Travelling with your lover
While going to Europe for wining and dining is the norm and with Switzerland still hailed as one of the most beautiful places on earth where you can take your boo, you would think India itself would not have much to offer when it comes to exotic romantic getaways. Well, you couldn’t be more wrong. From the snow capped tips of the Himalayas to starry starry nights spent in houseboats in the Dal Lake, there are a lot of things that you should not even consider missing if you are planning a romantic trip with your lover. From exotic beaches in Goa to trekking destinations in Kashmir, our country has a lot to offer to both couples who want to take it nice and slow and to those that are married to the taste of adventure. And because when there are so many options on the platter, it can be hard to choose, here’s a list of five romantic and exotic experiences that I think you should never miss:
1. A night in the backwaters of Kerala
Pack some wine and drink it by the candles under the starry spread of the night sky in your very own houseboat. There is a reason that Kerala is often termed as God’s own country. Perhaps Kettuvallams or the traditional houseboats that slip gently down the backwaters and the magic around it. After all, nothing can beat holding hands with the love of your life as you watch starlight reflect on palm leaves as you meander slowly down the canals, can it?
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2. A camp when it’s snowing in Ladakh
If you are not very fond of crowds and all you want to do is enjoy each other’s company, the Zanskar valley in Ladakh perhaps offers one of the best getaways. You may of course go trekking in the snow in winters and enjoy some summer kayaking. Or you could go the gentler way and set up camp amidst the snow and stars. A tiny bonfire, some wine and a lot of cuddling up to each other. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?
Bonus tip: Stongdey Monastery is pretty nearby and so is the Zangla castle so you could visit those in the morning.
3. The hot springs of Kasol
The quirky towns that run along the river Parvati seem to hold a special place for the charming young couples of today. The valley itself is breathtaking and a popular destination for trekkers and hikers. What is little known is that the valley’s very own little town of Kasol also has something more exotic to offer. The tiny eccentric town boasts of springs that will warm you to your bone. Besides, they are secluded and never very crowded so you will get to spend some quality time here with your bae.
4. Paragliding in Bir-Billing
Imagine a postcard painted with all the shades of the majestic Himalayas and one tiny village lying amidst all that wild beauty. Such is Bir-Billing, the picturesque village that is often termed as the paragliding capital of India. Bir, the site where you take off from, and Billing, where you land, combines the best of both worlds with its tranquil yet wild beauty and the sheer taste of adventure in paragliding. So it doesn’t matter if you and bae have different tastes when it comes to travelling because this place has something to offer for the adventure junkie and the taking-it-slow nature lover.
5. Trekking in Kashmir
They say that the moment you set foot in Kashmir is the moment you start believing in God. Indeed the land is beautiful enough to be the heavenly abode of the Gods and while Kashmir is beautiful no matter which way you look, Sonmarg, or that which has been literally named a meadow of gold, is the most picturesque of them all. This fairy land combines adventure and romance with options to hike trails that lead to Pehalgam and offers to be the base for your trekking adventures. If your bucket list includes sledging and skiing, Sonmarg will tick those off your list too.
Paris, London and Switzerland might have their charms but it is truly foolish to believe that our country does not have much to offer when it comes to exotic experiences. After all, there is a reason the entire world buys tickets to our land when they wish to experience beauty. So pack your bags, hold bae’s hand but let the passport remain on the dresser for another time. And get ready for a season of love, beauty and adventure in India.
Camping in Ladakh sounds really interesting. I have never been for camping with my partner. I would surely want to go here. I was actually thinking of planning a vacation, this piece gave me an idea. Thank you so much 🙂