Best Indian Places To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving a greeting card and playing the guitar are the most boring things to do. It is best to visit any place and taste delicious food to celebrate this occasion. Time dances to their beautiful melody, flowers bloom around every corner, and resorts and spas are in abundance. It is the romantic destinations in India that we believe have perfected this art. Like finely aged wine, these are for soul mates who have also perfected their love.

1. Kodaikanal

This Valentine’s Day hug in nature with your loved one. From lakes to viewpoints to waterfalls, Kodaikanal is a dove lover’s paradise. Go ahead and feel the love! Offering a refuge from the soaring temperatures of the plains, this misty hill station attracts holidaymakers and honeymooners alike.

Places of Visit:

1. Kodai Lake: The artificial Kodai Lake in Kodaikanal is shaped like a star. Located very close to the bus stop, the lake is easily accessible by road. The panoramic views of the lake are worth visiting the place, especially if you are with your loved one. Rowing boats, pedal boats and bicycles are available here for rides. Horse riding is also a highlight of the lake.
2. Bear Shola Falls: The Bear Shola Falls are a serene and calm place to relax and marvel at the beauty of nature. The long waterfall is called Bear Shola because in the early days it was often visited by bears who came there to get drinking water. Although the monsoon is the best time to visit the place.
3. Pillar Rocks: The Pillar Rocks are one of the best tourist spots in Kodaikanal. Visit the place with your lover and treat your eyes with the breathtaking views of the landscapes offered by the area. The cleaves between these rocks are deep enough to be called the Devil’s Kitchen!

How To Go:

• By air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest to Kodaikanal, approximately 120 km away.
• By road: Kodaikanal is linked by road with several prominent cities, including Bangalore (460 km), Trichy (198 km) Chennai (530 km), Coimbatore (175 km) and Kumili (160 km). From Madurai (120 km), it takes less than four hours to reach Kodaikanal via NH 49.
• By train: Kodai Road (approximately 95 km away) is the nearest railhead that links Kodaikanal with cities like Madurai and Trichy.

2. Ooty

Think of the hills and the romance you will surely think of Ooty better known as ‘Queen of the Hills’. Nestled in the blue hills of Nilgiris; who wouldn’t love to spend Valentine’s Day in a most romantic place like Ooty, bet me not !! Nobody is going. The honeymoon in Ooty is more of a taboo in Tamil Nadu, as it is blessed with beautiful scenery, rolling hills, scenic plains, lush greens, and hazy clouds. Ooty can bring those magical moments to life. Being a hill station Ooty cast a lovely climate throughout the year. February is a little bit cold in Ooty. The average temperature ranges from 13 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.

Places of Visit:

1. Botanical Gardens of Ooty: Spread over 55 acres of land, this garden is divided into five different sections such as Fern House, Lower Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory and Nurseries. The flower show held here as part of the Ooty Summer Festival is a major attraction. Another popular attraction of the botanical garden is the fossil tree trunk which is said to be around 20 million years old. The wide variety of plants here are worth exploring.
2.  Doddabetta Peak: It is the highest peak in the Nilgiris. At the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats, it is around 10 km away from Ooty. Covered by dense sholas, this peak is trekkers favourite point.
3. Kalhatty Waterfalls: It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that you will see on an Ooty Tour. This waterfall can be reached via a trek of 2 mile from Kalahatti village. It is believed that great Hindu saint Agastya has once lived here.
4. Mukurthi National Park: This park promises a memorable time to everyone amid its enthralling scenic beauty and rich nature. Spread across 80 sq.km, this national park has various streams and rivers flowing through it, which in turn add to the overall attraction of this place.

How to Go: 

• By air: Approximately 85 km away, Coimbatore Airport is the aerodrome closest to Ooty that connects this hill station with the rest of the country via an extensive network of flights.
• By train: Mettupalyam, 40 km from Ooty, is the nearest railhead serving this hill station. Several trains are available from nearby cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore and Bangalore for Mettupalyam.

3. Manali

The best place for Valentine’s Day to just be together while you are surrounded by snow capped peaks, pine trees and the clear waters of the river. This is the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and breathe in the mirth. Spend time exploring nature with your partner and create memories. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.

Places of Visit:

1. Hidimba Devi: The temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bheema. The wooden architecture of the shrine is very distinct from most Hindu temples you will come across in the country. There’s another shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi’ son Ghatotkacha in the premises. Surrounded by thick cedar groves and with snow-capped mountains serving as the backdrop, the temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali.
2. Jogini Falls: The rushing cascades of Jogini Falls are a short and invigorating trek away from the main town of Manali. The trail that leads to the waterfall is scenic and gives you a glimpse of the River Beas and the snow-capped peaks of Rohtang.
3. The Hampta Pass: The Hampta Pass trek allows you to enjoy mesmerizing views of the Kullu Valley and Lahaul Valley. The Chandratal Lake located en route is another key attraction of the trek. The pass is located on the Pir Panjal Range at an elevation of over 4000 meters and the route includes fascinating river crossings.
4. Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple: The soothing silence of the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple in Manali will calm even the most frazzled of nerves. This Shangri-La-like haven sits in the middle of the busy town, while its pagoda-style architecture and vibrant tones add a mystical allure to the whole setting.

How to Go: 

1. By Air: Bhuntar airport located at a distance of 10 km from Manali and is the gateway to this region.
2. By Rail: Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest railhead to Manali that connects the hill station with several important cities of the country.
3. By Road: Roads connect Manali to diffrent places including Delhi (540km), Chandigarh (305km), Dehradun (227km) and Ambala (370km).

4. Havelock Island

It could be unique dining experience on Valentine’s Day for those travelling to the stunning Havelock Island. As part of Ritchie’s Archipelago in India’s the Andaman Islands, Havelock Island is known for its serene and beautiful white sand beaches – and is a popular couple escape. Lovers can enjoy romance at its peak with a dinner for two under the moonlit skies where a four-course meal will be served amongst the natural sounds of the lapping waves of the Andaman Sea.

Places Of Visit:

1. Radhanagar Beach: With the pristine sand rushing beneath your feet towards the sea, and the unspoiled emerald blue waves caressing the shore, Radhanagar Beach is everything you would have ever dreamt of!
2. Elephant Beach: It is very famous for the bright coral reefs that one can find at a depth that is as shallow as just one meter. the beach doesn’t stay open for the whole day so you must plan your visit during the first half of the day, to get as much time as possible on these beautiful sandy shores and enjoy all the activities and things that the beach has to offer.
3. Lalaji Bay beach: It is a haven for adventure junkies with swimming and snorkeling being the most popular activity here. For lovers of peace, you can sit on the spotless coastline and watch the waves crash against each other. Lalaji is for all kinds of tourists and everyone will find something on the charming beach to keep them occupied.
4. Merk Bay Beach: Enjoy undisturbed long walks, take a bath in the clear, deep, blue water, spend some quality time with friends and family away from the tourists and, if lucky, witness playful dolphins that are present in plenty on this island.

How To Go: 

5. Tarkarli

Tarkarli Beach is a must-visit. Simply laze around, feel the white sand or capture shots of the stunning sunrise or sunset through your lens. You can also try parasailing to enjoy the panoramic views of this exotic paradise. With tiny fishing villages dotting the area, this place is dotted with narrow winding roads skirted by small houses. The major attraction at Tarkarli is the long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine clear waters and clean sand, which is a rare phenomenon nowadays. On a clear day, you can see the sea bed up to a depth of 20ft. Along with a variety of sea shells in different shapes and sizes, one also gets to see a large number of shell fish that line the shore.

Places Of Visit

1. Sindhudurg Fort: This sea fort of Shivaji is home to stone inscriptions and citadels which are sure to take you back in time. The scuba diving site lies near this magnificent fort. Indulge in scuba diving or snorkelling and catch a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs and clear waters.
2. Karli Backwaters: If you’re interested in a backwater cruise then make your way to the Karli River. Enjoy dolphin watching and experience tranquillity while you treat your eyes to the breathtaking vistas. Another attraction is the houseboat stay.
3. Tsunami Island: It is a hotspot for watersports. You’ll have to take a boat ride to reach this island. You can indulge in adrenaline pumping activities like jet-skiing, kayaking, banana rides and many more.

How to reach 

• By Air: Nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport in Goa. You can take a cab from there which will take you around 3 hours to reach Tarkarli.
• By rail: You can take the Konkan Kanya Express or the Mandovi Express to reach Tarkarli.