India has no dearth of breathtaking landscapes that are made even more beautiful if visited with your significant other. However, many couples still end up visiting the overcrowded, overrated, run-of-the-mill honeymoon destinations like Shimla, Manali, Goa, and more. But India has so much more to offer! Whether you’re looking for fewer crowds and more privacy or places offering adventure spots, you’ll find it all. If you truly want to experience the full breadth of the beauty, here’s a list of underrated honeymoon destinations in India.
Why Couples Are Moving Beyond Manali, Goa, And Munnar
Lately, your typical honeymoon destinations have become increasingly overcrowded, over-expensive, and over-Instagrammed. Wherever you turn, destinations seem to be crawling with wannabe influencers who care more about getting the perfect click rather than appreciating the view in front of them.
This has prompted many couples to look for spots that offer more privacy, authenticity, and comfort over popularity or brand names. So, places in India that offer seclusion, tranquil ambiance, quality stays, and romantic experiences are gaining popularity. The list given below fits the bill perfectly!
Also Read: Overrated Honeymoon Destinations To Avoid In India
What To Look For In An Underrated Honeymoon Destination
When deciding on a destination for a honeymoon, the following are the things to look for:
Privacy: Make sure that the place you shortlist offers ample privacy from tourist footfall.
Stay Quality: Being at a secluded place is no excuse to offer subpar service. The quality of the stay can make or mar your honeymoon.
Experiences: If a destination offers diverse experiences ranging from adventure to culture, it makes for a more rounded experience.
Budget: A lesser-known destination is more likely to also be the cheaper option.
Accessibility: Make sure that it’s not too far-flung a place, or it may pose a problem if there’s an emergency.
Also Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations In India
Underrated Honeymoon Destinations In India
1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
This is arguably one of the most romantic places in India. However, it does not get much footfall owing to the ILP requirements for Indian citizens. For an unforgettable stay, visit the UNESCO-listed rice fields, Apatani tribal villages, or the misty pine forests. And don’t forget to gaze at the stars in the near-zero pollution for what will be the most romantic night of your life!
Best Time To Visit: September to November
2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This is for the mountain-loving, crowd-averse couples. Its 14,000-ft., seasonally accessible roads keep footfall low organically. Most of the crowd is retained at Manali or Leh. What makes Spiti Valley ideal for romance is its moonscapes, clear view of the Milky Way at night, and the quaint Buddhist monasteries.
Best Time To Visit: June To September
3. Gokarna, Karnataka
Want Goa but not the swathes of crowds that come with it? Gokarna is your next best bet, especially if you’re more spiritual. It offers cleaner beaches and a more tranquil atmosphere than Goa. The Om Beach and the Half Moon Beach are a must-visit for a long, romantic walk on the beach during your honeymoon to-do list.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Despite being just 22 km from its more popular brother, Dalhousie, Khajjiar remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Owing to its large swathes of green land, it has received the moniker of “Switzerland of India”. The Khajjiar Lake, in particular, is an especially romantic spot with its verdant meadow surrounded by dense deodar forests.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Dubbed the Scotland of India, Coorg is already quite a popular tourist destination. However, it is still not seen as a honeymoon destination. The coffee and cardamom plantations, along with their misty waterfalls, make it one of the choicest romantic destinations.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Also Read: 5 Less Crowded Honeymoon Destinations In India For Couples
6. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
If you prefer rivers to the sea, adventure over relaxation, and forests over mountains, Tirthan Valley is your ideal honeymoon destination. The commercialization here is deliberately kept to a minimum to protect its pristine beauty. You can even experience trout fishing here if you have a penchant for such activities.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
7. Majuli, Assam
Arguably, the most unusual escape on the list is Majuli in Assam. Owing to it being the largest river island in the world, you have to reach this place by crossing the river on a ferry from Jorhat. It is home to large wetlands, the Mising tribe, and scores of Vaishavite temples. Ideal for the spiritual and reclusive couples with a penchant for rivers.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Varkala, Kerala
Love Kovalam but want fewer crowds and more character? Varkala is what you’re looking for. Imagine staring down at the waves of the Arabian Sea from the top of laterite cliffs! The natural spring waterfalls, along with the centuries-old Vishnu temple, make it the perfect honeymoon destination.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Another place in India that is given the name ‘Switzerlad’ for its beauty, Chopta, sits between the more famous Kedarnath and Auli. Its dense rhododendron and oak forests, thick, flower-carpeted meadows, and the wildflowers blooming in summer, all make it incredibly romantic.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and December to February
10. Pondicherry
If you’ve ever wanted to go to the French Riviera but can’t afford it, Pondicherry is where you should honeymoon. Its history and culture alone deserve a dedicated two to three days to fully explore. And if you feel like getting in touch with your more spiritual side, you can always visit the famous Auroville.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Also Read: 7 Winter Honeymoon Destinations In India That Feel Straight Out Of A Movie
Summing Up
For honeymooners looking for privacy, fewer crowds, and more fun, India’s diverse offerings are a boon. From snow-capped mountains in Spiti to the French Riviera vibes of Pondicherry, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in India. So, just focus on planning how you’ll make your stay more romantic while you’re there, and your stay will be memorable.
FAQs
Which Is The Most Underrated Honeymoon Destination In India?
Ziro Valley in Arunachal is arguably the most underrated honeymoon destination in the country.
Which Honeymoon Destination In India Is Best For Couples On A Budget?
Chopta in Uttarakhand and Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh are among the most affordable.
Do Indian Couples Need Special Permit To Visit Ziro Valley?
Yes, non-Arunachali citizens are required to get an Inner Limit Pass (ILP) to visit Ziro Valley.
