This is a guest post by Jeron King
The time has come to take a well-deserved holiday with the person you love, and there’s a lot to think about. The most important decision is where to go — why not consider India? When it comes to romantic destinations, you have plenty of choices, so we’ve narrowed it down to five of the best.
1.Kerala River, Kerala
Photo by kyran low on Unsplash
Cruise this peaceful river in a houseboat, take in the views of the flora and fauna, and enjoy spending time on the sun deck. You’ll have an onboard chef to cook authentic Keralan cuisine too: rice, chutneys, rasam (a spiced tomato soup), sambar (lentil-based stew), and sadhya (a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf).
Kerala is very serene, so it’s the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday day — chances are you won’t see another soul, aside from the friendly locals who say hello as you pass by. You’ll have the option to stop and explore the local villages, but otherwise you can expect plenty of peace, quiet and privacy.
2. Puducherry, Tamil Nadu
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry was under French rule until 1954 and is still heavily influenced by French culture, with some residents still speaking the language fluently.
‘Little Paris’, as it’s known, is easy to explore on foot and there’s something to see at every turn, with interesting shops and colourful townhouses lining the streets. Keep the romantic feeling going with a sunset walk along the promenade, which has views of the beach and the Bay of Bengal.
3. Taj Mahal, Agra
The famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tribute to lost love, built in honour of Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, when she passed away in 1631. The beautiful, ivory-white marble shrine is incredibly ornate, with precious and semi-precious stones adorning the gilded structure, and it’s surrounded by acres of garden. Take a good few hours to explore the site, take in its grandeur, and admire the attention to detail.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Photo by Beth A Bauer
Nicknamed The City of Lakes, Udaipur is popular honeymoon destination thanks to the seemingly unending waterways and stunning palaces, which are tinged with a soft shade of pink and look particularly beautiful at sunset.
Away from the water’s edge, head down the winding streets to browse the bazaars, which sell goods like local artwork and handmade decorations. More adventurous travelers can take their pick from the hiking and trekking trails in the nearby mountain ranges, some of which can be completed in a day if you’re tight on time.
5. Kodagu, Karnataka
Photo by Bhupesh Talwar on Unsplash
Peer through the mists as it parts to reveal lush green landscapes and coffee plantations as far as the eye can see. The laidback rural district of Kodagu has a cooler climate than the rest of India, which means you’ll be able to walk at whatever pace you like, spotting the local wildlife along the way and climbing the hills to see the views.