The noted Sufi poet Rumi said centuries ago that travel brings power and love back into one’s life. Indeed, nothing is as therapeutic and freeing as travelling. Going away on a vacation with a loved one on Valentine’s Day is a particularly splendid experience, since it just adds more power to the relationship and magnifies the love that you share. Here are 14 destinations that will make you go “wow” as you vacation with your significant other on February 14, to make this Valentine’s Day particularly special.
1. Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
One always wonders why people flock to crowded destinations like Bangkok and Dubai for quick getaways when you have a serene piece of heaven called Havelock Island so close to home. Part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island is a ferry’s drive away from Port Blair and comprises pristine beaches and tropical thickets. Rent bikes here and check into one of the numerous top-quality resorts here, most of which have split-level bamboo lodges. The great part about this island is that mobile and internet connectivity is very poor, which allows to completely cut off and enjoy your time amongst nature without people from work bothering you. The beaches here are absolutely beautiful and the famed Radhanagar beach at Havelock was voted Asia’s Best Beach by Time magazine in 2004.
2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho – a place of architectural splendour and much notoriety during the time of the prudish British, comprises the biggest group of Hindu and Jain temples built in the medieval era. Noted for its erotic carvings by Chandella artisans, these sculptures bear testament to the master craftsmanship of sculptors from the period and depict men and women copulating with each other, along with members of a whole different species (read animals). Quite an experience, this. You could take some erotic lessons home too.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
The City of Lakes and palaces, Udaipur, the Venice Of The East, is steeped in Rajput history and culture. Besides obvious attractions like the grand City Palace and the Lake Palace, the city also boasts of temples of architectural perfection, like Jagdish Temple and Sagasji Mandir. Saheliyon-ki-Bari is another popular tourist spot in the city, comprising lush gardens, a lotus pool, elephant-shaped fountains and marble pavilions.
4. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Tea lovers will know of Darjeeling well, but this is one destination that demands a visit atleast once in a lifetime. Its numerous tea plantations produce the finest teas in the world and are a lush, green sight to behold. When here, do not miss a chance to travel by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and watch the Himalayan mountains in all their glory, along with charming villages and towns like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, through which the train passes.
5. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Cliched as it may sound, there is no place like the Taj Mahal to ponder the wonders of love. The stunning marble mausoleum, a work of creative and architectural genius of the Mughals, stemmed out of the grief of emperor Shah Jahan, after his beloved wife, the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal, died. This UNESCO World Heritage structure has the ability to stun you into silence every time you see it, even at your hundredth viewing.
6. Nasik Vineyards, Maharashtra
Are you a wine connoisseur who loves sampling wines and furthering your education about the decadent liquid? Head to Nasik’s famous vineyards and go on a wine tour of the region, which is the playground of some of the biggest winemakers in India – Sula, York, Zampa, Seagram’s Nine Hills and others. Look up the best wine tour packages, which will allow a comfortable stay, and educate you well about wines and winemaking, along with wine tasting sessions.
7. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
The Valley isn’t as turbulent as it used to be, which is a blessing because you get to avail the pleasure of the sights and smells of paradise on earth. Srinagar, with its Mughal gardens, shikaras and bounty of ripe fruits, is possibly the most beautiful destination in India. Noted gardens from the Mughal era here are the Chashme Shahi, Naseem Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Nishant Bagh. A shikara ride on the Dal Lake, with an open sky and blue lake waters for visual company, is an experience one just mustn’t miss, especially if one is travelling with one’s significant other.
8. Konkan, Maharashtra
Most visitors in the state may flock to the city of dreams (Mumbai), but few really venture to the scenic coast of Maharashtra – Konkan. With its pristine virgin beaches, red earth and the magnificent Western Ghats with border the region, Konkan offers the mountains and sea to those who visit it. The beauty of the region lies in its simplicity, as it is untouched by greed unlike other tourist spots that are being milked for what they are worth and more. The Ganpatipule, Diveagar and the Malvan beaches (the latter having a particularly beautiful sunset) and the Sindhudurg and Murud-Janjira forts are destinations that must be visited.
9. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Yet another destination in Rajasthan, this one far from the palaces and royalty. If man made wonders aren’t your cup of tea, head to spend some time with the wild at Ranthambore National Park in the Sawai Madhopur district of the state. The park has a large population of India’s national animal—the tiger, along with other animals and birds like deers, wild boars, peacocks and more.
10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Among the hills of Dehradun is nestled this city – Rishikesh. The city is better known as a holy spot, situated on the banks of the Ganges, with its many temples. It also has numerous Yoga centres which attract tourists from across the world. The majestic Lashman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the river, is a landmark in the area and offers a great view of the sunset. If you aren’t the spiritual kind though, the city also offers thrilling white water rafting packages. An adrenaline rush transports you to a whole different plane, so this is something that is highly recommended.
11. Hampi, Karnataka
In a village of northern Karnataka lie wonders that date back to the time before Christ. The village we are talking about is Hampi, where craftsmanship from millenniums ago has withstood the test of time. Besides housing numerous temples, it also includes marvels like magnificent stone chariots, the Lotus Mahal at Zenana enclosure, a tall watch tower, intricately carved pillars and stepped tanks, among other attractions. This is one spot where time seems to stand still, as the ancient world exists in perfect harmony with the modern one.
12. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Known as The Last Shangri-La, Ladakh is one of those rare, relatively untouched regions, that allow one to completely retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life into unadulterated natural beauty, with the lulling sound of silence for company. Home to Buddhist monasteries, incredible valleys like the Drass, Suru, Shayok and Salt Valley, and lakes like the Great Salt Lake, Ladakh is one tourist spot that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. And ticked off soon, too.
13. Munnar, Kerala
The backwaters of God’s Own Country, Kerala, are a very popular honeymoon destination. Many tourism hotspots abound this state, but Munnar is a quainter locale, with lush scenes to regale your senses. Nature’s bounty, with all its flora and fauna, overflows in Munnar, as numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, like the Eravikulam National Park and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, surround it.
14. Goa, Goa
Party people don’t need to look any further than Goa if they are looking for the ultimate party destination in the union territory. The West and the East amalgamate beautifully here, giving Goa its particular flavour which is a lovely mix of Portuguese and Indian. Beautiful beaches, the hottest parties, great seafood and places of spiritual note like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Church of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, along with the Mangeshi and Shanta Durga temples.
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