Happy Wednesday Gorgeous People!

We have a fantastic guest post for you today about a country that is very dear to my heart – India.

For those of you who have been to India will know that there is just something about this incredible place that changes you and that change stays with you forever. Forget what you’ve seen on the telly because India is nothing like what you think it is – until you see it first hand you will never understand what makes it so captivating. It’s a country that is full of surprises with the most incredible people, beautiful landscapes, amazing history, stunning beaches and a fascinating and colourful culture.

Today’s guest post is about why India would make a fantastic honeymoon destination with their are some pretty cool suggestions on places to stay.

Enjoy Peeps…

You’ve found your perfect venue. The place that somehow gives the guests an insight into who you are as a couple. A place you know will provide the wedding of your dreams. You’ve planned the handmade decorations and you’ve nominated the cake baker. The favours are underway, and the hand-made invitations are being created along the theme of your day. You’ve painstakingly arranged every detail of your wedding. When it’s all over, do you really want to hop on a plane to a package holiday or do you want to follow the wedding of your dreams with the honeymoon of a lifetime?

The Maldives and Barbados might be right for some couples, but if you’re looking for something a little bit special then plan a unique honeymoon in India. By choosing a more unusual destination you open yourself up to a world of new experiences. Your honeymoon is an adventure you will remember for ever. Whether you want to chill out on a beach or hide away in the countryside, you will find your perfect retreat in India.

Begin by making sure your journey there is as special and relaxing as possible. Emirates offers award winning flights to India and you don’t need a first class budget to receive excellent service and hospitality.

Where to stay to get away from it all…

India can cater for all your needs, whatever your budget or taste. Whether you’re craving a five star hotel on the beach, a luxury lodge in a tiger reserve or a little eco cabin in a forest, India has a diverse range of holiday options.

Elsewhere - Goa

If you’re looking for an idyllic, intimate place to reflect on your perfect day then head to Elsewhere. At a secret location in north Goa, this small resort is located on a spit of land overlooking the ocean, separated from the rest of the world by a salt water creek. It’s made up of four comfortable cottages on the beach. The resort is run like a small hotel, with a dining shack where you can order food from a menu. If you’d prefer to venture out you can organise a driver for a few pounds a day to take you around the local sites or to other restaurants so you can sample everything Goa has to offer.

If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, you might prefer to stay in one of the Otter Creek Tents at the resort. The three comfortable tents are on the beach next to the creek. Although they’re much cheaper, you don’t have to skimp on luxury as they all contain four poster beds and private en suite facilities that include a hot shower, toilet and running water.

Nilgiri Hills Eco Bungalows, Nilgiri Hills

Reconnect with nature on an exclusive organic tea, coffee and pepper growing estate. Voted by Conde Naste as one of the top 30 eco-resorts in India, this place provides an idyllic retreat, while supporting an organic plantation which is economically unviable without the support of eco tourism to help it thrive. There are ample opportunities for wildlife spotting at the nearby forest sanctuaries such as Periyar and Mudumalai. See elephants, sloth bears, bison and Indian Hornbill in the wild. The unique setting allows you to try a spot of tea-plucking with the locals (in season) or take a picnic and hike one of the many walking trails around the property.

The best choice of accommodation for your honeymoon is the Hornbill House, which was designed with romance and privacy in mind. It’s nestled next to the waterfall, and as you sink into the bath tub you can see and hear the water right outside your window.

Your stay will have a direct impact on the local community in lots of ways. The plantation employs local labour rather than using machinery and food items served to guests – such as bananas – are bought locally, so your stay will have far reaching influences.

Kanha Wildlife Lodge, Kanha

The Kanha Lodge was built using local materials to blend in with the forest. Located in a small tribal hamlet, the lodge is deep in the jungle away from the busy Kanha region yet close enough to give you easy access to the entry points of the Kanha National Park.

You can even wildlife spot around the lodge itself, as there are a variety of mammals and birds in the area, and as it’s an area untouched by tourism you are guaranteed privacy.

The 12 open-fronted bungalows have en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms with a large verandah overlooking the jungle. This is glamping at its best.

Not only has the Lodge been created with all things green in mind, but the resort has also spent time and effort in conserving the local environment. The resort works with the local communities to promote conservation through projects and education, and 25% of the sales from the eco shop goes towards conservation activities. Food served in the dining hall is locally sourced with ingredients from neighbouring villages, so money is invested back into the local community.

Tree House Hideaway

Tucked away in the dense jungle adjoining Bandhavgarh National Park – the finest tiger reserve in the world – are five exclusive tree houses. The balconies provide a perfect opportunity for wildlife spotting. The stylish retreats contain modern bathrooms with hot and cold running water and luxuries such as mini bars; this is not your average tree house.

Take a morning or evening jeep safari into the reserve, visit the local village, take an elephant ride or go on a cycling tour with an experienced guide, then head back to your treetop lodge to take in the forest view from above.

Maachli, Sindhudurg

A ‘Maachli’ is a traditional cottage on a farm where people stayed during the farming seasons or a place to educate children about farming activities. The eco cottages here are based on the concept of getting back to nature. Nestled in a coconut, banana, beetle nut, and spice plantation, the en suite accommodation opens out to lush greenery. Meals are served on banana leaf plates and food is served in traditional earthen pots. Vegetables are organic and grown in the local village. It’s a great place to get back to nature while learning about the way of life in this part of India.

A visit to the local weekly market is essential, learn to cook on a mud stove and to cut vegetables on traditional equipment called ’adalha’, try your hand at plucking coconuts or mangoes, milk the cows and visit the nearby paddy fields. This is a holiday where you can get involved as much as you choose.

Honeymoon to remember

India has frenetic cities to explore, rural villages, bustling beaches and lush forests. Create your own bespoke itinerary and take in the best this beautiful country has to offer.

Big Love

Festival Brides xx