NEW DELHI – Udaipur, the city of lakes and palaces, has done it again. It bagged the top spot as the ‘Best Wedding Destination’ at the Outlook Traveller Awards 2025, held in a grand ceremony at the Hyatt Regency here on Saturday night. The news spread like wildfire among tourism folks in Rajasthan, with cheers echoing from Jaipur to Jodhpur. This win isn’t just a pat on the back – it’s proof that Udaipur’s mix of royal vibes, sparkling lakes, and warm hospitality keeps pulling couples from across the globe to say ‘I do’ in style.
The award was handed over by Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister T.T. Bhutia to Anand Tripathi, Additional Director of Rajasthan Tourism, and Sumita Saroch, Joint Director for Udaipur Tourism. As the spotlight hit them, the room filled with applause. For Indians dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding, this feels like a home win. Udaipur isn’t some far-off dream spot – it’s right here in Rajasthan, just a flight away from Delhi or Mumbai, where you can have a mehendi by the lake or a baraat in a real palace without breaking the bank too much.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari called it a big moment for the state. “Rajasthan has always been the top choice for weddings that touch the heart. We hold over 70% of India’s heritage properties. Our havelis, forts, and palaces aren’t just buildings – they carry the soul of Rajasthan,” she said in a quick chat after the event. Her words ring true as Udaipur gears up for yet another high-profile bash – the wedding of Netra Mantena, daughter of US-based pharma tycoon Rama Raju Mantena, to Vamsi Gadiraju. Donald Trump Jr. is flying in with his girlfriend for the three-day gala starting November 21, staying at the swanky Leela Palace. It’s events like these that keep Udaipur on the world map.
In this story, we’ll walk you through the ceremony, why Udaipur keeps winning hearts, and what this means for couples planning their big day. Let’s dive in.
The Glamorous Night: How the Awards Unfolded in Delhi
Picture this: A glittering hall in New Delhi, alive with folk dances from Rajasthan and soft lights bouncing off sequined sarees. The Outlook Traveller Awards kicked off with cultural shows that set the mood – think Rajasthani folk singers belting out wedding tunes. Over 500 guests showed up: travel bigwigs, hotel owners, and experts from across India. The event, running under the theme “Celebrating India, Celebrated by the World,” wrapped up with 18 categories announced, from best homestays to top international spots.
Udaipur’s win came in the Domestic category, beating out tough rivals like Jaipur and Goa. The jury – a sharp panel including Jyoti Mayal, Anubhav Sapra, Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal, Dr. Navina Jafa, Dr. Latika Nath, and chair Anindita Ghosh – picked it after months of checks. They looked at things like venue variety, guest feedback, ease of access, and that wow factor for weddings. “Udaipur scores high on romance and royalty,” said Jyoti Mayal, a jury member, in a post-award note.
Rajasthan didn’t stop there. The state grabbed nods in other spots too, like Best Heritage Hotel for a Jaipur property. Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riyaad beamed as she accepted on behalf of the team. “Under Diya Kumari ji’s lead, we’re pushing weddings, wellness, and adventure. This award fuels our fire,” she told reporters. The night ended with fireworks – literal and not – as winners toasted to more travels ahead.
Udaipur: From Lakeside Romance to Global Wedding Hotspot
Why Udaipur? Simple – it’s like stepping into a Bollywood set, but real. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, this ‘Venice of the East’ has Lake Pichola as its heartbeat. Couples can tie the knot on Jagmandir Island, with the City Palace glowing in the background, or at sunset on a private boat. Add in Mewari dances, elephant rides, and feasts of dal baati churma, and you’ve got magic.
Over the years, Udaipur has hosted 200+ big destination weddings a year. Remember Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas in 2018? Or Hardik Pandya’s baraat here? Bollywood loves it – Kangana Ranaut’s brother, Parineeti Chopra, Niharika Konidela – the list goes on. Now, international stars are joining in. The Mantena wedding is the latest buzz, with Trump Jr. landing on a charter flight November 21, straight to The Leela Palace’s Maharaja Suite (that’s ₹10 lakh a night!). Ranveer Singh lit up the sangeet, pulling Trump Jr. and his girlfriend to dance to ‘What Jhumka’. Bollywood A-listers like Madhuri Dixit, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Kriti Sanon flew in too.
Netra Mantena, daughter of Rama Raju Mantena (a pharma billionaire with labs in the US, Switzerland, and India), is marrying Vamsi Gadiraju, co-founder of Superorder. The three-day event spans The Leela, Zenana Mahal, and Lake Pichola’s island palace. Security is tight – Rajasthan Police and even US agents are on alert. “These weddings put Udaipur on the global radar,” says local planner Priya Singh, who’s handled 50+ events here.
The city’s got 120+ heritage venues ready for action – from Oberoi Udaivilas (voted top design hotel) to Raffles Udaipur’s massive lawns. Flights to Maharana Pratap Airport make it easy, and trains from Delhi take just 12 hours. Winter’s peak season – December to March – sees temps at a comfy 25°C, perfect for outdoor pheras.
Diya Kumari’s Vision: Turning Rajasthan into the World’s Wedding Capital
Enter Diya Kumari, the royal face of Rajasthan tourism. As Deputy CM, she’s not just about pretty pictures – she’s pushing real change. “Rajasthan is number one, now the world’s top wedding state,” she said, linking the award to the state’s 70% share of heritage spots. Under her, the department’s tying up with planners for packages starting at ₹50 lakh for 100 guests – think palace access, folk shows, and spa days.
Riyaad adds that wellness add-ons like yoga by the lake are next big thing. “Weddings here aren’t just events – they’re stories,” she notes. The government’s eyeing ₹5,000 crore in tourism revenue by 2026, with weddings driving 30%. Challenges? High demand means venues book a year ahead, and eco-rules keep things green – no plastic, low noise after 10 PM.
Beyond the Glitz: How This Boosts Local Lives
This award isn’t just for showbiz – it puts money in pockets. Udaipur’s wedding rush employs 10,000+ in catering, decor, and transport. A single big wedding can pump ₹20-50 crore into the economy, from flower vendors in local markets to chefs at five-stars. Small hotels see 80% occupancy in peak months, and artisans sell more block-print lehengas.
For couples, it’s a win too. Average cost? ₹1-5 crore for luxury, but budget options at ₹20-50 lakh exist at places like Ananta Resort. “It’s affordable royalty,” laughs wedding coordinator Meera Joshi. But tips: Book early, check weather, and mix in sightseeing – a Lake Palace dinner for ₹5,000 a head.
Globally, Udaipur ranks top in Asia for weddings, per TripAdvisor. With stars like Jennifer Lopez for the Mantena do, expect more buzz.
The Bigger Picture: Rajasthan’s Tourism Surge
Rajasthan’s not resting. Jaipur’s forts, Jodhpur’s blues – all feed into the wedding wave. Post-COVID, destination weddings jumped 40%, says FICCI. Udaipur’s edge? That intimate lake vibe over Jaipur’s bustle.
Experts like Anubhav Sapra say, “This award cements Udaipur as a global brand.” For India, it’s pride – our heritage drawing dollars. As Diya Kumari wraps up, “Come to Rajasthan – where love finds its palace.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Outlook Traveller Awards 2025, and why is Udaipur’s win important?
A: It’s India’s top travel honor since 2001, picking best spots, hotels, and experiences via expert juries and votes. Held November 2025 in Delhi, it has 18 categories like Domestic and International. Udaipur won Best Wedding Destination, beating Jaipur and Goa after checks on venues, access, and guest love. This boosts its global pull, drawing more weddings and jobs – Rajasthan eyes ₹5,000 crore tourism boost by 2026. For Indians, it means affordable royal weddings at home.
Q2: Who handed the award to Udaipur, and what did key leaders say?
A: Sikkim Minister T.T. Bhutia gave it to Anand Tripathi and Sumita Saroch. Diya Kumari called it a symbol of Rajasthan’s culture: “We have 70% heritage sites; our palaces hold the state’s soul.” Rukmani Riyaad added, “Under her lead, we’re hitting new highs in weddings and wellness.” Jury chair Anindita Ghosh praised Udaipur’s “romance and royalty.” This win highlights 120+ venues hosting 200+ weddings yearly.
Q3: Why is Udaipur the best for destination weddings in India?
A: Lakes like Pichola, palaces like City and Jagmandir, plus Mewari culture make it fairy-tale stuff. Easy flights to Maharana Pratap Airport, winter temps at 25°C, and packages from ₹20 lakh to ₹5 crore. Celeb weddings (Priyanka-Nick, Hardik Pandya) add shine; now Trump Jr.’s at Mantena’s bash. It’s top in Asia per TripAdvisor, with eco-rules for green events.
Q4: What’s the buzz around the Mantena wedding in Udaipur?
A: Netra Mantena (Rama Raju Mantena’s daughter, pharma billionaire) weds Vamsi Gadiraju November 21-23 at Leela Palace, Jagmandir, and Lake Pichola. Trump Jr. arrives November 21, stays in ₹10L/night suite; Ranveer Singh danced with him at sangeet. Guests: Madhuri Dixit, Jacqueline, Kriti Sanon. Security’s high with US team; it’s called 2025’s glitziest wedding. Boosts Udaipur’s image big time.
Q5: How does this award help Rajasthan’s tourism and locals?
A: Pumps ₹20-50 crore per big wedding into economy, employs 10,000+ in Udaipur alone. State gets 30% revenue from weddings; Diya Kumari’s plans add wellness/adventure. Artisans, hotels thrive – 80% occupancy peaks. For couples, more venues like Oberoi Udaivilas mean choices. Post-award, bookings up 20% say experts.