I am looking for some honeymoon places to visit in India. I know a lot fo people go to Shimla and Goa and these are the kind of places I want to avoid, they are over crowded and too common for holidays and honeymoons. It why I have joined the forum to get some suggestions on places for honeymoon in India, which are different but also romantic. I am due to go on my honeymoon with my fiance in January.
If a couple get married in winters, then they must explore Southern area. Kochi, Kerela, Munnar, Trivendrum are nice areas to visit at. Beaches and temples will make you feel relaxed and happy. On the contrary, if a couple is getting married in summers, then Nainital, Manali, kullu, kashmir and other North Eastern States are fabulous
Hello, @Anjali, welcome to the forum! Overview While most couples enjoy the wedding planning and all, it's undeniable that it can be a bit chaotic and stressful. Hence the need for a proper honeymoon vacation, so that the newlyweds can unwind and relax for some days before delving into the the proper married life. But what if you decide to go the usual route? That is, a visit to the usual honeymoon destinations in India, like Shimla, Dalhousie, Manali, etc. It can make your supposed relaxing honeymoon vacation into a more tension-filled one, due to the number of crowds that throng to these places. Don't worry though, India is such a vast country that you're bound to find other uncrowded honeymoon destinations. This is what this guide is all about, shedding some light unto the unexplored honeymoon destinations in India, that are every bit as scenic and romantic as the most popular honeymoon destinations that we know of! Offbeat Places for Honeymoon in India (Romantic and Unexplored) Mesmerising hill stations... 1. Ravangla (Sikkim) - Where ravishing Himalayan views dominate and where the hymn of solitude still exists, that is Ravangla. This cozy little hill station is located at the southern part of Sikkim, situated 2,134 metres above sea level. Far from the maddening crowds that Gangtok has, Ravangla remains relatively unexplored and has maintained its pristine beauty even in modern times. An all-year round destination, summers provide the best opportunities for viewing the ranges of Kanchenjunga and Kabru, while winters can be extremely cold but romantic because of the possibility of snowfall. A must-visit attraction here is the Tathagata Tsal, also known as the Buddha Park, where a 128-feet statue of the Lord Buddha gilded in copper can be found. With a backdrop of the mountains and the vast lawns, a stroll amidst the park can both be spiritual and romantic. Inside the main sanctum, you would find the interiors quite charming, with murals depicting the life of Tathagata or Lord Buddha. Even the Ralong Monastery exudes peace and tranquility, as it isn't as frequented by tourists. This monastery is located about eight kilometres away from the city centre of Ravangla. The monastery has this bright yellow and red facade which perfectly balances the views of the snow-capped mountains behind it. And finally, if you still have the time, indulge in a trek to reach Maenam Hill. An adventurous trail of about four hours, the journey is all worth it because the peak provides one with the best view of the Himalayan peaks. You can undertake in the trek during early morning or even before sunrise and spend a few hours, just picnicking under the towering heights of the mountains. So what else? Don't forget to go bird watching, as Ravangla is a haven for that activity, being home to hundreds of resident birds and also migratory birds during winter. Must Visit Attractions - Tathagata Tsal, Ralong Monastery and Maenam Hill Related Thread - Places to Visit in Sikkim 2. Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand) - Another underrated hill station destination, but this time in Uttarakhand, is Mukteshwar. Just 46 kilometres away from the popular hill station of Nainital, Mukteshwar receives less tourists and less of the limelight as well. This makes it a perfect destination for a honeymoon, as it is still unexploited by commercialism. Situated 2,171 metres above sea level, Mukteshwar has that perfect climate all-year round, though snowfall is a rare occurrence in winters. Thus, you don't need an excuse to cuddle with your loved one when you are in this hill station. Idyllic is the perfect word to describe the hill station though it also has some attractions and activities to offer to couples. The main attraction here is the Chauli Ki Jali, which is basically a viewpoint for the Ramgarh Valley below. The trek is fairly easy, around 200 metres long, and is very scenic too, providing one with views of the Himalayan ranges all throughout. At the peak, adventure activities like rappelling, valley crossing and rock climbing can also be done. A short distance of trekking from the peak is the Mukteshwar Dham, but it is more inclined and steeper, hence might not be suitable those who aren't physically fit. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be over 300 years old already. There are other smaller temples dedicated to other gods and goddesses too. You can also have a small chat with the descendant of the original builder of the temple, Swami Sanshudhanand Ji. The British-architectural style Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow is another must visit. It provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, best witnessed during sunrise or sunset. Historically, this place is important because this was where Jim Corbett shot the famous man-eating tiger of Mukteshwar. Last but not the least, a visit to the Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls would complete your trip to Mukteshwar. The trek is around two kilometres long, taking you through dense forests and river areas. In the end, the isolation and natural beauty of the waterfalls would make your Mukteshwar trip more romantic. Must Visit Attractions - Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow and Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls Related Thread - Summer Holiday Destinations in India Sunset in Mukteshwar (Image from Deepak Rohilla) Sands around your feet... 3. Byndoor (Karnataka) - Wondering which are the best beach destinations in India for honeymoon couples that aren't too mainstream? Maybe you have explored most of Goa or even have taken a trip to the Andaman Islands already. Why not venture into the unexplored coastlines of Byndoor instead? A small village in the Udupi district of Karnataka, Byndoor isn't as popular yet as other beach destinations in the country. Yet it boasts of stunning beaches, with soft and satiny sands and turquoise waters. The most popular beach of the village is the Ottinene Beach, located just a few kilometres away from the centre of Byndoor. The Ottinene Beach is also known locally as the Secret Beach, it has creamy white sands with some rocky areas. The water is a cool blue and you can often find crabs in the shores. At one side of the beach, you would find the convergence of the Arabian Sea with the Sumana River. The beach is also a bird watcher's haven where you can find bird species such as Brahminy kites, ruddy turnstones, white-bellied sea eagles and vultures frolicking in the nearby trees. If you still have time, visit the nearby beaches as well, like the Maravanthe Beach and Kodi Beach. The former is located just on the highway side, so it is easily accessible, plus fairly clean and provides a good sunset view. On the other hand, the latter is about 39 kilometres away from Byndoor proper. It has white sandy shores and also a lagoon, where the river meets with the sea. Must Visit Attractions - Ottinene Beach, Maravanthe Beach and Kodi Beach Related Thread - Byndoor Travel Guide 4. Dapoli (Maharashtra) - A small coastal town in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Dapoli has long stretches of beaches to keep the couple occupied for a few days of their honeymoon vacation. Don't worry because these beaches are neither populated nor dirty, they're the very best of the Maharashtra coastline. Begin by exploring the Anjarle Beach, perhaps Dapoli's most popular beach. It has a nice assortment of resorts but still remains relatively less crowded. You can make this beach as your base and explore the more isolated beaches of Dapoli during day trips. With views of the villages, the mountains and the sea on different angles, honeymoon couples would find it hard to move away from this picturesque beach. On the other hand, the black sand shores of Karde Beach can give a different beach vibe. On one side of the beach, you would find rocky shores, where you and your loved one can spend some tranquil time in together. Kolthare Beach is another 20 kilometres away from Dapoli proper, but its isolation is perfect for the honeymoon couples who want some time away from the popular tourist beaches. The sands of the beach are unique too, a combination of silver and golden ones, that look striking at any time of the day. Surrounded by hills on its three sides, the beach has equally scenic views as well. Now, if you want more adventure or water sports, head on to either the Murud Beach or Ladghar Beach. Both are more crowded but bustling with activity, quite a contrast to the other beaches of the town. Must Visit Attractions - Anjarle Beach, Karde Beach, Kolthare Beach, Murud Beach and Ladghar Beach Related Thread - Places Near Pune for Weekend Karde Beach in Dapoli (Image from Harshal Bhagwat) Exotic places to conquer... 5. Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) - The seasonal salt desert of Gujarat is known as the Great Rann of Kutch, sometimes referred to as the White Rann of Kutch. It is located in the Kutch district of the state, along with the Little Rann of Kutch. The beauty of the pure white salt desert is only apparent only a few months in a year, from December to March, when the sea bed recedes and dries up. While the salt desert can be visited at any time of the day, nights are especially stunning, as the moon light reflects its shade unto the white sparkling sands. On the other hand, though rare, full moon nights also provide a different angle of the salt desert. Mix some adventure with romance by indulging in a camel safari, exploring the nothingness of the vast landscapes of the seasonal salt desert. Or maybe gaze into the stars, while camping under the darkness of the desert. Coinciding with the seasonal salt desert is the Rann Utsav Festival, a vibrant amalgamation of the local culture and handicraft that celebrates this unique destination. Beside the seasonal salt desert, you can also visit the Kala Dungar. Also known as the Black Hill, this viewpoint can give one a panoramic view of the entire desert area, along with the India Bridge, the last point before the border area with Pakistan. Nearby the hillock is the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can view wild animals on their natural habitat. Aside from donkeys, the sanctuary is home to numerous resident birds, as well as migratory birds during winter season. Must Visit Attractions - White Rann of Kutch, Kala Dungar and Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Related Thread - Best Places to Visit in January in India 6. Khimsar (Rajasthan) - Something about the deserts seem so romantic, but not if they are populated by the masses, like the known dunes of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. If you want something truly offbeat, head on over to Khimsar and relish in the artificial yet romantic dunes of this destination. The Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is approachable from the Khimsar Fort only by jeep, camel or horse, making the experience even more thrilling. As soon as you reach the artificial sand dune village, the long stretches of sands, the tribal huts and the central pond would greet you. It is certainly a secluded honeymoon getaway, where you won't have to deal with the crowds or noise. The management also arranges for cultural performances and authentic Rajasthani meals. Each hut has well-designed interiors, combining rurality with modernity, so the couples can still have that comfort that they terribly need. From Khimsar, you can opt for a wildlife safari in the Panchala Blackbuck Sanctuary. The reserve is home to three main species of antelopes, the blackbucks, the chinkaras and the nilgais. Also worth visiting is the Nagaur Fort, just 44 kilometres away from Khimsar. This is a 12th century fort, built in the typical Rajput-Mughal style of architecture. However, the premises have been enhanced by the conversion into a heritage property. As such, you can even make a detour here and enjoy a night or two in the laps of the royal era havelis. Must Visit Attractions - Khimsar Fort, Khimsar Sand Dunes Village, Panchala Blackbuck Sanctuary and Nagaur Fort Related Thread - The Best Sand Dunes in India Khimsar (Image from Car Rental in Rajasthan) As if you're not in India... 7. Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh) - You don't need to reach Arizona to view the majestic Grand Canyon because India has its very own version of it. Located in Andhra Pradesh is the small fortified village of Gandikota. In fact, the very attraction of the village is the Gandikota Fort, built around the 13th century by the Mikkilineni dynasty. This is an impregnable fort, due to its strong red granite stone walls, high entry gate, over a hundred bastions and of course, the location itself. Situated on the bank of the Pennar River, surrounded by a deep gorge on one side and then by huge boulders on the other, the fort is located strategically, enough to protect it from various attacks of other dynasties. Inside the fort, various ruins of structures like a mosque, temples, granary and many more can be found. You need to climb a bit to reach the gorge viewing area. From here, the various red and brown hues of the rocks would greet you. Down further is the river itself, majestic as it looks quite blue with the surrounding red structures. Sunsets are very beautiful here, as the hues of the sun reflect upon the rocks. There are only a few hotel options in Gandikota, one is a government-operated one, which you need to book well in advance. Must Visit Attractions - Gandikota Fort and Pennar River Related Thread - Historical Places in Andhra Pradesh Gandikota Gorge View (Image from Sumiya Ebrahim) 8. Pondicherry (Union Territory) - Pondicherry is a union territory in the southern coast of India. It is sometimes compared to French towns like Eguisheim and Burano, as the landscapes and organisation of Pondicherry are similar to them. Just a stroll around the White Town, with its bright and French-style residential areas can take you to France in an instant. Also located in the same locality is the Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges Church. Though the church isn't too huge, it exudes serenity. It also has this pastel pink facade that looks quite charming. You also cannot miss the French War Memorial, also located on the same locality. This simple white monument was inaugurated as a form of dedicated to the brave soldiers who died during the World War I. A stroll along the Seaside Promenade can also be very romantic. As a bonus, an assortment of food stalls and restaurants can also be found nearby. The grand Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has this European facade, with red and white colour motifs. The stained glass windows reflect light during day time as well, which is a sight to behold. Further, there are beaches in Pondicherry that couples can visit, though they can be on the crowded side. Paradise Beach, Rock Beach and Serenity Beach are the top-rated beaches of Pondicherry. Must Visit Attractions - White Town, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges Church, French War Memorial, Seaside Promenade, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Paradise Beach, Rock Beach and Serenity Beach Related Thread - Pondicherry Travel Guide Where history meets romance... 9. Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) - Literally meaning A Hidden Place, Orchha remains off the beaten track for many tourists. Once the home of the Bundela dynasty, the small hamlet boasts of 16th century structures worth exploring. It is one of the many heritage destinations of India waiting to be discovered. Couples who love history would adore Orchha, because it is a place where you can stay close to one another while discovering the gems of the past. The Orchha Fort was built by several generations of the Bundela dynasty, showcasing the artistic side of each ruler. The prime attraction of the fort is the Raja Mahal, built around the 16th century and served as the residence of the royal queens and kings. It has an amazing sets of frescoes in its walls, depicting stories from Hindu mythologies, specifically those related to the Lord Vishnu. With an interesting story behind it, the Jahangir Mahal, also located in the fort, is a must visit too. Note that this palace was used just once, when Jahangir visited Orchha. The balance of hard and soft features, like the pillars and arches along with the lattice works and blue tiles, provide one with an overall glimpse of the architectural style of Veer Singh Deo. On the other hand, just outside the fort, you would find the Bundela Chhatris, situated alongside the Betwa River. These are cenotaphs housing the remains of the Bundela rulers. The surrounding gardens provide a respite from the heat, and provides the perfect opportunity for couples to stroll hand in hand just beside the river. Must Visit Attractions - Orchha Fort and Bundela Chhatris Related Thread - Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh Jahangir Mahal in Orchha Fort (Image from JM Suarez) 10. Vaishali (Bihar) - Vaishali might not be a known heritage destination in India but it holds lots of interesting history stories behind it. For instance, it was the capital of one the earliest republics in the world, the Licchavi clan. As early as the 6th century BCE, the Licchavi dynasty ruled over the ancient city of Vaishali. Famous ancient personalities like Mahavira, Amrapali and even Lord Buddha have their stories rooted in Vaishali as well. For instance, the Ashok Pillar is where the Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon before he left his mortal body. This pillar is flanked by an Asiatic lion, built by the Mauryan ruler, Ashoka. Some believe that this was the first ever pillar that Ashoka built. Close to the pillar is the Buddha Stupa, also built by the same ruler. This stupa houses some of the relics of the Buddha himself. It is believed that Ashoka broke the relics into smaller pieces, so he can put them in other stupas around the country. A modern stupa, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, is located just adjacent to the former stupa. It is stark white in appearance, which looks quite in contrast to the former stupa. This stupa was built by the Japanese, almost like a peace pagoda, and is relatively a newer attraction of the city. Finally, you can also visit the Vaishali Archeological Museum, where the excavated artefacts around the city are displayed. Items like ancient coins, terracotta, sculptures and many more can be found. Must Visit Attractions - Ashok Pillar, Buddha Stupa, Vishwa Shanti Stupa and Vaishali Archeological Museum Related Thread - Places to Visit in Thailand Conclusion Enjoyed this list? These are the unique honeymoon destinations in India, little known to tourists yet. Enjoy the serenity and tranquility, while being enamoured by the innate beauty of these places. Nope, you don't have to wrestle with the crowds just to have your preferred honeymoon getaway. You also don't need to settle with just hill stations or beaches, because the truth is, even heritage and cultural destinations can make for great honeymoon getaways. Have a romantic honeymoon!
