Destination Collection
Backwater & Wilderness Event Destinations in India
Compare GI.EVENTS city guides for nature retreats near forests, rivers, lakes and backwaters, from Jim Corbett and Rishikesh to Ranchi, Kovalam and Puri.
Backwaters & Wilderness Retreats in brief
Forests, rivers, waterfalls and quiet waters for nature-led retreats. This collection has 6 city guides: Jim Corbett, Rishikesh, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Kovalam, Puri. GI.EVENTS facilitates events throughout India, and every booking is confirmed with you first.
About this collection
Some celebrations are best held close to nature: by a river, at the edge of a forest or near quiet backwaters. This collection gathers the city guides where rivers, lakes, waterfalls and forests are part of the setting. Natural areas come with their own rules on sound, lights, access and safety, so GI.EVENTS helps you plan within them and confirms every booking with you first.
City guides in this collection
- Jim CorbettUttarakhand
Resort weddings and team retreats at the edge of India's oldest national park; safaris run on official permits only.
- RishikeshUttarakhand
Riverside ashrams on the Ganga in the foothills, near the Rajaji Tiger Reserve; GI.EVENTS plans vegetarian, alcohol-free events here.
- RanchiJharkhand
The city of waterfalls, with Hundru, Dassam and Jonha falls and the Patratu Valley nearby.
- JamshedpurJharkhand
Dimna Lake and the forested Dalma hills, known for their elephants, close to the city.
- KovalamKerala
Boat trips through the Poovar backwaters and mangroves, about 20 km away, run by local operators.
- PuriOdisha
Chilika Lake, a large coastal lagoon, for boat trips with authorised operators.
Compare these destinations
| City guide | Area | Getting there | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Corbett | Uttarakhand, around Ramnagar in the Kumaon foothills | Ramnagar is the nearest railway station; Pantnagar is the nearest airport, and Delhi is about six to seven hours by road. | Winter: November to February; Summer: March to June; Monsoon: July to September; Post-monsoon: October |
| Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 20 km away; Yog Nagari Rishikesh and Haridwar Junction are the nearest major stations. | Winter: November to February; Summer: March to June; Monsoon: July to September; Post-monsoon: October |
| Ranchi | Jharkhand | Birsa Munda Airport serves the city; Ranchi Junction and Hatia are the main stations. | Winter: November to February; Summer: March to May; Monsoon: June to September; Post-monsoon: October |
| Jamshedpur | Jharkhand | Tatanagar Junction is the main station; most flyers use Ranchi or Kolkata airports and drive on. | Winter: November to February; Summer: March to May; Monsoon: June to September; Post-monsoon: October |
| Kovalam | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 15 km away; Thiruvananthapuram Central is the main station. | Dry season: December to February; Summer: March to May; Southwest monsoon: June to September; Northeast monsoon: October to November |
| Puri | Odisha | The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away; continue by road or rail to Puri station. | Winter: November to February; Summer: March to May; Monsoon: June to September; Post-monsoon: October |
Planning across these destinations
- Forests, sanctuaries and the areas around them limit loud music, lights and fireworks; confirm what each venue allows.
- Waterfalls, rivers and lakes can be dangerous after rain; follow local safety advice and closures.
- Boat trips and safaris run only with authorised operators and permits, which GI.EVENTS cannot guarantee.
- Keep plastic and waste out of natural areas, and never feed or approach wild animals.
Other collections: Heritage & Royal Palaces · Beaches & Coastal Islands · Misty Peaks & Mountain Highlands · Sacred & Spiritual Journeys · Metro & Business Cities
Common questions
Can we hold an event inside a national park or sanctuary?
Generally no. Protected areas are for permitted visits such as safaris, not for hosting events. Celebrations take place at resorts and venues outside them, within the local rules.
Where are the backwater destinations?
The collection includes boat trips through the Poovar backwaters near Kovalam and on Chilika Lake near Puri. GI.EVENTS facilitates events throughout India, so you can also share plans for other backwater areas in a brief.