Honeymoon In Manali And Himachal

Blessed with snow-covered mountains and picturesque landscape, Himachal Pradesh is the place to be on your honeymoon.  With stately mountains, herbaceous valleys entwined with popular trekking routes and rivers namely Sutlej, Beas, Yamuna, Ravi, Parbati and Chenab, the ‘land of Gods’, offers much more than what its patrons expect. The itinerary has been planned to make sure you enjoy every bit of your honeymoon in Manali and Himachal.

Dalhousie and the Chamba Valley are comparatively lesser explored areas of the state of Himachal Pradesh. If you're a lover of unspoiled air and striking natural views then Dalhousie is the place where you’d find them. Spread over an expanse of five hills, the town reveals the distinct relics of the British Raj. Its hotels are particularly indicative of the era gone by.

Hill stations are always the most preferred among honeymooners for they make for the most picturesque location. A short drive from Dalhousie will take you to Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary. If you wish to venture into the Chamba Valley, you might find some fascinating temples, tribes and folklores.

Some destinations worth a visit in and around Dalhousie are Subhash Baoli - a nice and secluded place, Panjpulla - an abode of five watery bridges, Satdhara - a fresh water spring, Bakrota hills - for views of snow-capped peaks, Kalatope - a picnic spot and wildlife sanctuary. 

Often dubbed the "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh", the plush green meadows of Khajjiar are bounded by dense pine and cedar forests. The pastoral scenery can easily transport you to a different world altogether. Away from the bustling city life, Khajjiar makes way for an absolutely tranquil honeymoon location.

The saucer shaped meadow features a small lake that boasts a floating island. Due to heavy silting during rains, much of the lake portion has deteriorated into mud. Despite that the landscape here is a honeymooner’s delight. Walk a little distance to reach the ancient temple of Khajji Nag which belongs to the 12th Century AD. The mandapa of the temple displays images of the Pandavas and the Kaurvas. The structure of the temple has been elegantly carved from wood. Reports have it that Khajjiar is among the top 160 locations in the world that resemble Switzerland. 

Situated on the spur of the famous Dhauladhar ranges, this hill station is approximately 17 kms north-east of the beautiful Kangra town. This hilly settlement is surrounded with oak trees, conifer trees and snow-capped mountains on three sides of the town. It is said that the accessibility of snowline is generally more at Dharamshala than at any other popular hill station. Most honeymoon vacationers prefer to go for a day long trek to a snow-point on an early morning because that’s the most appropriate time to enjoy the serene landscape at its best.

In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the War memorial, the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, Kunal Pathri temple, tea gardens, etc. Cricket fans would also like to drop by at the Cricket stadium in the city that faces the massive Dhauladhar. Couples flock to Dharamsala and Mcleod Ganj to experience Buddhist meditation, learn philosophy courses and Tibetan cooking classes and to receive alternative therapies. Apart from museums, monasteries, and temples, Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, is a popular site.

The most pleasant and lovely Kullu valley spreads out its charisma on either side of river Beas. The valley stretches from north to south of this river and is 80km long and about 2km broad. Come to Kullu for some mossy meadows surrounded by the rushing brooks and awe inspiring glens. A considerable space is open to travellers, trekkers, mountaineers, and for those who wish to breathe the fresh air of the Himalaya and enjoy the sight of the variegated mountain backdrop.

When you’re in Kullu, you must spend some time shopping for exquisitely woven colourful hand-made shawls, socks, mufflers and kullucaps. 

40 kms off Kullu to the north, Manali is located on the National Highway connecting to Leh. The scenery here is breath taking in every sense of the word. On one hand you can see snow-capped peaks bordering the Beas River with its crystalline water flowing and on the other hand deodars, pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards do the magic.  Undoubtedly, an excellent place for a honeymoon, Manali is also a trekker’s paradise. From sight-seeing to adventure activities, from shrines to antiquity, Manali has it all for honeymooners.