5 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in India

India is a popular honeymoon destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. Whether you are looking to simply spend your honeymoon sipping hot tea and enjoying the view of the snow-capped Himalayas, stay in a luxury cabin at a tiger reserve, dine by candlelight on the beach or explore Keralan backwaters by houseboat, there are dozens of options for honeymoon packages and romantic getaways.

1. Shimla

Located in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is known as the queen of the British hill stations. It was designed as the summer capital during colonial times, and today many of the hotels and restaurants are remnants of the colonial era. Honeymooners come to Shimla year-round, in winter to enjoy the snow and in summer to escape the heat of lower altitudes.

Many hotels in Shimla have honeymoon suites; some even have kitsch additions like mirrors on the ceiling. Things to do in and around Shimla include picnicking, hiking to Chadwick Falls and the nearby river gorge, taking scenic drive to area villages and enjoying a bird's eye view of the city from Jakhoo Hill.

Nearest airport: Jubberhatti, connection from Delhi

Nearest major airport: Delhi

Nearest train station: The Shimla station is connected to Kalka via a 6-hour scenic ride. You can also arrive in Kalka and take a taxi or bus to Shimla.

When to Visit:Year round

2. Agra

Home of the Taj Mahal, Agra is an Indian honeymoon destination suited to couples who enjoy art, architecture and historical sites. Visit the Taj at sunrise and spend and afternoon ambling around the majestic Fatephur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Keep in mind that Agra is not a destination for those seeking clean air and quiet. Most of the hotels clustered around the Taj are cheap, slightly dingy affairs, so for something more romantic look for a bed and breakfast or guesthouse in the city's suburban area or around the Cantonment. Agra is blistering hot from mid-March through mid-October, so this option is best for winter weddings.

Nearest airport: Agra

Nearest major airport: Delhi

Nearest train station: Agra

When to visit:mid-October through mid-March

3. Goa

South of Mumbai, the state of Goa is a coastal area that was previously administered by the Portuguese. Here you'll find not only beaches and dramatic cliffs, but also an eclectic mix of Portuguese and Indian culture and architecture.

Each Goan beach has its own personality, with busier beaches like Anjuna and Palolem known for the nightlife, Calangute and Baja for their popularity with hippies, and less visited beaches like Fort Aguada for their idyllic locale and scenery. Honeymooning couples should choose lodging and vacation packages carefully based on what type of beach environment you find appealing.

Nearest airport: Dabolim

Nearest major airport: Mumbai

Nearest train station: The entire region is served by the coastal Konkan railway.

When to visit: November through March

4. Kottayam

Kottayam, a center for spice and rubber trade, is located in the southern state of Kerala between the Western Ghats and the Keralan backwaters. Couples come here to honeymoon not for the views, but because the city is a good jumping off for a number of area attractions such as the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembarod Lake, and surrounding backwater villages.

One romantic option is to stay on a houseboat in the nearby village of Kumarakom and to visit Kottayam's cultural and historical attractions, such as the first Malayalam-language printing press and the early 19th-century English seminary, on a day trip.

Nearest airport: Kochi (Cochin)

Nearest major airport: Bangalore

Nearest train station: Kottayam, service from Ernakulam and Trivandrum

When to visit: November through March

5. Udaipur

Famous for its fairy-tale like lakeside palace on the shores of Lake Pichola, Udaipur is located in western Rajasthan. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," the city is an excellent honeymoon destination choice for couples who enjoy architectural, historical and cultural attractions. You can visit lakeside gardens and havelis, Sikh temples and marble palaces throughout the city. A number of museums, including one featuring a collection of vintage cars, are other points of interest.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for scenic drives in the Vravalli hills or a day trip to Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary where you can view dozens of varieties of plants and wildlife.

Nearest airport: Udaipur

Nearest major airport: Delhi

Nearest train station: Udaipur

When to visit: November through March

Sources:

Lonely Planet India
Incredible India