Forget Venice and Paris this year and head to any of our carefully selected romantic destinations—cities and experiences that give out an aura of romance, and make for
a lasting memory.
BY VANDANA MALHOTRA

HOT DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

BACKWATERS OF KERALA: You may have never seen the myriad shades of green you’re likely to encounter in the watery cocoon of Kerala’s backwaters. A traditional ketuvallom (houseboat) offers both seclusion and romance as it glides through the intricate network of waterways.

HAVELOCK ISLAND, ANDAMANS: A gem of an island just 54 km northeast of Port Blair, Havelock looks even better than it does in pictures. White waves lapping at golden beaches, aquamarine skies, sapphire waters, emerald foliage and a profusion of brightly bobbing flowers… Expect to be taken in.

VANYAVILAS, RANTHAMBHORE: Ranthambhore’s intriguing combination of wildlife and history never fails to stir the senses. Track tigers, explore deserted fort and temples, and sink into the unmatched luxury of Vanyavilas. The dramatic watercourse, your private deck and the exquisitely embroidered canopy of your tent will transport you to another era. www.oberoivanyavilas.com

DEVIGARH, RAJASTHAN: Unlike all other heritage properties in India, this 18th century Rajput palace, Devigarh, emphatically eschews all that’s gold, glittery and gaudy. www.deviresorts.com.

PONDICHERRY: A former French colony, Pondicherry is a vibrantly beautiful city. Admire its heritage buildings, soak in the sun on its beaches, pitch a seaside tent, cruise down a river, or take a crash course in spirituality… there’s more for the romantic in Pondicherry than you can ever imagine a spiritual town to have.

JAISALMER: The Fabulous Fairytale Fort Of Jaisalmer Rises From The Desolate Thar Desert Like A Golden Phoenix From Its Ashes. Made Entirely From Carved Yellow Sandstone That Looks Like Burnished Gold In The Sunlight, The Fort Is Central To This Citadel City. Stay At One Of The Hotels On The Ramparts And Gild The Experience With A Camel Safari Into The Desert.

NILAYA HERMITAGE, GOA: While Goa is enviably romantic in itself, a stay at Nilaya will make your experience truly special. This is no ordinary hotel, an inspired décor gives each of its 10 suites an individual character—a place to live out your deepest fantasies. www.nilayahermitage.com

MAHUA KOTHI, BANDHAVGARH: A jungle lodge in the heart of India’s Kipling Country, Mahua Kothi is rather poetically named after the beautiful flowers of the mahua tree commonly found in this region. Solitude, privacy and the expanse of wilderness around you are sure to bring out the romantic in you. www.ccafrica/india

SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL: A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganga, an overnight cruise through the wildlife-rich Sundarbans could well be the most surreal but exciting thing you’ve ever done together.

PACHMARHI, MADHYA PRADESH: Sal, bamboo and mahua thickets, tinkling waterfalls, splash pools tucked into the wilderness, chirruping birds and gauzy butterflies… with all this and more the picturesque town of Pachmarhi is sure to take your breath away.