India in southeast Asia has the Himalayan mountains, an incredible 4,500-mile coastline, a dazzling desert, and exotic cities such as Delhi and Jaipur. Its intoxicating diversity includes the greatest monument to romance ever built – the Taj Mahal in Agra. An India honeymoon is a fantastic option for those seeking exceptional culture, luxury, and wonderful food.
Best Hotels and Resorts for an Indian Honeymoon
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
Kaldan Palace on the shores of the Bay of Bengal celebrates royalty and treats each guest as one. Everything here exudes elegance and luxury, especially the palatial architecture of its 106 suites and private villas.
Eating here is fit for a king, whether it is by the beach or on the lush lawn. The property includes a private beach and a large swimming pool.
Angsana Oasis and Spa Resort, Bangalore
Angsana Oasis and Spa Resort is the winner of the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. While surrounded by the city of Bangalore, Angsana is a garden oasis of calm, tranquility, waterfalls, and nature at its finest, with fine dining available amidst the lush greenery. Guests can enjoy biking, the gym, yoga, squash, a pool, and tennis.
The Angsana spa makes use of floral treatments with aromatics to treat body and soul. Angsana welcomes honeymooners (or almost honeymooners) with candles, flowers, balloons, and tips on to create the perfect proposal. For some nearby royal sightseeing, guests can visit the Bangalore Palace and the Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.
Club Mahindra Madikeri in Coorg, Madikeri
Club Mahindra Madikeri in Coorg is located on a coffee plantation in Madikeri and is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. It has a swimming pool and a spa to help guests relax and simply enjoy being together. Two nearby restaurants are the Green Cardamon serving international cuisine and BBQ Bay, famed for its scrumptious barbeques.
The Club is near Raja’s Tomb in Madikeri. This complex of tombs was for various kings and their favorite wives, and the property is beautiful, serene, and perfect for strolling. In addition, the Club is within walking distance of Abbey Falls, a 100-foot waterfall and one of Coorg’s favorite destinations.
Sterling Mussoorie, Mussoorie
Sterling Mussoorie has won the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for 2019 and 2021 and their Certificate of Excellence for 2018 and 2020.
Located high above a cliff, the hotel has 111 rooms with a superb view of the valley below. The Doon Diner serves delicious traditional Indian cuisine. There are a few stairs from the rooms to the restaurant, which may be difficult to handle for some. Activities include badminton, board games, parties around a bonfire, pool, tennis, and ziplining through the clouds.
The Leela Kovalam, Kerala
The Leela Kovalam stretches on a hilltop surrounded by palm trees and a fabulous dramatic view of the sea below. All the rooms are plush, and the Royal Club rooms have a private balcony, 24-hour butler service, an infinity pool, and alcohol with snacks. For added privacy and luxury, garden and sea view villas are tucked away on the property.
Several eateries offer indoor and outdoor dining. The Sky Bar is the place to be while sipping on a drink as the spectacular sunset unfolds.
The Leela Kovalam is close to the Sri Padhmanabhaswamy Temple, the world’s richest temple. Billions of dollars of hidden treasures are supposed to be inside this gold-gilded temple – or possibly over a trillion. The temple has been clouded in mystery, but also plenty of fear. Legend has it that two deadly cobras are guarding the inner sanctum. Priceless jewels keep being discovered, and everyone believes there are more. This is a mystery worth solving on one’s honeymoon.
Different Regions of India For Your Honeymoon
Old and new blend seamlessly in Rajasthan, where taxis and rickshaws vie for street space. Rajasthan is known as the Land of Kings with its 5,000-year history of Indian royalty. With its pink palaces, Jaipur in Rajasthan is known as India’s most romantic destination, with mysterious backstreets and a vibrant lakefront with luxury and romantic resorts.
Nothing beats the city of Mumbai for some vibrant city entertainment, with its beaches and Bollywood shows, which are invariably always about romance. Mumbai is also a foodie’s dream and is known as the Land of 1000 Spices with its many grand markets and fabulous aroma meant to entice. No dull food on an Indian honeymoon.
Kumarakom is a group of islands on Vembanad Lake in South India for a romantic getaway from the cities. The village is world famous for its popular “backwater” destination. Serenity and breathtaking beauty instead of royalty rules here, the perfect place to rejuvenate after a hectic wedding. is a cluster of beautiful little islands on the Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake in South India. The lake is a favorite for boating and fishing, and for couples who wish to rent a houseboat to explore all that romantic Kumarakom has to offer.
Information and Culture about India
The Indian culture dates back almost 5,000 years, and many consider it the first genuine culture in the world. With considerable arrogance, many western societies did not take India seriously, when in fact India was ahead of the West in architecture (Taj Mahal) math, and medicine.
India has a huge population of 1.3 billion, with 31 million living in the capital of New Delhi. The country is extremely diverse, with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam blending seamlessly. There is no official language, although the government uses Hindi. There are 23 other recognized official languages, with English being one of the significant “other” languages.
All lovers of Indian cuisine know the importance of spices in Indian food – from curry to turmeric to cinnamon, spices for which India is famous. In addition to its scrumptious food, India is best known to the West for its Bollywood films with their dancing, music, and romantic plots.
Despite its large populace, India is a very calm and peaceful country. Guided by the ancient principle that body and mind work together and that the mind can be used to heal the body, the healing powers of yoga and meditation have had an extensive influence. Compassion and selflessness are prized values here, as compared to the competitiveness of western civilization. What a perfect place for newlyweds to learn some excellent principles for a successful marriage.
Top Things to Do in India
Taj Mahal
Visiting the Taj Mahal in the town of Agra is a must for any visitor to India, especially honeymooners. It is without a doubt the grandest monument to love ever built, and it is one of the seven New Wonders of the World. There is a plethora of tours from both Delhi and Agra.
This giant and romantic edifice filled with white marble and art was built by 16th-century Shah Jahan as a tribute to his dead wife. It took 22 years to erect, and both the Shah and his wife are buried here.
The structure’s cost in today’s dollars would be $850 million. As a note, this is a beloved building, so visitors should dress accordingly – no shorts or tank tops, and it’s best to keep the knees covered. The complex includes a museum and a mosque.
City Palace
City Palace in Jaipur is another splendid example of impressive Indian architecture. Jaipur, known as the “pink” city, is colored mostly pink, as is its City Palace.
The Palace is still the home of the royal family, who live in a portion of it – along with 500 of their closest servants. It is a giant complex, enough to accommodate a medieval emperor and his 108 wives.
The queen had her own palace within the complex. Audio and regular guides are available at the various museums that exhibit art and the fabulous outfits worn by Jaipur royalty as well as the ornate throne room.
Ajanta Caves
In India, even the caves are magnificent. The Ajanta Caves are a collection of 30 caves with the best art and sculptures available in India.
Of special interest, Cave No. 1 is filled with brilliant paintings and murals depicting events in the life of Buddha. Cave No. 2 contrasts with designs of demons. It also contains pictures of birds and flowers, and Cave No. 4 was intended as a monastery and contains many praying figures.
Surely some of India’s greatest artwork can be found in its caves.
New Delhi
India’s capital, New Delhi, is alive with vibrant architecture, incomparable food, and fabulous activities. As everywhere else in India, it is filled with palaces. Visitors should also visit the Red Fort, which was intended as a home for the Shah.
One may well begin to suspect a secret Indian love of the red and pink buildings. This fort houses museums with more royal artifacts.
When in New Delhi, honeymooners shouldn’t miss the Indian Accent Restaurant, made entirely of glass and radiating a romantic ambiance. It has been referred to as the best Indian restaurant in the world.
Visiting the Himalayas
The Himalayas, like most of India, simply defy superlatives. They are the highest mountains in the entire world and are perfect for the outdoorsy types looking for a hiking adventure. There are several towns and national parks (click above) that offer an entrance to this magic of nature.
Average Cost of a One-Week Trip to India
A week’s honeymoon in India is quite reasonable. The average daily cost would be $180.30 for a couple, which includes average accommodations for two at $80.00, food for $76.70, and $23.50 for entertainment. That places the total low average cost around $2,004.90.
A weeklong budget vacation would cost approximately $1,970.50. A high-level average vacation would run $2,905.40, while a more luxurious week’s stay would cost $3,337.70.
Best Time to Visit India
The ideal time for a visit to India is between December and March. By April, the heat makes itself known, and then many regions experience monsoons from June through September.
India’s dry period ranges from November to February and is excellent to visit the Himalayas. As one reaches higher altitudes, it does get cold.
The city of Delhi has a mild winter and subtropical hot summer. To avoid the monsoon season, Delhi is best visited from November to February. This applies to the cities of Mumbai, Kerala, and the region of Rajasthan, as well.
Weather in India
India has three seasons – summer, monsoon, and winter. During the summer (March through May) the temperature can hit 105 degrees, while the southern regions stay just under 100 degrees. By May, the humidity becomes more noticeable, announcing the coming monsoon season.
June through October is monsoon season when the rains become intense. This rain is an answered prayer to Indian farmers, but it does keep things wet. The cost of accommodations is lower in beach regions such as Goa during this time.
The rains let up by November, and the tourists begin to flock into the country. This is a great time for a visit to the desert in Rajasthan.
When packing for an Indian honeymoon, keep in mind that lightweight, loose long sleeves are cooler than a short-sleeved shirt. Wear breathable material and be sure to include a few modest outfits for visits to the various temples.
Getting to India
There are several U.S. airports with flights to India. The most common are San Francisco International and John F. Kennedy International Airport for flights to Delhi. Tampa International Airport is a top choice for flying into Mumbai.
Air India and United Airlines both serve travelers between India and the U.S. One-way flights can vary a great deal, from $500 to $1,000, with Air India having more inexpensive flights than UA.
