Best Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand

Are you planning your honeymoon trip in near future and thinking about going to Uttarakhand? Below is my pick of the ten most beautiful, romantic, and best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand that you can choose from.

Uttarakhand, beyond any doubt, is one of the most beautiful states in India. Full of natural beauty and treasures like rivers, mountains, waterfalls, thick forests, and wildlife sanctuaries, Uttarakhand has been abundantly blessed by nature and is a paradise in its own way.

When you talk of romantic getaways, there is no dearth of them in Uttarakhand. There are many dream locations in the state for honeymooners, who are looking to spend some quality time with their partners to understand each other better and get ready for a beautiful life together.

In the article below, I am only talking about destinations specific to Uttarakhand only. But if you want to broaden your search a little, you can also read Top Destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand

The places I am listing below are all easily reachable; have all the facilities that you will need as a tourist or as a newlywed; are all considered safe for tourism; have plenty of places to see and things to do; will not take you too remote and are all a paradise in terms of scenic beauty.

Nainital

Nothing can beat the romanticism of this place. Nainital is one of those few places where the air itself carries romantic vibes and this is why it is the first entry in the list of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand. This place makes you fall in love. And with your life partner by your side, you will feel your whole being drenched in love and romance.

You can spend hours strolling on the Mall road or boating in the ever beautiful Naini Lake, and you will lose track of the time. Umpteen romantic songs have been picturized in Naini Lake just because of the feeling it generates among young couples. You can also have a romantic drive up to the snow viewpoint.

How to reach Nainital

Nainital is easily reachable from Delhi by buses or taxis. Daily state-run and private Volvo buses are available from Delhi to reach Nainital. If you want to travel by train, then the nearest railway station is Kathgodam. You can hire a taxi from there for Nainital. Pantnagar Airport, which is 65 kilometers away, is the nearest airport to Nainital.

Nainital is one of the major tourist destinations of not only Uttarakhand but the entire country. Finding a hotel in Nainital within any budget will not be a problem at all. You can either look for a hotel within the main town or a little on the outskirts. For information on where should you stay, when is the best time to visit and sightseeing, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Nainital.

Image Credit: Rohit Gowaikar

Pangot

If you are of the opinion that Nainital can get a little crowded in the tourist season then there is a small little town close to Nainital that can be an ideal destination for you. It is called Pangot and it is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Nainital. It is at a higher altitude, is much cooler, offers better views, and is also quieter than Nainital.

What Pangot has in ample is natural beauty, beautiful birds, amazing sunsets, tons of peace, tranquillity, and a serene environment. If either of this is what you were looking for from your upcoming trip then, by all means, head straight to Pangot and you will be delighted. If you are someone who likes exploring new places then Pangot will be a very beautiful feather in your hat. It is a very quiet and calm place which makes it an ideal destination for honeymooners too.

How to reach Pangot

Getting to Pangot is really very easy. You first arrive at Nainital by road and then drive for another 15 kilometers on a narrow steep road to reach Pangot. You can also do a mix and match of both these places for your honeymoon. Spend a couple of days in Nainital and a few in Pangot to have a wholesome experience. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Pangot.

Auli

Better known as the skiing destination of India, Auli is an ideal place to start your new life post marriage. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, it is on the way to Badrinath, the holy pilgrimage site of Hindus. In winter, it gets buried under snow and becomes one of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand.

Auli gives a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. Go to the ‘Viewpoints’, to get a panoramic view of the Nanda Devi peak, or go to the Chenab Lake and spend some quiet moments with your life partner. Then there is also the cable car, which provides a stunning view of the picturesque surroundings.

Auli is a place where you can spend endless time with your partner in beautiful natural surroundings and in a peaceful atmosphere.

How to Reach Auli

The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, which is 149 km away. The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is 273 km away. From Dehradun and Haridwar, you can hire a cab or get on to a bus for Auli.

Another alternative is to travel to Joshimath by bus or cab and then get on to the second-longest cable car in India. It is 16 km long and takes about 22 minutes to reach Auli. The best part of traveling by cable car is the picturesque and breathtaking views you get around and moreover, it reaches faster than bus or cab.

For more details on visiting Auli for a honeymoon, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Auli.

Ranikhet

One of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet has a special place as far as honeymooners are concerned. This is a very exciting place for those of you who are really looking for seclusion. The appealing environs and its picture-perfect frame will lure you with its majestic beauty.

Have a romantic moment with your beloved at Machakhali where you can view a spectacular sunset. With multi-hued flowers everywhere, you can’t ask for a more romantic place to spend your honeymoon. Just go for a casual stroll and you will discover much rare flora and fauna in Ranikhet, which will give an additional dimension to your time with your partner.

How to reach Ranikhet

The nearest airport to Ranikhet is at Pantnagar and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam. From both these places, you can easily get a cab to drop you at Ranikhet. Both places are not too far away. Pantnagar is 110 kilometers from Ranikhet and Kathgodam is only about 75 kilometers. After reaching here by air or train, you can get to Ranikhet in 3 to 4 hours easily with plenty of sightseeing on the way.

Mussoorie

Next in the list of best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand is the queen of hills, Mussoorie. It offers an enchanting view of clouds in the air and a natural beauty all around, which is hard to miss. The serenity of the place and its ambiance will bring out all your romantic instincts.

While in Mussoorie, you can go climbing to Lal Tibba or enjoy boating with your beloved in the misty lake. Enjoy and admire the picturesque surroundings from a height on the cable car. The most romantic of all is Kempty fall, where you can unwind completely and can collect some memories which you can cherish for life. If both of you are adventurous, you can also spend a night in a camp under the stars.

How to reach Mussoorie

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is also Dehradun. You can hire a taxi from there to reach Mussoorie. Mussoorie is also well connected by a smooth road so driving on your own too is not going to be that difficult. For more details, I will urge you to take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Mussoorie.

Image: Paul Hamilton

Pauri

Hidden up in the hills, Pauri in Garhwal is one of the most romantic getaways in Uttarakhand. The place is greatly blessed with natural beauty which includes snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dense forests, and very beautiful flora and fauna.

Pauri is believed to have one of the most beautiful sunsets, which no honeymooner would like to miss with their beloved by their side. Pauri offers natural streams, gushing rivulets, and hills covered with Pine and Oak trees. Just immerse yourself in nature and forget everything else.

How to reach Pauri

Catch a plane to Dehradun (133 km away) or catch a train to Kotdwar (101 km away) and hire a taxi from there to reach Pauri, enjoying the most scenic views of nature along the way. Pauri is very well connected by road network to other major towns of Uttarakhand like Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Binsar

About 95 km from Nainital is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand. It is called Binsar. Nestled in the beautiful Himalayas, at an altitude of 2420 m (7940 ft), it provides an ideal mountain retreat. It is surrounded by Alpine forests and rhododendron trees. It is a great place for a romantic holiday.

For local sightseeing, you can visit the wildlife sanctuary in Binsar. If you walk for around 1.5 km inside the wildlife sanctuary, you reach the zero point. From here you will get a panoramic view of the entire valley and the distant mountain peaks. You can see Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul peaks, and Shivling. Binsar is a place to spend some quiet time with your partner in solitude. You can also go on a safari inside the wildlife sanctuary.

How to reach Binsar

The nearest airport to Binsar is Pantnagar, which is 152 km away. You can hire taxis from there. There are daily flights from Delhi to Pantnagar. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is 119 km away. Kathgodam is very well connected to other major stations of the country. Again, taxis are available from Kathgodam.

Binsar is very well connected by road to all the major cities of Uttarakhand so you can drive on your own as well. There are several resorts in Binsar that are ideal for a honeymooning couple. You can in fact say inside the sanctuary as well in the KMVN rest house. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Binsar.

Lansdowne

Lansdowne is another quiet and calm place, greatly suited for your honeymoon. No traffic disturbance, very less crowd, and serene surroundings, that is Lansdowne for you. This small town has not been spoiled by human activities yet and retains its uniqueness and beauty with lush green surroundings.

For sightseeing, you can go to Bhulla Lake and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Another place to go to is the Tarkeshwar temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. You can also visit Darwan Singh Regimental Museum and then go to Tip n Top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the forest. You can go for long walks with your partner and have lots of romantic moments.

The best part about Lansdowne is that it is an Army cantonment. This means good roads and a much cleaner town that is also very safe. The entire place is neatly maintained by the Indian Army and you will love spending a few days here.

How to reach Lansdowne

Lansdowne is easily reachable from all major cities of India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is 150 km away. You can hire a taxi from there. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar, which is 41 km away. It is well connected to all the major cities. From Kotdwar, taxis and buses are available for Lansdowne. Buses are available from Delhi to Kotdwar also.

It is one of the closest hill stations to cities like Delhi and Meerut. From Delhi, you can get to Lansdowne in less than 6 hours. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Lansdowne.

Chakrata

Another Army cantonment that is also in the list of the best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand is the beautiful Chakrata. It is a small town located in the state of Uttarakhand at a distance of 320 kilometers from Delhi, 200 kilometers from Chandigarh, and 90 kilometers from Dehradun.  This mystical hill station is a picturesque place, away from the crowd and blessed with enchanting natural beauty and panoramic vistas.

It is a great place for photographers, nature lovers, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and honeymooning couples. The vistas you get from here are superb, roads are smooth and connectivity is excellent. If you asked me, I would go here just to get some stunning sunset photos. It is in Chakrata that I have seen some of the best sunset views of my life.

How to reach Chakrata

Due to its location in the hills, a journey to Chakrata is only possible by road. The good part, however, is that the place is very well connected to the nearby towns by both road and public transport.

The nearest railway station and airport to Chakrata are both in Dehradun. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Chakrata.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar gets its name from a 350-year-old temple called Mukteshwar Dham, which is located at the highest point of the town. The quietness and serenity of this small town coupled with its natural beauty will mesmerize you. The snow-capped peaks all around are sure to take your breath away.

You can’t resist taking a lot of pictures of the two of you to keep as a cherished memory. The beauty of the place is that it is covered with dense forests on one side and an enchanting view of the valley and the mighty Himalayas.

How to reach Mukteshwar

The nearest airport is at Pantnagar and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam. You can get taxis from both these places to reach Mukteshwar.

Dhanaulti

Between two more famous hill stations of Mussoorie and Chamba is located another offbeat summer destination for honeymoon in Uttarakhand. This tiny hamlet is called Dhanaulti. It is 24 km from Mussoorie and 31 km from Chamba.

Surrounded by alpine forests of Deodar, Rhododendron, and Oak trees, it is a quiet place. Its pristine beauty will take your breath away. You can explore this place with your spouse on foot. Just go for a long walk hand in hand and enjoy the beauty of nature. Go to Dhanaulti Adventure Park and enjoy lush green meadows, towering trees, and a stunning view of the Himalayas.

How to reach Dhanaulti

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun, which is 95 km away. It is connected to all major Indian cities. The nearest railway station is also Dehradun, which is well connected to all the major cities. From here you can hire a taxi to Dhanaulti.

From Delhi, Dhanaulti is 325 km and is a 9-10 hrs drive either via Rishikesh or Dehradun-Mussorie route. There isn’t much to see or do in Dhanaulti and that is what makes it perfect for a honeymoon. The village is very peaceful and quiet with stunning views all around. You can go for long nature walks with your partner and enjoy the serenity.

For shopping or eating out, you can go to Mussoorie which is only about an hour’s drive from Dhanaulti. Take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Dhanaulti for more details.

Chaukori

If you are someone who is into offbeat destinations and would like to spend your honeymoon in a quieter place, the next two entries are for you. Chaukori is best known for its quiet setting and stunning natural beauty. It offers a wide and picturesque view of the imposing and magnificent peaks of the Western Himalayan range in the Kumaon region.

Until a few years ago, it was just another of the numerous small villages of Uttarakhand but has now started to get attention as a tourist destination, thanks to all the efforts that KMVN has been putting in to develop it as such. They have built small cottages in Chaukori where tourists can stay for a few days at a reasonable rate. These pretty little cottages are located at a very scenic location and offer a great relaxing experience.

How to reach Chaukori

The nearest railway station to Chaukori is Kathgodam, at a distance of 190 km. The nearest airport is in Pantnagar, at a distance of about 225 km. From both the railway station and the airport, you can easily find a taxi to drop you at Chaukori.

Chaukori is very well connected by a good motorable road. The only catch is that the distance from the nearby cities can be a bit much. From Delhi, it is 460 kilometers away and can easily take you 12-13 hours to complete. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Chaukori.

Munsiyari

Quiet close to Chaukori is another hill station that was unknown until a few years ago but now has started to receive tourists. It is called Munsiyari, located at a distance of 135 kilometers from Pithoragarh, 200 kilometers from Almora, and about 600 kilometers from Delhi.

Munsiyari is a perfect destination for anyone interested in photography, trekking, enjoying the snow, skiing, or just relaxing in a serene and tranquil place. Surrounded with mighty snow-capped peaks and dense forest, Munsiyari offers natural beauty at its best without asking its visitors to go too remote.

How to reach Munsiyari

Until some time ago, Munsiyari was a restricted area due to its close proximity to the border. But now it is emerging as a popular offbeat destination and connectivity also has improved tremendously. There are regular buses to Munsiyari from nearby towns of Pithoragarh, Almora, and Haldwani and you can easily drive on your own as well.

The nearest railway station to Munsiyari is located at Kathgodam at a distance of about 270 kilometers. The next closest train station is at Tankapur at a distance of about 290 kilometers. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar at a distance of 250 kilometers. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Munsiyari.

Gangotri and Harsil

Yes, Gangotri. You may be surprised but it can be considered among the best Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand. I know that a religious place like this does not appeal as a tourist destination but that is why I mentioned Gangotri and Harsil both.

Harsil is a small little village about 25 kilometers before Gangotri and is a very beautifully located place. Remember Raj Kapoor’s superhit film Ram Teri Ganga Maili? That movie was extensively shot in Harsil.

Both Gangotri and Harsil are a great choice if you want to keep your honeymoon within a limited budget. The place has high religious significance so while you were here, you can also seek blessings of the Lord almighty for your future life.

Harsil is both a village and a cantonment area. Surrounded by a dense forest of Deodar, Pine, and Oak trees, it is located right next to the Gangotri National Park. Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at an altitude of 9,005 ft (2,745 meters) it offers great views and is among the top offbeat destinations of Uttarakhand.

Gangotri on the other hand needs to introduction. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of India and the source of the holy River Ganges.

How to reach Gangotri and Harsil

There are two things that add to the importance of Harsil. The first is its significance as a pilgrimage site and close proximity to Gangotri. The second reason is that it is also an Army cantonment. Due to both of these factors, the road to Harsil remains open for all 12 months, except for rare occasions when either too much rain or too much snow may block it temporarily.

The nearest airport to Harsil is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is located at a distance of 232 kilometers from Harsil. You can get a cab for Harsil from the airport itself. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, at a distance of 215 kilometers. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Harsil.

Chopta

Chopta is one of the most beautiful regions of Uttarakhand. Often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’, it is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest located about 210 kilometers from Rishikesh and 465 kilometers from Delhi. At an altitude of 2,680 meters, this place is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron and in fact, is a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

It is what you will really call a tourist spot in the middle of nowhere. The natural beauty of the place is truly mesmerizing and is bound to leave you wanting to come back here again. You will never get too far from civilization which can be a comforting fact for couples. You will find all the basic facilities here that as a tourist you will need. One thing that you will not find in Chopta though is the tourist crowd like some other popular destinations.

How to reach Chopta

Reaching Chopta too is quite easy. The road actually brings you all the way to this tiny hamlet and is not too bad in condition. Chopta is also a perfect destination for budget travelers and a trip here will not cost you too much.

The nearest airport to Chopta is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun; which is about 250 kilometers away. The nearest rail station is at Haridwar which is about 240 kilometers away. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Chopta.

Kausani

Last but not least, the next place on the list of the 10 best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand is Kausani. On your honeymoon, imagine waking up to the sight of snow-clad mountains. You will have stunning peaks and beautiful grasslands for the company here.

Go and sit on the riverside at the confluence of rivers and spend time chatting with your beloved. Or have slow romantic walks through the forests. And what can be more romantic than getting clicked in the middle of tea plantations? Visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls and drench yourself in love.

How to reach Kausani

The nearest airport is at Dehradun and the nearest railway station is at Kathgodam. You can hire a taxi from both these places to reach Kausani. Kausani is well connected by a good motorable road so you can drive on your own as well. From Delhi, it is about 10 hours of driving. You can in fact also merge Ranikhet and Kausani together on the same trip.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand – Conclusion

That concludes my list of best honeymoon destinations in Uttarakhand. To be honest, these were the 10 places that I picked but the list can go on and on. There are numerous other places in the state and even I had difficulty choosing the 10 names for this article. I do hope the information above was of help though. If you need any other details; or have any other questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.