Honeymoon destinations

Love In Paradise o

Sumita Chakraborty picks five magical countries she’s visited personally as the perfect honeymoon destinations.

There really is nothing as romantic as jet-setting off to a picturesque destination with your lover, is there? I’ve picked a few scenically beautiful places I’ve been to simply because I felt they were indeed a slice of paradise and where better to go with your hubby for your honeymoon than to a heavenly picturesque land filled with adventure, beauty, historically rich or completely chilled out… Take your pick!

Mauritius

Indeed, imagine snorkelling alongside your better half within the cool multi-hued blue waters of Mauritius with colourful fishes nosing around you curiously or enjoying cosy candle-light dinners on the beach with the sea lapping at your feet and the tall coconut trees dancing to the rhythm of the breeze. Or if you do dig that adrenalin rush, you can go ziplining or walking through the bridge of Nepal, the longest one they say, or walking the lions or enjoying the heavenly Botanical gardens and more. Mauritius has a lot to offer and indeed it can be the perfect place to spend a romantic holiday.

Seychelles

I’ve never been to the Seychelles but I’ve heard a lot about it from fellow travellers so I recommend this wonderful country too as the perfect honeymoon destination only as hearsay. The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa. It’s home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé, a hub for visiting the other islands, is home to capital Victoria. It also has the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. It’s chilled out, the vibe is peaceful yet romantic and that makes it a definite yes on the bucket list.

Ireland

I’ve been thrice to Ireland – both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - and each visit was sheer amazing. If you enjoy the old-world charm of the bygone eras, imagine enjoying a glass of Jameson Irish whisky in the middle of a quaint Irish cobbled pathway overlooking picturesque castles and gardens, pub hopping through a rich Irish Literary trail, trying out the Irish dance and yummy food, delectable wines and whiskeys and so much more. The Irish people are warm and friendly and honestly, there’s nowhere better I’d like to visit on a honeymoon than the magical emerald isle.

Serbia

Do you want to enjoy a rakija (Serbian local drink) inside a Serbian wooden town? Yes? Well, in that case, come along. Serbia has indeed a lot to offer. Serbia by the way is in East Europe and Indians do not need to get a visa if they are staying for 30 days. A typical European country except that the Serbian dinar is rated less than the Indian currency, Serbia has some amazing monuments, cobbled paths with little cafes and some beautiful gardens. It also has some stunning Orthodox churches, picturesque settings and fab food which they serve in generous portions. Check this place out definitely.

Israel

But if you are both History buffs, what better way to celebrate your love than to walk around the busy bazaars of Jerusalem through the Via Dolorosa tracing Jesus Christ’s holy crucifixion path leading to the surreal Church of Sepulchre. The Golden Dome too is close to this Historically rich place and so is the famous Western Wall better called as the Weeping Wall. And if you crave for some city life, Tel Aviv too has a lot to offer and so does so many of its cities. Israel is rich in history and it is indeed a treasure trove for any History buff.