There is no dearth of romantic destinations in India. With it’s variety of hill stations and beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are the top 10 Romantic destinations that you surely can’t afford to miss.
- 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.
Hi Priya
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