ശുഭവിവാഹം
You are warmly invited
Johannes & Aparna
11 — 12 · December · 2026
Malappuram · Kerala · India
We fell in love across 10,000 kilometres.
Now we close the gap — forever.
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The Celebration

Two days. One love.

A Kerala wedding is not an event — it is a journey. Come for both days if you can.

01
Day One · Erster Tag · ഒന്നാം ദിവസം
11 December 2026
The Wedding Ceremony
Die Hochzeitszeremonie
വിവാഹ ചടങ്ങ്
08:30
Arrival & Welcome Ankunft & Empfang വരവേൽപ്പ്
Guests arrive at the wedding venue in Malappuram. Traditional flower garlands & refreshments. Gäste kommen zur Hochzeitsfeier in Malappuram an. Traditionelle Blumengirlanden & Erfrischungen. അതിഥികൾ മലപ്പുറത്ത് വിവാഹ വേദിയിൽ എത്തുന്നു.
09:30
Muhurtham — The Sacred Ceremony Muhurtham — Die heilige Zeremonie മുഹൂർത്തം — ശുഭകർമ്മം
The auspicious moment. Fire rituals, exchanging garlands (Maala Maathal), and tying of the sacred thread. A Malayalam wedding in its most beautiful form. Der feierliche Moment. Feuerrituale, Austausch von Girlanden und das Knüpfen des heiligen Fadens — eine Malayalam-Hochzeit in ihrer schönsten Form. തിരി, പൂ, നൂൽ — ഹൃദയങ്ങൾ ഒന്നാകുന്ന നിമിഷം.
12:00
Sadya — The Grand Feast Sadya — Das große Festessen സദ്യ
Traditional Kerala feast on banana leaves. 20+ dishes. Eat with your hands. This is the rule. Traditionelles Kerala-Festmahl auf Bananenblättern. 20+ Gerichte. Gegessen wird mit den Händen — das ist Pflicht. വാഴയിലയിൽ ഒരു ആഘോഷ സദ്യ. 20+ വിഭവങ്ങൾ.
14:00
Music, Dance & Celebrations Musik, Tanz & Feierlichkeiten സംഗീതവും നൃത്തവും
Chenda drumming, Thiruvathirakali dance, and family celebrations continue into the afternoon. Chenda-Trommeln, Thiruvathirakali-Tanz und Familienfeierlichkeiten bis in den Nachmittag. ചെണ്ടമേളം, തിരുവാതിരക്കളി.
18:00
Evening Gathering Abendlicher Umtrunk സന്ധ്യാ സ്വീകരണം
Informal evening with family and friends. Malabar snacks & chai. Lockerer Abend mit Familie und Freunden. Malabar-Snacks & Chai. കുടുംബവും സ്നേഹിതരുമൊത്ത് ഒരു സന്ധ്യ.
02
Day Two · Zweiter Tag · രണ്ടാം ദിവസം
12 December 2026
At Pottikkadavath House
Im Pottikkadavath Haus
പൊട്ടിക്കടവത്ത് വീട്
09:00
Morning at the Family Home Morgen im Familienhaus കുടുംബ ഭവനത്തിൽ
A relaxed morning at Pottikkadavath House — Aparna's family home. Chai on the veranda, Kerala breakfast, garden walks. Ein entspannter Morgen im Pottikkadavath Haus — Aparnas Familienheim. Chai auf der Veranda, Kerala-Frühstück, Spaziergänge im Garten. അപർണ്ണയുടെ കുടുംബഭവനത്തിൽ ഒരു പ്രഭാത നേരം.
11:00
Reception Lunch Empfangsessen വിരുന്നൂട്ട്
Intimate gathering with close family and friends. Malabar cuisine, stories, laughter. Intime Feier mit der engsten Familie und Freunden. Malabar-Küche, Geschichten, Gelächter. ഉറ്റ സ്നേഹിതരുമൊത്ത് ഒരു ഊണ്.
14:00
Open House & Cultural Exchange Offenes Haus & Kulturaustausch സാംസ്കാരിക കൂടിക്കാഴ്ച
German guests get a taste of Kerala home life. Cooking demos, henna, music, and plenty of time for photos. Deutsche Gäste erleben das echte Kerala-Familienleben. Kochvorführungen, Henna, Musik und viel Zeit zum Fotografieren. ജർമ്മൻ അതിഥികൾക്ക് കേരളജീവിതം പരിചയപ്പെടുത്തൽ.
17:00
Farewell Chai & Blessings Abschied bei Chai & Segen യാത്ര — ആശംസകൾ
Fond farewells, family blessings, and the start of a new chapter. Herzliche Abschiede, Familienratschläge und der Beginn eines neuen Kapitels. ആശംസകളോടെ — ഒരു പുതിയ ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ആരംഭം.
Getting There · Anreise · എത്തിച്ചേരൽ

Your journey to Kerala.

Malappuram is in the heart of Kerala's Malabar coast. The closest international airport is Calicut (Kozhikode) — about 1 hour away.

✈️
Flying In

Best airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ / Kozhikode) — ~1 hr to Malappuram

Alternative: Kochi International (COK) — ~3 hrs, more flights from Europe

From Germany: Connect via Dubai (Emirates/flydubai), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Doha (Qatar Airways)

Flight time: ~10–12 hrs with one stopover

Book well in advance — December is peak season in Kerala. Airlines: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa + connection.

Search Flights →
🚗
Getting Around

From CCJ Airport: ~1 hr by taxi (pre-book recommended). Approx ₹800–1200 (~€9–14).

From COK Airport: ~3 hrs by taxi or bus. Book a private car for comfort.

Within Malappuram: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and Ola/Uber are all available.

Between venues: We recommend staying close to Malappuram town. Day 2 at Pottikkadavath House — transport details will follow in the guest briefing.

Tip: Download Ola or Rapido apps for easy local taxis.

🛂
Visa & Entry

e-Visa required for German (and most EU) passport holders.

Apply online: indianvisaonline.gov.in — Tourist e-Visa, usually processed in 3–5 business days.

Apply at least 4 weeks before travel to be safe.

  • Passport valid for 6+ months
  • Return flight booking needed
  • Photo + scan of passport required
  • Cost: ~€25–35
Apply for e-Visa →
Book Your Flight · Flug buchen · ഫ്ലൈറ്റ്

Flying to Kerala.

Two airports serve Malappuram. All routes need one stopover — no direct flights from Europe to Kerala. Book early — December is peak season.

COK
Cochin International Airport
Kochi, Kerala
🚗 ~3 hrs to Malappuram ~170 km
✓ More flight options from Europe
✓ Lufthansa connects here via Frankfurt
✓ Great if you want to start in Kochi
– 3 hrs drive to Malappuram
– Taxi ₹3,000–4,500 (~€35–50)
Lufthansa Emirates Etihad Qatar Airways Air India IndiGo
🔍 Skyscanner → COK Google Flights →
🚗 Transfer to Malappuram
From CCJ (Kozhikode)
~1 hour · 60 km · Taxi ₹800–1,200 (~€9–14)
Pre-book with your hotel or use Ola/Uber app. Easy, no stress.
Book Ola →
From COK (Kochi)
~3 hours · 170 km · Taxi ₹3,000–4,500 (~€35–50)
Book a private AC car. Comfortable highway drive via NH966. Worth staying a night in Kochi if you arrive late.
By Train
Kozhikode → Tirur (~45 min · ~₹50)
A real Kerala experience. Book on IRCTC app. Taxi from Tirur to venue: ~20 min.
IRCTC Train Booking →

Typical routes from Germany

1 stopover, ~10–13 hrs total. All links open a pre-filtered Skyscanner search.

💡 Book by June 2026 for best prices. Set a price alert on Skyscanner now — it's free and sends you an email when prices drop. Round-trip Germany → CCJ: expect ~€550–900 economy.
Where to Stay · Unterkünfte · താമസം

Sleep well in Malabar.

Three tiers — from the wedding venue outward. Book early: December is peak season in Kerala. Our top picks only, personally vetted.

💒
Wedding Base — Malappuram & Kottakkal
0–20 min from the venue · For 11 & 12 December
⭐ Johannes & Aparna pick
Espero Luxury Hotel
Malappuram Town · ~10 min
★★★★★

Our top pick for wedding guests. Grand rooms, exceptional Malabar cuisine, the best hotel in Malappuram town. Staff speak English and know the wedding area well.

₹4,000–7,000/night (~€43–75)
Espero Hotels →
Boutique · Quiet
Woodbine Foliage
Malappuram · ~15 min
★★★★

Peaceful boutique hotel on the outskirts — green surroundings, restaurant, quiet. Ideal for guests who prefer to avoid the city centre buzz.

₹3,500–6,000/night (~€38–65)
Book on Booking.com →
Homestay · Family · Aparna's pick
Ocean Pearl Homestay
Manjeri · ~20 min
🌺 Personal recommendation

Recommended by Aparna's family. A proper Kerala homestay — home-cooked food, warm hospitality, very affordable. For guests who want the real local experience.

₹1,500–3,000/night (~€16–32)
View on Google →
🌊
Riverside Luxury — ~30 min
The Chaliyar River · Spa & pool · Ideal for older guests
⭐ Best resort near Malappuram
The Raviz Kadavu
Kondotty · ~30 min · On the Chaliyar River
★★★★★

The finest resort in the Malappuram district — 5★ on the calm Chaliyar River. Spa, infinity pool, lazy river, Ayurvedic treatments, two restaurants. Stunning river views, December evenings are magical. Perfect for parents, older guests, anyone wanting comfort and beauty without a long drive.

₹8,000–15,000/night (~€85–160)
The Raviz Kadavu →
Private Villa · Airbnb
Private Villa near Malappuram
Malappuram area · ~30 min
🏡 Entire villa · Johannes' pick

A private Airbnb villa found by Johannes — great for small groups or families wanting their own space, pool and a real Kerala home feel. Full privacy.

Price varies — check Airbnb
View on Airbnb →
🌿
Nature Escapes — For After the Wedding
1.5–2.5 hrs · Start of the Kerala road trip
Best value
Great Hornbill Resort
Nilambur · ~1.5 hrs · Malappuram District
★★★★ · 4.5/5 · 949 reviews

The closest real nature resort to Malappuram. Crystal-clear headwater river on the property for swimming, guided night walks, morning hornbill treks, Adyanpara Waterfalls nearby. Spacious rooms, Kerala food on banana leaf. No mobile signal — pure detox. Best value nature experience in the region.

ab ₹2,977/night (~€31)
Great Hornbill Resort →
Mountain · 1,675m · Wayanad
Wild Planet Bana Heights
Vellamunda, Wayanad · ~2.5 hrs
★★★★★ · All-inclusive

Perched at 1,675m on the Mangalassery Hills — panoramic Western Ghats views, misty mornings, cool air. Valley cottages and mountain rooms. Ideal for younger guests seeking altitude and adventure. Note: muddy road on approach.

~₹10,000+/night (~€105) · All-inclusive
⚠ Caution: muddy road, not ideal for elderly
Wild Planet Bana Heights →
Deep Jungle · Nilgiris · Remote
Wild Planet Nilgiris
Devala · Kerala/TN Border · ~2.5 hrs
★★★★★ · Top 10% Tripadvisor

South Asia's remotest luxury jungle resort. Hilltop Cottages, Jungle Log Houses, Luxury Pavilions. Zip line, ATV, kayaking, elephant sightings, guided rainforest walks adjacent to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Pure adventure — for the brave.

ab ₹10,000/night (~€105) · All-inclusive
⚠ Arrive before 18:00 · Muddy road
Wild Planet Nilgiris →
💡 Book 3–4 months in advance. December is Kerala's peak tourist season — the best resorts fill up fast. The Raviz Kadavu and Great Hornbill in particular sell out early.  ·  Havence Villas, Kottakkal →  ·  More options on Maps →
Interactive Map · Interaktive Karte

Your route across Kerala.

Click any pin to see what's there. The route flows north to south — wedding → wild forests → Christmas in Kochi → mountains → backwaters → southern tip.

After the Wedding · Nach der Hochzeit · ശേഷം

The Grand Kerala Journey.

You've flown across the world — so stay a while. 16–21 days, one car with driver, eight unforgettable stages from the Malabar coast to the southern tip of India. Click each stage to expand.

16–21
Days total
~900
km driven
8
Stages
1
Car + driver
Optional extensions
For those who want to go further south — or ring in the New Year on a coral island.
🏖️ Varkala & Kovalam Beaches
2–3 extra nights · ~3 hrs south of Kochi
Kerala's most dramatic cliff beach. Surfing, Ayurvedic massage on the clifftop, fresh seafood. December: warm sea (27°C), sunny, no crowds. Café del Mar has great Continental food for comfort-seekers.
🌅 Kanyakumari — Tip of India
Day trip or 1 night · ~2 hrs from Kovalam
Where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. On clear December days you can see Sri Lanka (30 km away). Both sunrise AND sunset visible from the same point. Vivekananda Rock Memorial offshore.
🎆 New Year: Cochin Carnival or Beach
New Year's Eve
Option A: Fort Kochi's legendary Cochin Carnival (Dec 31) — one of India's biggest NYE street festivals, fireworks, music, giant parade, effigies burned at midnight. Option B: Varkala or Kovalam beach bonfire with drums and dancing under the stars.
🏝️ Lakshadweep Islands
3–5 extra days · Fly from Kochi (1.5 hrs)
36 coral atolls in the Arabian Sea — the clearest water in India. Snorkel with sea turtles and manta rays. New Year on the reef under zero light pollution. Bangaram Island Resort from ₹25,000/night. Permit required — book 4–6 months ahead.
💡 Total estimate: 16–21 days · ~900 km · Car + driver ₹3,000–5,000/day (~€33–55) · Accommodation ₹4,000–20,000/night depending on choice · December is perfect — dry season, cool in the hills, Christmas magic everywhere · All guests travel independently and meet at key agreed stops.
Good to Know · Praktisches · അറിഞ്ഞിരിക്കാൻ

Practical tips.

🌡️ Weather & What to Wear

December in Kerala — perfect weather. 24–30°C, dry, sunny, very little rain. The best time of year.

Ceremony attire: Traditional Indian dress (saree, salwar, kurta) is wonderful and very welcome. Smart western dress also fine. Avoid black and white.

Colours: Go bright! Kerala loves rich colours — gold, red, green, yellow. Avoid all-white or all-black for the ceremony.

Footwear: You will remove shoes at the ceremony — bring comfortable, easy-on/off shoes.

🍛 Food & Health

The Sadya feast is vegetarian. Other meals will offer non-vegetarian Malabar dishes (fish, chicken, beef). Please let us know about any allergies.

Water: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in street food.

Stomach prep: Kerala food is spicy and delicious. Some travellers take probiotics before and during the trip.

Travel insurance with health cover is strongly recommended.

💰 Money & Connectivity

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). €1 ≈ ₹90 (check before travel). ATMs widely available; exchange at airport or use Wise/Revolut.

SIM card: Get a local Jio or Airtel SIM at the airport for cheap data. Bring your passport for registration.

Apps to download: Google Maps (offline Kerala), Ola/Rapido (taxis), Paytm (payments), WhatsApp (everyone uses it).

🙏 Cultural Notes

Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Always.

Eat with your right hand — this is the tradition at Sadya. Spoons available too!

Touching elders' feet is a sign of deep respect — common in Kerala families. Don't be surprised if you see it.

Photography: Ask before photographing rituals closely. The family is very welcoming but please be mindful during sacred moments.

RSVP · Anmeldung · സ്ഥിരീകരണം

Will you join us?

Please register by 1 September 2026. Takes 2 minutes — answers go straight to us. · Bitte bis 1. September 2026 anmelden.

Probleme mit dem Formular? Direkt öffnen: RSVP Form →

ഞങ്ങൾ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു
Johannes & Aparna
11 — 12 · December · 2026 · Malappuram, Kerala

We can't wait to have you with us — across oceans and continents — for the most beautiful days of our lives.

Wir freuen uns unglaublich, euch bei uns zu haben — über Ozeane und Kontinente hinweg — für die schönsten Tage unseres Lebens.

🌴 ☮ 🌺 ☮ 🌴