Ditch regular, try these offbeat romantic destinations to spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day
Every year on the 14th of February millions of people send their loved ones Valentine’s Day cards, red roses, and gifts to celebrate the world-famous day of romance and in honor of St Valentine, but for those wishing to truly spoil their loved ones with a meaningful gesture, a romantic getaway to a new destination can do the trick! To help you plan a trip to remember, Booking.com has curated a list of romantic getaways at these surreal hidden gems in India that boast of ethereal beauty and promise sometime to bond. So whether you're looking for palm trees and sunny shores or want to snuggle up in a hillside cabin, make sure to check out these lesser-known romantic spots for the best Valentine's Day getaway in 2022.
A quaint B&B in Aizawl, Mizoram
If you are looking to take your Valentine far away to a place with dynamic landscapes, plan a trip to Aizawl in Mizoram. This town in the Northeast is 3715 ft above sea level and is encapsulated by the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. With the destination’s various landscapes, you can plan a picnic along the Durtlang Hills or even a quieter one at Lake Tamdil. While in Aizawl, you can also visit Vantawng Khawhthlawaterfalls,a good place to go for a swim, however, be warned that the water is very cold, even during summers. You can even opt for a visit to the many tribal areas of Aizawl. And while visiting, make your trip even more sustainable and memorable by purchasing local bamboo handicrafts as souvenirs of your 2022 Valentine’s trip.
A houseboat stay in Poovar, Kerala
Near the tip of South India lies Poovar, an offbeat coastal village in Thiruvananthapuram that can be explored only via boats. So if you and your Valentine want to enjoy a peaceful ride along the network of backwaters intersecting with seas and lakes, you can choose to do so in either a floating cottage or a houseboat. Apart from the aquatic surroundings, you can also take your significant other shopping for carpets, footwear, dhurries, and local jewelry. With Kerala being an ayurvedic hub, you can also indulge in therapeutic massages with your partner.
The rustic homestay at Valparai, Tamil Nadu
For the couples, who enjoy romantic road trips and the great outdoors, a trip to Valparai beckons. The roads to Valparai are winding and surrounded by green landscapes and waterfalls. For capturing some awesome footage of the trip, it is advised to carry action cameras. In the green patches along the way, you get a chance to capture in a frame closeups of wild boars, flying squirrels, and more. For refreshments during your pitstops, you can sip on locally grown tea or coffee from Valparai plantations. The town of Valparai is windy, cool, and has a healthy vegetal cover so remember to pack warm clothes.
A beautiful retreat in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar is a village rich in biodiversity, natural landscapes, and an environment that makes you feel like you have stepped into a woodside fable. With rustic cottages and homestays in plenty, Mukteshwar makes for a great getaway from city life. The gardens outside the many cottages of Mukteshwar are buzzing with birds that fly in flocks from the meadows. Given the elevation of this hilly town, you can even get picturesque, panoramic views of the Himalayas. You can also opt for a short trek or rock climbing with your Valentine along the rocks of Nanda Devi. This destination is a good 51kms from Nainital, however is well connected via roadways.
Beachside resort in Tarkali, Maharashtra
If you are the kind of who is trying to find a beach destination that isn’t flocked with tourists, then Tarkarli is the best place for you for your Valentine’s Day getaway. This Malvan paradise is renowned for its gorgeous coast, delicious native Malvani cuisine, and welcoming locals. While on the beach you and your Valentine can explore swimming while spotting dolphins, boat rides, or dine at one of the beach shacks. The Sindhudurg Fort also makes for a good trek, should you be one of the explorative couples who enjoy nature trails.
Explore the wilderness outside the cottages of Dooars, West Bengal
Dooars, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is the perfect getaway if you wish to take your Valentine on a jungle adventure unlike any other. Chilapata and Chapramari are the two forests in Dooars where you can find a plethora of unique flora and fauna. At the Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, you can get a closer look at the endangered one-horned rhinos, bison, spotted deer, hog deer, lambars, elephants, and a number of reptiles through a jungle safari. If you or your partner enjoy birdwatching, you can also set up a camp at Murti Lake.
The resorts of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Known as the Queen of Satpura, Pachmarhi is a hill station located on the Satpura mountain range. If you’re the couple that prefers mountains over beaches, wish to immerse yourself in nature, or even go out on a casual adventure, point yourselves to Pachmarhi. Bison lounge, one of the oldest homes of the region is now a museum-cum-theater showcasing documentaries and the rich biodiversity of the region. While in Pachmarhi, you can go for a nature walk in Beni forest, trek all the way up to the highest point in Satpura, Dhoopgarh or visit the caves of Mahadeo temples to witness over 10,000-year-old rock paintings.
