India has always been the ultimate travel destination… Once the domain of hippies, backpackers and adventurous travellers, nowadays this exotic destination is fast becoming a top alternative honeymoon spot. Blessed with jaw-dropping sights, achingly beautiful countryside, and world class accommodations, it’s a wildly romantic location and also great value for money. Where else can you sleep in a Maharaja’s Palace, enjoy sunset cocktails in rolling desert sand dunes, or indulge in a spot of elephant back polo?! The experts at Wild Frontiers, experts in exotic travel, share their best recommendations for an unforgettable honeymoon in India.
Image courtesy of Wild Frontiers
Culture
The first stop on almost any Indian itinerary is Rajasthan – the heart of cultural India. The opulent cities such as Jaipur, Jaiselmere and Judphur offer a glimpse into the great Indian civilizations, and are crammed with majestic forts and grand palaces. Buzzing markets are home to traders and artisans, selling everything from exotic spices and saris to antique furniture and flat screen TV’s.
Perhaps the most magical of the cities is the evocative Udaipur… On the banks of Lake Pichola, eagles soar high above the domes of the Royal residence whilst the evening sun reflects the fabled Jagwat Niwa – the ‘floating’ palace where the James Bond film Octopussy was filmed (now the luxurious Taj Lake Palace Hotel) on the lake. It’s cobbled medieval lanes twist amongst the surrounding hills, revealing traditional tea houses, tailors and temples at every turn.
Images courtesy of Wild Frontiers
Adventure
If it’s adventure you’re after, look to the north – to the jewel in India’s crown, Ladakh. ‘Little Tibet’ nestled over 3500 meters above sea level in India’s Himalaya is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Here you can enjoy white water rafting on the Holy Indus river, trekking to remote mountain villages, mountain biking and or motorcycle touring through some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. Experiencing little contact with the outside world, Ladakh is a land frozen in time, where colourful prayer flags adorn ancient monasteries, and colourful festivals abound through both the summer and winter.
Images courtesy of Wild Frontiers
Luxury
For luxury lovers the possibilities are almost endless. After gaining independence from Britain, the royal families of India needed a source of income and many converted their castles, palaces and hunting lodges into heritage hotels. These magnificent accommodations can whisk you away to a time, place and lifestyle that most of us can only dream of – picture your baths sprinkled with rose petals and waking up in a royal 4 poster bed. For the ultimate in luxury experience, a night at the Oberoi Amarvilas (overlooking the iconic Taj Mahal) shouldn’t be missed . What better way to end your honeymoon than a champagne breakfast overlooking the ultimate monument to love?
Images courtesy of Wild Frontiers
Getting there
Direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai are available from London Heathrow with Jet Airways, BA and Virgin. For a splurge, fly premium economy on Virgin or BA, or take advantage of Jet’s excellent value business class tickets.
Visas for India need to pre-arranged with the Indian Consulate in London.
October to March is considered the best time to visit Rajasthan, while the summer months of June – September are best for Ladakh.
With India’s new economy booming, India isn’t the bargain it used to be, however is still surprisingly affordable. Heritage hotels start from as little as £50 a night and 5* Luxury hotels are still a fraction of the cost of European prices.
If your honeymoon is the once-in-a-lifetime trip, then you may want to spend it in a one-of-a-kind place – after all, the beach holidays can be found anywhere, but a trip to India is so much more – a truly unforgettable experience.
Images courtesy of Wild Frontiers
Author Brandon Davis is an India Specialist at Wild Frontiers Adventure Holidays, designing honeymoons and tailor-made trips.
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