Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda skip traditional honeymoon for ‘buddymoon’. Why did they choose their first trip as newly married with friends?

Weeks after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony near Udaipur, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are making headlines for their unconventional post-wedding choice. Instead of heading out on a traditional honeymoon, the newlyweds opted for a “buddymoon”—a growing travel trend where couples celebrate with close friends. Their decision has sparked curiosity among fans, especially after they shared glimpses of their getaway on social media.

Why Rashmika, Vijay opt for 'buddymoon' and not honeymoon?

Taking to Instagram, the couple posted a video capturing relaxed and joyful moments from their trip. From quiet mornings to poolside fun and game nights, the glimpses showed a calm and happy vibe. Along with the video, they shared that after the hustle of wedding celebrations, they simply wanted to slow down for a few days and spend quality time in a peaceful setting.



The couple travelled to Koh Samui in Thailand, where they stayed at a beachside Airbnb villa along with a close group of friends. For a pair constantly in the public eye, this getaway offered a chance to unwind in a more personal and comfortable environment. Their days were filled with simple pleasures, swimming, playing table tennis and pool, enjoying good food, and watching movies together.

In an interaction with Vogue, Rashmika and Vijay opened up about why they chose this kind of trip for their first getaway as a married couple. They explained, “We could all be together in one space, hang out, play games, be in the pool and watch the sunset, enjoy good food, and experience the local culture in a more real, unfiltered way. It felt less like visiting and more like living the place,”

They also shared that being in a group helped them connect more deeply with the place. Instead of following a typical tourist routine, they felt like they were living in the moment, enjoying sunsets, long walks on the beach, and unhurried conversations that stretched late into the night. This approach made their trip more immersive and memorable.

What is buddymoon?

The concept of a “buddymoon” has been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike a traditional honeymoon, which focuses on the couple alone, a buddymoon allows newlyweds to extend their celebrations with friends or family. It often mix the joy of a wedding with the comfort of a group vacation, creating lasting memories with loved ones.

On the work front, the duo is set to reunite on screen for Ranabaali, directed by Rahul Sankrityan, a Telugu film inspired by historical events. Rashmika was last seen in Thamma (2025), while Vijay continues to explore diverse roles in his upcoming projects.