Your honeymoon is that special time when you and your brand-new spouse can have some top-notch quality time to yourselves. There are numerous tour operators and travel sites eager to help make your honeymoon even more special, but the choice of destination should always remain yours. You should look for somewhere unique that both of you share an interest in. We’ve chosen ten such off-the-beaten-path destinations for you, that you may not have seen many newlyweds trying out. Here goes our top ten!
1. North Kerala
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Of course you’ve heard of the backwaters and the houseboats that frequent them, but try out North Kerala instead, for a turn. Stay in some of the most pristine little islands, with coconut trees falling over each other; take boat rides to mangrove islands, watch farmers practicing mussel farming, or do coracle rides and have some great seafood. North Kerala also boasts of the Bekal fort, a huge abandoned fortress by the edge of the sea, a breathtaking experience in itself.
2. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
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You don’t have to be a history buff to fall in love with Rajasthan. If you’re having a winter wedding and plan to have your honeymoon around October, a visit to Jodhpur is a superb idea. Enjoy the non-touristy and offbeat side of the desert. Moreover, the world famous Rajasthan International Folk Festival at Jodhpur takes place around mid-October in the backdrop of the breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort. What could be better for honeymooners than the music and the poetry of the desert?
3. Coral reefs in the Andaman Nicobar islands
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If you and your newlywed spouse are water sport freaks, try out the stunning beaches in the Andaman Nicobar islands, like Cinque Island and Corbyn’s Beach. To add to your experience, immerse yourselves in the amazing marine life in the Andaman sea reefs. Apart from visiting the marine national parks, you can try your hand at some romantic snorkeling and scuba diving together.
4. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
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Whoever said honeymoons need to be pretty and sedate? If you’re itching to do something different, give Ladakh a go. Its pristine, mysterious beauty, and difficult terrains guarantee an adrenaline rush to the head. Here you can find some of the most stunning lakes, with the most unbelievable colors you will see anywhere in the world. Ladakh is great on a bike too – check out the bike tours, a cozy option for honeymooners! The ideal season to visit is during the summer, from June to September.
5. The Maharaja Express
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Oozing with money? Try a train journey of sorts like no other. The Maharaja Express runs from Delhi to Mumbai, and includes an over-the-top lunch at the Taj Mahal (no joke), an elephant polo match, and a tiger-spotting safari trip. Try it out and be ready to live out the Cinderella dream – after all, it’s your honeymoon!
6. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
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If you want a serene experience with just the two of you amidst a valley full of flowers, try the Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. Situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level, this is a breathtakingly beautiful haven of pinks and blues. Spring is the time to visit when the valley is a spread of over 24 species of blooming rhododendrons.
7. Binsar, Himachal Pradesh
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The next time someone suggests Kulu Manali, tell them about Binsar. The perfect getaway for honeymooners, this is a relatively remote hill station situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Use your mornings and afternoons to trek or follow the river trails, or see the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. At night, curl in with your spouse and stories of Jim Corbett hunting in the Kumaon region.
8. Sundarbans, West Bengal
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If you and your spouse love adventure, don’t miss out on the world’s largest mangrove destination. Shrouded in mystery, thick forests, and wild tigers, you’ll love the place if you thrive on the thrill of uncertainty. Listen to tiger stories from the boatmen and watch crocodiles in action as you bobble along in small canoes and boats. It is simply surreal!
9. Gokarna, Karnataka
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Everyone does Goa, but how about a tiny beach town? If you like the sound of it, go for Gokarna. Devoid of crowds and commercial frills, and laced with beautiful beaches, it is the ideal honeymooners’ paradise. Located on the border of Karnataka, this quaint beach town is a haven for a water sports junkie. The place offers parasailing, surfing, and many other water-based adventure activities.
10. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
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Spiti Valley is one of the most stunning locations for nature lovers. There are plenty of camping options here, and what better way to get to know your spouse than squeezing into one tent on your honeymoon? Beautiful treks and the most amazing sunrise and sunsets await you. It is best to travel here between May and June.
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