Weddings, however fun they are, can also be a very stressful time for you. There’s just so much to do, shopping, picking out a venue, planning the decor, selecting an outfit, creating the guest list and the things to do just don’t end. And of course, everything has to be picture perfect. Or should I say Insta-perfect? So the best honeymoon destinations after the grand shaadi is a much-awaited break.
Be it a long beach vacay at an exotic location, a wonderful European holiday, or an expedition on the hills, it’s essential that you choose your honeymoon destination very carefully. Keep in mind your budget, the kind of travellers you are and even the time of the year you’re getting married. You don’t want to end by on a beach during the peak summers, you’ll toast to death! So we’ve created a list for all the best places to have a honeymoon around the world so that your first steps as a couple are special and will be memorable forever!
Best Honeymoon Destinations in India
Best Honeymoon Destinations Outside India
Tips For Planning Budget Honeymoon
Best Honeymoon Places In India
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing a honeymoon trip within India. It could be for many reasons- maybe you don’t have the time to go abroad and do a fabulous trip or it could even be because you have budget constraints. Well, whatever the reason may be India is a land so big that it has a myriad of cultures coming together and that’s what makes it unique. So from beachy vacays to hilly holidays, we’ve got something for every kind of couple.
Budget Honeymoon Destinations
Shimla: The queen of the hills, Shimla is a honeymooners paradise. There’s so much more than the Mall road and quiet locales to the city which makes for the perfect romantic getaway. Spend a fun summer here or enjoy a cosy winter too, you’ll love it both ways. The picturesque hills are lush green and you can take some time to unwind. In the winter you can feast on the snow-clad trees and the sheet of white that has the city bundled up.
Rajasthan: Rajasthan is at its colourful best during this festive month. With Holi and the Elephant Festival taking place during this month, the state has a very celebratory and joyous vibe around it. While it could get a little warm in the day, the evenings sure are nice and pleasant.
Kovalam: Enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, lie on the beach and watch the beautiful sunsets, and take a walk along the shore for a romantic time together. Book a luxurious property and enjoy your stay along with the rain showers.
Agra: What’s a more romantic spot than the city which houses the Taj Mahal, a structure dedicated to love?! You can cover the entire city with a Mughal historical tour in two or three days and is ideal if you don’t want too much commuting time. Hold your lover’s hand and look at the Taj under the moonlight, it’s a beautiful way to start your life together.
Goa: The thing with Goa is that there’s a place for everyone. If you’re on a budget or you want luxury travel, there’s something for everyone. Have a fun-filled beach day with your boo and watch the sunset together. If you want to have a drink or two, this is a great place because it’s priced very reasonably.
Pondicherry: The French colony of India will make you feel like you’re somewhere abroad with its spic and span beaches and colourful streets. Especially if you’re travelling from Chennai, there’s only a short drive to cover to reach this beautiful city. Visit Auroville and understand what spirituality is. The best and most convenient way to get around the city is on the cycle or a scooty, so hire on!
Dalhousie: This mini Switzerland is going to surely draw you in with its beauty and magic. This pine-clad town is perfect for a cool summer retreat. The lush green region is all things beautiful and the colonial era buildings will take you back to a beautiful time.
Also Read 11 Cute Memories To Make With *Him* On Your Honeymoon!
Luxury Destinations
If exotic travel is what you’re looking for, India has a lot of those. From the most opulent hotels with stunning views to the most luxurious destinations, there’s a whole lot to take in. The forts of Rajasthan and the breathtaking views in the North East, India is truly a land of diversity. So honeymooners, get, set and fasten your seatbelts cause this one is going to be one heck of a ride!
Andaman: The Andaman islands are made up of smaller islands forming a cluster together. Land at Port Blair and then you can tour the neighbouring areas for a serenity you only get after seeing the endless, turquoise blue waters. We suggest living on Havelock island on Radhanagar beach for a spectacular sunset.
Srinagar: The intricate Kashmiri karigari, the complexly woven textiles, the rustling Chinar trees, and just the natural beauty of the area makes Srinagar an ideal destination for a honeymoon. Spend time on a houseboat on the Dal Lake with your bae or just stay in the five-star Sheraton there, you’ll have a fabulous time. The best time to visit is from April to August.
Shillong: Clear skies, green valleys and pleasant weather ranging from 18 to 21 degrees, Shillong is as romantic as it gets during April. Take long walks with your partner and soak yourself in the beauty of this dreamy destination.
Leh Ladakh: It’s the busiest time of the year at Leh Ladakh. The route opens up at end of May, the sun is bright during the day, light showers along with glimpses of snow make it the most picturesque location ever.
Also Read: Things do on honeymoon
Coorg: Located in Karnataka, Coorg is called the Scotland of India. The aromatic smell of coffee, the bewitching greenery, and the stunning mountains, all make for the perfect honeymoon destination. There are luxurious resorts like the Windflower Resort and Spa where you can spend some lovey-dovey time in private. Also, did we mention that coffee is an aphrodisiac?!
Udaipur: The city of lakes has something so magical and exotic about it. There’s nothing quite like it in terms of beauty and vibrancy and that’s why it would be a great place for newlyweds to live their best, royal life. Stay at one of the palaces now converted into luxury hotels like The Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace etc and feel like the king and queen you are.
Best Honeymoon Destinations Outside India
If you have more time on your hands and you’ve planned your honeymoon better, going on a trip abroad isn’t that difficult or expensive. You can opt for a remote location that’ll keep you secluded with your bae or you can choose a more happening place, it just depends on the kind of traveller you are. So hold on to your boarding passes, we’re about to check you in!
Budget Honeymoon Destinations Abroad
Thinking about best honeymoon places abroad on a budget? Yes, it’s possible. There are so many countries where you don’t have to shell a whole lot to be able to travel and they’re still just as gorgeous. For the beach bum and for the adventure seeker, this list has ‘em all keeping your pocket in mind.
Mauritius: For the tropical vibes couple, Mauritius is a pleasant bet with the temperature at a comfortable average of 25 degrees. In fact, June – July – August are the best months to plan your holiday to Mauritius.
Croatia: The best part about a September honeymoon in Croatia is that the tourist season will almost be over. And that means lesser crowd and cheaper hotel deals. But worry not as the weather is still nice and inviting. Do carry some warm clothing for the evenings though.
Bali: Bali is also known as one of the best place for honeymoon among us Indians. One can experience nature, culture and tradition at its best, along with pristine beaches that’ll take your breath away.
Sri Lanka: Bring in the New Year at the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka! The weather is extremely pleasant and the festive vibe is loud and clear. A fortnight in this beautiful country will be an experience like no other.
Bhutan: This next-door neighbour is a gem of a country because of its simple and joyful living. The land of happiness boasts of natural beauty, majestic valleys and a view of the Himalayan range like no other. Adventurous couples looking to go on hikes and treks will have fun exploring the area.
Vietnam: This land filled with an old-world charm and beautiful paddy fields is a honeymooners paradise. It has luxurious experiences like cruises and boutique hotels but at a very reasonable price point. Enjoy on the sandy beaches or go for a hike up the hills or just enjoy the floral valleys around, you can have a multitude of romantic escapades here.
Nepal: Nepal is the country if you’re crazy about heritage. Kathmandu has the densest UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites among all the capitals of the world. Now that’s something. You must dine at the Garden of Dreams together, a quiet and peaceful European-style architecture and a fine-dining restaurant that serves both Newari and European food.
Egypt: Egypt is great during October since it’s not as hot as the peak summer months but the sea is still warm and inviting. Explore the culture and history and book yourself on a luxury cruise.
Also Read: Best Honeymoon Places In India
Luxury Honeymoon Destinations Abroad
It’s your honeymoon, it comes once in your lifetime so it’s completely understood if you want to go all out and spend an enormous amount for it. After all, it’s your special time, you deserve only the best. These gorgeous countries are so romantic that starting this new chapter of life from there is a great thing.
Australia: Another great choice is Australia since while the other half of the world freezes in the winter, it is warm and sunny. The temperature averages at around 23-degree Celsius and it’s a great place with tons of activities from beach fun to wildlife, history and culture. Enjoy the nightlife in Sydney, get mesmerised by the corals in the Great Barrier Reef and there’s so much more to do.
South Africa: South Africa is a popular choice in March as after the rains, the scenery turns green and it’s also a great month to watch migratory birds. You can see the forests in their full glory and for the wildlife enthusiasts, South Africa is the destination.
Maldives: For the beach bum in you, hit up the Maldives, it’s nice and pleasant during these months. The temperature averages at around 27-degree Celsius and you can totally enjoy a romantic time lazing at the beach with your bae. While there are hotels where you need deep pockets to stay, there are also hotels where you can restrict yourself and still have a good time.
New Zealand: It’s autumn in New Zealand during April and so it is a great month to enjoy outdoor activities and the best time to visit. The days are warm and sunny, evenings are cool and you can enjoy a lot of water sports during this season. This country has a beautiful terrain with mountains and valleys and a bright blue sky.
France: The most romantic city in the world, Paris, is great for a honeymoon during the summer. If you go in May you’ll get the best of both worlds – great weather and tourist-free experience. Fall in love again in front of the Eiffel Tower and just get lost in each other in the winding streets of Paris.
Japan: The temperature in Tokyo is around 23 degrees during May, the gardens are in full bloom and the mountains are just the perfect shade of green. And Japan sure does offer a variety of activities to keep your honeymoon fun and fabulous.
Seychelles: Seychelles enjoys tropical climate almost all year round and August will definitely be an amazing month to vacation at the island. Go island hopping, dig into seafood and just relax and rejuvenate after that hectic wedding.
Dubai: October is a great month to hit Dubai. While the blazing sun takes a back seat, you can even expect a few drizzles. Book yourself at a luxurious hotel and enjoy the amazing nightlife that the destination offers.
Greece: White walls, blue streets, flowy dresses and resort wear, now that’s what we call a perf honeymoon. Be touristy around the stunning city of Santorini and fall in love with the enchanted land. It doesn’t hurt that the photos here will come out great and they’ll definitely be Insta-worthy!
Singapore: For a luxury city experience, nothing beats Singapore. A quick flight from India, Singapore might experience rain during the month but that does not in any way hamper your plans. A weekend at Sentosa Island and a fun-filled day at Universal Studios is a must.
Spain: One of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Spain has a mixture of the big-world wonder as well as the comfort and calming pace of the old-world. Go off the shore to the Balearic Islands and enjoy a hot air balloon ride and a bird’s eye view of the area. For the party animals, Ibiza is also a stopover you must make!
Tips For Planning An Exotic Honeymoon But On A Budget
Here are few interesting tips for you to plan a romantic honeymoon under your budget.
- Start planning in advance and be organised. Make lists of dates and places for your honeymoon as soon as the wedding gets finalised. This way you’ll be able to afford luxury hotels and business class tickets at a more reasonable price.
- Keep a look out for flight costs and be a little flexible on the dates you want to go. The costs keep dropping and hiking up so why pay so much money when you can get the same airfare for cheaper. You can put a Google alert on the place you’ve shortlisted so that you’re always on top of this.
- Have options of all the places you and your partner want to visit and do research on them all and then finalise on the place instead of having a destination in mind from the get-go. You’ll also have to factor in when the peak season is and when the wedding is so that you don’t clash as prices are exorbitant that time.
- Checking the exchange rate is another important thing to factor. For a luxurious yet cheaper experience go where the rupee value is higher. You can then have a great time without having to sell your kidney.
- Go for a more local travel experience than an exotic one. This way you can actually live authentically in the country rather than having a touristy experience. Look for tiny cafes, roadside shacks etc to save more and honeymoon better!
So guys, fly off and enjoy the best holiday of your life!
Read More –
How To Plan Your Honeymoon in Hindi
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This story was updated in February 2019.
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