Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in South India for 2026

Planning your honeymoon in 2026? South India offers an irresistible mix of misty hill stations, serene backwaters, golden beaches, and cultural charm — making it one of the most romantic regions in the country for newlyweds.

Whether you dream of waking up in a tea estate bungalow, cruising through palm-lined backwaters, or watching the sunset by the Arabian Sea, South India has something magical for every couple. This guide explores the top 10 honeymoon destinations in South India for 2026, helping you compare and choose the perfect romantic escape.

1. Munnar, Kerala – Misty Hills & Tea Gardens

Munnar remains one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in South India. Rolling tea plantations, cool mountain air, and cozy luxury resorts create a picture-perfect romantic setting.

Couples can enjoy:

• Private plantation walks
• Sunrise views at Top Station
• Eravikulam National Park visits
• Spa sessions overlooking the hills

If you are comparing hill stations, Munnar offers a quieter and more intimate vibe than many commercial alternatives. For curated experiences, explore customized Munnar tour packages here:

👉 https://www.indiatourpackages.com/holidays/munnar

2. Alleppey, Kerala – Private Houseboat Romance

Nothing says honeymoon like a private houseboat cruise. Alleppey’s backwaters offer slow travel, candlelight dinners on deck, and uninterrupted sunset views.

Why couples love Alleppey:

• Full-day private cruise experiences
• Authentic Kerala cuisine onboard
• Calm, scenic surroundings

It’s ideal for couples who want privacy and relaxation.

3. Coorg, Karnataka – Coffee & Cozy Retreats

Often called the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is famous for its coffee estates and forest landscapes. It’s perfect for couples who prefer a mix of nature and comfort.

Highlights include:

• Plantation stays
• Abbey Falls
• Raja’s Seat sunset points

Coorg is slightly busier than Munnar but offers excellent resort options.

4. Wayanad, Kerala – Untouched Green Escape

For couples seeking seclusion, Wayanad provides raw natural beauty. Treehouses, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries make it ideal for adventurous honeymooners.

Wayanad works well for couples who want something less commercial yet romantic.

5. Kovalam, Kerala – Beachside Luxury

If you prefer waves over hills, Kovalam delivers golden beaches and luxury seaside resorts.

Romantic experiences:

• Lighthouse Beach sunset
• Private beach dinners
• Ayurvedic spa therapies

It pairs beautifully with a backwater or hill station honeymoon.

6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu – Classic Colonial Charm

Ooty offers vintage charm, botanical gardens, and cool weather. While slightly more crowded, it still remains a strong honeymoon contender.

Comparison Tip:

If you're deciding between Ooty and Munnar, Munnar generally offers a more serene and premium honeymoon environment, while Ooty provides classic hill station nostalgia.

7. Thekkady, Kerala – Nature & Wildlife Romance

For couples who enjoy nature experiences, Thekkady combines forest lodges with boat safaris in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

It’s best paired with Munnar or Alleppey for a complete honeymoon itinerary.

8. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – Lakeside Love

Known for its beautiful lake and misty valleys, Kodaikanal offers boating, cycling, and cozy hillside stays.

It’s ideal for couples who enjoy slow-paced exploration.

9. Hampi, Karnataka – Heritage & Unique Experiences

For culturally inclined couples, Hampi offers ancient ruins, river sunsets, and boutique heritage stays.

This destination works best for couples seeking something unconventional.

10. Kerala (Complete Romantic Circuit)

If you don’t want to limit your honeymoon to just one place, Kerala offers a complete romantic circuit:

• Munnar (Hills)
• Thekkady (Forest)
• Alleppey (Backwaters)
• Kovalam (Beach)

This combination allows couples to experience multiple landscapes in one trip.

For customizable itineraries covering all these destinations, explore curated Kerala honeymoon packages here:

👉 https://www.indiatourpackages.com/holidays/kerala

How to Choose the Right Honeymoon Destination

When comparing honeymoon destinations in South India, consider:

1. Weather Preference

Do you prefer cool mountains or sunny beaches?

2. Privacy Level

Houseboats and plantation resorts offer more seclusion.

3. Activity Level

Adventure couples may prefer Wayanad or Thekkady.

Relaxation-focused couples may choose Alleppey or Kovalam.

4. Travel Duration

If you have 5–7 days, combining Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey offers the best balance.

Why Kerala Dominates Honeymoon Travel in 2026

Kerala continues to lead honeymoon trends for several reasons:

• Diverse landscapes within short driving distances
• Strong hospitality standards
• Excellent road connectivity
• Romantic private experiences

Unlike destinations that offer only hills or only beaches, Kerala gives couples everything in one seamless journey.

Ideal Honeymoon Itinerary for 2026 (6 Nights / 7 Days)

Day 1–2: Munnar – Tea gardens & hill views

Day 3: Thekkady – Forest lodge stay

Day 4: Alleppey – Private houseboat

Day 5–6: Kovalam – Beach relaxation

Day 7: Departure

This route balances romance, adventure, and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

South India offers extraordinary honeymoon possibilities, but if you’re looking for a destination that combines hills, forests, backwaters, and beaches in one romantic experience, Kerala stands out as the top choice for 2026.

Whether you want misty mornings in Munnar or a private sunset cruise in Alleppey, the right itinerary makes all the difference. Carefully planned packages ensure couples enjoy their honeymoon without stress — just memories.

If you’re planning your 2026 honeymoon, start early and choose experiences that reflect your travel style. Romance, comfort, and scenic beauty await in South India.