / ~$40)
Note: While Ola and Uber operate in Kochi and Kottayam, the airport prepaid counter is generally the quickest and most straightforward option.
Taxis, Ola & Uber are readily available throughout Kottayam and Kumarakom for your stay.
Wedding shuttles will run between the church and reception venues on both days — no logistics to worry about once you're here.
Most international guests will need an e-Tourist Visa to enter India — apply online. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before travel to be safe.
See the Questions & Answers section below for a nationality-by-nationality breakdown. Always verify the latest requirements with your embassy or the official Indian e-Visa portal.
Need to Know
Questions & Answers
We've answered the most common questions below
Our wedding planning team at SANS Events is your on-the-ground point of contact for all logistics — transport coordination, hotel queries, or any last-minute help.
Reach them on WhatsApp: +91 XX 8842 XX 22 (number will be confirmed closer to the event)
They are fluent in English and available to assist international guests throughout the trip.
Here is what we understand based on publicly available information — please verify with your country's embassy or the official Indian e-Visa portal for the latest requirements, as policies can change.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK Citizens | Yes | e-Tourist Visa | Apply online. Approval usually within 72 hours. |
| US Citizens | Yes | e-Tourist Visa | 1-year and 5-year options available. |
| UAE Nationals | No | Visa on Arrival | Available at major Indian airports including Kochi (COK). |
| UAE Expats | Depends | e-Visa | Based on your original passport nationality. |
| Saudi Nationals | Yes | e-Visa | Apply online. |
| Saudi Expats | Depends | e-Visa | Based on your original passport nationality. |
| Pakistani Nationals | Yes | Paper Visa | Cannot use e-Visa. Apply for a Visit Visa with significant lead time — allow 60–90 days minimum. |
We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before travel. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check with your governing embassy or the official portal.
January is one of the best months to visit Kerala — warm, sunny days of 24–32°C (75–90°F) with low humidity. Light, breathable fabrics are your best friend. Evenings by the backwaters can be pleasantly cool, so a light layer is worth packing.
Currency: Indian Rupees (INR). ATMs are widely available in Kottayam town and most hotels accept cards.
SIM cards: Airtel and Jio tourist SIMs are available at the Kochi airport arrivals hall — staff will set it up on the spot, and data in India is wonderfully affordable.
Drinking water: Tap water isn't recommended for drinking; sealed bottled water is available at every hotel, restaurant, and corner shop.
Yes, parking is available at both Windsor Castle and Backwater Ripples. We recommend using the wedding shuttle service on Day 2 to avoid any hassle.
Yes! Both receptions will offer a full spread including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Kerala cuisine is a treat in itself — you're in for a feast!
Malayalam is the local language of Kerala, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and at both our venues. You'll be well looked after!
Kerala is truly God's Own Country! Consider a houseboat journey through the Alleppey backwaters, the misty tea plantations of Munnar, or the golden beaches of Varkala. A morning cruise from Kumarakom is an experience you won't forget.
Still have questions?
SANS Events
Our RSVP team is happy to help with anything you need
WhatsApp: +91 XX 8842 XX 22 (number confirmed closer to the event)