TRAVNET gives you a sneak peek (no puns!) into the best and most romantic honeymoon destinations outside India

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.


1. 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.

2. 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 favourite 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.

3. 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 airtickets to Colombo and the frequency of flights is quite good.

4. 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. For a detailed guide of what to do when in New Zealand.

5. 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.

6. 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. Good Deals on 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.

7. 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 formations.

8. 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 very attractive fares, making this beautiful desert city an attractive tourist destination for Indians.

9. Singapore

Singapore is that one place which comes to everybody’s mind when planning for an international honeymoon trip. And what makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations on a budget is the fact that it is an island country and offers mesmerizing views that will give you innumerable ways to fall in love over again! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Singapore right away!

10. France

France – the city of lights – entices you with myriad sightseeing options, eclectic selection of eateries, an exhaustive list of chic addresses, and the most famous Eiffel Tower. And believe it or not, it’s one of the top honeymoon destinations on a budget. Without doubt, Eiffel tower is the first place a couple thinks of when in Paris. But there’s more that can be included in the trip. Experience the pristine beauty and tranquillity of the picturesque Rhone-Alpes region, experience romance Victorian style, go for a cart ride across the city, take a picture perfect romantic evening in Paris, or sail across Seine at your heavenly honeymoon destination.