Top 10 Romantic Holidays In India
With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, it’s that time of the year to spoil your ‘significant other’ with love and a promise of togetherness and everything else that ‘Rom Coms’ are made of! Nothing gets more romantic than leaving town for a while with your special someone. Read on to find out about the most romantic holiday spots in India.
1. Goa
Stay in huts on a South Goa beach, isolated and remote; it’s paradise! You could perhaps indulge in Goa’s happening nightlife that has an air of Portuguese tradition and culture. If you’re the ‘adventurous’ kind, then visit the Mandovi’s thick mangroves or try some water adventure like a dolphin cruise or parasailing. There’s definitely a lot to do here!
#Cheesy Tip: Take a walk on the beach, watch the sunset and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. That’s romancing in Goa for you!
2. Havelock (Andaman Islands)
It’s untouched and devoid of any unneeded urbanization. Just sandy beaches, turquoise waters and you. There are a couple of resorts like the Silver Sand Resort that truly help you experience what Havelock really is. Enjoy the beauty of doing absolutely nothing in the Andamans.
#Cheesy Tip: Grab a cocktail, lie on the beach, spend that much needed time together and let your surroundings spoil you silly, of course.
3. Udaipur
Sparkling serene lakes, magnificent hills, the flora and fauna in the forested areas and the vibrant markets add a certain aura and magic to this royal city. Staying at The Leela Palace and or The Oberoi Udaivilas will make your sojourn surreal.
#Cheesy Tip: When in the ‘Venice of the East’ take a boat ride on Lake Pichola. See the homes of the Royals of Mewar, Jag Mandir and the magnificent Udaipur City Palace complex. Follow it up with a candle lit dinner in one the many lake facing restaurants along its banks and enjoy a ‘royal’ treatment.
4. Kumarakom (Kerala)
The green surroundings are picturesque and exude freshness. An hour-long beautiful drive from Kochi, entering Kumarakom feels like a breath of fresh air! Hotels such as Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom offer great couple retreat packages to help you rejuvenate.
#Cheesy Tip: The backwaters are a must visit. Spend a night in a luxury houseboat and indulge in some fresh and scrumptious sea food.
5. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a hill station like no other. Whether it’s the air or the mountains or the overall environment, it’s uncertain what truly makes it so distinct. Its simplicity and innocence is one of its endearing aspects, which is why it’s a great place to spend a few days with your loved one. Have a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea and enjoy the simple things in life.
#Cheesy Tip: Set a breakfast date at Keventer’s and take a walk through some tea plantations like Marybong Tea Estate and absorb the delightful aroma of fresh tea.
6. Shillong & Cherrapunjee (Meghalaya)
There’s something about the Northeast that is just simply intriguing. Admire the exotic beauty of your natural surroundings as you drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee. Visit the Seven Sisters Falls and Mauphlyang Falls just appreciate the feel of it all. The Shillong Peak, Police Bazaar, Mausami Caves; there’s much to explore.
#Cheesy Tip: Wake up early and head out to visit the falls. If not the falls, just a walk in solitude under the clear sky, in the beautiful state of Meghalaya is nothing but romantic.
7. Gangtok (Sikkim)
Winters in Gangtok are the ideal time to spend some quality time together. With the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga and deep valleys to go along, Gangtok offers spectacular views. Head to the famous Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the fascinating fauna and flora. Visiting monasteries can’t be missed while in Gangtok. A visit to any guarantees a feeling of purity and joy to last a lifetime.
#Cheesy Tip: Rekindle romance amidst the beauty of nature. Catch a bird’s-eye view of Gangtok on the bi-cable Zig Back Ropeway or merely linger around hand in hand, munching on sweet delicacies on the country’s first litter and spit free zone, MG Marg.
8. Gulmarg
Now, there’s a reason why Shammi Kapoor chose Gulmarg as the place to woo his lady love in his many Bollywood flicks! The location is absolutely spectacular. Go for the Outer Circle Walk; it’s a long trek around the Kashmir Valley but offers a wonderful chance to spend those quality moments together exploring the beauty of the area.
#Cheesy Tip: You can’t leave without the Gulmarg Gondola experience and an attempt at skiing on powdery white slopes in the winter. All memories that’ll last you a lifetime.
9. Manali
Far away from the rollercoaster, we call life, you have Manali. An ideal place to just be with one another while you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks, deodar pines and the clear waters of the Beas River. It’s a chance to just soak in the ambience and sigh in glee. You must certainly visit the Hadimba Devi Temple along with the Tibetan Monastery and the natural hot water fountain.
#Cheesy Tip: When visiting in winter you may be lucky enough to experience snowfall in Manali; an experience regarded as a ‘free visit to heaven’. You could also take a tip from the movies and take long strolls in the many meadows and orchards here!
10.Ooty
It isn’t surprising that most newlywed couples head to Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiris. With its mist covered mountains and lush green vegetation all around, discovering Ooty is definitely a great way to discover your new love.
# Cheesy Tip: Ooty has quite a few scenic sights to offer from the Botanical Gardens to cardamom plantations. Continue your journey of love with a ‘picnic for two’ by the Ooty Lake; bask in the nature of this eternal hill station and celebrate your timeless love.
