Honeymoon packages

A honeymoon is usually the first big trip a couple plans together, and the most common mistake we see is trying to fit too much in. Two or three bases with time to do nothing is almost always better than five hotels in seven nights.

How we plan a honeymoon

• Pace first. We limit hotel changes and avoid early-morning starts unless it is for something special, like sunrise at the Taj Mahal or a balloon over Cappadocia.
• One standout stay. A water villa in the Maldives, a houseboat in Kashmir or a cave suite in Santorini; we suggest where to spend a little more.
• Small touches, on request. Flower decoration, a cake, a candlelight dinner or a couple's massage can be added to most hotels. We confirm what each hotel actually offers rather than promising it in advance.
• Season matters. Wedding season in India (November to February) lines up well with Dubai, the Maldives, Rajasthan and Kerala; summer weddings suit Kashmir, Switzerland and Bali.

Popular honeymoon choices from Chennai

Within India, Srinagar, Munnar, Udaipur, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Manali and Ooty are favourites. Abroad, Bali (South Coast), Maldives, Santorini, Mauritius and Switzerland top the list, with Luxury holidays for couples who want to splurge.

Our own Thailand Honeymoon Special: Lantern of Love is timed for Chiang Mai's lantern festival.

Honeymoon in Tamil Nadu, close to home

If you would rather not take a long flight, Tamil Nadu has hills, beaches and heritage stays within a short drive, train or flight of Chennai. Things couples love to explore:

• The Nilgiris. The toy train from Mettupalayam, Ooty's rose garden and lake, and tea-estate stays with Dolphin's Nose and Lamb's Rock views in Coonoor. See Ooty & Coonoor Honeymoon.
• Kodaikanal. Misty mornings on Coaker's Walk, a cycle or boat ride around the star-shaped lake and pine-forest drives. See Kodaikanal Honeymoon Getaway.
• Yercaud. The closest hill station to Chennai, with coffee estates, sunset at Lady's Seat and Yercaud Lake. See Yercaud Honeymoon Retreat.
• Valparai's tea country. Forty hairpin bends into the Anaimalai Hills, hornbills, waterfalls and quiet estate bungalows. See Valparai & Coonoor Tea Country Honeymoon.
• The East Coast Road. Sunrise at the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, then Puducherry's French Quarter cafés, the Promenade at sunset and Auroville's beaches. See East Coast Road Beach Honeymoon.
• Chettinad mansions. A night-time visit to the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, then a heritage mansion stay in Chettinad with tiled courtyards and a Chettinad feast. See Chettinad Heritage Honeymoon.
• Land's end. Sunrise and sunset over three seas at Kanyakumari, easy to add to a Kerala honeymoon.

The coast and Chettinad are most comfortable from November to February. The hills are pleasant most of the year and at their best from March to June, when the plains are hot. For two hill stations in one trip, try Ooty & Kodaikanal Hill Holiday, or add Munnar across the border in Kerala.