The 15 most romantic places in India
India has to be one of the most romantic places in the world. Its beguiling mix of ancient forts, pretty palaces, shimmering lakes and gorgeous beaches is bound to get many a traveller feeling the love. If you’re looking for a special setting to spend time with a special someone, here are the most romantic destinations in India to set the heart soaring.
With its sumptuous pink-hued palaces overlooking a series of placid lakes, Udaipur in Rajasthan is probably India’s most immediately romantic city. While the lakefront has been overtaken by hotels, head to the labyrinthine backstreets to find the true heart of the city and experience the Udaipur of old, as you wind past traditional havelis and historic bazaars. Alternatively, approach the romantic Taj Lake Palace from the water and admire its irresistible old-time allure.
2. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Sunsets don’t get much more romantic than this. Travellers to Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India at Chitra Pournami – or full-moon – will be rewarded with a fabulous sunset in tandem with the moon rising. This makes it one of the best places to visit for couples in India. Almost entirely surrounded by water, Kanyakumari is where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. It’s also a popular pilgrimage site, and the 3000-year-old Bhaghavathy Amman temple, perched on the sea shore, is well worth a visit.
3. The Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Observe Mughal architecture at its most magnificent at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Aside from being one of the most beautiful places in India, the Taj is surely the biggest, boldest romantic symbol on the planet. It was designed to house the body of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Muntaz Mahal. Created from precious materials and semiprecious stones from around the world, it took more than 20 years and about 20,000 men to build. It’s ostentatious and extravagant, but there’s no doubt that this wonder of the world is utterly spectacular.
For any lovers itching to visit the Taj Mahal, why not combine your trip with a wildlife safari? Spotting monkeys and leopards against spectacular Indian landscapes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sharing it with your loved one is unforgettable. See it all by booking our Indian Wildlife Safari trip today.
4. Kumarakom, Kerala
For a quintessentially Keralan experience, spend some time cruising the enchanting backwaters of Kumarakom on a traditional houseboat. Bordered by lush, green banks, the setting is nothing short of magical. Enjoy the sounds of water lulling your boat lazily to a coconut tree-lined shore, evoking a sense of old-fashioned romance, as you enjoy the best of Keralan cuisine.
Check out our comprehensive Kerala guide before you go. And for romantics who also have children should definitely read about Kerala in our guide to the 30 best places to go with kids.
High in the Himalayan mountains, picturesque, snow-topped Manali in Himachel Pradesh is a magnificent stop for a romantic retreat. Revel in your adventurous side with activities such as paragliding, skiing or mountaineering, making the most of the crisp mountain air. Or, take in the delightful views down the Solang Valley from the cosy warmth of a riverside cottage.
If tremendous landscapes set your heart aflutter, consider Rough Guides’ North India Explored: From Delhi to Shimla itinerary. You can expect superlative panoramas as you traverse the Himalayan foothills, especially from the heady train ride through the peaks. This isn’t just one of the most romantic spots in India, it’s one of the most romantic places in the world.
6. The Jaisalmer desert, Rajasthan
What could be more romantic than a night under the stars in the spectacular Indian desert? Jaisalmer in Rajasthan offers just that. While a camel trek itself may not make you fuzzy-hearted, as the sun sets and the sky fills with shooting stars, the mysterious desert is sure to enchant you. Spend the night in a luxury tent and relax in the isolated, peaceful surroundings.
Kodagu in Karnataka may be known as the Scotland of India, but as clouds of mist unfurl above the verdant, green, swirls of coffee plantations, it reveals itself as far more exotic. Breathe in the scent of fresh coffee and spices and luxuriate in Coorg’s laid-back way of life as you explore its sleepy plantations. There are also plenty of opportunities for loving strolls due to the area’s rich birdlife and atmospheric teak and sandalwood forests.
Escape from the hectic pace of modern-day Chennai in Puducherry (also sometimes Pondicherry or just Pondy) in Tamil Nadu. With its crumbling colonial villas and colourful leafy streets, the influences of French rule are clear to see in the French quarter. And, known as “Little Paris”, it certainly espouses some of the City of Love’s romantic charm. Take a walk along the beach promenade for panoramic views out over the Bay of Bengal.
9. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Just the name of this town conjures up the fragrant scent of tea leaves. Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is among the most romantic places in India, its curving rows of manicured tea plants elegantly shaping the hilled landscape into emerald-green curving undulations. To experience it’s old-world charm, plunge through the mist-covered mountains on the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
10. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Dubbed the blue city for its famously cobalt-coloured buildings, Jodhpur in Rajasthan is an irresistibly alluring destination in India’s so-called Golden Triangle. Above the city, imposing Mehrangarh Fort rises, its red-sandstone walls perched at the top of the cliff. Stay in a heritage property within the fort’s walls and look out over the city from intricately carved windows. It’s hands-down one of the most romantic destinations in India. If you’re getting married and considering a stay in Jodhpur, read up on why Indian is the ideal honeymoon destination.
11. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
In the monsoon season, this white desert stretching between India and Pakistan is covered with water. But, once the water dries up, it transforms into a barren landscape of pearlescent salt flats. Visit during Rann Utsav, the festival of joy, between November and March, which brings colour, music and crowds to the land. Away from the party, the white earth here contrasts enchantingly with the clear blue skies overhead.
12. Lakshadweep, Kerala
With its palm-tree-lined white-sand beaches overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian sea, the idyllic cluster of islands that make up Lakshadweep boast the country’s only coral atoll. Part of the same marine mountain range as the Maldives, the islands’ diving and snorkelling opportunities are unsurpassed, and they feel a world away from modern life, making this the ultimate Indian honeymoon destination.
13. Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
While the town itself may be overrun with visitors, nothing can detract from the majesty of the historic structures at Mamallapuram. Carved in the seventh century, the awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed temples and sanctuaries are a spectacular sight, particularly as the sun goes down. Local sculptors in the street also give lessons on how to carve, so you could create a locket for your loved one.
14. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India for decades. While the area has been hit by outbursts of violence in recent years, it still remains one of India’s most beautiful places to visit. Stay on a Gurkha houseboat on the Nagin Lake and cruise the waters of the “Venice of the East”. Or, take a romantic shikara ride out into the water at night and watch the stars cluster overhead.
15. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir
Bordered by the snow-covered Himalayans, Leh is a great place for adventure lovers. The area offers fantastic trekking opportunities, as well as mountain biking. But there’s also a wealth of sights to explore, from the medieval Tibetan Leh Palace to the golden-roofed Karma Dupgyud Choeling Monastery and the more recent Shanti Stupa “peace pagoda” inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. The pagoda’s terrace is a picturesque setting to watch the sun rise over the mountains, or to take part in a yoga session. If you want a more active honeymoon, book onto our Trek Through Ladakh’s Markha Valley, which takes in exquisite Himalayan scenery, hilltop monasteries and the hub of Leh.
India is one of the most romantic places in the world, with any number of colourful towns, remote hillside villages, blissful beaches and adventurous activities to share with your loved one. If you’ve got an idea in mind for an Indian honeymoon, or just a couple’s trip, speak to one of our local experts today. They know all the best places for couples in India, and can help customize every last detail to match your preferences.
