VALENTINE DAY/TRAVEL SPECIAL..FOR COUPLES LOCAL TO REALISE YOUR DREAMS

TRAVEL FOR COUPLES LOCAL TO REALISE YOUR DREAMS

Explore destinations in India that are great for couples

    What is it that pulls you back to your roots? Which is the place you always wanted to visit as a child? Which was that destination where the silver sands and the golden sun drifted you away to a dreamland. Perhaps, now is the time to realise all your childhood dreams by travelling domestic. Today, on Valentine’s Day, make a plan with your partner to hit India’s gems, nestled right around your State.
    India offers a different aspect of her personality — exotic, extravagant, elegant, eclectic — to each traveller within the country. You could find out all about your family tree by travelling right to that village where your great grandparents lived (remember Shah Rukh Khan’s compelling love for India in the film Swades). Rural Tourism is a rage, and the comforts in a village can be revelatory. Live the lifestyle of the simple village folks and appreciate their craft by trying your hand at it. We recommend a trip to Pochampally Village in Andhra Pradesh, if you need any suggestions.
    The adventure-junkie in you can find ways to get lost and enjoy the off-roading route. Jaisalmer has beautiful road connects from Jodhpur, where you can stop by at local eateries and enjoy the lavish spread on a thaali.
    Visit the ancient city of Vadodara or modern day Baroda to live like royalty. Home to impressive museums, Indo-Saracenic palace and beautiful Tambekar Wada, Vadodara is also an excellent base to explore the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner, located at the foot of the Pavagadh Fort.
    The choices are many and India truly has an incredible array of destinations that are tucked close by. So, where are you heading?

 WHERE: DALHOUSIE (HIMACHAL PRADESH); MIRIK (WEST BENGAL)

 WHAT TO DO: Trek up to the Kalatope Sanctuary near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, which is home to a number of wildlife species including the barking deer, black bear, kalij and chir. A forest rest-house provides accommodation and other facilities for tourists. Khajjiar and Chamba Valley are other scenic locales, beautiful for couples. There are many good resorts and villas that offer stay options. Local guides can also be requested for from the resort.
    In West Bengal, Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning ‘Place burnt by fire’. Mirik has become a popular tourist destination for its climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The centre of attraction is the Sumendu Lake. Walk on the 3.5 km-long road that encircles the lake with the view of Kangchenjunga on the far horizon. The scenery is truly breathtaking.
 MUST CARRY: Trekking shoes, tenting gear, warm jacket and ready cash in hand.

WHERE: ALIBAUG (MUMBAI); VISAKHAPATNAM (ANDHRA PRADESH)

WHAT TO DO: Near Mumbai, head to Alibaug for an enjoyable sailing vacation. If you are a beginner then there are beginners’ classes for sailing and surfing, all in a day. The Nagaon and Akshi beaches around are getaways, which are secluded and lined with casuarina trees; apt for a picnic and overnight stay. Kihim and Mandwa are few other options. Down South, in Andhra Pradesh, the port city of Visakhapatnam is a sailing enthusiast’s dream. Beautiful beaches, temples, parks and places to shop, Visakhapatnam’s cosmopolitan culture adds to the holidayers’ interest.

MUST CARRY: Sailing gear and open shoes.

WHERE: JAISALMER (RAJASTHAN); POCHAMPALLY (ANDHRA PRADESH)

WHAT TO DO: Rural tourism is a fascinating way to understand your roots. Begin with a flight or train to Jodhpur and then move by road toward Jaisalmer (4-5 hrs). Enjoy camel rides and shop for silverware and ghagra-cholis at the local bazaars. See the Sonar Fort, havelis and Sam sand dunes. Catch the Desert Fair in Jaisalmer (Feb 23-24). Southwards, take your partner to Pochampally Village in Andhra Pradesh, a well-known silk weaving centre. Try the local cuisine here and see the tie-and-dye process of Ikat weaving.

MUST CARRY: Appropriate clothing.

 WHERE: SAT TAL (NAINITAL)

 WHAT TO DO: Sattal or Sat Tal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand. Set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees, Sat Tal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is home to a few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations.
MUST CARRY: All-weather jacket, sturdy footwear, binoculars and a video camera.

 DID YOU KNOW
BIHAR CALLING: The Bodhi trail is an excellent way to learn about Buddhism in India. Celebrating the seat of Buddhism in a grand way is Bodh Gaya in Bihar. A religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya is where Gautam Buddha had attained enlightenment (Bodhimandala).

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