A dinner date with your boyfriend is supposed to be romantic – but somehow standing in long queues and waiting for a table just ruins it. Long drives are supposed to be romantic too – but the hours spent in traffic quashes the romance. Thankfully there are other ways to keep the romance alive. Simply pack your bags, book a hotel, grab your boyfriend and set out on a (mini) adventure. Come 2017 make a resolution to visit these super romantic getaways, these picturesque destinations are perfect for any couple. May 2017 be the year of romance!
1. In God’s own country – Quite literally!
Munnar is a super pretty hill station in Kerala, with rolling hills covered in tea plantations. The gorgeous expanse of green is a sight to behold. It is the perfect destination for all you nature lovers out there. Take a walk through the lovely tea estates and simply soak in the beauty. Or visit the Blossom International Park, a beautifully manicured park full of the most exotic flowers. You could check out the many waterfalls that are around Munnar, Lakkam waterfalls looks spectacular and is the closest to Munnar town. If you are in the mood for a picnic and are looking for the ideal spot, then places like the Mattupetty Dam near Anamudi or the Nyayamakad waterfalls are perfect for you. But if you aren’t feeling particularly outdoorsy you could just enjoy the view from your hotel and cuddle under a blanket with endless cups of chai. Could you really ask for more?
2. With bae in Bom-bae!
The city of dreams has lot to offer for couples in love. It is after all home to Bollywood and if you and your boyfriend are the super filmy kind then this is definitely the place for you. You could go on a guided tour of Film City or check out your favourite celeb’s house. Go for long walks along Marine Drive (remember Wake Up Sid?). You could go sailing in the Mumbai Harbour, hire a yacht from the Gateway of India and set off on a nautical adventure. While in Mumbai try staying at the Four Seasons Hotel, nothing beats waking up to the view of the sea. Their rooftop bar offers a glorious view of the city skyline and is the perfect place for date.
3. Starry nights at Triund
Are you guys the adventurous sorts? Does your idea of a romantic getaway include exploring new territories and going on beautiful treks? If yes, then try Triund. It’s near Mcleodganj and the view of Kangra Valley from there is spectacular. Imagine pitching a tent and spending a quiet evening under the starry skies with him (OMG). The best time to go is between March to May and September to December, but if you want to experience the snow then try a little earlier in the year. Don’t forget to take your camera along! You will most definitely want to take tons of pictures!
4. Go Goa Gone
Because it’s Goa, baby! Who doesn’t dream of a trip to Goa with their special someone! Be it a romantic stroll on the beach or a candlelit dinner at a shack… Goa should be on every couple’s list of must visit places! It may be the party capital of the country, but there are so many other fun things you can do there. Go on a dolphin spotting trip with local boatsmen at Fort Aguada. Take a day trip to North Goa and explore the islands surrounded by the tranquil backwaters (Yup, Goa has backwaters too!). Experience the joy of authentic Goan cuisine by dining at quaint little restaurants – Sorpotel, Xacuti and Vindaloo are delicacies that you must try. Make your trip memorable by staying at the Ramada Hotel in Goa – located on the white sands of Varca Beach, it offers the most gorgeous view of the ocean. So grab your swimsuits and head on over to Goa to soak in the sun, the sand and the sea.
5. Pondicherry – the French connection
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city then ‘Pondy’ is the place to go. It has this lovely rustic vibe, it’s got all the old world charm of the French Colonies and yet it is quintessentially Indian. This is another romantic destination for all the lovebirds out there. Hire a bicycle and explore the city together, take in its beautiful beaches and historic French Colonial architecture. Go scuba diving off the coast of Puducherry and be enthralled by the beautiful corals and aquatic flora and fauna. The food here is to die for! From delicious South Indian flavours to delectable European treats – Puducherry has it all. The cafes here serve up the most delicious baked goods and the live music adds to the ambience.
6. Royal romance in Jaipur
Jaipur serves as the perfect backdrop for a ‘royal’ romance! The vibrant city with exceptional architecture is worth exploring with your boyfriend. Couples will be thoroughly spoilt for choice with the numerous sightseeing options that the city offers. From the beautiful Ramgarh Lake to the majestic Nahargarh Fort, make a checklist of all the places you want to see and hit them all. Jaipur is a haven for shopaholics, the markets are so bright and colourful that your boyfriend won’t even mind tagging along. Check out silver and kundan jewellery in Johari Bazaar, mojaris in Bapu Bazaar and traditional Rajasthani crafts at Nehru Bazaar. Go on a camel safari through the desert or take a hot air balloon ride over the city. Nothing beats an aerial view of the Pink City. If you are looking to live life ‘king’ size then stay at the opulent Four Points By Sheraton in Jaipur. It’s an absolute beauty and will definitely make you feel like a queen!
7. Weekend away in Alibaug
Alibaug is a short drive away from Bombay. Famous for its beautiful beaches like Akshi and Varsoli, it is the perfect place to simply relax with your partner – the tranquility of Alibaug will take your breath away. While you are there don’t miss out on staying at the Radisson Blu. The resort and spa is perfect for a weekend away. Alibaug is also known for its exhaustive list of water sports activities – banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, bumper rides (a ride where a small boat is tied to the back of a jet ski), sea kayaking and speed boat rides!
8. Backwater bliss in Alleppey
The backwaters of Kerala are simply mesmerising. Rent a houseboat or a Kettuvallam as the locals call it and enjoy the serenity of nature. The view as you float through the waterways is beautiful, lush green paddy fields and coconut trees surround you. The onboard chef whips up delicious, traditional meals with the freshest seafood. Sit on the deck of the boat with your boyfriend and watch the sun set over the tranquil waters. It takes you back to a simpler time and offers you an experience that you will never forget.
9. Breathtaking Ladakh
The colourful fluttering prayer flags, the stark white monasteries (Gompas) and the mountainous landscape make Ladakh one of the most picturesque places in India to visit. If you guys love photography then you definitely need to make a trip here. Hire a cab and simply drive along the beautiful Indus River – the turquoise blue of the river is stunning. Check out Nubra Valley and experience a high altitude desert like you have never seen before. Visit the Tso Moriri Lake and set up camp by the lake, or you could opt to stay with the locals – they have some cosy homestays near by. Visiting a monastery is a must while in Leh, try going to Thikse Gompa which is a twelve story structure is located on the top of a hill.
*This post is in association with Cleartrip.