13 Best Places for Couples Planning Honeymoon Tour in Himachal and Uttarakhand

One thing that every couple dreams of while getting married is to begin their new journey with a beautiful start and to make their ‘Honeymoon’, the most memorable and exciting trips of their lives. India is blessed with a plethora of romantic getaways ranging from serene hill stations in North to exotic beaches in the South. For couples seeking a quiet time with each other in the lap of the Mother Nature, the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, mark their place at top in the list of best honeymoon destinations in India, few of them are listed below.

Shimla

Shimla in Winters

Nestled in the lap of Himalayas amidst thick forests of pines and deodars, Shimla is a quaint little hill station that is blessed with abundant natural beauty and serenity. Snow-capped hills, pure mountain air, refreshing weather and rich scenic splendour of the hill town, makes it a perfect honeymoon destination for many newlyweds who are seeking some peace and tranquillity away from all the hullabaloo of their pre-wedding functions. Be it a romantic stroll around the deodar lined trails, a childish fun of gorging onto a chilled ice-cream in bustling and vibrant ‘Mall Road’ during a cool evening, a hop onto the toy train for a picturesque ride from Shimla to Kalka, a delightful hike to ‘Jakhoo Temple’ to seek blessings of Lord Hanuman, a lovely candle light dinner or a cosy time around a campfire under the chilled moonlit night – the pristine surroundings of Shimla offer perfect ambience and opportunities for couples to know each other and return with some great honeymoon memories. Read More

Kasauli

Kasauli is a small little hill station nestled amidst the Dhauladhar Ranges with surrounding forests of oak, pine and chestnut in Himachal Pradesh. The place falls enroute to Shimla and makes an ideal destination for honeymooners owing to its tranquil settings and solitude it offers to the newlywed couples looking for a private time together with nothing much to do – celebrate the new beginning of your life with a stay in a private and cosy cottage, watch the clouds float in the sky, enjoy beautiful views of the setting sun or go for romantic walks in the woods, watching colourful birds chirping around and feel the cool mountain breeze brushing through your face. Read More

Chail

Located at a distance of almost 60 km. from Shimla, Chail is another beautiful hill station that comparatively remains untouched from the hordes of tourists and offers more of tranquil environs for newlywed love birds. Spectacular Himalayan views, velvety green valleys, fruit laden orchards, sprawling lawns lined up with pines and oaks – no doubt why Chail is also known as the ‘Lover’s Hill’. Go for romantic nature walks, listen to the music of chirping birds or just sit by and relax beside the warm fireplace in your cottage – let the time stand still as you make some everlasting memories with your better half. Read More

Manali

Manali Rohtang Pass

Surrounded by sky-scraping snow clad mountains and thick forests of pinewood, Manali is a magical hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is known for its breath-taking beauty. Owing to its calm and tranquil settings, the hill station is flocked by many honeymoon couples from all across India. Picturesque valleys covered in blankets of green, mountain air filled with an aroma of burning pines, gurgling streams and the sparkling Beas River burbling down the mountains; all of them create a perfect ambience for honeymoon couples to cuddle in each other’s arms. From romantic stays in quaint little treehouse cottages tucked amidst a forest of cedar, to romantic walks up to the ‘Hadimba Temple’; from some adventure sports at the picturesque valley of ‘Solang’ to snowball fights at the ‘Rohtang Pass’ – the opportunities are endless for couples to spend an ample quality time in each other’s company.

Nainital

View of the Himalayas from Tiffin Top Nainital

Known for its aesthetic beauty blessed with natural scenic splendours, Nainital, situated in Uttarakhand, is one of the most charming hill stations in North India. Owing to its unspoilt natural charm and tranquil environs, the hill station makes it for one of the most popular honeymoon getaways in India. Experience a couple boat ride on the serene ‘Naini Lake’ during cool mornings, watch the enchanting views of the farfetched snow-clad Himalayan mountain range from the ‘Snow View’ in the afternoon, and admire the enchanting views of the setting sun at ‘Hanuman Garhi’ during the chill evenings. End the most romantic day of your life by sipping a cup of coffee at a cosy lakeside café, watching the magical waters of Naini Lake reflecting the lights of lakeside shops and restaurants. For a more surreal experience, head towards ‘Sattal’ and just have a laid back day with your life partner at one of the unperturbed resorts in the area.

Ranikhet

Located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a charming little hill station nestled amidst lush green forests of pine, oak and deodars. Magnetism of panoramic views of the Himalayan range, plush green meadows, salubrious weather, and serene surroundings; lures hundreds of tourists every year to Ranikhet. The age-old colonial bungalows and churches dating back to the British era, adds to its old world charm. Not frequented by many tourists, the hill station still retains its laid-back charm and provides an impeccable atmosphere for honeymoon couples to have a quiet and intimate time with each other. From romantic nature walks to pious visits to famous ‘Kalika’ and ‘Jhula Devi’ temples in order to seek blessings for a blissful married life; Ranikhet makes it for a perfect honeymoon destination in India.

Auli

Auli in Winter

Situated in Uttarakhand, Auli offers invigorating views of the Himalayan Range soaked in golden hues of the morning sun. Acclaimed to be one of the best ski resorts in India, Auli is one of the best winter honeymoon destinations in India, giving ample opportunities to brave-heart couples to indulge in the thrills of skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. On the powder laden slopes, indulge in some fun and excitement as you fall and slide on the slopes. For less of adventure lovers, Auli is also a perfect spot to snuggle up and relax in the company of your soulmate.

Dalhousie

Nestled amidst snow-capped hills of Dhauladhar Ranges and verdant green meadows, Dalhousie is another beautiful hill station situated in Himachal Pradesh. Abundant natural charm, peaceful atmosphere, pleasant climate and its quiet settings away from the noise of maddening crowds; makes it one of the best places for honeymoon in Northern India.

If you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the cold weather in serene solitude with your partner, Dalhousie is a perfect destination. Watch the sun rays kiss the snow clad mountain peaks, sipping piping hot tea in balcony of your cottage or go for a walk on the ‘Thandi Sadak’. Frequent showers during the monsoon season tranquilizes the whole aura and fill the air with romance. Couples with some adventurous spirit, can take a moderate trek up to the ‘Panch Pulla’ waterfall; spend few hours here in the lap of Mother Nature, watch the sparkling streams and hear the chirping of birds in extreme silence.

Pay a visit to the ‘Chamunda Devi Temple’ to seek blessings from Goddess Kali as the new chapter of life begins. If time permits visit the ‘Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary’ and ‘Khajjiar’, a small little valley acclaimed to be the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’.

Khajjiar

Khajjiar Magic of Blue, Photo: Flickr

Khajjiar is a small little valley tucked away in the Dhauladhar Mountains in Himachal Pradesh. The valley falls enroute from Dalhousie to Dharamshala. Untamed from urbanization, the serene valley is not known to many. Majestic meadows covered in carpets of green surrounded with sheath of deodars, an undulating landscape and a small lake in the heart of the meadows, Khajjiar seems to have directly made its way out from a picture postcard. Offering a serene and tranquil environment, this place is perfect for couples to spend a relaxing day with each other.

Dharamshala and McLeodganj

Another lovely hill station in Himachal Pradesh, predominantly influenced with Buddhist culture, Dharamshala is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples seeking a quiet time in each other’s company coupled with some adventure fun and sightseeing. While the lower Dharamshala is bustling with crowds, the upper Dharamshala, also known as ‘McLeodganj’‘, is teeming with solemn ambience of Buddhist monasteries, rolling prayer wheels and sound of the ringing bells. While the city centre is full of tourists and monks, you can head towards the ‘Bhagsu Falls‘ to rejuvenate yourself in the all-embracing scenic beauty of the gushing waters. On return from the Bhagsu Falls, pay a short visit to the nearby ‘Bhagsu Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. For a calmer experience, visit the ‘Tsuglagkhang Temple’ to soak your souls in the profound peace amidst the Buddhist chants reverberating the whole atmosphere. Set off for a 9 km. trek to ‘Triund’ to get some panoramic vistas of the Kangra valley, to satiate your adventurous self.

Mussoorie

Cocooned in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is a charming little hill station flocked by many tourists and honeymooners. With not much to do, Mussoorie gives ample opportunities to newlyweds to know each other and spend some memorable time together. From soaking yourself in the gushing waters of the ‘Kempty Falls’ to strolling along the flower laden paths of the ‘Company Garden’ and enjoying a boat ride in the serene ‘Mussoorie Lake’ – there’s so much to celebrate your Honeymoon in Mussoorie. For a more romantic feel – just sit back in your hotel balcony and watch the mist play hide and seek with the mountains, listen to the music of the chirping birds and enjoy some adraki chai with piping hot pakodas.

Dhanaulti

Few kilometres short of Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is a small village nestled amidst forests of oak and pines. The place is apt for honeymooners looking out for some options of night camping – what can be more romantic that enjoying a night stay at a tent in an almost freezing temperature with just a bonfire to keep the atmosphere warm. A stroll on the mountains in the thick of the night with only few lights seen down the valley, is sure to fill the air with more romance, fun and everlasting memories.

Rishikesh

Located at the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh is situated in Uttarakhand. The place is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples seeking some adventure fun of river rafting, rappelling, and kayaking coupled with religious worldliness. Besides the normal sightseeing of ‘Ram Jhula’ and ’Laxman Jhula’, spend a quiet time dipping your feet in chilling water of the Ganga river or indulge in an ultimate spiritual experience of the sunset Ganga Aarti at one of Ganga ghats.

The above honeymoon destinations are some of the ideal spots for newlyweds to have a romantic vacation. If you are also looking out for an ideal honeymoon destination to have some everlasting memories, pick up any one location that suits your taste and budget. If you have some suggestions or feel some information is missing, do share with us.