Wedding bells have started to ring! After the days of the hustle of your Mehendi, Sangeet and finally the marriage rituals, you definitely would want to take a break and head out to the best of places to spend some passionate time with your new lover. We understand how difficult it gets with family and relatives giving their suggestions about everything. But your honeymoon is your choice. So make it a memorable one! We have a list of offbeat honeymoon destinations in India that you could make your heart flutter.
After all, my fellow Indians, you needn’t go so far. You have the charm of the entire world right here in one country. There is something of each one of you.
1. Auli
Let us introduce you to the ultimate ski destination in India at Uttarakhand, Auli. It is also considered best trekking place in Uttarakhand. About 150 km from Dehradun is the mountainous land of Auli filled with lazy coniferous and oak trees. The peaks of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat surround the little town. While you can enjoy the lush greenery and the chilly breeze in the summer, the best are the winters when white snow blankets the land. The snowy slopes make it perfect for skiing! We suggest that you get to Auli through the cable cars that will give you a panoramic view and gorgeous selfie ideas.
- Best Time To Go: December to February
2. Sikkim
Head to the Northeast if you are looking for a pristine time. Sikkim would be our first choice of honeymoon destination in India. The twisting clean roads, the lush greenery and the overlooking Kanchenjunga range are postcard-worthy. Don’t forget to stop at the cosy cafes of Gangtok for some hot chocolate. The hospitality of people will baffle you! The untouched beauty of the Tshanghu Lake and Kechopalri Lake in Pelling along with the trek to the Tiger Hills and Rimbi Waterfalls are a charm to behold. One of the must-visit places is the snow-coated region of the Nathu La which connects India to Tibet.
- Best Time To Go: March to May
3. Dalhousie
No better place than chilly hill stations of North India if you are looking for a honeymoon. Ditch the cliche of Shimla and head to Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh instead. The pine-clad valleys and the towering snow mountains in the distance are a sight to behold. Don’t forget to visit Daikund Peak, Manimahesh Yatra and the Phoolan Devi temple. The serene hushed town is also a beautiful mix of British and post-independence Indian architecture for you to explore. When inside, cuddle up with two steaming cups of chai.
- Best Time To Go: November – February (If you want to witness the snowfall), March-May (To enjoy the pleasant weather)
4. Tawang
If you are looking for a spiritual escape, then the Buddhist Monasteries and scenic beauty of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a must-visit. If you want to experience snowfall, then a trek to Sela Pass is a must-do. The trek hides as many as 110 lakes! You will be in awe of the beauty of Tawang Monastery. The drive to Bhumla pass, the meeting of Indian China army, is one to experience as well. The pass also experiences snowfall year-round. Furthermore, what is a honeymoon if you don’t splurge from your pockets? The Tibetan Settlement Market hides many fashion gems that are ready to dry your wallets.
- Best Time To Visit: March to September
Must Remember: You would need to get a permit to enter the state. File for you inner Line Permit beforehand.
5. Ranthambore National Park
If the crowd heading to Jim Corbett is making you redundant, then head for some wild adventures to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan instead. The national reserve is known to hide one of the largest tiger population in India. Follow up on a tiger trail or book yourself a tiger safari. The beasts playing with their cubs will leave you in awe of their majesticity! You can book yourself a rustic cottage in the middle of the jungle to spend some intimate time with each other. The hoots from the forest are one of a kind experience at night! Further on, the reserve also hides the historical beauty of the Ranthambore fort in its centre. Makes for a wild honeymoon destination, doesn’t it?
- Best Time To Visit: October to April
Must remember: File for a safari permit along with pollution clearance certificate (if you want to enter the Ranthambore fort)
6. Coonoor
Want to head south? We understand how all the talks about Ooty can make it a little less desirable (it is beautiful, nonetheless). If you want to go offbeat, then head to Coonoor in Tamil Nadu instead. It nestles among the lush ranges of tea plantations and drops of rain. One of Nilgiris’ hidden gems, a stroll around the place is as beautiful as it can get. The light rain showers are sure to refresh you and enlighten your romance. Head to the Tiger Hill cemetery or the Dolphin Nose peak to get that perfect click for your Instagram. Just an hour ride from Coonoor, you can take the toy train to Ooty through the rolling pin roads and forests. Indulge in some chocolates while you are at it!
- Best Time To Visit – June to September
7. Alleppey
One of the best-known places of the South is the tropical land of Kerala, Alleppey is a treat for nature lovers. It is popularly known for its backwaters! Book yourself a luxury houseboat, and it is going to take you on a ride across the backwaters. You can see dense mangrove trees lining the banks of the water. You can stay the night in the middle of the river as well! The banks will also provide with you the fresh catches of the day to satiate your seafood taste buds. Furthermore, the place is an adventure for bird lovers’ so don’t forget to take your DSLR along. You can stand along the rails hand in hand with each other as you watch the reddish sky and the warmth of the sun going down.
- Best Time To Visit: November to January
8. Lakshadweep
Thinking about a beach or an island experience, move west from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Lakshadweep Islands greet you. The archipelago has something unique to offer to everything. The wonder of the place is the colourful coral reefs that line the white sandy beaches and the crystal clear water of the Arabian sea. The less access to crowd allows you to enjoy the bliss of the island all to yourself. You can even go scuba diving or snorkelling together to experience the enchanting sea life in its unspoilt waters at Kavaratti beach, Minicoy Beach or Bangaram Beach. The Kalpeni Islands also feature the highest number of colourful coral reefs. Not to mention, the seafood there is one of a kind too and is a bomb to taste with the fresh juices available. It is probably one of the most underrated honeymoon destinations in India which is a must visit.
- Best Time To Visit: October to May
Must remember: Permit is required to enter the island. The availability of alcohol is scarce so enjoy nature at its best at this honey destination.
9. Kutch
The white desert of Rann of Kutch is one of a kind beauty to witness in Gujarat. Did we say sand? Oh no. This white desert that runs from the Gulf Of Kutch to the mouth of Indus River in Pakistan is an expanse of sparkling salt. The natural wonder makes it one of the most exotic honeymoon destinations in India. However, you can only witness this in the winter months. If you are a lover of culture and a collector of art, then the tribes of Kutch have a lot to offer you. From their intricately handmade jewellery to their Ajhrak art forms, the place makes for a cultural getaway. If you head there, don’t forget to attend the Rann Utsav that takes place for three months. Sitting under a full moon night against the white sands, as unearthly as it sounds, it gives you the romance of a lifetime.
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
10. Jaisalmer
If you are historically inclined, the state of Rajasthan is your royal getaway. Rightly known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is home to the palaces, forts and so much more. Spread across miles of golden desert, you can go on a camel safari or indulge in some colourful handicraft shopping. If you are looking to get your adrenaline running, then hit up the dunes in Thar desert with an SUV or go on parasailing. However, if you want to stick to exploring the heritage, then go on a tour to Jaisalmer Fort, boating at Gadisar Lake or a traditional puppet show at the Desert Culture Centre and Museum. You can even see the Indo-Pakistan border at the Tanot Mata Temple. An overnight camp in the middle of the desert makes it one of to most mystique honey destinations to head.
- Best Time To Visit: November to March
Also Read: Places to Visit in India Before You Turn 30
