If you’re interested in honeymooning in an exotic locale, and if you love majestic mountain landscapes, India’s Himalayas should be at the top of your destination list. To give you an idea of the immense beauty of this region, below are some tips from our guest blogger, writer and adventure-enthusiast Rohit Agarwal.
Key Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India / iStock mikeblue
Himachal Pradesh, which means “Snow covered region”, is one of the northernmost states of India, it shares its eastern border with Tibet. Renowned for its charming hill stations and lovely all-year round weather, it’s a destination that thousands of people flock to seeking refuge from hotter regions. Visitors include Indian nationals as well as foreign travelers.
Rich in history and culture, Himachal Pradesh is laden with so many beautiful destinations it can be hard to choose the right one. The hill stations of Himachal Pradesh entice tourists of every kind and newlyweds are no exceptions. You’ll often see new brides, whose vibrant henna-painted hands and arms dangle with bangles and jewelry.
To help you choose a destination in this region, here are our top favorite picks of honeymoon locales in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.
Shimla / Photo by Bharat Justa, CC BY 2.0
1. Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is usually the first choice in this region for most honeymooners. Replete with forests of Deodar, Pine, Oak and Rhododendrons, Shimla abounds with old Neo-gothic churches, has several shopping streets and countless activities to experience. Don’t miss the Old Christ Church. Shimla is easily reached with good road, air and railway connections.
Dalhousie / Photo by Srinivasan G, CC BY-SA 2.0
You may also like: 5 Stunning Historical Destinations for a Honeymoon in India
2. Dalhousie
Named after the British Governor General, James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie, Dalhousie exudes colonial charm. Situated between five hills, Dalhousie offers breathtaking views of the Chamba valley. It is a quieter honeymoon destination compared to the others, but easy on the budget. Plenty of old churches wait to be explored here, especially St. John Church which was built in 1863. Dalhousie is good choice for active couples who enjoy the outdoors.
Manali / Photo by Vineet Timble, CC BY-SA 2.0
3. Manali
Another extremely popular hill station, Manali, lies above 2000 meters and attracts a multitude of visitors. Because of its high altitude, the area is blessed with scenic rivers, lakes, gorges and valleys. The Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple and Solang valley are must-visits.
Advance bookings may be necessary here during peak season. Manali has good air and road connections.
Chamba / Photo by Raman Sharma, CC BY 2.0
You may also like: The Best Destinations for a Winter Honeymoon in India
4. Chamba
Chamba is the biggest attraction in the Shivalik range. It is another well-loved destination in Himachal Pradesh owing to its impressive temple structures. These include Laxmi Narayan temple, Sui Mata temple and Chamunda Devi temple.
The River Ravi passes through Chamba offering a relaxing spot to unwind. Chamba is a great destination for trekkers and those interested in water sports.
Kullu / Photo by Rajarshi MITRA, CC BY 2.0
5. Kullu
The scenic Kullu valley is rich with flora and fauna and pleasant weather, making it the most sought after destination in Himachal Pradesh during summer. The area’s culture is evident in its handicrafts, which make fabulous gifts to bring home.
The valley has numerous temples and shrines which attract devotees and spiritual travelers, thus giving it the name, the “Valley of the Gods.” Kullu has good air and road connections.
You may also want to visit Chail, Rampur, Kufri and Kasauli, four other outstanding honeymoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
No matter which location or region you pick, you are sure to have the time of your life. You may even want to return for your anniversary!
Author Bio: Rohit aspires to share more and more of India’s treasured destinations with international voyagers at www.transindiatravels.com. He is smitten with nature and adventure and nothing spurs him on further than the inspiration he draws from the natural world.
If you enjoyed this article you may also want to read, “The Best Destinations for a Winter Honeymoon in India“.
