Kerala to Kashmir: Exploring the Kahaanis of Romance this Valentine’s Day
This last year hasn’t exactly been a picnic for most of us, and a restorative holiday with the one you love is just what the doctor’s ordered. However, with the pandemic still underway, it’s easy enough to convince yourself that fun is out of the question in 2021. That sitting at home with a movie (that you’ve “only” watched three times before) counts as a big enough celebration.
Thankfully, you couldn’t be more wrong.
While clubs and dance halls are strictly out of the question, who says that’s the only way to have a good time?
To help you see the light, we’ve rounded up four of our favourite spots around India for a serene, secluded, romantic Valentine’s getaway. These locales have been selected keeping the pandemic in mind, but we guarantee that you can pick any one of them to have the time of your life with the love of your life!
Patnem, South Goa — for ocean dips, decent drinks and drowsy day-outs
Patnem beach, tucked away at the southern tip of Goa, is frequented by enough travellers to leave you spoilt for choice but still maintains a feeling of seclusion — the perfect combination for Valentine’s!
For places to stay, there’s an abundance of options. South Goa’s Portuguese heritage has allowed for many old bungalows and homes to be turned into boutique stays. Quiet verandahs and riverside serenity is what this half of Goa’s all about.
The free, bi-weekly screenings of popular movies at the Nada Brahma restaurant are a sweet entertainment option for the evenings.
You want something a little wilder. Patnem beach houses many cottages right on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Comfy and cosy, with the wave sounds to keep you company, these homes are a great space to stay if the beach is your one true love (only after your trip partner, of course!).
Patnem is also perfect for foodies, with dozens of eateries within walking distance. Cow Corner, just about 100 metres from the beach, is famous for its homemade bread and hearty breakfasts (roughly ₹700-₹1,100 for a two-person meal). Kama bakery is a longer walk (1 kilometre from the beach) but its fresh fruit juices are heavenly in the heat of the afternoon (roughly ₹400-₹800 for a two-person meal).
Monkey island is one of the most popular local attractions as it’s only accessible by boat. To get there, you’d need to make the 3 kilometres journey to Palolem beach, from where you can book yourself a kayak straight to the island. All you’ve got to do is add your partner to the mix and you’ve got yourself a picture perfect date night!
While we’re on the topic of Goa and romance (a match made in heaven), it would be quite unfair if we didn’t mention the award-winning Rainbow Villa. If the idea of celebrating an anniversary in this sun-kissed heritage home sounds fun, we want to make it even more irresistible — hand over the reins and we’ll plan the perfect getaway for you and your family, personalized according to your every desire! Contact us at stay@unhotel.in to work it out!
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Shekhawati — for couples who love geeking out over art together
The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan was once home to several Marwari families who decided to paint the town red — literally. As a result, most of the region’s walls are adorned with the most intricate designs.
Shekhawati has been called “the world’s largest open air gallery” ever since.
The stories that the murals tell are sometimes familiar, sometimes foreign, but always gorgeous, and they make even simple strolls through town feel like an adventure!
For places to stay, the Art House is a glorious, 12-bedroom haveli that opens out onto rolling lawns and a view of the town. Meals at the Art House are an extravagant affair, with the chef’s specialities served in the old ballroom. If that doesn’t sound like a romantic enough setting, the Art House also organises bonfires and folk music nights, both brilliant ways to commemorate a particularly special Valentine’s day.
The Goenka haveli museum is a nearby attraction that gives visitors an authentic glimpse of what life in the region used to be like in decades past.
For those who are happy spending an afternoon admiring architecture, the Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri is a goldmine. Covered in frescoes that depict scenes of the Ramayana, there’s more than enough going on to keep you occupied for an afternoon. The Laxmangarh fort and the cenotaph of Sardul Singh are also must-visits for history buffs.
Alleppey, Kerala — for when you want to work up a sweat (in more ways than one)
Ah, Kerala, one of India’s classic romantic locales! From spending chilly evenings on the backwaters to enjoying stunning panoramas of the town from Alappuzha Lighthouse, what more can one ask of a Valentine’s retreat?
Houseboats are a tale as old as time where Kerala is concerned, but there are other options for those who’d prefer an intimate stay on firm ground. Island Bliss in Alleppey is one such example. The private island (that you can book all to yourselves!) offers an exciting combination of luxury, simplicity and absolute privacy.
For a day out, you can try mixing things up with a cycling tour through Alleppey’s Kuttanandan (or “backwater”) Villages — and hop onto a cruise ship as a grand finale! Mix and match guided tours, with a traditional lunch on banana leaves relished somewhere in the middle. The entire trip clocks in at a solid 60 kilometres, though, so make sure you’re ready to sweat it out before you say yes.
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a bit of a drive but famous for its midday servings of Palpayasam (or rice pudding). There’s so much demand for the sweet that you need to pre-book a serving to guarantee a taste!
If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, a trip to the private Revi Karunakaran Museum should satisfy any such cravings.
Housing paintings and antiques worth their weight in gold, the real attractions of the place are the jewels that Revi Karunakaran has collected and put on display, every single one of the gems dedicated to his wife. If that isn’t love…
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Sonmarg, Kashmir — for some good ol’ winter lovin’
The only drawback to finalising on Kashmir for your trip is that you’d better act fast. As one of our most sought-after destinations, stays and homes in the region get booked full several weeks in advance. It’s worth it, though, as most visitors are eager to testify.
When it comes to sheer natural beauty, the plunging valleys of Kashmir are hard to beat!
Aru and Doodhpathri are two of the most beautiful, the former spread out over a snow-capped, wintery landscape, the latter more suited for those who want a view of lush greenery.
Sonmarg, translating to “meadow of gold”, is a hill station about 80 kilometres north-east of the state’s summer capital and a new favourite hotspot among travellers. A drive through its Zojila pass should help you understand the fascination; terrific and terrifying, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
The Gangabal lake is another example of Sonmarg’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and it can be enjoyed in several ways. Some choose to make a day trip out of it, spending a few hours by its cloudy banks. Others try the eight-hour long trek, with professionals guides to show you the way, of course. Then there’s the option of spending the night there, nothing but your sleeping bag and your lover and the night sky to keep you company.
If a tent doesn’t quite cut it but sounds intriguing, try “glamour camping”. The fact that it isn’t connected to the Internet works in your favour if your idea is to spend some quality time with the one you love.
Love is in the air for everyone.
You know the best part about all these spots? They make for a great visit with your best friend, your singles-gang, or even a solo trip, too. The culture and people are so full of love and stories, that even if you don’t have a significant other to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with — you can celebrate it by celebrating the love of the place! We’ve got lots of love to go around!
For more curated lists and personalised suggestions, check out our other stuff on unhotel.in or shoot us an email at stay@unhotel.in! We’d love to hear from you!
