Katy-Russell wait for friends, may marry in Ranthambore

Jaipur, Oct 20 (IANS) Celebrity couple Katy Perry and Russell Brand are waiting for some friends to arrive Thursday before starting their pre-wedding functions, having checked in at a resort near the Ranthambore national park in Rajasthan, hotel sources say.

'They were planning to get engaged Wednesday, but now all the functions will be held between Oct 21-24 as some of their friends are expected to join them Thursday,' a hotel source said.

He said though officially nothing has been disclosed but looking at the arrangements being demanded by the couple, it seems they are going to wed in Ranthambore.

After marriage, the couple is planning to have a honeymoon in Udaipur, the city of lakes, the source said.

Earlier in the day, Katy and Russell had checked in at Aman-i-Khas in Sawai Madhopur district, over 170 km from here. It is a resort near the Ranthambore national park.

'The celebrity couple are staying in Aman-i-Khas very close to the national park. They have booked all 10 tents in the resort and have also booked a few other tents in the nearby Oberoi Vanyavilas,' a hotel source said, adding that the entry of outsiders into the resort had been banned.

If sources are to be believed, American pop singer Katy and British comedian Russell want a Hindu ceremony for the engagement.

'They have asked for a Hindu priest for the ceremony as they want the engagement to be in true Indian style,' the source said. 'The couple have got bookings in Ranthambore till Oct 22 but we are hearing that they want to extend it to Oct 24,' he added.

The couple also plans to enjoy a tiger safari ride inside Ranthambore national park. Ranthambore is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to spot these majestic predators in the jungle.

Though Hotel Rambagh Palace in Jaipur was reported to be the venue where the couple were supposed to tie the nuptial knot, so far the hotel authorities have denied that any booking for any wedding has been made by anyone. Moreover, the rooms at the hotel are vacant between Oct 22 and 26.

Aman-i-Khas is a wilderness camp for travellers wishing to experience the stark natural beauty and rural life of Rajasthan.

The property sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park against a backdrop of hills. Native vegetation consisting of tall grasses, scrub and trees surround the camp and a watering hole is situated nearby.

The entrance to the camp is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto a breathtaking view of the rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through the national park.