The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision including Abd ul-Karim Ma’mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.

When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site.

The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture. The Taj has a life of its own that leaps out of marble, because it is a monument of love and as an architectural masterpiece, nothing could be added or subtracted from it.

You can drive down to Thimphu, and visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The 15th century Changangkha monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Thimphu valley and was by a descendant of Lama Phajo Dukgom Shigpo. The main statue at the temple is of Avalokiteswara (the eleven-headed Buddha manifestation with 1000 arms and 1000 eyes). The temple is located on the top of a steep hill and visitors gain access up a long flight of stone steps. Entrance to the temple requires an authorised written permit that should be handed to the caretaker monks.

Visit Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Other attractions are the Choki Traditional Art School established in 1999, which is a non-profit school which offers free boarding and lodging facilities & education to underprivileged children and the Handicraft center which is a Non-Government Organization which functions as a marketing arm to the rural artisans and entrepreneurs of Bhutan.

The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located in the Gangtey Valley. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Drive down to Punakha to visit the Punakha Dzong which is a remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans.

You can ride horse back to Taktsang monastery or go hiking for 2-3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery is perched on a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.

Best time to Visit: During February to May and September to November.   The other months are either cold or rainy but they too have their own flavor.
How to Reach from India
By Air: Paro is the international airport of Bhutan. Regular flights operate between Paro and Delhi and Kolkata.
By Road and Rail:  Take a train up to Siliguri. The point of entry to Bhutan is the border town of Jaigon which is 150 km from Siliguri, the furthest that you can get near Bhutan by rail. A gate separates the Indian town of Jaigaon from the Bhutanese town of Phunsoling and cars are available for hire from Siliguri to Jaigaon.

A Must visit in Arunachal is Tawang, which is the land of the Monpa tribes and a major centre of the Mahayana Buddhism. It is home to a 400 year old famous Buddhist Monastery locally called Gompa. It is the oldest and 2^nd largest monastery in Asia after Lhasa in Tibet. The Tibetan influence here is unmistakable, with the elaborately painted wooden windows and other motifs and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.  The most impressive part of the monastery is the three storied assembly hall which houses the temple and the 8 meter high gilded statue of Lord Buddha.

Other attractions are Sangester lake, Gorsam Chorten, which is a stupa of about 100 ft in height and about 700 years old built by Lama Pradhar, a Monpa Monk.  Nuranang falls, Singsar Ani Gompa(a nunnery still being runs by nuns), and a Craft Centre producing very fine woolen carpets of colorful designs. On the way to Tawang lies the World’s Second highest motorable pass, the Sela Pass at 14,000 feet which runs through a small ridge and along a placid lake called the Paradise Lake, in India.

Taktsang Gompa is located at the distance of 45 Kms from Tawang Township, is believed to have consecrated by the visit of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. It is perched on the ridge of the hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains and visitors can conduct a visit round about the places nearby Taktsang Gonpa where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated.

The Banga Jang range will leave you spell bound with its beauty and one cannot help resist themselves from exclaiming the fabulous design of the nature. Every year Pilgrims tour round about the Banga Jang range to acquire the heavenly bliss and sanctity.

Tawang is endowed with many hot water springs which are known for their medicinal value on account of the high sulpher content in the hot springs which cure many skin ailments. One such hot spring is the Tsachu hot spring which can be reached by traveling by a light motor vehicle for two hours from Tawang up to Sarong Gonpa and trekking from there for another three hours. Other Hot springs are Kitpi Hot Spring, Thingbu Hot Spring, Greng-khar Hot spring etc.

Best Time to Visit: June to October

How to Reach:

Entry to Tawang is via Guwahati and Tezpur in Assam which are well connected by flights and Railway to other parts of the country.  From Guwahati /Tezpur one has to proceed to Tawang by road which takes about 10 hours from Guwahati and 13 hours from Tezpur.

Among the many havelis theres is Patwon-ki-Haveli , an ornate 5 storey complex, built in a period of 50 years by  Guman Chand Patwa (and later by his five sons), a wealthy merchant and banker who had over three hundred trading centres from Afghanistan to China. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli was built by Salim Singh in 1815 and has a beautifully arched roof capped with blue cupolas and carved brackets in the form of peacocks. Then there’s Haveli Shreenath, which is 450 years old has gorgeous archways, alluring alcoves, and magnificent rooms opening onto small balconies.

Also visit the Gadsisar Lake to have a view of the migratory birds as they indulge in amorous fight and the Desert Cultural center to take a sneak peek of Rajasthani culture. There are camel safaris available that take you to watch the sunset over the sand dunes for a mesmerizing experience. Jeep safaris are available too and are affordable.

On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, there are Sam Sand dunes where you can stay in the camp in solitude and just look at the sun setting behind the horizon. Another option is the Khuri sand dunes if you want yourself to get pampered by Rajasthani hospitality where you can listen to local folk music and enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Also visit Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis and appreciate the Dilwara style paintings scattered all around the ruins.

Best time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Delhi: 793 km
How to reach:
By Air: Jodhpur Airport (300 km)
By Rail: Jaisalmer Station

• Agra: The land of the Monument of Love, Taj Mahal has to undoubtedly feature first in the list of romantic destinations. What could be more romantic than having a close up and uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal from your hotel window? The view from the rear of the Taj Mahal is marvelous from where you can see the Yamuna River winding its way from the east and making its way to the west.
• Coorg: The Kodagu region of Karnataka, often referred to as Coorg (the English version of its name), is an extremely picturesque and alluring mountainous area in south India. The highlight of a visit to Coorg is Abbey Falls, near the main town of Madikeri. Also visit Raja’s Seat for breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views across the valley.
• Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer is a remarkable sandstone city that rises magically from the sand dunes of the Rajasthan desert. During medieval times, Jaisalmer was an important part of the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Its legendary fort, built in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. It houses five palaces, several temples, and some exquisite havelis (mansions), as well as shops and other residences. You can take a camel ride into the desert. Multiple day safaris sleeping out under the stars are popular but even a couple of hours spent in the desert, watching the sunset on the sand dunes with a picnic, inspires great romance.
• Kerala: It’s one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. It’s indeed God’s land with its palm fringed backwaters, paddy fields and endless lush greenery that’s a feast for the eyes. Opt to stay in a boat house on the back waters with a personal chef serving a traditional Kerala meal on plantain leaf. You can also get a glimpse of the rural Kerala lifestyle, set against a fertile green landscape of paddy fields, mangrove forests, and thick clusters of coconut palms.
• Ranthambore National Park: Nature and wildlife lovers will find romance in abundance at Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan. The park is of historical importance, having witnessed many battles played out on its land, and the rise and fall of many rulers. Some of India’s most fascinating wildlife can be found in the park. In fact, the chances of spotting a tiger in the wild there are amongst the best in the country. The park itself is surrounded by the Avaralli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, with steep rocky hills and plains, dry deciduous forest, and open grassy meadows lakes and rivers. The landscape is dominated by the formidable 10th century Ranthambore Fort. It’s a huge structure that contains ruined pavilions, splendid monuments, and three Hindu temples.
• Shimla: Nestled in the Himalaya Mountains, Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it’s the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. This wonderfully cool and charming town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It’s quite famous for its colonial Tudor and Neo-Gothic style buildings, and historic railway. The Kalka-Shimla Train is a picture of romance as it slowly winds its way through the misty mountains and thick pine forests. There’s a special Shivalik Queen compartments for honeymooners. The fresh, crisp air is so invigorating and enlivening, while the scenery will transport you to a world far away from urban tensions, where romance comes naturally.
• Udaipur: Udaipur could possibly be the most romantic city in India. It’s an magical place full of old mansions, beautiful gardens, intricate temples, and grand palaces overlooking expansive shimmering lakes. The City Palace, stretching along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, leaves visitors spellbound. It’s been exquisitely constructed with Rajput military architecture and Mughal style decorative techniques both combined together. For an added touch of romance, there are captivating views of the lake and city below from its many balconies, courtyards, and towers.
• Srinagar: It is crowning glory of hill stations, is the celebrated capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is called the city of lakes, which has fascinated tourist’s from centuries, with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. Srinagar is a big hit with the honeymooners who find the serene environments and the picturesque surroundings at Srinagar very enticing. No wonder, Srinagar is sometimes called the “Lovers’ Paradise”.
• Aizawl in Mizoram: Mizoram is full of serene locale, remote villages, and the rare beauty of nature as far as can reach. Located out in the Lushai Hills that border Burma, it is one of the most romantic getaways. Known for its sparkling white churches, bamboo forests and gentle hills, the warm embracing nature magnetizes you. There’s immense scope of exploring the surrounding countryside that’s lovelier than the city itself!
• Lovedale: Lovedale is situated in the blue hills of western Tamil Nadu was perhaps christened Lovedale in a fit of nostalgia by its British founders probably because the countryside around here is reminiscent of the foggy rolling dales of Scotland. The Nilgiris narrow gauge rail line passes through Lovedale and the shrill sound of the toy train’s whistle as it chugs through the eucalyptus forests is a most romantic sound. Situated near Ooty, Lovedale does not attract much of a tourist crowd and has fortunately escaped being commercialized by souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants and tour operators.