A big, fat Indian wedding can be a joyous and exhilarating experience for everyone, including the bride and groom. But, what comes after the wedding is most important; the beginning of a lifelong journey.
As a famous American poet, T.S. Eliot, once said, “Every moment is a fresh beginning!” Similarly, a honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with many moments that mark the beginning of your life as a couple!
But planning a honeymoon with your loved one can take time and effort. If you think planning a wedding is tedious, planning and nailing your honeymoon destination can be even more tedious!
This is where we come in; we will curate a detailed guide to some of the best honeymoon destinations in India for you and your partner to choose from; all you need to do is sit back and relax while we take you through this journey!
Here are the top eight honeymoon destinations in India:
The number one honeymoon destination in India most couples prefer is the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Filled with serene beaches, Andaman and Nicobar comprise about 300 and 19 islands, respectively, making it a tropical paradise for honeymooners.
Exploring the islands can be a tranquil experience for you and your loved one. Havelock Island is one such experience for you, with white sand beaches located amidst a tropical forest. You can explore several beaches at Havelock, starting with Radhanagar beach, considered the 7th most beautiful beach in the world, and rounding up with Elephant beach and Kala Pathar beach.
Andaman is also home to stunning beaches, such as Wandoor beach, which is known for its picturesque shoreline. Yet another beach you must visit is Chidiyatapu beach, also known as ‘Flying Creature Island’. Owing to its name, you can spot over 50 species of endemic birds on this beach. With over fifty beaches spread across the island, you can hop from one beach to another with your partner.
Exploring beaches is not all you can do in Andaman and Nicobar. There is an array of water sports ranging from snorkelling to scuba diving that you can take up with your partner.
A once-in-lifetime experience that you can indulge in at Andaman is sea walking. You can walk on the seabed with the help of a special helmet that helps you breathe underwater and catch a closer glimpse of the mesmerising coral reefs and exotic marine species.
The capital of Andaman and Nicobar, Port Blair, is another popular tourist attraction that will educate you on its colonial history. A well-known tourist spot is the Cellular Jail, used by the British to imprison political prisoners.
You can spend time at Port Blair shopping at local marketplaces like the Aberdeen Bazaar and taste the local delicacies such as coconut prawn curry and chilli curry. You can also enjoy an evening at a restaurant and cafe on the beaches, with a cocktail in hand and gaze while the sky changes and the sun sets beyond the horizon.
Goa, popularly known as the beach capital of India, is perfect for honeymooners who are also water babies. The smallest state in India is home to over thirty-five beaches. Some famous beaches in North Goa are Vagator beach, Calangute beach, Anjuna, and Sinquerim beach. The Vagator beach is known for its incredible view, while Calangute, the ‘Queen of Beaches’, is a good shopping destination. Anjuna, located amidst the Aravalli hills, is known for its breathtaking views and Wednesday flea markets.
Sinquerim beach offers adventurous water activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and water skiing. Similarly, some well-known beaches in South Goa are Colva beach, known for romantic candle-lit dinners by the beach with a spectacular view, and Palolem beach, known as a dolphin-spotting beach and for its captivating sunsets.
Only about a handful of people are familiar with islands situated in Goa. These small yet spectacular islands make for the perfect romantic getaway. Some Goan islands are Chorao Island, Divar Island, and Grand Island.
The Grand Island has become one of the best honeymoon destinations in Goa owing to its wide variety of water activities. The Chorao and Divar Islands are known for their quaint, beautiful villages along the countryside with a rich culture, making them the perfect romantic setting.
Goa is also known for its rich heritage and culture embodied in some of the structures around the city. One such structure is Fort Aguada, built around 1612 on the Mandovi river to defend the Portuguese from foreign invaders. The fort was also featured in the famous Bollywood film, Dil Chahta Hai, making it one of the most popular tourist spots.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is another structure which depicts Portuguese and colonial architecture. The church interiors are breathtaking, with carved columns, walls adorned with precious gemstones, marble flooring, and walls filled with magnificent paintings. It is no wonder that UNESCO recognises the Basilica of Bom Jesus as a world heritage site.
When in Goa, you must eat like the Goans! If you are fond of robust, spicy cuisine, you must take advantage of Goan food. Some famous local delicacies include Pork Vindaloo and special Goan bread, Poee, finished with their creamy, layered dessert, Bebinca, and washed down with their world-famous, fermented cashew drink, Feni!
Ooty is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and is a year-round honeymoon getaway! It is also known as the ‘Nature Lovers’ Paradise’ owing to its lush greenery, mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, and surrounding woods. While Ooty is a year-round holiday destination, the ideal time to visit Ooty would be between October and June.
The hill station served as a recreational space for the British during the colonial period. It continues to attract visitors to date with its scenic landscapes and green valleys. One of the famous tourist attractions is the Botanical Gardens in Ooty. It makes for the perfect spot to take a long, romantic stroll with your partner amidst flora and fauna and is home to over 650 plant species.
Another similar tourist attraction is the Government Rose Garden of Ooty. The Rose Garden houses over 20,000 species of roses alone, along with 2,800 other plant species. The garden layout is designed with tunnels and pergolas adorned with rose creepers, a sight for sore eyes!
Apart from the gardens, Ooty is also known for its majestic Pykara waterfalls located at the heart of a green forest. You can revel in the scenic beauty at Pykara falls and even enjoy an evening of boating with your loved one.
A few other attractions include the Tea Museum, which is a must-visit for tea lovers! The museum demonstrates the tea-making process and offers a wide variety of tea flavours for you to sample.
Similarly, the Government Museum is a place you must visit if you are keen on learning about the history of Ooty-dwellers. The museum gives you a glimpse into the history, culture and lifestyle of the pastoral tribes of Ooty – Todas.
If you are interested in catching up with some local shopping spots, the Tibetan Market in Ooty is your go-to location. You can take a train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that takes you through the Nilgiris hills. You can relish and experience the panoramic views of the mountain and hill station all at once.
Lastly, when in Ooty, you must try out their local cuisine consisting of thin, soft Neer Dosa, combined with soulful vegetable stew, Avail, or spicy Chettinad Chicken curry, and of course, you must devour Ooty’s unique homemade chocolates with your loved one!
Located in the heart of Meghalaya and lodged in the East Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji is one of the few breathtaking honeymoon destinations in North India for newly married couples. Known as the ‘Land of Oranges’ or Sohra, as the locals call it, Cherrapunji is where you explore nature’s beauty with your partner.
While there is much to see and do in Cherrapunji, one of its most popular tourist attractions is its Double Decker living roots bridges. The bridge is built entirely from tree roots, branches, and barks and is situated 2400 feet over the Umshiang river.
The path leading to the bridge is about 4.5 kilometres long but is justified once you catch a glimpse of the view. The bridge is believed to be built by the Khasi tribes, and it stands as a testament to the Khasi tribe’s craftsmanship and engineering capabilities.
Apart from the living roots bridge, there are a few other prominent tourist attractions in Cherrapunji. These include the majestic Nohkalikai Falls, considered the highest waterfall in India; Nohsngithiang waterfall, also known as the seven sisters falls, Kynrem Falls, a three-tiered waterfall; and Rainbow waterfall, all of which will serve as a surreal experience.
Cherrapunji is also home to some of the best trekking trails in India. Lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, and captivating sceneries surround the trek trails, making it a pleasurable experience for trekkers. Besides, the treks are short and easy, so if you are trekking for the first time, there is no reason to worry!
The best time to visit Cherrapunji would be between October to February. However, you must prepare for the rains as it rains throughout the year.
Kumarakom is a quaint village located on Vembanad lake. It is about 16 kilometres from Kottayam and is a must-visit honeymoon destination. The National Geographic magazine has listed Kumarakom as one of the few places one must visit in their lifetime.
Kumarakom is also famous as one of the few February honeymoon destinations in India, as the ideal time to visit is between November to February. Located on Vembanad lake, you can easily access the backwaters.
One of the most notable features of Kumarakom is its traditional houseboats. The houseboats in Kumarakom are similar to the conventional Kettuvallams, which give you a glimpse of Kerala‘s rich heritage and culture. You can venture out on a backwater cruise with your loved one from Alleppey to Kumarakom while exploring the sights of God’s own Country!
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a tourist spot worth visiting in Kumarakom. It is home to a large variety of migratory birds, which include the kingfisher, herons, and White Ibis, and you may even glimpse the Siberian Crane on occasion.
Another place you can visit in Kumarakom is the beautiful Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls. A unique feature of this waterfall is that it is located amidst rubber plantations making it a lovely picnic and trekking spot for you and your partner.
If you are interested in exploring local art and culture, you can head to the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum displays intricate wood carvings on driftwood or wood retrieved from the water.
Similarly, another museum you can explore is the Kumarakom Craft Museum, which has an extensive collection of antiques, including paintings, portraits, local artwork, craftwork, and detailed Kathakali masks. You can even pick souvenirs and historical figurines for your friends and family!When in Kumarakom, you must try their local culinary specialities such as the Karimeen Pollichathau, grilled exotic freshwater fish, also known as ‘pearl spot’, which is usually eaten with Appam and Kappa (tapioca). You can also sample a wide variety of seafood dishes, including prawns, crabs, shrimp, and squid.
Udaipur commonly referred to as the ‘Venice of East’, is one of India’s most romantic honeymoon destinations in India. The best time to visit Udaipur is between September and March, as it is a pleasant and favourable climate; you can avoid the summer heat and beat the monsoons.
The Lake Palace is one of the most spectacular sights of this city. Located on Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace serves as a luxury resort and tourist spot for honeymooners. It offers a grand view of the Jag Mandir, Aravalli Hills, and City Palace.
Another famous spot is the City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola and is intricately crafted with marble and granite. Parts of this palace function as accommodation where you and your loved one can reside and experience how royals lived in the Mewar Kingdom.
The Monsoon Palace or the Sajjan Garh Palace is yet another palace you can visit in Udaipur. It is on a hilltop in the countryside and is surrounded by lakes. It offers a panoramic view of the palace and the serene beauty of the lakes and hills. Witnessing the sunset from the Monsoon Palace is something every couple should experience!
Apart from the castles and palaces, one can also visit the Doodh Talai Musical Garden. The garden is situated on Lake Doodh Talai and overlooks Lake Pichola, offering a grandeur view of both the lakes on either side of the garden.
The Doodh Talai Garden is known for its lush greenery and musical fountain. Several people from all over India come to spend a musical evening in the garden surrounded by lakes while the sun sets beyond the horizon, making it a tranquil and romantic experience for all who visit!
Udaipur is famous for its royal palaces, architecture, and rich heritage. But it is also widely recognised for its rich Rajasthani cuisine.
A proper Rajasthani Thali will contain mouth-watering dishes such as — Dal Bati Churma, lentils with baked jowar bread and jaggery, Gatte ki Sabji, chickpea dumplings in a spicy, yoghurt-based gravy, Lal Maas, spicy, red mutton curry, and Banjara Murgh, a local spicy chicken curry.
Rajasthani sweet delicacies accompany these dishes – Malpua, pancakes dipped in sugar syrup, and Ghevar, a cake-like dessert made of ghee and milk. The Rajasthani Thali is a royal feast which will enrich your royal experience!
The Pink City, or Jaipur, is an excellent destination for honeymooners looking for the perfect balance between traditional and modern spaces. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a significant city as it was one of the first planned cities in India.
While it retains some archaic, traditional structures, the city borrows many modern elements; together, it forms the perfect amalgamation that is — Jaipur.
An excellent time to visit Pink City is between November to March. During these months, you will witness the fabulous kite festival that takes place year after year. You can see many royal tourist spots in Jaipur, including Hawa Mahal.
Hawa Mahal is a large structure made of red and pink sandstone. It is designed to mimic the shape of a crown. Owing to its name, this structure has many small windows to let in cool air during hot summers. Overlooking the city of Jaipur while enjoying the cool breeze creates the perfect ambience for you and your partner.
Yet another tourist attraction located on top of the Aravalli Hills is the Amer Fort. UNESCO has recognised the fort as one of many world heritage sites. The fort combines two styles of architecture – Rajasthani and Hindu. The entire structure is constructed with marble and red sandstone, giving it a rustic yet majestic appearance.
The most spectacular feature of this fort is its Sheesh Mahal – a room filled with mirrors, including the walls and ceiling. The Sheesh Mahal is known for its beautiful illusions and is a perfect spot to explore with your partner!
Yet another UNESCO’s recognised world heritage site is Jantar Mantar. It holds significance as being the largest astronomy observatory in the world. Spread across 18,700 metres, Jantar Matar has over 19 geometric devices that help determine celestial altitudes, predict eclipses, measure time, and much more.
If you are an adventurous couple, there are many tourist activities you can pursue in the city of Jaipur. To begin with, you can ride through the Rajasthani deserts on a quad bike. You could also zipline through the Aravalli valley and go water valley trekking through water bodies that lead to the Jal Mahal – a palace located amidst the water.
The jungle safari through the Jhalana Wildlife Reserve is also an adventurous sport. The Jhalana Wildlife Reserve used to serve as hunting grounds for the royals, and it is now known to have a large variety of cats, including leopards and cheetahs.
When in Jaipur, you must sample the rich Rajasthani cuisine and some local favourites, which include – Ker Sangari, a dish made of dried Ker berries and Sangri leaves; Mangori, a fried moong dal snack; Lal Masoor Banjara Gosht, a local, spicy mutton curry, and of course the classic Dal Bati Churma!
Jaisalmer, or the ‘Golden City’, located in Western Rajasthan, is close to the Thar desert and is a historical honeymoon spot. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March. A prominent location in Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Fort or the Sonar Qila as the locals call it, which roughly translates to the Golden Fort.
This fort has acquired its name because of its appearance, which looks as though it has risen from the golden desert sands. The Sonar Qila is one of the few forts in India that serves as a tourist attraction and as a home to many. The fort has shops and Havelis (a traditional mansion or townhouse) where families continue to live to date.
A unique feature of the golden city is its traditional houses, or Havelis, constructed many years ago. These Havelis were made of yellow sandstone and give you a glimpse of old, conventional styles of architecture; one such Haveli believed to be the largest in Jaisalmer is the Patwon ki Haveli.
If you are interested in learning more about the rich history and culture of those who lived in these Havelis, hire a tour guide.
Another tourist attraction you can venture into is Gadisar Lake. The lake is an excellent spot for bird watching, and you may spot various migratory birds. You can also spend the evening with your loved one gazing at the lake while the sky changes hues and the sun sets.
If you feel rather adventurous, you can view the golden city soaring high above it in a hot air balloon! Witnessing the Jaisalmer as the sun sets while casting its golden hues on the forts, Havelis, and the lake will be an enthralling experience for you and your partner!
An Indian wedding can be an extravagant, fun affair! But it can also get hectic and exhausting, especially for the bride and groom. In such a scenario, a quiet, relaxing honeymoon getaway is what you need!
Although hunting through several honeymoon packages to choose the best-suited one for you might be far different from how you imagined the beginning of your vacation with your better half.
A luxurious and customised weekend getaway for you and your loved one is the ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate; it is also the most romantic way to get to know one another! We have curated some of India’s best luxury honeymoon destinations for you and your partner.
Suryagarh is situated atop a hill and offers a gorgeous view of the city. This property is nothing short of a royal palace with its beautiful courtyards, Rajasthani architecture, and traditional haveli-style rooms.
Residing in Suryagarh is an experience in itself because of the customised experiences they curate for you and your better half. They host a romantic ‘Dinner on the Dunes’, where you dine amidst the dessert with your loved one with live music under the candlelight and fireworks.
The Windflower Resort is located amidst a coffee estate stretching over 25 acres. It offers access to some of the best amenities, including — an outdoor infinity pool, a spa, a lakefront view, and even private waterfalls!
Moreover, the resort specialises in preparing a candlelight dinner, an extravagant four-course affair. If you are looking for a romantic staycation, the Windflower Resort is just the place!
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa in Gulmarg is a pristine, romantic resort for honeymooners. The resort has over 85 rooms and is built traditionally with wooden logs and tiled roofs.
The highlight of this resort is its hikes to frozen lakes and skiing slopes. The resort also organises a ‘Dinner Under the Starlit Sky’, consisting of a lavish feast in the woods, surrounded by pine trees, just you and your loved one!
The Suryavilas Luxury Spa and Resort is situated at the foothills of the Himalayan range, on the Solan valley and hills. Located on top of a hill, this resort offers a breathtaking view of pine forests and hills.
A unique feature of this resort lies in its construction of amenities. A favourite indulgence is the outdoor infinity pool with a jacuzzi that overlooks the hills and the forests. You can take a dip in the pool and relax by the poolside with an incredible view.
Some other amenities include their relaxing spa services and a small indoor theatre where you can screen movies of your choice.
Picking out the ideal honeymoon destination for you and your partner can be tricky as it requires your utmost attention to detail. Most couples lean towards summer destinations with beaches, and very few lean towards winter honeymoon destinations.
Let’s change that, shall we? Here are a few reasons why you must choose winter honeymoon destinations in India this year.
The top winter honeymoon destinations in India are —
Planning a honeymoon can be as tiresome as planning your wedding because you need to nail down the perfect location to begin your journey as a newlywed. There are many factors to consider when planning your honeymoon, including the location, weather, expenditure, and activities.
While some prefer location over everything else, others prefer the weather. If you are one such couple, keen on the weather being pleasant at all times so you can focus on other aspects of your trip, a summer honeymoon destination is just what you need!
Here are some of India’s best summer honeymoon destinations you can visit during May, June, and July.
We have provided a complete and detailed guide to some of the best honeymoon destinations in India, including luxury honeymoon destinations, winter honeymoon destinations, and summer honeymoon destinations in India.
We hope to have helped you with an exhaustive list of the best destinations for a honeymoon. Now, all you need to do is pick one of the many destinations and begin planning your journey!
A leading travel management company and the best travel agency in Chennai, Madras Travels and Tours is the perfect travel companion for planning and booking your trips! You can avail honeymoon tour packages from Chennai at affordable costs and without the hassle of having to plan the trip! Madras Travels and Tours curates personalised and custom itineraries per your travel needs. Moreover, they also offer a variety of honeymoon tour packages in Chennai as well.