After months of planning, stressing and the hectic wedding celebrations it is nice to have the honeymoon to look forward to. From the mighty Himalayan peaks to the unique back waters the Indian subcontinent has diversity like no other place on Earth. Therefore we chose to highlight our top 7 favorite honeymoon experiences that India has to offer for that once in a lifetime trip. These Indian destinations can easily compete with some of the best in the world.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Situated in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairy tale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. Our favorite property by far this is a honeymoon couple’s dream. Whether you choose to visit in summer or winter the hotel is perfect for all seasons.  You can enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the restaurants, chill out at the outdoor Jacuzzi or enjoy the heated swimming pool. Take leisurely walks on the trails winding through the fragrant pine forests and enjoy gourmet picnic hampers that accompany your explorations. For the adventurous the resort offers white river rafting, trekking, mountain biking, archery, billiards, ice skating (in winter) and golf.

Ananda Spa, Himalayas

Located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills, close to the mythological cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, surrounded by graceful Sal forests, overlooking the peaceful Ganga as it meanders into the distance this place will instantly relax you. Ananda will not only leave you both breathless with the enchantment of its surroundings but also assist with the much needed cleansing you might want after all the heavy food and wedding celebrations through the well-known traditional Indian wellness regimes of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta. Amongst the host of activities you can do here our favorites are the Ganga Aarti and White Water Rafting.

Taj Safari, Madhya Pradesh

Taj Safaris are a perfect choice to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Indian jungle. With its towering, ancient trees, enchanting chorus of forest birds, and herds of gentle chital, this is a travel experience unlike any other. Enjoy twice-daily jungle drives, conducted in the comfort of an open 4×4 safari vehicle, direct from these unique and luxurious safari lodges – Mahua Kothi in Bandavgarh National Park and Bhagvan in Pench National Park, Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park and Pashan Ghar in Panna National Park.

This is an unforgettable opportunity to glimpse some of India’s most prized fauna and flora in their pristine surrounds. Test your spotting skills as Taj’s naturalists take you on exhilarating game drives. Lookout for the shy sambar (large forest deer), identify the lodges’ ten unique Star Birds, journey through ever-changing habitats and, if luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of India’s most famous and endangered predator, the Bengal tiger!

Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman

Visualize a world where you are surrounded by sun kissed white sandy beaches, azure crystalline lagoons, mysterious tropical rainforests, dazzling corals, a swimming elephant and spectacular starlit skies. In the captivating Andaman Islands, this visual transforms into a reality.

The Barefoot at Havelock resort consists of elegantly designed wood and thatch cottages and villas. Constructed using environmentally sensitive indigenous materials, this is the first and only ecologically friendly resort in the Andaman Islands. Set exclusively amidst pristine tropical forests, a honeymoon at the Barefoot at Havelock resort is an experience of a lifetime. Here, far away from the hubbub of the city life that you wish to leave behind, you will unearth the treasures of nature, discover the tranquility you seek and be charmed forever.

The Serai, Jaisalmer

A luxurious desert camp and spa, close to the medieval city of Jaisalmer is a spectacular getaway. There is no better place from which to venture into the mystical environs of Jaisalmer or discover its fabled golden fortress. The 21 beautiful tents of The Serai, Jaisalmer are laid around a desert garden where the sounds of water, blend with early morning birdsong. Little else breaks what seems an almost other worldly level of peace, especially for those flying in from the traffic mayhem of one of the great Indian cities.

Tea and a sundowner on the dunes means a drive, racing chinkara gazellles skittering away in the distance or nilgai, blue bulls, nervily standing to watch the jeeps approaching. Once you are safely relieved of camel responsibility enjoy the homemade sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. Let’s not forget the pink champagne to match the glowing evening sky before a return in the final minutes of twilight to a welcoming bar.

Spice Boat Cruises, Kerela

Time on a Spice Boat flows at a languid pace. Recline on the foredeck and slowly get into the natural rhythm of life. Still your mind and let nature work its magic on your senses. Hear the sharp music of the birdcalls and feel the gentle slap of water knocking at your door.

A short refreshing nap after lunch and the magic of the evening envelops you. Relax in an armchair with your favorite drink in hand and watch the sky change color, till it seems to meld seamlessly with the water. Then the stars make an appearance in the dome above. Frogs croak as the birdsong fades and countless fireflies light the path ahead. Dinner made in the traditional way and you come to something rare: the perfect end to a perfect day. Need we say more…?

Orange County, Coorg

Imagine a 300-acre working coffee and spice plantation, working overtime just to keep you and your special other half happy.

Verdant dales and coffee scented vales conspire with hidden spice trails redolent with the perfume of pepper and wood notes, to make your interlude in a Private Pool Villa in Coorg, an ethereal experience whose scented memories linger on forever.

India has always been a land of mystery, intrigue and above all, romance. In our opinion couples looking to tie the knot could not ask for a more romantic backdrop.

Whether your heart desire’s the settings of a royal wedding or a care free beach wedding it is all possible in this beautiful country known for its palaces, beaches and back waters add to these the coffee plantations or wine yards and you can truly choose a location that is right for you. As wedding planners we love organizing weddings in these beautiful locales to create memories for you that you will relive again and again.

Let’s start with God’s own country for those who seek a serene, peaceful and picturesque setting.

Vivanta by Taj, Bekal

The newest of the Taj properties Taj – Bekal, is one of the best kept secrets till date and we don’t intend for it to stay that way. As wedding planners we see the potential this place has to become one of hottest wedding destinations in the country.

At this unique property you don’t have to choose between the backwaters and the pristine Kerala beaches because the backwaters run across the property as seamlessly as the Kappil beach shoreline touches the manicured lawns and landscaped gardens.

With a banquet hall that has a capacity for 300 guests, a magical pool side and 71 rooms this hotel has all the elements one desires for a perfect wedding.

The Leela Kempenski Kovalam, Kovalam Beach

Kerala’s Kovalam Beach is renowned internationally for its white sandy beaches and tranquil surroundings. This hotel offers a perfect ambience for a beach ceremony, followed by a cliff top reception and ultra-luxury accommodations in the rich opulent Leela style.

Easily one of South India’s most romantic venues, the Leela is ideal for either an intimate wedding or a grand nuptial ceremony.

Taj Falaknuma, Hyderabad

This palace hotel in Hyderabad rivals those in Rajasthan. Taj Falaknuma Palace allows your guests and you to experience the exuberance and lavishness of the life of the Nizam’s and get a taste of the royal splendor. The palace has a remarkable one of its kind 101-seat dining hall that will provide a grand experience for your guests.

This palace guarantees an experience that won’t be easily forgotten and will leave you craving for more. The exceptional service that is synonymous with the Taj group of hotels will ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

The Leela Palace, Bangalore

Celebrate your wedding in unforgettable style – whether it’s 20 guests or a traditional wedding for 600. The Grand Ballroom can transform to fit your occasion with varying configuration options and décor themes, and eleven acres of landscaped gardens and bubbling waterfalls will provide the perfect backdrop.

The Leela Palace Bangalore offers legendary service, opulent surroundings and delicious cuisine. Add to it the charm and weather that this city of gardens has to offer and you can hardly go wrong

The Serai, Chikmanglur

Easily one of our absolute favorites this destination is truly a well kept secret for those of us who live in Karnataka. Chikmanglur is the birth place of the Indian coffee and if you are a looking for a unique destination then this coffee plantation is the perfect destination for you.

Take your guests on a half day trip to Belur & Halebidu (A deemed UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the hotel’s coffee plantation located on the mountains of western ghat or just relax in the hotel and enjoy the Oma Spa with its one of kind range of coffee bean treatments. With a beautiful outdoor setting that can accommodate 500 guests and a banquet hall that can seat 200 people we have ideas and themes for this place that will leave you and your guests wanting more.

Sula Vineyards, Nashik

Celebrating your nuptials amidst lush green scenic vineries is very popular in western countries. But now you can have a similar experience in India.

The stunning Sula vineyards, the lush surroundings and the elegant amphitheatre make for a romantic and spectacular venue for weddings. The amphitheatre can host anywhere between 1500 to 2000 guests, that combined with some of the best wines in India and a delectable cuisine can make weddings at this beautiful open air amphitheatre an unforgettable and memorable event.

Grand Hyatt, Goa

Redefining luxury at the heart of Goa, this 5-star hotel overlooks the visually stunning waters of Bambolim Bay.  Expect nothing less than spectacular at this beautiful property that spreads across 28 acres of colorful, tropical gardens and lush lawns that roll down to the water’s edge.

Extravagant yet intimate, Grand Hyatt Goa offers a full range of wedding services.  Grand in scale, service and attention, the function rooms are designed to offer several venue options and decor themes for large weddings as well as intimate family functions.

Oberoi Amar Vilas, Agra

If your heart desires a truly intimate ceremony with a handful of your closest family and friends then what could be more appropriate than a wedding at the Amar Vilas with the Taj Mahal as your backdrop.

Have a blessing ceremony with 8 to 10 of your closest loved ones at the beautiful temple inside the property and then choose a sit down dinner by the pool side for up to 50 guests while the sufi singers serenade you in the back ground.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The extraordinary Umaid Bhawan palace hotel, with a hilltop location overlooking the “blue city” of Jodhpur, has played host to some very lavish weddings indeed. With a banquet capacity of 3,000 guests, it’s no wonder this grand monument was the chosen locale for the Liz Hurley-Arun Nayar wedding. For an outdoor ceremony, the large and the lavish Baradari front lawns are perfect for a verdant vow exchange.

Umaid Bhawan Palace can bestow any special union with a glorious palace background, a traditional elephant welcome, a magical gala, rainbow-hued Rajasthani costumes and ambiences, and all the splendid trappings of an ancient royal wedding.

Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

While most people talk about Ram Bagh Palace as the wedding destination of Jaipur, Jai Mahal Palace holds a special place in our hearts because Vithika chose this gorgeous heritage palace hotel to tie the knot.

Dating back to 1745 and 18 acres of lush Mughal gardens makes this property an ideal location for an outdoor wedding reception. This plush property offers couples a unique wedding complete with festively decorated elephants and camels, special horse-driven carriage ride, candlelight dinners for the couple post the wedding, framed wedding certificates, specially decorated wedding night room with rose petals and more. Jai Mahal is where you should check in to ensure being treated like a modern-day prince and princess.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

A spectacular hotel, set beautifully amidst a lake, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur looks like a dream and offers nothing less than fulfilling your ultimate wedding fantasies.

The lily pond, where courtesans once welcomed royalty into the folds of the palace provides an intimate gathering spot complete with gorgeous lilies and floating candles. For a larger gathering the Mewar Terrace offers not only stunning views of the city of Udaipur below, but also a never-ending procession of scrumptious Rajasthani dishes.

Will you be my valentine… forever?

The storefronts are pink and red with chocolate heart boxes, De Beers reminds us that the best way to declare your undying love is to buy a shiny rock. So if you are planning to propose you couldn’t ask for a better day to pop the question.

Valentine’s Day is round the corner and it is such a beautiful day to propose to your loved one. It is a date that will forever be special to the two of you. Here are our top ten ideas that are sure to sweep your loved one off their feet.

Come fall in love again! Propose bollywood style. Whether you choose to propose like Dharmendar in Sholay, Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi or Saif Ali Khan in Love ke liye Kuch Bhi Karegaa, the most important thing is that it is a proposal that your girlfriend will remember and enjoy talking about for the rest of her life.

This classic all time favorite really works wonders. A nice romantic picnic with some chilled champagne to calm your nerves and gives you the courage to pop the question. Personalize the champagne bottle label and /or drop the ring in the glass for her to find.

Say it with Roses: Give her 3 roses one by one. For each rose tell her that one represents the past, one represents the present, and for the last one attach the engagement ring or have a note saying “will you marry me” on it. Then tell her this one represents the future. Oh how romantic! How could she refuse!

Web Page- With rapid growth in technology and all of us spending more time on the internet this is a perfect way to propose. Create a personal web page with his/ her name, the proposal, pictures of the two of you together etc. Then invite him/her to sit down and surf the web with you. What a beautiful surprise it will be to go through a website that is made just for you.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a cozy dinner at your favorite restaurant and have them bring a cake with “Will you marry me?” written on it for desert.

Traditional Approach – Ask her father for their daughter’s hand in marriage. At the next family gathering make a toast and propose to her. Having family around will make it special, and then after the proposal you both get to celebrate with the family.

Go out for a night of dancing and ask the DJ to pass you the mike so you can dedicate a song and propose on the dance floor.

Buy a pet that he/she’s always wanted (bunny, kitten, puppy) and loosely tie the ring around its neck. Or substitute a stuffed animal — still cute, but less maintenance!

We love this idea. Order a Chinese meal at home and at the end give her a fortune cookie with the sweetest message ever.

On the Radio: Call up your partner’s favorite local radio station and ask the DJ to send your proposal message on air. First, request a song that is meaningful to you and your significant other. After the song, propose. Be sure to ask the DJ when the message will be aired so that you may tell your mate when to listen or be present with him/her to make the most of the moment.

In the end all that matters is a message from the heart that is conveyed with love and some creativity.