By Edwin Thomas
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in India
Honeymoons should be the most memorable of trips, and India is a most memorable destination. A vast country packed with exotic culture and natural wonders, as well as some truly outstanding bargains, India is a great place to look at when planning a honeymoon. There are a handful of truly special destinations for honeymooners.
Pondicherry
Newlyweds looking for a beach honeymoon should consider Tamil Nadu, home of India's former French colony of Pondicherry. The city retains a solidly French core, granting it a tranquility in contrast with the chaos of most Indian cities. This European legacy combines with beautiful white sand beaches and Tamil culture to create a wonderful destination. Located nearby is the Aurobindo Ashram, a New Age colony dating from the 1960s, that will have something for spiritualists and the curious alike.
The Golden Triangle
The Taj Mahal is the crown jewel of the Golden Triangle.
For those on a short honeymoon, the classic Golden Triangle of Dehli, Agra and Jaipur will pack a lot of what makes India special into a quick run. Dehli is the capital of India--a vibrant, chaotic beehive that is a world all to itself. Agra is home to the Mughal Empire's three greatest monuments: the famed Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the palace of Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur is the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan, home to exotic bazaars, Rajput forts and the Wind Palace. Dehli is a major air and rail hub, making the entire route quick and easy to navigate.
The Kerelan Backwaters
The Keralan Backwaters.
Some honeymoons are about quiet and relaxation, and the Kerelan backwaters offer plenty of that. Consisting of over 1,500 km of rivers, canals and lakes that dominate the central part of the state of Kerala, a honeymoon here should start with renting a houseboat and exploring the scenery. This can last for one day or several. After wandering on the waterways, you can move onto a resort, either nestled deep inside the quiet greenery of the backwaters or on a sea island just outside of the backwaters. All of these resorts offer cozy cottages with excellent views and Ayurvedic spa treatments.
Rajasthan
The Jain Temple at Jaisalmer.
Past Jaipur, in the rest of Rajasthan, you will find romantic accommodations in lovely, Persian-style havelis and in the palaces of maharajas. The setting combines exotic India with a dash of the Arabian Nights. An example is the Lake Palace of Udiapur, built by Jagat Singh II in the middle 1800s, now a top hotel. A honeymoon tour of Rajasthan could also include the medieval fortress of Jaislamer, the stunning Blue City of Jodhpur, the ornate Jain temples of Mount Abu and the internationally famous annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Taj Lake Palace
Post Box No. 5
Pichola Lake
Udaipur - 313 001
Rajasthan
India
Tel: (+91) 294 2428800
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About the Author:
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
Photo Credits:
Richard Thomas
