After the ‘big-day’, high on the agenda for many newlyweds is a honeymoon destination. Hotels.com tells Glynda Alves which are the best luxury honeymoon hotels in India that won’t blow your budget
With the wedding, frantic parents, crazy aunties, chatty uncles and ruckus nieces and nephews it’s safe to say that your wedded bliss begins after the party is over. Hotels.com, a global hotel specialist, helps you pick the best holiday destinations in India that are perfect for a honeymoon at this time of year. And all of the hotels are under `5,000 a night!
Panaji, Goa
This former Portuguese colony lies mid-way down the west coast of India. High, green and gorgeous, Goa is a honeymooner's dream. There are lush hills and cool blue waters, cathedrals, coconut groves, spice plantations , paddy fields,sun, sand and sea.
Where The Crown Goa Hotel. The weather is beautiful and you are close to attractions such as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Fort Aguada.
Price Rooms start at `4,900 per night.
Kovalam, Kerala
One of the ‘Ten paradises of the world’, according to the National Geographic Travelers Magazine, Kerala’s rhythmic backwaters, sunkissed beaches and forests are a must visit.
Where Abad Harmonia Ayurveda Beach Resort which is located near Kovalam Beach.
Price Rooms start at `4,500 per night.
Manali, Himanchal Pradesh
Manali is one of the most famous hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Rohtang Pass, romantic views of snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas make Manali a great destination.
Where The Apple Country Resorts, located in the log huts area in Manali is very luxurious.
Price Rooms start at `4,300 per night.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Nestled among the mountains with the famous Mt Kanchenjunga towering over, Darjeeling is a perfect destination for a honeymoon. Darjeeling is renowned for their tea estates and the Darjeeling Himalayan railway.
Where Main Olde Bellevue Heritage Hotel located in Darjeeling, close to Chowrasta, Botanical Gardens, and Raj Bhavan.
Price Rooms start at `1,208 per night.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Jodhpur is the ideal destination for honeymoons for those who are attracted by the heritage structures, sacred temples and rustic village culture. Village Safari’s, Rajasthani food and the handicrafts are the highlights for the tourists in Jodhpur.
Where Hotel Shri Ram Excellency, close to Umaid Bhawan Palace and Meherangarh.
Price Rooms start at `3,033 per night.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Also known as the Queen of hill stations, Ooty is the capital of the Nilgiris district. Verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens make Ooty an ideal honeymoon destination.
Where Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty which is close to St. Stephen's Church and Botanical Gardens. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna.
Price Rooms start at `3,600 per night.
Shimla
Shimla offers its visitors breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape, the thrilling cold weather which is offset by the cosy, intimate and faux fireplaces which are ideal for a honeymooning couple.
Where Radisson Hotel Shimla which is close to Viceregal Lodge and State Museum.
Price Rooms start at `4,975 per night.
Coorg,Karnataka
Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views make a honeymoon in Coorge an unforgettable experience.
Where The Silver Oak Homestay, located in Ponnampet near Coorg.
Price Rooms start at `2,353 per night.
Port Blair
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a naturalist's heaven. The clean environment, roads, greenery as well as unpolluted fresh air attract all nature lovers. The tropical rain forests and waters of Bay of Bengal makes it an ideal honeymoon destination.
Where Peerless Sarovar Portico Port Blair, located close to Corbyn's Cove and Anthropological Museum.
Price Rooms start at `4,735 per night.
*All prices and deals are correct as of 30 November 2010.