07 Honeymoon destinations in India

1. Alleppey

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, in the state of Kerala was founded in 1762 by Raja Keshawadasan, the Divan of Tranvanacore. Alleppey means "land between the sea, wher a network of rivers flow in to it". The city is established on a narrow land between the Arabian Sea and Vembanad lake.The numerous waterways, lagoons, backwaters, canals and lakes of Alleppey has given it a name as "Venice of the East". 

Alleppey was a busy trade port in the 18th century and today is the centre of prawn farming and coir carpet industry. The town has appeared on the tourist map because of its beautiful settings, the famous snake boat races, houseboat experiences and backwater boat cruises due to its large network of canals. Alleppey is one of the best places to visit for backwater tourism. Thatched houseboats, Chinese fishing nets and swaying palms complete the picture.

State :- Kerala, India

Location :- Alleppey lies between the cities of Cochin and Trivandrum in Kerala.

Best Time To Visit :- Like much of Kerala, Alleppey has tropical weather. As such, it is humid throughout the year. The best time to visit Alleppey is between the months of August and February - with cool weather and relatively lower humidity. Numerous festivals are celebrated during these months including the Snake Boat Races. If your plan includes spending significant time on a boat in the backwaters, Alleppey is fun to travel to through May. June and July are the peak monsoon months.

STD Code :- 0477

Sightseeing :-

1. Backwaters

2. Kettuvallams

3. Krishnapuram Palace

4. Kuttunad

5. Pathiramanal Island

6. Snake Boat Race

The best time to honeymoon in Alleppey is during the months of October to May.

2. Andaman & Nicobar




Andaman & Nicobar Island consists of 572 emerald green islands only 36 of which are inhabited. It stretches over a length of more than 700 kms from North to South in the clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. These island are covered with thick forest and very rich in flora and fauna.

Port Blair: Port Blair also known as Emerald Islands is the municipal council in Andaman district, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the largest town in Andaman and Nicobar Islands named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair of the British East India Company, who unsuccessfully attempted to establish a colony in 1789. It is home to several museums and a major base for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. It is also the headquarters of the Tri Services Command. Cellular Jail (aka Kala Pani), Corbyn's Cove, Mini Zoo, Japanese Bunkers, Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) are some of the main attractions in Port Blair.

* State: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT)


* Key Attraction: Romantic and beautiful unspoilt and un-crowded beaches, trekking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing.

The best time to honeymoon in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is during the months December to April.

3. Coorg

Coorg or Kodagu as it is also known is a picturesque plantation belt adorning the Karnataka region of the majestic Western Ghats. Owing to its high altitude of 1525 m and its unique geographic terrain, this little town has widely been acclaimed as the “Scotland of India”. Kodagu or Coorg is one of the most favorite hill stations in the country surrounded by beautiful landscapes of verdant fertile hills and valleys watered by numerous rivers, streams and rippling waterfalls. 

The local people of Coorg are called ‘Coorgis’ or ‘Kodavas’. They are traditionally a martial race with a deep penchant for hunting. Coffee is the main plantation crop in Coorg, which also has tea and orange estates, and a large area covered by protected forests.

Over a period of years Coorg had been ruled by many kingdoms like the Gangas, Cholas, Kongalvas, Changalvas, Hoysalas, Nayakas and Haleri Rajas. Coorg is believed to have been originally called ‘Kroda-desa’, meaning “the land of wrath”. It later became ‘Kodavu’ and then ‘Kodagu’, as it is known today. Another interpretation links the name to its Kannada origins, where the original name was Kodaimalenadu, meaning “the land of dense forests”.

Nagarhole National Park which is an important Tiger Reserve under project Tiger is one of the important National Parks of Karnataka and easily accessible from Coorg.

History

Inscriptions on stone and copper dating back to the 9th century provide valuable information concerning the early history of the place. Coorg was believed to have been part of the Ganga Kingdom between the 9th and 10th centuries, followed by a short spell under the Kadambas. During the 11th century, the Kodagu was under the reign of the Chola dynasty who ruled over it till the 12th century. The Kongalvas and Changalvas ruled briefly and subsequently Kodagu remained free till it came under the control of the Hoysalas in the 14th century, the Nayakas in the early 16th century and the Haleri Rajas in the middle of the same century. 


State: Karnataka


Key Attraction: Lush green hills, access to National Parks and Coffee plantations. Nearby destinations include: Abbey Falls, Iruppa Falls, Madikeri Fort, Nagarahole National Park, and Brahmagiri Hills


Location :- Coorg is loated in the southwest part of Karnataka, bordered to the north by Hassan, to the east by Mysore and Kannur and Wayanad districts of Kerala to the west and south.


Best Time To Visit :- Kodagu or Coorg is best visited from April to November. Monsoon tourism is gaining popularity as the rivers are full and the numerous waterfalls at their best. 


Sightseeing :-

Abbey Falls

Bhagamandala

Brahmagiri Hills

Iruppa Falls

Kaveri Nisargadhama

Kushalnagar

Madikeri Fort

Nagarahole National Park

Omkareshwara Temple

Talakaveri

Things To Do


The best time to honeymoon in Coorg is during the months April to November.

4. Dalhousie





Dalhousie is a quiet hill station in Himachal Pradesh, built on and around five interconnected hills, being Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. Of them Bakrota is th highest point of Dalhousie. It is located on the western edge of the snow capped Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas with thick forests of pine, oak, rhododendrons and deodar trees and the River Ravi flowing below in the valley.

Dalhousie was named after Governor Dalhousie of East India Company and is the Gateway to the beautiful Chamba Valley of Himacahl Pradesh. The past of the town dominated by Britishers, who ruled India before independnce is evident in the Colonial Style Architecture of various builldings like churches, estates, borading schools etc.

However, there is plenty to do and see here. Old world Victorian charm and architecture, beautiful mountains trails, and trekking paths are some of the highlights. In addition, there is also a Tibetan community in Dalhousie. Their places of worship and eateries add further colour to Dalhousie.

From Dalhousie one can visit the Kalatope Sanctuary, which is home of the ghorals and Himalayan black bear.

History

Named after Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor-General of India at that time, Dalhousie was established in 1854 by the East India Company as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats. The legacy of India’s colonial rulers is visible everywhere.

State: Himachal Pradesh

Location :-At 6,600 feet and 575 km from Delhi, 119km from Dharamsala, 336km from Shimla, 56km from Chamba

Key Attraction: Lush green valleys and mountain views, Tibetan Market etc.


Tourist Offices

HPTDC, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23325320, 23325233,
Website: himachaltourism.nic.in

STD Code :-01899

Sightseeing :-

Alah Water Tank

Bakrota Hill

Dainkund Peak

Ganji Pahadi

GPO

Kalatope Sanctuary

Khajjiar

Panchpula

Patreni Hill

Satdhara Falls

Subhash Baoli

The Churches

Tibetan Market


The best time to honeymoon in Dalhousie is during the summer months of April to June. However, Dalhousie is a pleasent year round destination

5.Darjeeling







Darjeeling, located in the State of West Bengal in North East India, is one of the most beautiful Hill Stations in the country. It is called as the Queen of Hills and is a part of Mahabharata Range or Lesser Himalayas

Once a sleepy little village under the control of the royalty of Sikkim, Darjeeling became one of the primary summer getaways for the British troops after the King of Sikkim gave it to them as a present. 

Darjeeling is gateway to many places and many wonders. One gets a view of Mount Kanchenjunga, India's highest and the world's 3rd tallest peak at 8,598 meters along with other ranges of the Himalayas from here. Darjeeling is famous for the Tea Estates (famous for producing the popular Darjeeling Tea) most which date back to the 19th century and were a part of the British development of this area.The tea planting was started in Darjeeling by Dr. Campbell of Indian Medical Services.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO are some of the primary attractions of Darjeeling. Others are Tiger Hill, from where one gets to view the best sunrise as early as 3 or 4 in the morning, the Singhalia National Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which trains people in the art of mountaineering etc. These places apart there are many more interesting places to visit.

Trekking is one of the most pleasurable activities to enjoy the clear mountainside air and from Darjeeling one can visit to the charming and melting pot of cultures including Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet. 

History

In 1835, Darjeeling was presented to East India Company by the King of Sikkim. The town was developed as a recreational centre for the British troops and for the elite British residents to escape the heat of plains during summer. It was thus also referred to as the Summer Capital. Even today the town still retains many of the legacies of the British Government.

Tea planting in Darjeeling began in 1841 by Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service. Dr. Campbell used tea seeds from China to begin experimental tea planting in the regoion.


State :- West Bengal, India


Location:- Darjeeling is in the northern tip of West Bengal (Darjeeling District), close to the Indian State of Sikkim, and the Indian / Nepal border.





STD Code:- 0354

Sightseeing

Batasia Loop & War Memorial

Bhutia Busty Gompa

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car (Ropeway)

Dhirdham Temple

Drukpa Kargyud Monastery

Ghoom

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Himalayan Zoo

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Lloyd Botanical Gardens

Senchal Lake

Singalila National Park

Tea Estates of Darjeeling

Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival

Tiger Hill

Victoria Falls

Yogachoeling Gompa




The best time to visit Darjeeling is between April and mid-June - summer months. The temperature during this season is lovely with an average maximum temperature of around 15C. October to December are also great months to visit Darjeeling. Winters are cold with average temperatures during this season ranging from 2C - 9C (December through March)

6. Goa





A former Portuguese colony, Goa is known for its beaches, greenery, temples, world heritage sites and laid back life-style. A harmonious blend of tradition with contemporary lifestyle can be seen in the peaceful co-existance of Hindu, Christian and Muslim cultures in the state. The centuries old Portuguese influence is still evident in the grand old buildings and churches. While several industrial enterprises have come up in recent times, tourism is still the most important source of income.

Goa with its long stretch of beaches, innumerable number of churches, dense greenery, boating in lakes and backwaters and the open atmosphere has been a perfect place as a romantic destination. Now the Goa Tourism Department has launched a slogan, “Leave your worries and wallet behind and spend your honeymoon dedicated to each other," to promote Honeymoon Tourism for newly weds, attracting them with special packages.

Goa is a popular tourist destination in India attracting both domestic and foreign tourist in large numbers. The tourist groups include singles, families, friends, office trips, school and college trips and many others. Goa with its wide stretch of beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea and with Western Ghats passing though the state receives about 20 lakh tourists each year.

Now the Tourism Department of Goa specifically wants to target the group of newly married couples and has developed a special package under the brand name of “Honeymoon Package”. The package includes five nights and six days stay at three different hotels in various romantic locations. Apart from lodging and boarding facilities at good hotels, the package also includes pickup for each couple either from the airport, railway station or bus stand and sightseeing tours of the main tourist sights in the state.

The Honeymoon Package for Goa was launched by the State Tourism Department just a fortnight ago, and already they have received a very encouraging response.

In monsoons, Goa often wears a deserted look, as sightseeing gets affected due to rains. In order to promote tourism even in the rainy season, the Tourism Department had also recently launched “Raindrop Tourism” to attract tourist to Goa in monsoons, highlighting the state’s feature especially during rains.


History

Goa’s history dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was part of the Maurayan empire. Later the Satavahanas of Kolhapur came into power followed by the Chalukyans of Badami, then the Shilharas, the Kadambas and then the Chalukyans of Kalyani. In 1312 Muslim invaders came to Goa. In 1370 the Vijayanagar empire forced them out and ruled Goa for nearly 100 years after. In 1469 the Bahmani Sultans conquered Goa but after the dynasty fell apart the Adil Shahis of Bijapur took over. Later in 1510 the Portuguese arrived in Goa. After 450 years Goa became part of India in 1961.

State: Goa

Location :- West coast of India.

Key Attraction: Beaches, ancient cathedrals and heritage buildings, water sports like water scooters, scuba diving, parasailing etc.


Tourist Offices

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Trionora Apartments, Dr Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji, Goa- 403001

STD Code :-083


Sightseeing


Beaches of Goa

Calangute

Churches & Convents of Goa

Mapusa

Margao

Nightlife

Panaji

Ponda

Tamdi Surla Temple

Things to do

Vasco da Gama


The best time to honeymoon in Goa is during the months of September to May

7. Jodhpur







The second largest city in the city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler of Marwar. Located in the Thar desert, the city is dominated by massive fort and palaces. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10km long wall built almost a century after the city was founded. The wall has 8 gates leading out from the old city which has about 100 towers sacttered around the city. Due to its strategic location on the overland trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, Jodhpur became a flourishing trade centre.

Jodhpur has been called the “Blue city” because of the bluish hue created by the white washed houses around Mehrangarh Fort which is situated in the centre of the city, spread over an area of 5 kms. Even though the blue houses were originally meant only for a Brahmins, today non Brahmins also use the same color as it deflects the heat away and is also said to keep mosquitoes at bay. The palaces, forts and temples have made Jodhpur a popular tourist destination.

Mehrangarh Fort and Museum which dominates the heart of the city was founded by Rao Jodha when he shifted his capital from Mandore to Mehrangarh Fort. Mandore about 10 kms from Jodhpur, was the original capital of Mewar dynasty before Jodhpur became capital. Mandore is famous for the Shrine of Three Hundred Million Gods and 15 life sized structure carved out of rock and stone and painted in bright colours.

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the most majestic forts of Rajasthan, built of red sandstone with 7 gates to enter inside. Some of them are Jaypol Gate, Fatehpol Gate, Lahapol Gate. . There are many palaces, courtyards, lakes and temples in side the fort. Some of the beautiful palaces built inside this fort are Sukh Mahal built in Sukh Mahal lake, Moti Mahal whose ceiling is a spendid piece of art work, Phool Maha and Takht Mahal.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is also one of the star attarctions of Jodhpur. It is the only palace in Jodhpur built in the 20th century. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh to create jobs for the famine stricken people of the region in 1928. Built of marble and a special sandstone called Chittar sandstone, the architecture is a blend of Rajput, Jain and Art Deco styles. The design of the palace is the contribution of British Royal institute of Architects. The palace is huge with 347 rooms, eight dining areas, two theatres, one ballroom and huge reception halls. The palace has been partly converted to a luxury heritage hotel.

Some of the other places worth visiting around Jodhpur are Jaswant Thada, a memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, who was highly respected by the people of Jodhpur. Balsamand Lake is an artificial lake and water reservoir, a popular picnic spot today. It was built in the 12th century with the Balsamand Palace, situated adjacent to the lake. Osian is a town in the Thar desert, about 60 kms from Jodhpur and was once a propsperous town due to rich Jains who built a lavish temple here with some beautiful sculptures. Today it is a desert oasis and home to many peacocks.

Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple, Luni Fort that has now been converted to a heriatge hotel and Dhawa Wildlife Sanctuary which have the largest number of cheetal and sambhars are also tourist attractions, close to Jodhpur worth visiting.

Jodhpur being a vibrant city with a rich historical past, has a large spopping varity to choose from. Giridkot and Sardar market are famous for handicrafts. Other famous things one can buy from here are silver jewellery, doorways, paintings, leather items, puppets, textiles etc. Do not miss out on tasting the thick creamy Makhani Lassi of Jodhpur.


Key Attraction: Balsamand Lake and Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort and Museum, Jaswant Thada etc.


State :-Rajasthan

Location :- Jodhpur is located in the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert

* 620km from Delhi,
* 331 km west of Jaipur

STD Code :-0291


Sightseeing

Balsamand Lake and Palace

Jaswant Thada

Mandore

Mehrangarh Fort and Museum

Osian

Sardar Bazaar

Umaid Bhawan Palace


Autumn through winter is the most welcoming time for tourist looking to visit Jodhpur as the summer heat is brutal. The best time to honeymoon in Jodhpur is during the months of September to March.