HIDDEN AND ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
Nestled in quiet spots away from the crowds, some destinations are India are not as popular as they should be. These spots are sometimes more breathtaking in their beauty than the popular ones. With lesser tourists and smaller crowds visiting these places, their natural beauty is conserved and, in some way, more pure than other places. These are the kind of places where you can quietly enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
Uttarakhand
Auli
Considered one of the best ski destinations in India, Auli is a beautiful hill station in the Garhwal region. It is surrounded by high peaks on all sides and is situated at almost 3,000 metres above sea level. Auli has one of the longest cable car rides in the world, covering a distance of about 4 km, offering a stunning view of the Himalayan mountain range on all sides.
Karnataka
Gokarna
Located on the western coast of India in the state of Karnataka, Gokarna is known for both its temples and its beaches. The town is known for its Mahabaleshwara Temple, Adi Gokarneshwara temple, Ganapati Temple and the Koti Teertha. People also love Gokarna for its five beautiful beaches, the most famous of which is Om Beach,and it is named after the religious symbol “Om” as it resembles it in shape.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Havelock Island
A part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island boasts of white sandy beaches, rich coral reefs and lush green forests. It is a great spot for indulging in scuba diving and snorkelling. These activities are further enhanced as the waters around the island include a rich variety of extremely colourful fishes that are always swimming around you. You could also enjoy kayaking, sailing and surfing here. The tour begins in Port Blair, where popular destinations include the Cellular Jail, Anthropological Musuem, Naval Museum, the Fisheries Aquarium and stays in Neil Island and Havelock Island. The island has such a carefree and relaxed atmosphere that it makes for a truly romantic experience.
Himachal Pradesh
Kasol
Located in the middle of the Himalayan mountain range, with the Parvati river flowing right next to it, Kasol offers an experience of pure and pristine natural beauty. The town does not boast of luxury hotels or fancy food options. Instead, it gives you an opportunity to explore the hospitality of the local villagers. You can go on several treks, visit the waterfall, eat at local cafes, and explore the local market. Kasol is a quiet place that gives you a chance to truly unwind and relax.
KERALA
Kovalam
Located in south India, Kovalam is a quiet place with serene beaches. It is also home to the Napier Musuem and the Kuthiramalika Palace, both of which host priceless collections of artefacts from olden times. The tour’s highlight is the excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point in the Indian peninsula. It is the meeting of three water bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The multicoloured sand is a unique feature of the beach here and visiting this beach is an experience that you should truly share with a loved one.
KERALA
COCHIN
The backwaters of Kerala offer a unique experience as a romantic getaway. You can cruise through the backwaters, viewing the beautiful greenery around you, but what sets this tour apart is the experience of staying in a houseboat, floating over the calm waters in the night. The tour also includes a few days in Cochin, where you can enjoy the Kathakali dance along with visits to the Matancherry Palace and an old Jewish Synagogue.
SRINAGAR
KASHMIR
The tour starts in Srinagar, where lies the famous Dal Lake. Here, you stay in a houseboat called “Shikara” and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding Srinagar. In the evening, it’s a sight to behold as you spend a romantic moment with your loved one in the middle of the lake. Srinagar also includes other attractions such as the Mughal Gardens. You can explore local Kashmiri handicrafts at the city market. The tour moves to Gulmarg, which is known as the Meadow of Flowers, a breathtaking sight of vivid colours amidst a backdrop of white, snow-capped mountains.
HIMACHAL PRADESH
MANALI
Set in the beautiful Himalayas, Manali is a hill station that offers great scenic landscapes. In Manali, you can visit the Hadimba Temple and take a walk on Mall Road. The tour includes a trip to Rohtang Pass, which is located 51km north of Manali at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres. The area offers spectacular sights of glaciers, snow-clad peaks, and the Chandra river that flows down the Lahaul valley.
