We are big fans of babymoons for two reasons: first, we believe that everyone should make time for travel and pregnancy is no exception and second, life after a baby does get chaotic and having this last fun holiday works as a big de-stressor.
While we live in the US, I traveled to India for a babymoon during both my pregnancies (along with many other countries and destinations – you can read all about it here at ‘Why I choose to travel when pregnant?’) and had a great time.
Fancy babymoons have long been popularized by Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities: Jessica Simpson went to Palm Springs, Holly Madison babymooned in Disney Orlando, our own Shilpa Shetty visited Switzerland, Mira Rajput went to the Maldives while Kareena Kapoor went to Dubai.
While a babymoon sounds like a lavish and expensive affair, it is actually quite simple. A babymoon is simply a vacation that pregnant couples take during the pregnancy that has more R&R, romance, and pampering than actual sightseeing or other tiring activities.
So how hectic should a babymoon be? The answer varies couple to couple. C and I would never be happy if we didn’t try to cram as much stuff as possible and stretched ourselves to the maximum; our babymoons were no exception. However, another couple might choose to visit a beach destination and just relax. So it depends on your energy level, which trimester you are in (because what’s allowed and what’s not varies trimester to trimester), and also on your doctor. All that said, it is perfectly fine to travel during pregnancy and have a great time. While a babymoon is touted as a time to ‘reconnect with your partner’, in reality, it is a regular old vacation with lots of downtime.
Here are some really great babymoon destinations in India to visit during your pregnancy
BABYMOON DESTINATIONS IN NORTH INDIA
Simla
Simla is one of the most popular destinations for a babymoon in India. It is a hill station located in the Himalayan foothills and has beautiful views of the mountain ranges. In spring and summer, Simla has abundant wildflowers and deep blue skies while in winter it is a snow-covered paradise – perfect for cuddling in the blanket with your partner and discussing dreams for your baby. The city has beautiful colonial architecture and many churches, neo-gothic style buildings, and English style manors: the last vestiges of its history as the summer capital of British India. You will have fun navigating and shopping the complex street bazaar. We also recommend riding the narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla railway line which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where To Stay
Simla has many luxury hotels and resorts but the Oberoi Cecil is most popular with millennials. The property has exceptional facilities including heated swimming pools, hot saunas, delicious on-site restaurants, and buffet meals.
Jaipur
If you want to avoid over-exerting yourself and simply rest in the hotel room, then Jaipur is the way to go. The city’s popular attractions of Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace, and Jal Mahal are all located close by and can be easily seen without getting tired. If you are feeling energetic visit the majestic and beautiful Amer Fort or the equally royal Nahargarh Fort. Shop for local handicrafts and apparel made from colorful dresses in the local markets and eat the famous Rajasthani cuisine. However, avoid Jaipur babymoon in the summer when it is very hot and can easily tire you out.
Where To Stay
Jaipur is full of specialty lodgings in havelis, international five-star hotels, and royal palace accommodations. The ITC Rajputana is our favorite choice for several reasons: it is located in the heart of the city, has an on-site Peshawari restaurant, and a great spa. For a more hands-on local experience, try Dera Mandawa. This home-turned-resort has oodles of old world charm, rich thali meals, and entertainment like the puppet show. If you are looking to stay farther from the city, Samode Bagh is a great heritage property with lots of privacy and beautiful surroundings.
Srinagar
Srinagar, located in Jammu & Kashmir Valley, is one of the best babymoon places in India for nature lovers. If you travel in spring (late March – early April), you can see the beautiful tulips in full bloom at the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. This is the largest tulip garden in Asia and the rows of colorful tulips is a breathtaking site. Dal Lake is the other main attraction in the city. This resplendent lake is surrounded by mountain ranges and is perfect for a boat ride. You can also stay on the lake in a houseboat – a popular tourist activity. Other attractions include Shalimar and Nishat gardens. Side trips to Gulmarg and Pahalgam can also be easily done in the summer. We suggest talking with your doctor about Srinagar babymoon since it is located at a high altitude.
Where To Stay
For a luxurious experience, stay at the Taj Vivanta or the Lalit Grand Palace – both great hotels with excellent locations, spacious rooms, and friendly staff. You can also stay in a houseboat on the Dal Lake for a more intimate, romantic experience. However, the boat stay might not be for those who are experiencing morning sickness.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh has the accolade of being the most well-planned city in India. What it essentially means is big, beautiful roads, less congestion, centrally located attractions, and plenty of urban green spaces – all great for spending a relaxing babymoon. The city is also well-connected by air, rail, and roads and has good hospitals. Things to do in Chandigarh include the famous, one of its kind Rock Garden and the Rose Garden – one of the largest in Asia. In the evening you can take a stroll or ride a bike around Sukhna Lake, a large reservoir. Indulge in some shopping for your little one at the malls and boutique shops in Sector 17.
Where To Stay
Being a sprawling urban city, Chandigarh has plenty of excellent hotels for a luxury vacation. You can stay at any of the international and Indian brands including the JW Mariott Chandigarh, the Lalit Chandigarh, the Hyatt Regency or the Taj Chandigarh.
Udaipur
Udaipur, along with Jaipur, is one of the most popular babymoon destinations near Delhi. It is a short, hour-long flight away, so perfect if you don’t want to spend an entire day on travel. Udaipur has long been one of the most sought-after romance destinations in India and has lots of lavish hotels and romance packages. These same hotels have now decided to cater to babymooners with prenatal massage and other packages. Romantic things to do in Udaipur include the exquisitely mirrored City Palace, the tranquil Lake Pichola, and the street food stalls, surrounding it (btw, it is totally okay to eat street food during pregnancy – I did!) as well as the Monsoon lake and nearby Fateh Sagar Lake. There is also a cool vintage car museum in the city which is a must for automobile lovers.
Where To Stay
The Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa is an excellent 5-star property with a beautiful pool constructed in Rajasthani step well style, spacious rooms, and spa massages. They also have traditional fold dance entertainment in the evenings. The Leela Palace Udaipur, located on Lake Pichola, has a beautiful tropical garden, rooms with lake views, and suites to die for. Another great option is the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur. Here you will be living on the lake, take a boat to the hotel, and treated to utmost luxury.
Jaisalmer
Yet another babymoon destination in Rajasthan, this one is definitely for the more adventurous at heart. Jaisalmer’s location stands out bright: it is situated close to the Indo-Pak border and sparkling sand dunes surround the sand-colored houses. Jaisalmer’s main attraction is the Jaisalmer Fort, which is not just a fort but a thriving vibrant neighborhood inside the fort. Inside you will find brightly hued textile shops and rugs, purses with mirror work, scarves, and headgear. Other attractions include Bada Bagh, Gadi Sagar Lake, Havelis etc. You can also venture on a desert Safari through a 4WD, which is safe during pregnancy. (It really is – I did one when 5 months pregnant in Wadi Rum. You should, however, skip the Camel Safari, as that’s not allowed.)
Where To Stay
Jaisalmer has many forts, palaces, & havelis turned into hotels, which are perfect babymoon options for couples. We love the unique Suryagarh for its sand-colored arches, courtyards, spacious rooms and lavish suites. You can have dinner on the dunes and get personalized attention from the staff. Other great heritage property options include Hotel Rang Mahal and Fort Rajwada – both are luxury resorts with a host of amenities. If you prefer chains, you can never go wrong with the Jaisalmer Mariott Resort & Spa.
Jodhpur
And once again, we turn to Rajasthan. The state is one of my faves, it has so much history and culture plus a personal connection – my parents honeymooned there! Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is famously known as the Blue City because of all the blue-hued rooftops. The best views of the blue city can be seen from the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur’s famous attraction. We also recommend visiting the Ghanta Ghar, Jaswant Thada, the stepwell, and of course, the famous Umaid Bhavan Palace. You also can’t leave Jodhpur without shopping for some Jodhpur pants, brightly colored scarves and purses, jewelry and other trinkets!
Where To Stay
If you are looking to splurge, then you must simply book a stay at the Umaid Bhavan Palace – you will be treated like royalty, have your personal butler, and a host of amenities at your request. This hotel is currently the #1 hotel in India and will provide a memorable babymoon experience. If however, you chose to invest that money in the baby’s future instead then Jodhpur has plenty of other budget-friendly luxury options. Hotel Ratan Vilas comes highly recommended by a friend who honeymooned there while the Radisson Jodhpur is another great option due to its central location and beautiful decor.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is British Raj personified, from its name (after British Governor Dalhousie) to its colonial bungalows and churches. This beautiful hill station is located in the Himalayan foothills and is very scenic. There are many waterfalls in the vicinity of Dalhousie that are great for a romantic stroll and picnics. The nearby Khajjiar Valley has beautiful alpine meadows and looks picturesque. We also suggest shopping for Tibetan goods in the Dalhousie market. The city isn’t easy to reach by air, so be prepared for a bumpy road trip to Dalhousie. For a pregnancy getaway away from the crowds, few destinations can rival the charm of Dalhousie.
Where To Stay
Dalhousie has many hotels in erstwhile colonial villas. Most of them are independent hotels and the area does not have many popular chains. They also happen to be budget hotels so you can have an equally luxurious experience in Dalhousie for a fraction of the price you will pay in any of the babymoon destinations in Rajasthan. A superb choice hotel for babymooners, as well as honeymooners, is the Grand View Hotel with panoramic views of the mountain ranges.
