10 Best Honeymoon Destinations for Indians

Like it or not, there’s a lot of stress that comes with planning a wedding. So when you and your partner have tied the knot, you want to get away to a place where the word stress won’t exist in your vocabulary. With planning a honeymoon comes booking flights, booking hotel rooms, figuring out an itinerary and a host of other things. With air travel now affordable to a wider segment of people, international destinations are going all out to woo the Indian traveler, and especially the Indian honeymooner. Here are top 10 honeymoon destinations outside India. Bali, Indonesia

Several Indian cities are now well connected by flights to Bali. With its attractive beaches, rich, green rice paddies, beautifully sculpted temples all around and delicious seafood, Bali is truly one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations outside India. Seminyak in southern Bali is a great choice. While it is slightly upscale, it has lovely resorts set right on what is a particularly nice stretch of the beach. Surfers, rejoice! Because you and your partner can enjoy a battle on the waves in Kuta or Nusa Lembongan. Get a taste of the rich Balinese culture through their scintillating dance performances at Ubud. Stroll along the rice paddies, and finally treat yourselves to a fabulous Balinese massage at one of the many lovely spas that dot the region.

Switzerland

Yash Chopra made Switzerland popular among Indians, and we have to thank him for it. And you know what? The snow-clad mountains, the vivid colors of the flora, and the ski slopes that seem to stretch to eternity are for real, making it a favorite in any list of the best honeymoon destinations outside India. It is sacrilege to not be romantic when you’re visiting Switzerland. Lucerne, with its sparkling lake and its postcard like views is a fairytale come true. The Golden Round Trip is a journey via steamboat, red funicular rail and cableway for you to experience the glory of Mount Pilatus. Sip some hot chocolate together, and savor the crisp, clean mountain air at Mount Titlis or simply reminisce Bollywood style romance at Interlaken. Ticino in southeastern Switzerland, with its charming Italian influence is also a great choice on your itinerary if you want to indulge in water sports.

Sri Lanka

A treasure so close to home: that is Sri Lanka for you. For a country that has been always in the news for the wrong reasons in the past, Sri Lanka has worked hard towards making its beautiful destinations accessible to travelers. The resorts in Bentota, Galle and other beaches are world-class, giving honeymooners the much-needed privacy and pampering. If you want to escape to the hills, there is no place like Nuwara Eliya, where it is pure bliss to sit and share a cup of tea and a piece of cake with your partner. With scenic waterfalls, tea plantations and impressive colonial buildings, it is a great choice for honeymooners. Several Indian airlines offer reasonably priced air tickets to Colombo, and the frequency of flights is quite good.

New Zealand

For a perfect blend of adventure and luxurious pampering, New Zealand woos you with its dramatic variety. Queenstown is a great place to start, and one of the most thrilling honeymoon destinations outside India. If it’s your cup of tea, kickstart your journey together with a bungee jump at the Nevis bungee site. Follow it up with a treat to the palate on a wine tour in the region. Take a luxury cruise through the famous Milford Sound fjord for some absolutely breathtaking views, and feel the romance in the air. Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, with several geysers and hot springs in abundance. Treat yourselves to a dip in a hot mineral spring spa and come out all relaxed and rejuvenated.

Maldives

You’ve always seen pictures of those thatched roof resorts perched right in the middle of turquoise waters and wondered when you’d go there. A honeymoon is the perfect time, don’t you think? Maldives with its brilliantly colored sea life, coral reefs and clear waters is enough to make you dizzy with love. For all the water sports enthusiasts, you can get a PADI certification in scuba diving, or go kayaking with your partner. All major Indian cities have regular flights to Maldives.

Thailand

Did you get bowled over by the shooting locations when you watched “The Beach”? Did you vow to yourself that you would take your special someone there when the time came? Well, Thailand, one of the best honeymoon destinations outside India, welcomes you with open arms. The gorgeous Koh Phi Phi island in Thailand is a popular honeymoon destination, as is Koh Samui. Cheap flight tickets to Thailand are available from all major cities in India, and you can then take a domestic flight to your destination of choice. Spend your days lazing on the beach or indulging in snorkeling and diving, and your evenings enjoying the nightlife in these vibrant places.

Turkey

On the lookout for unique and exotic honeymoon destinations outside India? For a country with mixed identities straddling two continents, Turkey has carved its place on the traveler’s map. Istanbul is a blend of the ancient, the eclectic, the modern and the fashionable. The city is steeped in centuries of history, and even if you’re on your way to Cappadocia or Antalya, you must spend a few days exploring Istanbul. Take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia while you hold hands and gaze at the chimney like rock form

Dubai, UAE

Most often seen only as a glitzy shopping destination, Dubai has much to offer to honeymooners as well. Spend time at the Dubai Creek, taking in the beautiful skyline of the place. Wander around the old Bastakiya district for your fix of history, and the Deira Gold Souk where all that glitters is gold. Take full advantage of the Arab hospitality in your resort and visit the spa for a massage. Go on a desert safari and get a sneak peek into Bedouin life by visiting a village. A lot of Indian airline companies now offer cheap tickets to Dubai, making this beautiful desert city an attractive tourist destination for Indians.

Malaysia

With its blend of culture, nightlife and charming countryside, there is no reason why Malaysia doesn’t belong to our list of the best honeymoon destinations outside India. Start your trip in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. After you’ve explored the city, head to Genting Highlands or one of the islands. Pangkor Laut is pure luxury and bliss – just what you want on your honeymoon. Langkawi with its serene beaches will provide for quality time with your loved one. For a taste of the colonial influence, visit the Cameron Highlands where the rolling hills and tea plantations make for a romantic time.

Hong Kong and Macau, China

For a bustling city, Hong Kong has some pleasant surprises for honeymooners. Explore the sights in the city, and enjoy superb views of the island from the vantage point at Victoria Park. Indulge in a culinary feast in swish restaurants or at local markets. Head to Macau, which is known for its vibrant casinos but also, makes for a great honeymoon destination. Take a romantic walk on Fisherman’s Wharf. Connecting flights to Hong Kong are available from all major Indian cities, and Macau is an hour’s ferry ride from HK.