From Isha Ambani to Deepika Padukone: Why Lake Como is a top draw among Indians

Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt said, “When you write a love story, let it be set among the banks of the Como Lake.” Right enough, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are all set to write their ‘happily ever after’ at the lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, the northwest region of Italy. Before Deepika and Ranveer tie the knot at the plush CastaDiva Resort and Spa, industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani had a fairytale engagement to Anand Piramal in the upscale resort vicinity. Here’s more about the destination... 

A LUXURY GETAWAY FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS

The Alpine landscape has made Lake Como a sought-after destination. Like Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head — Holidays, MICE, Visa & Passport Services, Thomas Cook, points out, “No place captures the scenic natural beauty, history and the glamour quotient of the region better than Lake Como. This strip of land has been a luxury getaway for celebrities and corporate head honchos; aristocrats and the wealthy since the Roman era.” He adds that the cobbled streets, magnificent architecture, hillsides dotted with picturesque villas and its laid-back yet lively atmosphere make it the perfect place for a family holiday, break or a wedding. “It’s also the juxtaposition of five-star lakeside hotels with off-the-beaten-track cantinas and the ease of combining contrasting locations that have given it a unique selling point,” says Daniel D’souza, Head of Sales — India & NRI Markets & E-Commerce, SOTC Travel. 

Varenna, Italy

RISE IN DEMAND AMONG HOLIDAYERS

Isha-Anand’s engagement and DeepVeer’s wedding have spurred Indian tourists’ interest in the destination. Rajeev says, “The wedding is certainly of value in showcasing the destination as a vibrant opportunity for India’s outbound travellers.” He adds that with the brag factor and Bollywood connect, Lake Como is also seeing strong demand from holidaymakers for celebrations around Christmas and New Year.  Likewise, SOTC has been receiving big-time interest from the luxury travel segment. “These travellers are experienced, knowledgeable and prefer to experiment,” says Daniel.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Just like the popular Cinque Terre, Lake Como is known for its gorgeous vista. Locally called Lago Di Como, it has wildlife and spas, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing that one can indulge in. “Tiny and famous villages such as Bellagio, Varenna,  Tremezzo, Lenno, Cernobbio, Menaggio are real pearls on the lake,” Daniel says. 

Bellagio, Italy

THINGS TO DO

The principal town of Como is home to the 15th-century cathedral Piazza del Duomo (a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture) and a breathtaking lakeside promenade. The medieval city centre has the Silk Museum and is great for shopping. In Varenna, you can hike up to Vezio Castle for panoramic views or saunter in the romantic gardens of Villa Monastero. The most famous town, Belaggio, boasts of streets dotted with flowers, two glorious gardens (Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni),  shopping arcades along the harbour, boutiques and restaurants. 

Menaggio, Italy

You can keep yourself entertained at the sprawling public swimming pool with a private beach, and an 18-hole golf course in Menaggio. Tremezzo is famous for the enormous garden Villa Carlotta that has over 500 flower and plant species apart from sculptures, tapestries and paintings.