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Indian couples are HONEYMOONING in style

WHAT use is a fairytale wedding if you haven’t planned an equally mind-blowing honeymoon to back it up? The Indian travellers, it appears, are getting as adventurous and exploratory in honeymoons as they are with weddings. Gone are the days when you would pack your bags for the nearest hill station or a custom- made package in Europe.

New generation honeymooners seek the unique experience that they want to remember for the rest of their life.

“Last year, we saw a 25-30 per cent growth for both domestic and international honeymoon bookings,” says Mohit Gupta, Chief Business and Marketing Officer, MakeMyTrip. “ New destinations like Greece, Seychelles, Australia, Spain, Bhutan and South Africa are emerging as favourites. Domestically, we are witnessing increased bookings this year for leisure destinations like the North- East and Coorg.” Other domestic destinations that our intrepid lovebirds are warming up to are Havelock Island that lies to the east of Andaman, Valparai in Pollachi, Rann of Kutch and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Rajeev Kale, President and Chief Operating Officer, MICE, Domestic & Sports Tourism, Thomas Cook India, is of the opinion that couples want their honeymoon to be as distinct as possible.

“We have witnessed new-age couples seeking engaging, distinctive and fun destinations. So be it self-drive holidays, wildlife trails and jungle safaris, exhilarating activity like rappelling, white water rafting, ice climbing, kayaking or paragliding, adventure seems to be the flavour of the season. We have also created unique experiences like undersea walking in the Andamans, Malabar cuisine learning at Wayanad, elephant safaris at Amber Fort, Jaipur, nature treks in the Himalayas ( Kausani), tiger safaris at Corbett, Kalairipaytu at Munnar and Ayurvedic spa therapy in the Nilgiris,” he adds.

Luxury is another important category that Indian newlyweds like to explore.

As Shibani Phadkar, Senior Vice-President & Head, Leisure Travel Outbound, Products, Contracting, Operations & Tour Management, Thomas Cook (India), says, “Our luxury product, 'Indulgence', has seen strong uptake for truly spectacular experiences, like luxury tented stays at Wahiba Sands, Oman; Swiss mountain dining with spectacular views over the valley; Romance New Zealand style via spas and glacier hot pools; private night yacht or cruiser in Australia or a romantic Jacuzzi at 3,000 metres up just next to the glacier at St Moritz.” Domestic or international, Indian honeymooners are great planners. Says Gupta of MakeMyTrip, “For domestic bookings, we have seen advance booking by at least 90 days. For international short-haul destinations, bookings are made 30- 45 days in advance, while for long haul it’s 45-60 days in advance.” So, if you are still sticking to the age-old honeymoon plans, it is time to let go and choose one that is in vogue now.