Journalism of Courage
If you have finally decided to go for a 'Shudh Desi Romance', and are seeking winter honeymoon destinations within India, stop being anxious. India has a variety of options to make your special moments worth cherishing. From picturesque beaches to thrilling hill stations, and adventurous deserts, India has almost everything you can dream of. Travel portal Booking.com has carefully-curated a list of top honeymoon destinations in India. You can checkout and pick the best as per your taste. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: If you are looking at an unexplored destination for your honeymoon, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is the place to be. Avoid the crowd and enjoy a calm, chilly atmosphere as the city shines through white snow and clear skies. You can spend a day exploring the Tawang Monastery, the heavenly Sangestar Lake and the Tawang War Memorial. Interestingly, Sangestar Lake is also called Madhuri Lake, as it’s named after actor Madhuri Dixit, who shot a dance sequence for one of her films here. So, while you plan your itinerary, make sure you pack your snow jackets and boots as the temperature drops drastically here. (Source: Booking.com)
Shillong, Meghalaya: Referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong is considered to be the most romantic honeymoon destination in India. The city stands out with its tall pine conifers, pineapple shrubs, and undulating terrains. Honeymooners can go and enjoy some water sports at Umiam Lake or walk down the streets of Mawlynnong to explore the wood carvings and traditional craftsmanship, while listening to the cultural music. (Source: Booking.com)
Araku, Andhra Pradesh: Located on the Eastern Ghats, Araku or Araku Valley is a scenic hill station famous for its coffee plantations. Nature lovers can find themselves enjoying the pleasant climate, lush greenery and waterfalls. Borra caves, Katiki Falls, Tribal Museum and Padmapuram Botanical Gardens are the top places to visit here. And if you are lucky, you will get to witness tribal folk dances of Araku called Dhimsa and Mayuri. (Source: Booking.com)
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh: Often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is heaven during winters and is one of the most romantic places to see snow in the country. The vast snow-laden meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains would make you never want to come back. A perfect destination for your honeymoon, Khajjiar is known to be a laid-back town where you can just sit back and soak in the tranquility of the Himalayan beauty. (Source: Booking.com)
Auli, Uttarakhand: Auli, is one of the best destinations for a winter honeymoon if you want to enjoy the snow. For many reasons, including its beautiful glittering slopes, crisp winter air and breathtakingly clean environment, Auli is the place to be. A heaven for adrenaline junkies to enjoy winter sports like skiing, ice skating and experience the cable car ride. A honeymoon in Auli will ensure you will return with a bag full of memories and a camera full of mesmerizing shots. (Source: Booking.com)
Sundarbans, West Bengal: For all the wildlife enthusiasts, The Sundarbans National Park is the place to visit during the winter. This lush green stretch of mangrove forest by River Ganga is one of the best national parks in India. Cruising in the motor boats and spending the night in the forest bungalows make Sundarban Forest one of the best honeymoon destinations in India. Though the park remains open from September to March, the ideal time to visit is November to February to rejoice the thrill of spotting Bengal tigers sunbathing on the banks of the Ganges.(Source: Booking.com)
Ranthambore, Rajasthan: Ranthambore is yet another place that you can explore for your honeymoon this year. Located in Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan, this national park boasts of its tiger population. Also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, this is an idyllic romantic retreat for couples. For a memorable honeymoon you can enjoy a romantic experience in the desert and indulge in star-gazing with your partner. (Source: Booking.com)
Diu, Daman and Diu: The tiny island city of Diu, in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, is blessed with stunning beaches on the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea. Spending private moments in solitude and basking in its natural charms makes Diu is one of the most romantic places in India. Walk along the seams of the beaches while watching the sunset, or take a dip in the Arabian Sea for a picture-perfect honeymoon. (Source: Booking.com)
Gokarna, Karnataka: A few hours away from Goa lies Gokarna, a town in Karnataka. Gokarna is different from other beach towns, as here you trek to beaches that have interesting names like Half Moon Beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach, and Kudle Beach. And if you are lucky, you can catch the phytoplanktons at midnight at the Paradise Beach. Your itinerary should include catching the sunset at Kudle Beach, relishing the roasted chicken steak at Namaste Cafe, Om Beach and riding the Banana boat. (Source: Booking.com)
Lakshadweep Islands: Surrounded by quaint islands, sun-kissed beaches, and crystal clear lagoons, this picture-perfect island group is an abode of sheer romance. Laze on the sparkling sandy beaches or go for a romantic stroll and enjoy the sunset. Go snorkeling at Agatti Island, scuba diving at Bangaram Island, and fishing at Kadmat Island. There is enough and more for you to do to kindle the romantic fire. (Source: Booking.com)
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: Considered to be one of the largest deserts in the world, Rann of Kutch is situated in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat. The salt marsh also conducts various desert safaris, ATV rides, paramotoring and other adventure activities for travellers. To enjoy actual desert living, you can opt to stay in a tent on the desert and stargaze while lying on the cold sand. Among other things, you must visit the Kala Dungar to get a beautiful panoramic view of the entire desert. (Source: Booking.com)
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The city of Jaisalmer is a little unique from other desert lands in Rajasthan. The golden architecture adds a different charm to this sand city. Jaisalmer is ideal for honeymooners in January as the temperature is chilly and winter morning sun just adds to it. Before you drive away to the desert for some adventure rides, take a boat ride in the famous Gadisar Lake or try the ‘dal-bati choorma’ to soothe your taste buds. You could also camp in one of the luxury tents at the Thar Desert, enjoy a camel safari and rejoice some folk music performances in the evening. (Source: Booking.com)
