The tradition of honeymoon is not just a vacation, but is also a special time when newlyweds can celebrate their newfound relationship in seclusion. Known for its diverse geography and culture, India is one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations across the globe. If you had been planning to spend your special time in the mystical land of India, listed below are some of the best honeymoon destinations in India.
Srinagar
Kashmir has all of a sudden shot up to the top of the charts when it comes to honeymoon destinations. More and more couples, notwithstanding the inclement weather, are queuing up to get their tickets to The Valley, come snow or sun. And why not, after all, not for nothing is Kashmir adorned with the epithet 'Paradise on Earth'. When in Srinagar, one is spoilt for choice - you can choose from going on a conducted tour, or can just sit and gaze at the Dal Lake, holding hands with your husband/wife. A trip to Srinagar usually includes a visit to Sonmarg and Gulmarg; and just the journey to the two places can gift you the motivation to get through your normal, mundane life. The way to Sonmarg is by the Nallah Sindh, a tributary of the Jhulem, and the valley is mesmerising - to say the least. Gulmarg is more to do with snow and snow-clad peaks. A visit to Pahalgam is also advised, if you have time to spare. Rest assured, once you've been to Kashmir, you'd feel like returning - again and again.
Imphal
If a trip back in time is what gets you high, a honeymoon in Imphal is what you should go for. Better known to the outside world as a part of the Seven Sisters, the seven northeastern states, Manipur has many things to offer to the average tourist. There are the Kangla Fort ruins, and the world's oldest surviving polo grounds, in Imphal. The state is the birthplace of modern polo, and the game was transported from here to the rest of the country by the British. Located at about an hour's drive from Imphal is Moirang, the site of the world's only floating lake, the Loktak Lake.
Darjeeling
The Queen of Hills is an epithet that Darjeeling fulfills to the hilt. The most famous hill station in East India, this district of West Bengal has always been a hit with honeymooners. Although the tourism has not been as good as it was earlier recently, owing to the political disturbances in the place, Darjeeling is still a destination of choice for newlyweds. The best way to reach the city is by the toy train from Siliguri. Once you're done with filling your senses with the gift of fresh air and the experience of watching the sunrise from Tiger Hill, you could take a trip to Kalimpong. Situated at about two hours' distance from Darjeeling, Kalimpong is another tourists' delight. There are several view points - some acknowledged, others not - that can take your breath away.
Shimla
Quite a regular on the honeymooners' circuit, Shimla is one place you can never get tired of visiting. If you're not worried about learning more about your better half in the snowy outdoors, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is the place to be for you. During winters, owing to the heavy snowfall in the city, there are not a lot of tourists. So you can enjoy the much-needed solitude, while in the midst of your honeymoon. In summer, it is advisable to skip a visit to Shimla, since the place is teeming with tourists; and if you don't enjoy crowds, you could rather choose a different destination for your honeymoon.
Udaipur
If your idea of a romantic getaway includes many lakes and travelling back in time, Udaipur is the perfect place for you. Not for nothing is Udaipur called the City of Lakes. There are so many of them, and a lot of them offer leisurely boat rides, too, that you'll have a tough time choosing which part of the city to explore. And if you're more inclined towards discovering places on foot, Udaipur offers many narrow lanes to lose, and rediscover yourself in.
Tawang
Pretty undiscovered as yet, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a place you'll not want to leave. Since tourism in the North East is still in its infancy, as compared to that in North India, Tawang provides the perfect quiet getaway for honeymooners. Reaching the place is somewhat tough - the nearest airport, Tezpur, is a fourteen-hour-drive away from Tawang. But once the journey is done with, you are treated to the extraordinary. The sky here is of a shade of a forget-me-not blue that any other place can hardly compete with. The Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India, and has been receiving considerable footfall despite the difficulty in reaching the place. But for the adventurous, what place is unreachable!
Kerala
The backwaters of Kerala are a must-visit for everyone, on honeymoon or not. When in the place, you don't even have to try to relax. The laidback pace of life will stop you and slow you down, and leave you thankful at the end of the day. From walking barefeet on the pristine sandy beaches to cruising on the lazy waters, Kerala is a honeymooner's delight.
Port Blair
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is steadily climbing the charts, as far as honeymoon destinations in the country are concerned. With many yet-unspoiled beaches, this place offers much more than a simple holiday by the sea. Try snorkelling and scuba diving at Havelock Islands, or swim in the transparent waters at Elephant Island, or go visit the Cellular Jail in Port Blair - you're spoilt for choice when in this place.
Coorg
A honeymoon in the Western Ghats is a good way to begin your marital life with. Coorg, fondly referred to as the 'Scotland of India', is one hill station that is a favourite with honeymooners. Verdant vales and lush sceneries are what make Coorg such a beautiful place. Sit on the Raja's Seat with glasses of wine, and watch the sunset. Guaranteed, you'd get high more on your surroundings, than on the wine!
Kavaratti
If you're the sea-over-snow kind of a couple, fly to the Lakshwadeep Islands for your honeymoon. With the glistening sand beneath your feet and crystal-clear water to splash around in, Lakshwadeep still is among the destinations whose charm is not trampled under the feet of too many humans. There are still beaches where you can just lie and not worry about being disturbed by anyone else. If what lies inside the sea is what sets your heart racing, go snorkelling or scuba diving. You'll come back adequately refreshed by your tropical honeymoon.