Sand
Beaches are always a hot favourite. Not many can resist the frothy foam of the waves at their feet and wading into the azure waters. For couples looking for a sand-filled vacation we recommend Maldives for its calm waters, colourful marine life and secluded water villas. Galle in Sri Lanka is also a beach lover's paradise. Closer home you could head to the lesser explored Bekal or the Lakshwadeep islands. There are sea-facing accommodations though most of them are steeply priced.
There's another option to explore — that of camping in luxurious tents on the sands of the desert. And these are anything but basic. Plush beds, Persian rugs, cosy chairs and amazing views. Or you could soak in the old world charm and feel like royalty at one of the haveli-turned hotels in Rajasthan.
Spa
Who doesn't like being pampered? There's nothing like a soothing massage to iron out the niggling aches and stress. What's even better is a couple’s spa where you can still keep looking into each others eyes and continuing with all that mush talk while getting your Swedish massage and scrub. And not just dimly-lit therapy rooms, the many hotels have interesting spa set-ups by the ocean, in a boat by the lake or in the meadows. Definitely a great place to spend time with your loved one.
Wildlife
This one’s literally for the wild at heart (pun intended). Tucked away in a secluded tree house, tent or a jungle resort amidst open grasslands with the meandering rivers, and spotting a herd of wildebeest or an occasional leopard can be quite exciting.
A national park may not top everyone’s list of the most romantic getaway, but Ranthambore does house some of the country’s most fascinating wildlife with your chances of spotting a tiger being the highest here. Bandipur, known for its wildlife amidst dry deciduous forests or Bandhavgarh with a topography that varies between ridges, forests and meadows is great for wild life enthusiasts. If letting a tiger have a sneak peek at your date is on your list, this is the place to be. There are Mughal-inspired tents and log cabins where you can shack up for the night.
Adventure
This one invariably pumps up the adrenaline. We're talking about skiing. Nestled in the Himalayan mountains at a height of about 3000 m, the steep slopes of Auli dotted with rows of oaks and conifers offer the perfect setting for skiing. Auli also offers breathtaking views of Kamet, Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat.
The GMVNL (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) even conducts basic skiing courses for travellers. Hot Air Ballooning is a rather new trend that’s catching up in the country. Glide across the skies, way above the noise and hustle bustle of daily life. Sit back with your partner and enjoy a glass of champagne, the cool breeze and an experience of a lifetime. This facility is available across Jaipur, Ranthambore, Pushkar, Mumbai, Pune, Lonavla, Neemrana, Hampi and Delhi/NCR. If that sounds a little too tame for the two of you, then how about zip lining. Organised by Flying Fox, it is an aerial tour that involves zipping down a line with the help of a pulley. This activity is organised around the Neemrana Fort in Alwar, Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur, Kikar Lodge in Punjab, Kerwa Dam in Bhopal. Rest the night at the palace and fort inspired resorts that are a aplenty.
Snow
Tucked away in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh, Janjehli, a little village situated at a height of about 2100 m is only famous for its snow-capped mountains. You could stay in cottages surrounded by deodar trees, apple orchards and dense forests and hot springs. Munsiyari, in Uttaranchal, means ‘place with snow’ is yet another lesser-known of the snow-filled romantic locations. It’s definitely worth a visit, so is Nathu La in Gangtok. Located at 14,140 feet, it is one of the highest passes accessible via a motorable road. Stop by a for a hot bowl of soupy noodles by the Tsomgo lake.
