Best Honeymoon Destinations in India

After a fairytale wedding, it’s time for a blissful honeymoon! Whether you’re looking for serenity, romance, or an indulgent pampering experience, India has your dream escape covered. Here are a few of the best places for some quality couple time in India.

Let the sparks fly in India

The Backwaters of Kerala

Head to Kumarakom and celebrate togetherness amidst lush green paddy fields and tranquil backwaters. You can even spend a night in a houseboat on the canals or a cottage facing the backwaters. Plan a canoeing trip on a country boat and observe the daily life and rituals of the locals. Enjoy a traditional oil massage at an Ayurvedic centre.

How to get there? – Fly to Kochi and drive down to Kumarakom. Distance is about 80 kilometres.

Where to stay? – Kerala offers excellent resorts as well as boutique hotels. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Aveda Kumarakom and Vivanta by Taj are top rated. Honeymoon packages are offered at Kumarakom Lake Resort.

A canal in Kerala.(c) Gitika Saksena

The Beaches of Goa

There are many beautiful sunrises and sunsets to be cherished on a beach holiday in Goa. Avoid the crowded beaches in North Goa and head south to the shores of Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul. Rent a cycle and ride down to the scenic countryside along rivers, farms and old churches. If you two are active cyclists, try the Island loop bike tour offered by Art of Bicycle Trips.

How to get there? – Goa is well connected by air.

Where to stay? – There are great luxury stays in south Goa, including Alila Diwa Goa and the Leela Goa.

Betul beach, Goa (c) Gitika Saksena

The Spas in the Himalayas

Thinking of a relaxing holiday after the wedding frenzy. Then, do consider spa resorts in the lap of Himalayan mountains. These wellness spas offer revitalising Aromatherapy experiences, organic gourmet meals et al. The uber-luxurious Ananda Spa has customised packages for couples including a private spa suite and a candlelit dinner. The Moksha Spa in Himachal Pradesh is another top romantic destination.

How to get there? – To reach Ananda, you need to fly to Dehradun, followed by an hour long drive to the destination. To reach Moksha, fly to Chandigarh. You can get to the spa by road (hour long drive) or by taking a cable car ride from the from the Parwanoo stop.

The infinity pool at Moksha Spa. Source – https://goo.gl/images/kVX3Lt

The Hills of Meghalaya

The East Khasi hills in Meghalaya offer breathtaking vistas. And if you love the rains, no better place in India to experience the monsoons in full glory! Of the ten longest and deepest caves in India, nine are found in Meghalaya. The Mawsmai Cave near Sohra (Cherrapunji) is a must see with its dim-lit passages and limestone formations. Also, hike to the ingenious living root bridges of Meghalaya; built by the locals over many years by entwining the roots of the ficus elastica trees. The Mawlynnong village has earned the sobriquet of being Asia’s cleanest village, and cleanliness and waste segregation are deeply ingrained practices among the locals. You can spot bamboo baskets positioned outside each house to ensure there is no littering.

Where to stay? – For a royal experience, stay at the Heritage Tripura Castle in Shillong built in the 1920s by Maharaja Bir Bikram.

How to get there? – Fly to Guwahati. Shillong is about 117 kilometres away but the journey can take up to 4 hours due to traffic congestion.

At Mawlynnong village. (c) Gitika Saksena

The Palaces of Rajasthan

Embark on a royal odyssey in the land of the Rajput kings and queens. Many castles and forts have now been converted into luxury hotels. At Jaipur, the 300-year old Taj Jai Mahal Palace is an Indo-Saracenic architectural wonder in the midst of sprawling gardens. Or if you are a wildlife aficionado, stay at Nahargarh, a majestic fortress-type hotel near the Ranthambore National Park. At Udaipur, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, a heritage hotel built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1911 is set atop a hilltop. The iconic Taj Lake Palace located on an island in Lake Pichola, was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur as a pleasure palace, and has been featured in many movies including the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’. The Ajit Bhawan – A Palace Resort in Jodhpur is about 90 years old. The opulent property is spread across 20,500 square metres and includes rooms, tents, and suites. Another superb heritage stay is the Rohet Garh where you will be greeted by peacocks dancing in the gardens. Experiences on offer include village safaris and culinary workshops.

How to get there? – Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur are connected by flights.

Rohet Garh. Source – https://goo.gl/images/Xqzxeq

The jungles and ancient temples of Madhya Pradesh

Set your base at Panna, a beautiful town that served as the capital of Maharaja Chhatrasal’s kingdom in 17th century. It is Asia’s biggest and only active diamond mine, and you can go on a tour to visit the mines. Wildlife destinations include the Ken Gharial sanctuary located at the confluence of Ken and Khudar rivers as well as the Panna Tiger Reserve. The spectacular Raneh falls are a sight to behold, as river Ken falls through a 30 metres deep canyon of crystalline granite shaded in colours of pink, red and grey. About 50 kilometres away from Panna are the world famous Khajuraho temples – three groups of heritage monuments with erotic and other sculptures. If you do not prefer staying quiet in one place for long, a road trip to Orchha may be a good idea! Once the seat of a princely kingdom, Orchha today is a sleepy town located on the banks of the Betwa river. It is dotted with exquisite palaces, temples and cenotaphs of the rulers. Rent two cycles in the city and ride around the countryside.

Where to stay? – At Panna, you can choose from the luxurious Taj Pashan Garh lodge or the atmospheric Ken River lodge. At Orchha, Amar Mahal has good reviews.

How to get there? – Fly to Khajuraho. From Khajuraho, Panna is 45 kilometres away and Orchha is 175 kilometres away.

Pashan Garh, Panna. Source: https://goo.gl/images/S8vXZt