My fiance and I are making plans for our honeymoon which will be in October. We are not really interested in going to Goa, as it is such a common place, for honeymooners. We are thinking on the lines of somewhere in South India, where we would get to see some history and natural beauty. South India is quite a large area, so deciding on a destination would be impossible for us two. We need some recommendations from those who know about South India, to which honeymoon places in south India we should choose from.
I was going to suggest Ooty or Kodaikanal but they are also common destinations like Goa. Among the places I know, I would suggest Coorg (Karnataka) which has abundant natural beauty and a tasty cuisine which you need to experience or Bekal in Kerala which has both natural beauty and historic significance. Speaking of Kerala you can also try Thekkady if you like wildlife.
I'm shocked to hear that Goa is too common with the honeymoners. I was actually thinking of going there for my own honeymoon in March, but your post has me re-thinking that decision. I am still trying to find all the other attractive places that we could go to. I hope you get a lot of ideas on this thread. I'm adding Ooty, Kodaikanal and Coorg to my list of places to research.
Hi there, welcome to the forum! The southern Indian states are the following: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Most honeymoon couples choose Kerala and Tamil Nadu as their destinations. However, the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have some romantic destinations as well. Best Honeymoon Place in Andhra Pradesh 1. Araku Valley - This is a hill station in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is about 911 metres above sea level. It is a great destination for honeymoon couples due to its mild and pleasant climate all-year round. Unlike other honeymoon destinations, Araku Valley is not a crowded place and can definitely be an offbeat destination especially for the adventure lovers. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests are rich in biodiversity. The valley is also surrounded by the mountain ranges of Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi. The valley is also famous for its coffee plantations which add to the picturesque beauty of the place. Here are some of the best attractions in Araku Valley: Waterfalls Katiki Waterfalls - This is about 4 kms away from Borra Caves. The waterfall is about 50 feet in height and originates from the Gosthani River. The waterfall was named after the village nearby. The waterfalls can only be reached after a 30-minute trek through the jungle and forests. There's a pond at the bottom of the waterfalls where tourists can enjoy a bath after the trek. There is no public transport available to reach the waterfalls and you need to hire a jeep to reach it. Private vehicles also won't be able to traverse the roads, unless they have a high ground clearance or they are 4-wheelers. Dumbriguda Chaparai Waterfalls - This is about 15 kms from Araku Valley proper. This is a well-known picnic area in the Araku Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and of course, waterfalls. However, it's best to avoid the waterfalls during the monsoon season as the water current can be high and dangerous. It is best visited during the winter season, when the water is safe for swimming and you can enjoy a picnic next to the waterfalls. Sangda Waterfalls - This waterfall is also named after the small village nearby it. The waterfall is a popular tourist attraction due to the lush greenery surrounding it. It is also easily accessible by road and you can hear the gush of the waterfalls as you approach it. Many locals visit the falls and have a picnic in the grounds near it. Garden Padmapuram Botanical Gardens - This is about 2 kms away from the Araku Bus Stand. The garden was built in 1942 amidst a 24-acre plot. The primary purpose of the garden then was to supply vegetables to the soldiers of the World War II. After the war, the garden was converted into a Horticultural Nursery cum Training Center. Now, it is a popular tourist attraction in the valley, sprawling with orchards, rare species of flowers and trees, tree houses and stone sculptures. Tyda Park - This is an eco-friendly park which provides activities like camping, trekking and bird watching to guests. The park has tents and log huts which guests can rent and stay in. There are also naturalists within the park that can teach guests about the different plants and animals found inside. The adventurous guests can also participate in rock climbing and target shooting using a bow and an arrow. There is also a nearby resort named Jungle Bells, which honeymoon couples can stay in to be near to the park. Beach Bheemunipatnam Beach - This beach is located at the mouth of the Gosthani River. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees which add to the serenity of the place. Its sands are very powdery and fine and its waters are clear and blue. You can also find the ruins of a 17th century fort and cemetery within the beach. Swimming in the water is permitted and there are also some water sports activities that you can do here. The beach also has a lighthouse although it's not in use now. Museum Araku Tribal Museum - This museum was established in 1996. The museum showcases the lifestyle, social, economical and cultural norms and customs of the native tribes of the region. The museum was built using mud, reminiscent of the tribal homes of the tribes, which gives it some authenticity and ethnic vibe. You can find traditional handicrafts and arts of the tribes in the museum. It also displays kitchenwares used by the tribes, made from mud and iron. Another section of the museum showcases the local tribal dances of Mayur and Dhimsa, with their traditional tribal costumes and accessories. Nature Ananthagiri Hills - This is about 1,168 metres above sea level. These hills also contain the famous coffee plantations of Araku Valley. Aside from the coffee plantations, it is also home to numerous waterfalls and mango groves. A resort named Anantagiri Hill Resort is also located here where honeymoon couples can stay. Borra Caves - This is located within the Ananthagiri Hills. The caves are considered as one of the largest of its kind in the country. The caves exhibit a variety of speleothems, stalactites and stalagmites. The caves were discovered in 1807 by William King. The excavations carried out in the caves unearthed stone tools from the middle Palaeolithic culture about 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. The caves also provide homes to the fulvous fruit bat and the golden gecko. Best Honeymoon Place in Karnataka 1. Coorg - This is also known as Kodagu. This is one of the best getaways for honeymoon couples as it has plenty to offer when it comes to nature and views. The colourful sceneries, little villages and beautiful landscapes are sure to steal the heart of any traveller. It is sometimes referred to as the Scotland of India, as it bears some resemblance to the landscapes of the said country. Here are the best attractions in Coorg: Waterfalls Abbey Falls - This is located about 23 kms away from the city proper of Coorg. The falls were formerly known as Jessi Falls, named after a British officer's wife and back then, the waterfalls were hidden by a thick jungle. The property around it was then bought by Mr. Neravanda B. Nanaiah. He converted the surrounding area into a coffee plantation. It is best visited during the monsoon season as the waterfalls are fed by the rains. Iruppu Falls - This is located in the Brahmagiri Range of the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It is also known as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, since the tributary of the Cauvery River, the Lakshmana Tirtha River, starts from these falls. The Rameshwara Temple is also located very nearby the falls. The waterfalls drop at a height of about 170 feet. According to mythology, this is where Lakshmana shot an arrow through the Brahmagiri Range which brough into being the Lakshmana Tirtha River. During Shivaratri day, this is visited by thousands of devotees due to the belief that the waterfalls have the power to cleanse sins. Historical Raja's Seat - This is just 17 kms from Coorg and is also known as the Seat of the King. This was once the platform or place where the Kings of Kodagu enjoyed the views of the sunsets and surroundings. Raja's Seat is just a small pavilion made of brick and mortar. It is surrounded by four pillars, which are bridged by arches. It is built on a higher level, thereby giving one a commanding view of the surroundings. When the flowers in the garden are in bloom, this adds to the beauty of the place. There's also a toy train here that guests can ride in. The musical fountains are also added attractions. Nalknad Palace - This is about 34 kms away from Coorg. It is located in the town of Yavakapadi and was built around 1792 to 1794 AD. This is the place where Dodda Veerarajendra's second marriage, with Mahadevammaji, was celebrated. When Dodda Veerarajendra died in 1809, his 10-year old daughter, Devammaji, was declared as the Queen of Kodagu. However, in 1811, the brother of Dodda, Linga Rajendra II, declared himself as the King of Kodagu. After his death, his son, Chikka Veerarajendra, became the King of Kodagu. This is where Chikka Veerarajendra last stayed before the British found him and exiled him. Religious Omkareshwara Temple - This is about 17 kms away from Coorg. The temple was built by Lingarajendra II in 1820. It is built in the typical Mohammedan style of architecture with a dome in the centre and turrets at the corners. Legend has it that the king built the temple to appease the spirit of the Brahmin whom he killed to fulfil his political ambition. The king brought a shivalingam from Kashi and put it in the temple. After which, the spirit of the Brahmin became at peace. Bhagamandala Temple - This is about 45 kms away from Coorg. The temple is located on the confluence of the three rives of Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyoti. This confluence is considered by many pilgrims as sacred and they do take a dip here before proceeding to the Talakaveri. The temple was built in the Kerala style of architecture. It has smaller shrines inside dedicated to different gods. Namdroling Monastery - This is about 33 kms from Coorg. Bylakuppe is the home to the largest Tibetan settlement in the country. It is also here that you can find the Namdroling Monastery or also known as the Golden Temple. There are idols of Buddha here covered in gold, along with Tibetan mythology paintings. The presence of Tibetan homes, stalls and shops nearby make it seem like you're in Tibet. It was Pema Norbu Rinpoche who established the monastery in 1963. There are about 5,000 nuns and monks here teaching about Nyingmapa. Treks/Adventure Mandalpatti - This is about 38 kms from Coorg. The hill is situated about 4,050 feet above sea level. Locally, it is known as Mugilu Peth, which means Market of Mist. You can reach the hill point en route to Abbey Falls. In the Mandalpatti checkpoint, you need to park your car and trek the rest of the way or hire a jeep to take you to the top. There are no food stalls nor bathrooms in the hill so you need to be prepared and bring your own water and snacks. The views from the peak are very rewarding though and worth the hardships. Kotebetta - This is about 50 kms from Coorg. This is another trekking route for the adventurers. It is about 5,200 feet above sea level and is the 3rd highest peak in Coorg. Kotebetta means Fort Hill and there's also a Shiva Temple at its peak. From the base, the trek is about 10 kms long. Dubare Elephant Camp - This is about 17 kms from Coorg. In the camp, you can learn more about the history of the elephants and also participate in interactive activities with them. This involves bathing, feeding and riding the elephant. There's a trained naturalist there to guide and explain things to you. Elephants here are also trained so it's safe to be around them at such a close distance. Tadiandamol - This is about 47 kms from Coorg. It is the highest peak in Coorg and the third highest peak in Karnataka. It is about 5,740 feet above sea level. The trek will take you through lush Shola forests, grasslands and streams. The trek can be completed in a day or overnight by camping at the peak. Wildlife Nisargadhama - This is an island/park formed by the Cauvery River. It's about 30 kms away from Coorg. The island is surrounded by thick bamboo trees, sandalwood trees and teak trees. You can access it through a hanging rope bridge. There are animals like deers, rabbits and peacocks as well. For the children, there's a small playground and orchidarium in the park. Boating is also permitted within the river. There are also government operated guest houses and cottages in the park. Nagarhole National Park - This national park is located in both the Kodagu district and Mysore district of Karnataka. The park was formerly a hunting reserve for the Wodeyars. In 1955, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and in 1988, it was declared as a national park. In 1999, it was declared as a tiger reserve as well. Some of the animals here are the Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, hyenas and sambar deers. There are also about 250 species of birds in the park. There are also tribes within the national park, mainly comprised of the Jenu Kurubas. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary - This is located in Somwarpet in Karnataka. This sanctuary is home to many species of birds like the Nilgiri wood pigeons, grey-breasted laughing thrush, black and orange flycatchers and blue-winged parakeets. Some of the animal species residing here are the Asian elephants, sambars, spotted deers, giant flying squirrels and mouse deers. Best Honeymoon Place in Tamil Nadu 1. Kodaikanal - This is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. It is sometimes referred to as the Princess of Hill Stations. It is about 2,133 metres above sea level, making its climate pleasant all-year round. Kodaikanal is a perfect honeymoon getaway due to its natural scenic attractions. And unlike other hill stations, it isn't as crowded as well so you get all the privacy and seclusion that you need. Here are the attractions in Kodaikanal: Lakes Kodaikanal Lake - This manmade lake is also known as Kodai Lake. The lake was built in 1863 and Sir Vere Henry Levinge was an important part of the planning and construction of it. The lake is star-shaped and is surrounded by the lush green hills of the Palani Hills. The lake also has facilities for boating with a boat club, boathouse and boat service. The rare Kurinji flower reportedly blooms here as well and was last seen to bloom in 2004. It only blooms once every 12 years. Berijam Lake - This is located at the end of Pillar Rocks Road, on the southwest of Kodaikanal Lake. Berijam lake was artificially created in 1867, under the management of Sir Vere Levigne, who also donated the funds for its construction. The lake is home to numerous resident birds like crested serpent eagles, pariah kites and edible nest swiftlets. Mammals are also spotted within the lake like bisons, Nilgiri langurs, Malabar giant squirrels and Indian elephants. Waterfalls Bear Shola Waterfalls - This is just 3 kms away from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. The waterfall is part of the Parappar River stream, which becomes Tevankarai Aar once it reaches downhill. The Bear Shola Waterfalls is best visited during the monsoon season when it is fed by the rains. The waterfalls got its name from the bears that used to drink water from here. Fairy Waterfalls - This is about 6 kms away from the Kodaikanal Bus Stand. It is the source of the Pambar River. At its foot, it joins with the Vaigal River. The small pool at the foot of the waterfalls is suitable for swimming. It can be a refreshing way to end your day in the city. Historical Dolmen Circle - This is located in Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu village. This is an anthropologic site where burial remains dating to the 5,000 BC were found. Dolmens are described as a tripod like structure that has a megalithic crypt and date as far back as the Neolithic era. These dolmens used to be the abode of the ancient men. The Kistavens, on the other hand, primarily functioned as a burial ground for the ancient man. Only these two dolmens remain the country. Peaks Pillar Rocks - This is about 8 kms away from the Kodaikanal Lake. It is so named because of the three vertically pointed boulders reaching up to the height of 80 feet located here. It also has a mini-garden which tourists can also visit. The views from the peak are quite stunning and which is why this is one of the most visited attractions of the city. Moir Point - This is located close to the entry point of the Berijam Lake. Until 1929, the point was called as the Fort Mile Road. Sir Thomas Moir had cut the first grass to build the Goschen Road from here as well. It's one of the best view points in Kodaikanal, offering a bird's eye view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Religious Kurinji Andavar Temple - This is about 4 kms away from the main bus stand in Kodaikanal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the God of the Hills. It was built by Leelavathi Ramanathan in the year 1936. Although she was born as a European, she adopted the Hindu religion and hence, constructed this temple. The temple was so named because the rare Kurinji flower, which only blooms once every 12 years, can be found within its gardens. Park Bryant Park - This is located near the Coaker's Walk. The park is famous for housing many species of plants and herbs. It has over 740 varieties of roses alone. It was built in 1908 by H.D. Bryant. He was a British forest officer from Madurai, after whom the park was named. The park also hosts an annual flower show during the month of May. There's also a glasshouse within the park housing ornamental plants and flowers. Best Honeymoon Place in Kerala 1. Kovalam - This is a beach town in the Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala. You mentioned that you wanted to avoid Goa due to its crowds. Well, if you'd still like to enjoy swimming in the beach, do consider this place. It isn't as crowded as Goa but has beautiful beaches that honeymoon couples would enjoy. Here are the attractions in Kovalam: Beaches Lighthouse Beach - This is the largest beach in Kovalam. It was named after the 30 metre high light house, which is the most important feature of this beach. The beach has vast stretches of silver-coloured sand and surrounded by palm trees all around. The beach has tons of water activities as well like parasailing, paragliding and jet skiing. There are plenty of restaurants and accommodation options nearby the beach as well. Hawah Beach - You can find this just in the north of Lighthouse Beach. This is also known as Eve's Beach, as reference to being the first topless beach in the country. However, the beach has banned topless bathing now. Still, it's worth a visit as it's less crowded than the Lighthouse Beach. There are also plenty of accommodation options just around the beach. Samudra Beach - This is located on the northernmost part of Kovalam. It is separated from the other beaches by disjointed fissures and a giant promontory. The main attraction of the beach is its seclusion and serenity as compared to the other beaches. Thus, it's one of the most chosen beaches in Kerala for honeymoon couples owing to the privacy it offers to tourists. This is also where local fishermen stay and gather their catches. There you go. I hope this helps!
