Top 5 destinations for romantics (India)



Heavenly Goa. Pic credit: aloshbennett via flickr

There is a romantic in all of us and whether one accepts it or not, somewhere inside, we do wish for that exotic holiday in a breathtakingly beautiful place with that someone special, where you can spend some quality time with your beloved in your own little world, without a care of what’s happening in the outer universe.

For my top 5 destinations for romantics, I’ve decided to stick wholly and solely with India. After all it is the Incredible India! Peaceful mountain hideaways, fairy tale desert sceneries, comforting beaches, exciting jungles, and of course the fabled Taj Mahal – these are some of the highlights that India has to offer, making India one of the most romantic places to visit.

White beauty: Taj Mahal. Pic: Sandeepachetan.com via flickr

Romantic Agra

No romantic visit to India is complete without a visit to Agra, so much so that city has become synonymous to the Taj Mahal, the epitome of beauty. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel, apart from being the greatest symbol of love of a husband for his wife. Counted among the top 10 tourist places in the world, Agra as a historical city also stands for the architectural brilliance during the reign of Mughal emperors.

Breathtakingly beautiful Rajasthan. Pic: michaelfoley via flickr

Resplendent Rajasthan   

How about spending a few days in the company of your beloved, while enjoying the life of famous Rajasthani kings and queens of bygone era? Well, Rajasthan will offer you just that and much more. This magical destination reveals a new wonder almost each time you visit. The old world charm of the well-appointed hotels designed as palaces and vintage tourist spots are the highpoints of a Royal Rajasthani vacation. While in Rajasthan, a few days stay in Udaipur is a must. Also known as the City of lakes and the City of dawn, Udaipur's romantic appeal lies in the restful waters of Lake Pichola and the white marble Lake Palace at its heart. This delightful place is lined with old expansive mansions, beautiful gardens, elaborate and intricately designed temples, and grand palaces overseeing sprawling and shimmering lakes. Now you know why celebs – Hollywood and Bollywood prefer Rajasthan to be their wedding destination!

Heavenly Goa

Undoubtedly Goa is amongst the foremost visited and ultimate romantic spots in India. With its thriving nightlife and party culture, it can be an ideal holiday hotspot for couples who love to let their hair down. Even the ones who are on the lookout for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, Goa can be the ultimate haven. You can either enjoy long romantic walks on the beaches with your partner or indulge in some water sports or wind surfing with your beloved – the choice is yours. Home to a numbers of sprawling natural beaches, vintage monuments, Goan villages and beautiful Portuguese buildings, Goa undoubtedly is a heaven on earth.

God's own country: Kerala. Pic: roshansam via flickr

Divine Kerala

There’s something extremely romantic about the sound of waves hitting against a rocky shore and never-ending sunsets over the ocean. And you will find all this in abundance when you visit Kerala. Known as the God’s own country, Kerala is certainly one of the best romantic vacation getaways. Feel close to Nature and sail away in a house boat for a peaceful escape on a riverside or feast on some of the best South Indian cuisines while enjoying the thrilling adventurous getaways - a trip to Kerala is always a captivating and pleasurable experience.

Kullu Manali valley. Pic: Meghdutgorai via flickr

Inviting hills

Indian Hill stations are always one of the safest and best bet for a romantic getaway. In a country endowed with beautiful flora and fauna, there are over 200 lovely hill stations spread across the country. Out of these, some of the best options for a romantic getaway can be Ooty, Manali, Conoor, Kashmir, Nainital, Dehradun, Darjeeling and Shimla. Almost all the above mentioned hill stations can be ideal for a romantic and peaceful retreat.

Kerala: The hotspot for Ayurvedic resorts




Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort. Pics credit: Kairali Ayurvedic Resorts via flickr



Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu system of medicines has come a long way from just being the science of healthy lifestyle to being the slice of healthy lifestyle. Given the hectic everyday existence, people are increasingly adopting a holistic way of living as advised by Ayurveda. Supporting this balanced approach to life are a number of Ayurvedic resorts and health and rejuvenation centres that have cropped all around the world.

Home to plentiful supply of medicinal plants and herbs, owing to its moist humid climate, Kerala in India has become one of the most preferred destination for tourists who want to experience a healthier side to an otherwise indulgent holiday. Full of pristine forests, the state also makes for the perfect setting to some of the best Ayurvedic resorts. Here is our pick of top five:

Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort

Nestled in the midst of a wide green area, close to the famous Kovalam beach, the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort prides itself in being the world's first Ayurvedic resort. Acute health conditions, such as paralysis, blood pressure, arthritis etc. are first examined here by a team of skilled yoga experts and doctors, on the basis of which, a series of corresponding healing exercises and diet regime is prescribed. Various rejuvenation therapies combined with yoga and meditation programs are offered as packages at the resort. The resort is an ideal place to experience a complete mind and body rejuvenation in a blissfully peaceful environment.
Seven night rejuvenation package starts from Rs 75,000 approx.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort

At the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Ayurveda is treated as a serious business. Situated in the midst of sprawling acres of lush green land in the picturesque town of Palakkad, the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village follows the ancient science to its fullest. Starting from early morning meditation and yoga sessions to serving pure vegetarian food, the resort is famous for producing their own herbal Ayurvedic products. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Seven night rejuvenation packages start from Rs 75,000 approx.

Kalari Kovilakom

Leave your world behind – these are the words that will greet you as soon as you enter Kalari Kovilakom – The palace for Ayurveda. No meat, leather footwear, or alcohol are allowed at Kalari. This is the place where you will get to have plenty of me-time as there are no TV, or any other means of entertainment for that matter at the resort. Guests at Kalari undergo a complete two hour body assessment after which a personal and customised therapy is advised.
Two weeks rejuvenation packages start from Rs 4,21,000 approx.

Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort

The Arabian Sea on one side and the Karamana River on the other, there is a small island in between that houses one of the best Ayurvedic resorts, known as the Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort. The resort gets its name from its location and is a privately owned property. Situated just 8kms from the Trivandrum International Airport, this resort has only eight rooms and is famous for offering treatments curing Psoriasis, Bronchial Asthma, infertility, Arthiritis and Tropical Eosinophilia.
Seven night rejuvenation packages start from Rs 67,000 approx.

Ideal Ayurvedic Resort

If an affordable option is what you are looking for, then Ideal Ayurvedic Resort can be an ideal option. Though cheaper than the other resorts, the treatment offered here is of top class quality and is administered by highly qualified doctors. Relax, de-stress, detox and rejuvenate your mind and body with a wide range of packages available at the resort coupled with yoga and meditation sessions.
Two weeks packages start from Rs 1,06,000 approx.