TRAVEL SPECIAL....ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS IN INDIA 

Travel...just for that Magical Moment 

Steal a kiss underwater in your private resort pool or visit the Taj Mahal; zip around town in a stretch limo or take an impromptu vacation

    There’s never a reason needed to indulge in some romance. The ideal way to make your partner feel special is to go on an impromptu vacation, which is laced with adventure, relaxation and ‘us time’. When you head out for a domestic vacation, remember you are boosting the local economy and wouldn’t have trouble finding Indian food.
    ET-Travel suggests some fabulous getaways to head to right away and beat the heat in the bargain. If you cannot afford to take off on a longer holiday, plan a short break clubbed along with the weekend. We can assure you, it’s possible. Online travel agencies are abuzz with ‘Last minute holiday deals’, do avail of them. The conventional holidaymakers will surprise you with some new destinations with amazing stay options. Try them and get going!
 WHERE: NAINITAL
    WHAT TO DO: A quick romantic getaway from Delhi is the blissful hilly destination of Nainital. Famous for the Naini Lake, mythology has it that it is here that Lord Shiva performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini Peak or the China peak is the highest point here, standing tall at a height of approximately 2,615 mts. When you stay here, walk along the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg to eat out or go shopping for local goods. Later, plan a visit to the Nainital Zoo, where you can find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. Later, make your way to The Governor House or the Raj Bhavan with its sprawling gardens, open for public viewing. Nainital’s latest attraction is the Eco Cave Garden where you can learn about the ecosphere. The Observatory or the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located 9 kms from Nainital on Manora Peak and is the center for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites. Truly, natural beauty abounds the lake district of Nainital. Many couples enjoy a hike or horseback ride to the top of Naina Peak to take to the stunning views of the snowcapped Himalayas. If you do not want a tiring walk up, then try the aerial lift up to Snow View; there’s also a small marble temple at the top, which is dedicated to Dev Mundi. With time in hand, take long strolls near the lake side and mingle with the simple locals here.
    www.nainitaltourism.com
    WHERE: SRINAGAR
    WHAT TO DO: A romantic holiday in Kashmir is the buzzword, of late. Indeed, the ideal way to beat the heat is to head to Srinagar, also the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Never mind, the slightly longer rounds of security checks at the Srinagar airport, the beauty of this place will leave you transfixed instantly. Picturesque lakes, magnificent gardens and local cuisine is to die for. Not to forget the unbelievably affordable array of rare artefacts and embroidered fabrics. The city is situated on the banks of the River Jhelum surrounded by Dal, Nageen and Anchar Lakes. The shimmering water of these lakes appear like crystals on bright sunny days. Stay over at a houseboat replete with modern amenities and later enjoy photo shoots in the traditional shikara wearing Kashmiri gear on Dal Lake. Let the fun unfold.
    www.srinagartourism.org
 WHERE: CHANDANWADI GLACIER NEAR PAHALGAM
    WHAT TO DO: Kashmir is beautifully wellconnected via roads. Drive from Srinagar airport to Pahalgam and you will see the River Lidder gurgling alongside at some points. It flows all along the trail between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi. With stay options of small resorts, private villas and some hotels, Pahalgam stay should definitely be more than a day or two in your itinerary. You can also camp in the garden area of the Pahalgam resorts here and go trekking amidst lush green conifers and meadows in the morning from here. The journey is only half as beautiful as the Valley of Chandanwadi. A local transport here can take you around the meandering roads right upto the Chandanwadi glacier foothill. You can easily rent out boots, jackets and caps from here. A local guide will happily escort your family right to the point where the Amarnath Yatra entry point is visible. River Sheshnag flows close to the Amarnath Cave and the water is said to have hidden magical powers, the guide will affirm. Try it!
    www.kashmirtourism.org 

TOP ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Kashmir (Hill station) Kovalam (Beach) Coorg (Coffee plantations) Goa (Forts and Beaches) Ooty (Tea estates amidst hills) Andaman & Nicobar (Island) Lakshadweep (Island) Shimla (Hill Station) Nainital (Lake District) Darjeeling (Tea estates, Barfii film shoot) Jodhpur (desert safari) (Best to avoid during the harsh summers)
TIP OF THE WEEK
The hill stations and lake districts in India offer an amazing option to chill out. Last minute holiday deals are a good idea to strike, if you haven’t had the time to plan an elaborate holiday. ET-Travel suggests you also try online holidaymakers’ offers this time.  

DID YOU KNOW
LOVE IN KERALA The Southwest Monsoon will hit Kerala in June and will spell romance amidst lush greens. It is also called Edavappathy, as it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar. Truly a good time to try couple rejuvenation travel packages.

Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari ETTR130530