Guest post by Rohit
Taj Mahal by hanno-onnes
While many couples who honeymoon in India prefer the popular hill stations, a new trend is arising: Newlyweds are choosing to explore lesser-known, historically rich destinations for their honeymoons.
Here we’ll explore some of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations that take you back to India’s past, a time when Kings and Maharajas ruled the continent.
Jaisalmer
Takes you back to a gloriously crowned India
With the gorgeous Thar Desert as a background, Jaisalmer is one of the most endearing cities in India. Once the seat of kings, it offers a variety of places to visit, such as the splendid Patwon ki Haweli, a series of early-1800s palaces, now a museum featuring intricate carvings, furniture, and artwork, or Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by ninety-nine bastions.
While sightseeing in Jaisalmer, you can try a desert safari, or visit the garden complex Bada Bagh. Romantics can enjoy a leisurely picnic by Gadisar Lake. Shoppers will want to visit the city’s Silk Route Art Gallery, which sells exquisite silk dresses.
Hampi
A dreamlike complex of Indian monuments
For those interested in early palaces and monuments, Karnataka’s Hampi, an ancient village sprinkled with ruined temple complexes, has been proclaimed as a heritage site by UNESCO. Once the royal center of the 14th century Vijayanagra Kingdom, this city houses numerous ancient monuments, each with its own respective fables.
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There are also many religious spots worth visiting in Hampi, such as Vijaya Vittala Temple and Sri Virupaksha Temple. Shoppers will want to visit one of the city’s ancient markets.
In the evening, head to Matunga Hill for a memorable sunset.
Mahabaleshwar
Breathtaking vistas of land and sea
If you are looking for a hill station with historical background, Mahabaleshwar is the perfect place to honeymoon. With the scenic vistas of the Western Ghats, a forested mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, the views here are breathtaking.
You’ll enjoy pretty Venna Lake, dotted by vibrantly-colored boats, and romantic Lingamala Falls, surrounded by lush green vegetation. The falls cascade some 600 feet into the Venna Lake during monsoon season. For those seeing serenity, the nearby forest bungalow of Lingamala is a must.
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If you love nature and hiking, you’ll want to spend some time at Tapola and Babington Point and then travel to the holy Bhushan Mahamuni. Moreover, Rajpuri caves are a hotspot for history lovers, and Panchgani, discovered by the British as a summer resort during the British Raj, is one of the most alluring sites of Mahabaleshwar.
Khajuraho
Where you can delve deep into the historical ecstasy of sensual love
Art and architecture lovers will love the temples of Khajuraho, famous for their erotic sculptures. With several thousand statues and artworks, you can spend quite a while exploring the area. In the 12th century, the site had 85 temples. Today, there are only 25 left, spread over 6 kilometers.
Agra
The Taj Mahal, an eternal love story
Agra, being the city the of Taj Mahal, an exquisite monument created by the Mughal ruler Shahjahan as a tribute to his queen Mumtaz, is India’s most popular place for honeymooners. This city is also well-known for its architectural beauty, as can be witnessed at Agra Fort, Mariam’s Tomb, Anguri Bagh, Jahangir Mahal, and Shah Burj.
Also, nature-lovers can spend time bird-watching at the famous Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and Keetham Lake. And, when you are in Agra, don’t forget to visit the Bageshwarnath Temple to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva for a happy married life ahead.
Thus, these ancient destinations of India are not only historically rich but have a distinctly romantic ambiance, ideal for honeymooners.
Author’s Bio:
Rohit, an inquisitive traveler, loves exploring unknown places and experiencing daring adventures, then jotting down interesting anecdotes for those who share the same wanderlust.