While destinations like Goa, Madikeri (formerly Coorg) and Nainital frequently top the post-wedding travel list, check out more out-of-the-way spots for a honeymoon experience like no other. The northeast of India is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers looking to enjoy its pure air, friendly people, local cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. The region is also a prime destination for couples who like being in nature’s embrace and hope to experience the awe and serenity that comes with being outdoors.
This hill station in Assam is known for its verdant landscapes, valleys and mountains. If you’re a couple looking to spend quality time together among lakeside resorts and go on treks and paragliding adventures together then this place is the ideal honeymoon destination for you. Chat with the locals to understand the traditional Dimasa culture; go on a boat ride on Haflong Lake and watch the stars come out at night from the shore; visit the Jatinga Bird Watching Centre to learn about the region’s biodiversity; shop for handwoven textiles, handicrafts and traditional Dimasa jewellery at the markets; and feast on local delicacies that make use of bamboo shoots and rice.
Nearby Places to Visit: Nearby attractions include the scenic Haflong Lake, the Jatinga bird mystery valley, the panoramic views from Borail Range, the cultural experiences in nearby Dimasa tribal villages, the potential for trekking and exploring the surrounding hills, and the cascading waterfalls in the region, to name a few.
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Silchar (IXS), which has flight connectivity with some major cities in India. From Silchar, Haflong is approximately a three-four hour drive.
By Rail: Alternatively, you can reach Haflong by train; it has its own railway station (HFLG) with connections to Guwahati and other parts of Assam.
By Road: The road journey from Guwahati to Haflong takes around six to eight hours.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Haflong is generally during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with comfortable.
This hill station is located in Sikkim near Tibet. Tourists come from all over the world to visit the town between October and May, mostly on their way to the Yumthang Valley and the Lachung Monastery. It is one of the best honeymoon places in India due to its spectacular views of the waterfalls, streams, orchards and mountains—little wonder then that it was called “the most picturesque village of Sikkim” by a British explorer in the 19th century. If you’ve exhausted yourself by trekking the Rhododendron Valley (and seeing its sanctuary), visiting the Lachung Viewpoint, and checking out the Bhewma Falls and Khanda Waterfall, then take a day trip to the Lachen Monastery, 48km away. If you're looking for a more exhaustive itinerary to Lachung, click here.
Nearby Places to Visit: Consider the breathtaking Yumthang Valley (known as the "Valley of Flowers" of Sikkim), the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (blooming in spring), the Yumesamdong (Zero Point) near the Chinese border (subject to permits), the sacred Lachen Monastery, the cascading Bhim Nala Falls, and the opportunity to experience the unique culture and traditions of the local Bhutia community, to name a few.
How To Reach: The nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, which has good flight connectivity with major cities in India. From Bagdogra, you'll need to travel by road to Gangtok (the capital of Sikkim), which takes approximately five hours. From Gangtok, Lachung is another six hour drive along winding mountain roads. Shared jeeps or private vehicles are the common modes of transport for this leg of the journey. Please note that permits are required to visit North Sikkim, including Lachung and Yumthang Valley, and these are usually arranged by tour operators in Gangtok.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Lachung is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to mid-November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies offering magnificent views of the Himalayas. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons in the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, while autumn offers crisp air and vibrant colors.
Imagine soaking yourself in hot water springs, strolling through apple and kiwi orchards hand-in-hand with your partner, and swimming in an icy cold but crystal-clear river. You will find all this and more in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The fresh clean air and traditional houses of the village will rejuvenate your senses and bring you and your partner a feeling of tranquillity. Wonder at the architecture of the Thupsung Dhargye Ling monastery, learn about the significance of yaks at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, cuddle the sheep munching on grass in the Sangti Valley, share tea and conversations with the Monpa people, and feel the wind at the Mandala Top, where 108 Buddhist stupas are built in concentric circles.
Nearby Places to Visit: Nearby attractions include the Dirang Dzong (a traditional Monpa tribal settlement), the hot water springs, the National Research Centre on Yak, the Sangti Valley (known for its migratory birds in winter), the Kiwi gardens, the Bomdila Monastery (en route from Guwahati or Tezpur), and the scenic Sela Pass (further ahead towards Tawang), to name a few. The region is also home to various Monpa villages, offering insights into their unique culture and traditions.
How To Reach: The most convenient way to reach Dirang is by road. The nearest major airport is Tezpur Airport (TEZ) in Assam, which has flight connectivity with some major cities in India. From Tezpur, Dirang is approximately a seven hour drive through scenic mountain roads.
Alternatively, you can travel to Guwahati (GAU), which has better flight connectivity, and then undertake a longer road journey of about 10-12 hours to Dirang. Shared taxis and private vehicles are available for these routes. You will also need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh, which can be obtained online or through designated authorities.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Dirang is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and other flowers, while autumn offers crisp air and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Bordering a region of old-growth forest and home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna (like the Blyth's tragopan) is the beautiful landscape of the Dzüko Valley in Nagaland. Adorned by a vast bed of lilies and red and white rhododendrons in the summer, the valley dazzles with green hillocks and blue mountaintops. In the cooler months, the Dzüko Valley shivers but brings forth its own winterland charm. There are treks galore that you can do here with your partner, such as to the top of Mount Japfü at 3,048 metres above sea level. The peak holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest rhododendron tree anywhere in the world at a height of 20 m. There are many more trek options Outlook Traveller has curated here, too.
Alternatively, take a trip to the Kohima Botanical Garden to learn about the various kinds of herbs and flowers found there, especially the ones that are unique to Kohima and grow nowhere else. Take photos with your loved one as you admire its splendour.
Nearby Places to Visit: While Dzüko Valley itself is the primary attraction, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, seasonal carpets of wildflowers (especially lilies), meandering streams, and unique dwarf bamboo. Nearby, you can explore the trekking routes within the valley leading to different viewpoints and resting huts. The nearest towns are Kohima, and Mao (in Manipur), which offer glimpses into the local cultures. While the valley is the main draw, the journey to reach it often involves passing through scenic landscapes and traditional villages.
How To Reach: The most common entry point to Dzüko Valley from the Nagaland side is via Jakhama village or Viswema village, both located a short drive from Kohima. Kohima has road connectivity with Guwahati (GAU), which is the nearest major airport with good flight connections across India (approximately a five hour drive). Alternatively, Dimapur Airport (DMU) is closer to Kohima (around three hours drive) but has fewer flight options. From Kohima, you'll need to hire a taxi to reach the trekking base points (Jakhama or Viswema).
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Dzüko Valley is generally during the post-monsoon and winter months (September to May). The valley is lush green after the monsoons (September to November), and the weather is pleasant for trekking. From late May to June, the famous Dzüko lilies typically bloom, creating a spectacular floral carpet, making it a very popular time to visit. However, the exact blooming period can vary each year.
Nicknamed “the permanent seat of spring,” Jampui Hills is a popular tourist destination in Tripura. Situated at an altitude of 914 m above sea level, it has panoramic views of the Chittagong Hills, the Kanchanpur-Dasda Valley, and the hill ranges of Tripura and Mizoram. With orchard farms, tea plantations and lush greenery, this place will leave you and your partner completely spellbound. The slopes of the hills are where orange plantations abound—you can even smell the sweet aroma of the fruit in the air while exploring the area. For a romantic moment, see the rising and setting of the sun from the various viewpoints scattered across the hills.
Nearby Places to Visit: The Jampui Hills themselves are the primary attraction, known for their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and orange orchards. Key spots within the hills include the highest peak, Betlingchhip (offering panoramic views), the charming villages inhabited by the Mizo community (with their unique culture and handicrafts), the various viewpoints offering vistas of the surrounding valleys and distant Bangladesh, and the opportunity to witness the vibrant orange harvest season. Nearby, you can explore other parts of Tripura, such as the historical Ujjayanta Palace and Neermahal water palace in Agartala, and the rock carvings at Unakoti.
How To Reach: The most convenient way to reach the Jampui Hills is by road from Agartala (IXA), the capital of Tripura, which has good flight connectivity with major cities in India. The journey from Agartala to the Jampui Hills takes approximately four hours by car or taxi. Buses are also available but may take longer.
Best Time to Visit: Winter is the best time to visit the Jampui Hills as it's when the Orange Festival is held in November. During the festival, the fruits are artistically arranged in the form of wildlife and various forts of the country.
This story was first published on September 12, 2024; and it has since been updated.