From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 22: Despite being in news for the recent honeymoon murder case, Meghalaya has become one of the most favoured places in the country for ‘minimoons’ — a short break spent together by a newly married couple, typically in advance of a longer holiday to be taken at a later date.
Within this travel trend, experience-led short trips are up 18% year-on-year, signalling a generational change in how couples want to travel, rest, celebrate, and spend. In general, Indian couples are now opting for mini moons instead of longer honeymoons right after their wedding, according to Thrillophilia’s Honeymoon Travel Report 2025-26.
Besides Meghalaya, the other popular minimoon destinations are Kerala, Andaman, Goa, Rajasthan, Coorg and Himachal Pradesh.
Minimoon has become the modern couple’s survival plan.
After weeks of ceremonies, guests, late nights and logistics, newlyweds are opting for a quick 3-5-night escape that doesn’t demand leave approvals or visa paperwork. The big-moon (full-fledged honeymoon), on the other hand, is the intentional honeymoon, where they can tick off their bucket-list dreams, and head to places with private pools, beaches or mountains, and have long conversations.
As Abhishek Daga, Co-Founder of Thrillophilia, puts it: “Couples want both rest and adventure, just not all at once. This season is experience-first. They’re choosing slow luxury over checklist itineraries, privacy over crowds, and moments over miles.”
Meghalaya was in news nationally recently following the killing of Raja Raghuvanshi during a honeymoon vacation in Sohra (Cherrapunji) on May 20 this year. According to the police, his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, conspired with her lover, Raj Kushwaha, and three hired hitmen, to orchestrate the murder. All five accused have been arrested, and the case is being investigated by the Meghalaya Police.
