Your first holiday away together needs to be a special one. We aren’t talking about honeymoon destinations because you don’t need to be married to be vacationing with bae. We’re talking about an ideal place where things can get adventurous and romantic at the same time. Planning the first trip can be crazy and if you’re handling the ropes you need to make sure you impress your girl/boy. We give you 5 destinations that could do the trick!
1. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Bhedaghat’s marble rocks are the perfect backdrop for your romances. Limestone rocks rise from the scenic Narmada River forming narrow gorges making the valley a spectacle. Riding on a boat, just you and your special someone, glistening rocks under the moonlit sky and the slow gushing sound of the water – feels right out of a movie. If you want to keep things a little private do hire a special boat meant for the two of you. Double up the romance on full-moon nights! Another location in Bhedagat that’ll add the spark is the Dhuandar Waterfalls. The cascading white waters and the thud of the water make for a marvellous experience. Fewer tourists, more privacy and a spectacular view, sunrise is the time to get a spectacular view. You can also take a cable-ride over the rocks and the waterfall for an aerial view. The not-so-romantic, but a must see at Bhedaghat is the Chausath Yogini Temple. It has carvings of 64 yoginis and is the abode of Goddess Durga.
Best Time To Visit: October-April
Also read: Here’s How To Choose The Best Jungle Safari In Madhya Pradesh
2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
‘The Golden City’ named after the yellow sandstone architecture also happens to be a perfect romantic getaway. Starry skies, vast stretches of sand dunes, heritage buildings, sumptuous street food, embroidered clothes and antiques – Jaisalmer has lots to offer. A small city in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is small but dreamy in more ways than one. If your bae is a lover of history, the Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Vyas Chattri, bada Bagh, Nathmal haveli, Patwa Haveli and Fort Palace have some royal and some religious stories locked in. For a quieter night, a desert safari and camping in the night will ignite the love! A camel ride in Khuri (less crowded version of Sam Sand Dunes) and a tent pitched under clear night skies will easily be the best time you and your bae can have. If you are looking for non-touristy options, glamping is the way to go. The Serai is the best place to splash your cash. Private outdoor area for a dinner date, a pool and a spa – you’ll be getting a 10/10 from Bae!
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Also read: Lakshman Sagar In Rajasthan Has A Private Pool In Every Cottage & Is Every Traveler’s Dream
3. Hogenakkal, Tamil Nadu
The small village of Hogenakkal in Dharmapuri district is best experienced on foot. The hamlet houses the ‘Niagara Falls of India’. They are famous amongst travellers for its sheer majestic beauty. Owing its name to the unique rock formations, Hogenakkal means ‘smoking rocks’. They are a sight to behold, thus serving as the best first-holiday memory. Freshwater of the Cauvery cascading from the carbonite rocks, lush green vegetation and the splash of the cool water will be the first image to pop in your head when you reminisce about the first time vacationing with bae. Make your trip more memorable by riding in the basket-shaped boats called coracles in the Cauvery River. For couples, who’d love a great hike, Hogenakkal also provides you hilly terrains to trek with a view! The hike overlooks the waterfalls and takes you through rocks and lush greenery. After a long walk, enjoy an oil massage by the many masseurs who are quite popular in the area providing herbal oil massages. It’s not exactly couple’s spa but sure does its wonders. Buy terracotta figurines of deities called Aiyanars as a souvenir from the trip
Best Time to Visit: November – February
4. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Take your beloved to The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, the stuff of fairytales. A vibrant national park endowed with exotic Himalayan flora and fauna, Valley of Flowers is a splendid piece of nature. The quaint meadows are laced with more than 140 types of colourful blooming flowers. The national park is crowned by the snow-clad Himalayas, has streams flowing through the park and abundant waterfalls. The trek to the valley is quite a journey. The 2-day trek is worth it once you reach this picturesque location. You can spend up to almost 8 hours in the UNESCO Biosphere reserves. Traversing through rugged mountains and spotting Himalayan animals like Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer and blue sheep is an adventure. You and bae can indulge yourselves with some excessive walking and finally reach a place you’d want to keep framed forever. The trek gives you the time to talk and the valley gives you the opportunity to share the silence! You can extend your trip by exploring the pilgrim town of Haridwar, go white water rafting in Rishikesh or just enjoy the peace and quiet of Nainital.
Best Time To Visit: July-September
Also read: The Aloha On The Ganges Invites You To A Stay Of Tranquility Amidst The Scenic Beauty Of Rishikesh
5. Havelock Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
If you feel you and your partner could use some sun, sand and tan, head to the Havelock Islands. Pristine blue waters, lush green forest, white sands, a hammock and sunshine, these islands of the Andaman & Nicobar are a great first-time holiday destination. You get all the International vibes on Indian currency! You may choose to be tucked away in the tree-houses reading books and cuddling or you can explore the aquatic life by indulging in scuba-diving and snorkelling activities. Havelock Islands offer you the best of both. Bask in the sunlight on some of the best beaches you can find in Asia at Havelock. The Radhanagar Beach was once in the list of the best beaches in Asia in the TIME magazine. The crystal clear waters of Radhanagar make it ideal for swimming. Swimming elephants and coral reefs add to the charm of this island. An elephant ride will give you a tour of this island. If you’ve always wanted to watch the most beautiful sunset with your loved one, this is the place to be.
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Also read: Havelock Island: India’s Answer To Seychelles
