India has an arsenal of honeymoon spots that are largely unexplored. A land of varied landscapes, one is spoilt for choice. Each destination has its own distinct essence, culture and colour. Lets take a look at the best locations en Inde.
Top Beach Destinations: The coastal belt offers beautiful locales to revel in. Kerela, widely known for its backwaters and sunset cruises. Andaman & Nicobar is a jewel in the Bay of Bengal leaving one spellbound. The joie de vivre found on the beaches of Goa are palpable long after.
Kerela
Scintillating backwaters. Tropical glory. Sheets of golden sand. Rich wildlife. Pristine riverbeds and crisscrossing water channels. Tall waving palm trees. Rustic life. Take a dip in the serene surroundings and rejuvenate your vows. Kerela’s serene hill stations or stunning backwaters are effervescent and captivating. Take in the lush grasslands or soak in the soothing aroma of tea/coffee plantations. Try a little bit of the Kalaripayattu, the oldest form of martial art or get a specialised and world famous Kerela Ayurvedic spa. Revel in the labyrinth of waterways, sweet rivers, shy lakes and elegant inlets. Take a cruise along the backwaters on a luxury houseboat. Explore Munnar’s hill tops, Cochin’s backwaters and Kovalam/Kumarkom’s beaches.
Goa
The beach capital of India and the single most touted honeymoon destination. Goa portrays the perfect blend of traditionalism and modernism. With heritage monuments, old quaint churches, bikini laden beaches, day and night parties, music festivals; take your pick: Nature, adventure, history, relaxation – it’s all there. Good connectivity to Indian as well as international cities also favours Goa. The major beaches are Agonda, Aguada, Anjuna, Arambol, Baga, Benaulim, Bogmolo, Calangute, Candolim, Cavelossim, Colva, Dona Paula, Mabor, Majorda, Miramar, Palolem, Sinquerim, Vagator and Varca Beach. Five-star hotels with world class amenities throw out a lot to indulge in. So pack in history, nature, some sea fun and oodles of romance.
Andaman & Nicobar
If there ever was paradise on earth – well, a paradise by the seaside, then it is undoubtedly the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The natural and exotic beauty here can only strengthen the bonds of love that comb these beaches. Andamans comprises a set of 572 islands that glow like scintillating gems on the blues of the Bay of Bengal. Connected from Chennai, the islands offer surfing, para sailing, speedboat rides, treks through dense tropical forests and snorkelling in the palm dotted Havelock Island. Pick up a set of traditional earrings, shell necklaces or uniquely crafted waislets for a loved one. Enjoy local fare and tribal dances under a clear starlit sky. The islands one must visit are Cinque Island, Ross Island, Rangat, Neil Island, Chatham Island, Diglipur Island, Butler Bay and Jolly Buoy Island. Let love envelope you in the Andamans like it should.
Top Hill-station destinations – Crisp cold weather, verdant surroundings and the alluring Himalayas- not too many can resist that. For those who thought Switzerland was paradise on earth, you have another thing coming. Leh-Ladakh beats it hands down. An air bag is a must to tackle the breathlessness! Another spot, unexplored, is Sikkim in East India. Play hide and seek with the Himalayas here. Mount Abu, in the desert land of Rajasthan transports one into a bygone era when beauty was untouched.
Leh- Ladakh
Very few may want to venture in this direction but those who have believe me are still in love and all because of where they spent their honeymoon. This spot offers you an experience that is unparalleled by any in the world. The diversity, the scenic beauty and the enjoyment are only to be felt in what is also known as the Moonland or Little Tibet or the Last Shangri-La. One must visit five different regions here namely, Leh, Nubra, Zanskar, Lower Ladakh and Rupshu formed by the interlink of the River Indus. Stroll hand in hand in the Stork Palace Museum, Hemis Monastery, Thikse Monastery and so many more of them. One must make a trip to the Pangong Tso – a salt water lake that is supposed to be the highest salt water lake in the world. Indulge in archery, camel safaris, ice-climbing, mountain biking etc if you are an adventurous couple. Apricots, Buddhist masks, Chinese brocade, enamelled mugs, silver jewellery etc are what you could take back along with the wonderful memories made here. .
Sikkim
Orchid-strewn Sikkim embraces you in a world of snow-capped Himalayas, meadows full of flowers and picturesque valleys. For the ones who want to enjoy a quiet honeymoon, Sikkim would be ideal. Fragrant hill plants, terraced barley fields, wild rhodhendron forests, fruit orchards, aromatic tea plantations and so much more await you in Sikkim. Sip in the breathtaking view of the magnificent Kanchenjunga, the highest Himalayan peak in India. Trek some, take a jungle walk, climb a mountain, breath in the crisp mountain air, smell more than 4000 rare plants in the deep green hills of Bayul Demojong – another name for Sikkim. Stay in a pagoda style house in Gangtok and catch a fluttering Buddhist prayer flag as you visit local monasteries. Allow Sikkim to captivate you in its seductive attractions.
Mount Abu
Located in the desert state of Rajasthan where the vast expanse of desert in myriad colours, green and blue of the oasis, regal forts, majestic palaces, handsome havelis, museums of the glorious history bedazzle you. Perched atop, Mt. Abu is the only hill station in this desert state and has caught the fancy of many. Visit the Dilwara Jain temples, Nakki lake, Gaumukh temple and Mandakini Kund. Indulge in the local fare and sit by the fire to watch Bedouin dances a la Rajasthani style.
The experience of a lifetime can only be felt. Couple are willing to experiment with off beat locales and are increasingly choosing to explore places within India instead of a clichéd destination abroad. And this trend is because in India itself, one gets to experience a different environment, language, culture and food. Have the time of your life!