Should the thought of reclining in marble palaces beside glassy lakes, spying on tigers in far-flung jungles, and sailing down palm-lined rivers make you swoon, India probably lies at the top of your honeymoon list. With colour, culture and an all-consuming energy, as well as romance and grandeur in spades, it truly is an unforgettable setting to begin married life. Whether you’re looking to escape from reality in the Himalayas, find relaxing bliss on the coast, or gaze at as many temples as possible (and all whilst staying in India’s finest forts, castles and tented camps, of course), we’re pretty sure you’ll find your dream trip in our India honeymoon guide. And we’ll clink our glasses to that!
Golden Triangle, tigers & the Maldives
If you have your sights on India as a honeymoon destination, you’ll likely have heard of the iconic Golden Triangle and all the architecture and cities that go with it. Add in adventurous jaunts to tiger-filled Ranthambore and a few days of sun-soaking in the Maldives, and you’ve got a honeymoon for the books… On this trip, you’ll start off with a flurry of ancient fortresses, designer markets and delicacies in Delhi, before the pearly domes of the Taj Mahal beckon. Take in sunrise views of this ode to love on a bicycle ride and watch it change colour over a private dinner on your balcony. Leave the city behind for a wild and wonderful foray into rural Rajasthan, where boating across bird-enveloped lakes and searching for Royal Bengals in the jungle is the name of the game. Return to the Golden Triangle for a whirlwind of pink palaces and marketplaces in Jaipur before jetting to the Maldives where your honeymoon will reach a dreamy conclusion on a private island ensconced by sparkling lagoons, reefs, and as many cocktails on the beach as you can squeeze in.
Top spots to stay
Begin with a spot of luxury at The Lodhi in Delhi, where private pools and indulgent Turkish baths will help you settle in nicely. In Agra, it could only be The Oberoi Amarvilas, a palatial resort with views of the Taj Mahal from every fragrant courtyard and balcony. In rural Rajasthan, the rather enchanting Ramathra Fort offers a royal experience in the heart of the countryside, whilst in Ranthambore, Khem Villas welcomes you with gorgeous tents, fireside dinners and views of the waterhole (and its wild visitors). Stylish and indulgent, The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur is a treat, and our choice for the Maldives is Six Senses Laamu where over-the-water villas lead straight into the crystalline ocean.
The magic of the Himalayas
The home of serenity, spirituality and some truly epic views, there could hardly be a better start to married life than a honeymoon in the Himalayas. This trip begins in Ladakh where you’ll fill each day with adventure – treks to the secretive snow leopards, strolls in the snow-hatted hills or rafting trips down the Indus River – before easing the pace with games of royal Ladakhi polo and sharing peaceful moments with monks at the monastery. Then, you’ll venture even closer to the heavens in Kumaon, trekking through forgotten valleys and across frozen peaks, and pausing to picnic on the mountainside. Each evening will be spent in a traditional home, warmed by a crackling fire, and waking in the morning to those views from bed. In a word, divine!
Top spots to stay
After a luxurious night at The Oberoi Gurgaon in Delhi (personal butler and exquisite dining included), the charm of Ladakh is well-represented by Nimmu House. Enjoy yoga amongst the apricot orchards, try your hand at pottery, and recline in your Rajasthani tent. Mix things up with a couple of nights glamping in the fields of Thiksey at Chamba Camp with its peaked, white tents, folk songs on the water and afternoons of croquet and cocktails, and then finish off with five days of hiking along the Village Houses Walk.
Bewitching cities, wildlife & India’s highlights
For a see-it-all, full-throttle kind of honeymoon complete with towering fortresses, a spot of tiger-watching and cities that awaken the senses, this trip is the best of the best of India. Your trip begins in the capital, Delhi, where you’ll be immersed in temples, palaces and plenty of sizzling street food. Then, it’s off to Agra to marvel at the grand marble domes of the Taj Mahal, before exploring the lush jungles of Ranthambore where tigers hide in the shadows and riding horseback through the Aravalli Hills in search of leopards. In Jaipur, you’ll be entranced by the rouge-coloured streets and enjoy the opportunity for a ritzy rooftop cocktail, before Udaipur steals your heart. Boat across the glassy waters, find Mewari paintings hidden in the alleys, and finish your honeymoon with a flourish in India’s most romantic city.
Top spots to stay
Start your honeymoon with a bang in Delhi’s grandest offering, The Imperial, before The Oberoi Amarvilas welcomes you to Agra with auspicious views of the Taj Mahal and incredible rooms. In Ranthambore, Aman-i-Khas provides luxury tented suites, a heated spa and post-safari breakfasts in the orchards whilst in rural Rajasthan, we rather like Amanbagh, a plush getaway with a good choice of activities. The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur pulls out all the stops with exquisite suites and grounds, while the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur offers the royal treatment – think massages on the lake and Jacuzzis with a view.
A spiritual adventure: Udaipur to the Himalayas
Follow the trail of morning prayers, idyllic scenery and utter tranquillity on a honeymoon from heaven. On this trip, you’ll spend a night in Delhi (don’t skip the bazaars for silks, spices and tantalising local fare), before being charmed by the romantic city of Udaipur. A tapestry of shimmering lakes, temples and views, one boat trip past the island palaces will leave you speechless just long enough to prepare for the next gasp. Journey to Rishikesh in the Himalayas where the air is rarefied, yoga is a daily staple and peeling temple bells fill the valleys. Days here are spent perfecting your Sun Salutation, getting pampered to perfection, or simply gazing out over the snowy peaks. For the more adventurous, there is water rafting in the River Ganges and treks to find elusive snow leopard.
Top spots to stay
In Delhi, The Manor is a quaint and easy-going hotel with a lovely spa and yoga studio, and easy access to the city sights. RAAS Devigarh, set in the Aravalli Hills outside Udaipur, fits the bill for honeymoon perfection with mountain views, turreted hot tubs and luxe suites, whilst Ananda in the Himalayas, an award-winning spa resort, is an easy favourite. The treatment options are endless, the vistas are stunning, and the peace is palpable.
Scenic Kerala & the sun-kissed Maldives
On this trip from Kerala to the Maldives, you’ll discover an India of old mixed with fabulous wildlife and few days of sun and sea in the Maldives. Beginning in the oh-so-quaint city of Cochin, get your fix of history and spice markets before seeking out some peace and quiet in the Western Ghats. Sip on India’s finest brews and explore the wild mountain trails (you may even see the endangered Nilgiri tahr). Venture even further off the beaten track to Periyar National Park in the Himalayan foothills, where tigers prowl and elephant trumpet in the mist, then let the backwaters of Kerala call you back to the coast for a languid rice boat trip. Then, it’s on to the Maldives and your private island home, snorkelling amongst dazzling shoals, picnicking on secluded sandbanks, and kite surfing across lagoons. We could go on and on…
Top spots to stay
In Cochin, the Brunton Boatyard is a lovely lakeside hotel where you can enjoy sunset cruises after a day of exploring. In the land of tea, our go-to is Windermere Estate, a property tucked away in the hills with charming chalets and an infinity pool. In Periyar National Park, Hill&Hues provides a dose of luxury alongside stellar views, and in Kerala, a combination of Xandari Riverscapes, a restored rice barge, and the lavish Kumarakaom Lake Resort is ideal. In the Maldives, our choice would be OBLU By Atmosphere at Helengeli for snorkelling on the house reef, Balinese massages, and sunset cruises.
The hidden spots of Rajasthan
Delve into the secret side of Rajasthan on this trip where nature feels closer, the legends are older, and your shoulders feel lighter. Start in Delhi for a few days of sightseeing at the Red Fort and India Gate before making your way to the dazzling Taj Mahal in Agra. Then, it’s time to leave the tourist trail firmly behind and escape to the woodlands of Chambal for a camel safari or boat trip amongst the Ganges river dolphin. In the depths of rural Rajasthan, you’ll discover lakes brimming with birdlife, leopards slinking between temples in the Aravalli Hills, and tiny villages where life slows to a gentle hum. And before you bid India goodbye, get lost in the City of Lakes, Udaipur, a gem of glitzy palaces, scenic boat trips and romance up to the rafters.
Top spots to stay
In Delhi, wine and dine in style at The Manor, before leaving the city in the rear view at Chambal Safari Lodge, an oasis of wildlife-spotting and grand banquets. In the countryside, head to Ramathra Fort for its fairy-tale tents, Shahpura Bagh for the luxury villas and personal cooking lessons from the Raja’s recipe book, and in the Aravalli Hills, Dev Shree Relais for home comforts in the middle of the stunning surrounds. Outside Udaipur, choose Raas Devigarh for added opulence – and go the whole hog with the Devigarh Suite with its sundeck, black marble pool, and private dinners.
