The Taj Mahal: an Indian monument to love.
India is a country of such vastness and diversity that it is able to offer honeymooners a choice of destinations to suit every taste. Whether you want the romance of the Taj Mahal and the forts of Rajasthan, the serenity of Kerala with its distinctive landscape, cuisine and numerous spas, a beach holiday in Goa or Andaman, a taste of Bollywood in cosmopolitan Mumbai or the hill stations favoured by the British Raj, you will find a honeymoon package to suit you.
Northern India
Agra is home to one of the world's most romantic destinations, the Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb and memorial for his wife, Mumtaz, this monument to love, constructed from pure white marble inlaid with precious and semiprecious stones is an inspirational start to a honeymoon. Other sights worth seeing are the nearby Red Fort and Jaipur, famous for its rubies. Rajasthan is a desert state and the home of the Rajput princes. The area is full of historic forts and palaces, some of which are now heritage hotels, ideal for a romantic stay. Rajasthan has good transport facilities, making it easy to travel around cities in northern India, including the capital, Delhi.
Southern India
Kerala, with its numerous waterways, offers a dramatic contrast to the northern states. This is the destination for a tranquil and luxurious honeymoon. Kerala has golden beaches and tropical hill stations with lush vegetation, and the scent of tea and coffee plantations. It is largely rural, and so is much more relaxing than city destinations. Here, visitors can enjoy the famous Keralan fish cuisine, enjoy wildlife tours or visit one of the many Ayurvedic spas for a massage. Popular Kerala honeymoon locations are Munnar, Wayanad and Chithirapuram. Another option is sailing the backwaters of Kerala to Cochin, Alappuzha and Kollam on a luxury houseboat.
Western India
Goa is the most popular destination for a beach honeymoon. One of the reasons Goa is so popular is that it combines tradition with modern conveniences. There are ancient temples and 21st-century hotels, traditional Goan cooking and world-class international cuisine, yoga classes and lively night clubs, all combined with spectacular beaches. Water sports enthusiasts are well catered to, as are dedicated shoppers, who will enjoy Goa's famous markets, such as the one at Anjuna Beach. The best time to visit is October to March.
Eastern India
India is known for its tea, and Darjeeling is one of the most famous teas in the world. Sitting in the hills at a height of 2,134 meters (7,001 feet) above sea level, and some 686 kilometers (426 miles) from the city of Kolkata, the area is remote but accessible, with good road and rail connections to the main cities and airports. Darjeeling offers honeymooners an oasis of tranquillity among the hills covered in tea plantations. Special spots include Senchal Lake, Lebona race course, Buddhist monasteries and botanical gardens. Darjeeling's picture-book landscape and its sunrise view from Tiger Hill will appeal to honeymooners looking for something a bit different.
