Romantic Indian Destinations on Valentines Day

Posted on : 12th January 2012
Valentines Day is here and most of us are wondering what to do different this time. Some of us are going to spend their first Valentine's Day with their special someone. But, what is common for everyone is the relevance of this day as to one of the most romantic occasions in an year.

When it comes to adding romance to an already beautiful time, the options are many. One of the most popular ones of them all is a holiday to an exotic or an extraordinary locale that adds to the romanticism of Valentine's Day. The choices are many and they differ according to the preferences of people, the season and the expenditure involved.

Coorg
This picturesque land is also known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is the anglicised name of the district of Kodagu in Karnataka. It is known for its pleasant weather, since it is present on the eastern slopes of the western ghats at an elevation of 900 metres. The rolling hills and the medium levels of temperatures with abundant rain showers make it apt for coffee plantations. The Cauvery river and the Teakwood forests add to the charm of this place. All these factors make it one of the most idyllic and romantic getaways for Valentines Day in India.

Kerala backwaters
Kerala is also known as God's own country due to its rich flora and fauna. Kerala is divided into the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). It lies between the Laccadive sea and the western ghats. Kerala backwaters is one of the most amazing land water geographical phenomena and the perfect getaway for Valentine's Day. They stretch from Kochi in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south. The rural Kerala lifestyle, the landscape of paddy fields, mangrove forests, coconut palms add to the serene beauty and the romanticism of the place.

Jaisalmer
More popularly recognised as "The Golden City", Jaisalmer is otherwise a small town in the desert state of Rajasthan. It beauty lies in the wide expanse of the Thar desert that surrounds it and the mysticism that makes this place a living, breathing museum of sorts. Out of this sea of sand rises the sandstone town of Jaisalmer. The ancient fort of this township which was built in 1156 is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. It has five palaces, several temples, havelis (mansions) as well as shops and other residences inside its great walls. One can enjoy the romanticism of the desert on Valentines Day by taking multiple day safaris sleeping which include camping out under the stars. Just sitting on the sand dunes at the time of sunset or sunrise is enough to encourage the romantic streak in anyone.

Agra
Can there be a better place for a romantic getaway on Valentines Day than the city which boasts of the ‘monument of love’ Taj Mahal. This place transports you to a very different place altogether, there is a romanticism in the very essence of this city. Agra is a city in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh and lies on the banks of river Yamuna. It is known for its rich association with history and its cultural heritage. Agra fort, Sikandra (Akbar’s tomb), Fatehpur Sikri (35 kms from Agra city), Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Guru Ka Tal, Jama Masjid, Mughla Heritage Walk, Keetham Lake are some of the must visit places in Agra. It is also well known for its artistic work done on Leather, Footwear, Brasswear, Carpets, Jewellery and Embroidery and Zari work on clothes.

Dalhousie
This small and serene hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a perfect Valentine's Day retreat. Dalhousie was discovered and established as a summer retreat by the British in 1854. And thus, Scottish and Victorian architecture is prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town. Dalhousie is located on the far west of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas and spreads over five levels of hills. The river Ravi flowing by adds to the romance and love which is so palpable in the atmosphere already. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. This place is also the gateway to the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This area is better known for its rich ancient Hindu culture preserved in art, temples, and handicrafts.

Darjeeling
This idyllic and quaint hill station in the state of West Bengal is also more famously known as ‘Queen of the Hills’.The six T’s that are associated with this place are Tea, Teak, Tourism, Toy Train, Tiger Hill and Trekkers Paradise. The rolling hills and the view of the forever snow capped peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga are the essence of the romance that Darjeeling offers. This town also boasts of a rich cultural heritage with an ethnic mix of population. The colonial architecture speaks of the enigmatic and enchanting beauty of this place. All these qualities make Darjeeling an ideal getaway for your Valentine.

These are some of the destinations that add to the whole feel of Valentines Day and to the mystery and enigma of the occasion. What is so amazing about the choice of these holiday spots is the accessibility and the range of cost options available.