Are you wondering where to go this Valentine’s Day? Looking for ideas for a romantic getaway?
Valentine ’s Day is an occasion to indulge unabashedly in unfettered expressions of love. A time to go the whole hog and transform dreams into reality. It is a time when the air itself seems to be smitten by love, the clouds run after each other flirtatiously and the entire world dances to the rhythm of cosmic love. The ambiance for such romantic moments need to be just right and here are a few places that we thought were an ideal setting for Valentine’s Day celebrations with your loved one, places where we have been and would love to head back again.
Table of Contents
Top 4 Romantic Getaways For Valentine’s Day
Gulaba
It was the month of December and Christmas celebrations had just ended. We set off from Manali to our destination which was Gulaba, about 14 kilometers away on the Rohtang road. At this time of the year, Rohtang Pass was closed and we were informed that Gulaba was the farthest point that we could get to. The journey to Gulaba was straight out of a fairy tale, as we drove uphill on a curving road with zig-zag bends. The road was flanked by snow-covered trees and in some places, the terrain resembled huge scoops of Vanilla ice-cream!
Soon we reached our destination and promptly fell head over heels in love with the place. The views were simply breathtaking and the slopes of the mountains stretched invitingly like a creaseless, soft white mattress interspersed with green sequins. The place was virtually empty and we played in the snow to our heart’s content and when we were tired, simply sank into the soft snow and lost ourselves in the spectacular mountain views. It was not Valentine’s Day, but it was a romantic experience, which we cherish in our memories forever. Wherever we are, when we think of those lovely moments, we can sense the fragrance of the mountain air tinged with romance.
How to get there
* Gulaba is about 14 kilometers from Manali and is accessible by road
* Manali is well connected by road to Shimla and Chandigarh
* One can fly into Chandigarh and then drive down to Manali with a stopover at Shimla, Manali is about 308 kilometers from Chandigarh and 265 kilometers from Shimla
Agra
The Taj Mahal may be the most clichéd of destinations for Valentine’s Day, but I would still love to go back to the monument of love again on Valentine’s Day. The monument described by Rabindranath Tagore as, “a teardrop on the cheek of time”, still continues to be a universal ode to love and romance.
The first time we set our eyes on the ballad of love etched in white marble, we could literally feel the butterflies in our stomachs and our hearts beat faster and we kept saying ‘Wow‘! The sight of the Taj Mahal is enough to kindle the flame of romance in the most unromantic heart.
How to get there
* Agra is about 250 kilometers from Delhi
* Agra is well connected to Delhi by road and rail
* Air India has flights to Agra from Delhi
Pondicherry
This lovely city which charms you with its shades of French elegance is a place where love can be proclaimed with a French finesse. We had spent a couple of days in Pondicherry, but away from the city at a tranquil seaside resort which, with its eco-friendly design ensured that we were literally in the lap of nature.
The closeness to nature, walking hand in hand on the soft sands of the secluded beach, feeling spiritually connected watching the sun rise from the silvery waters of the Indian Ocean with a golden glow, are the elements that make for a wonderful Valentine’s Day experience. The day can be ended on a beautiful note with some cycling in the vintage French section of Pondicherry and a quiet dinner, watching the waves of the Indian Ocean beating on the beach.
How to get there
* Pondicherry is 173 kilometers from Chennai and 310 kilometers from Bangalore
* One can fly into Chennai or Bangalore and travel by road to Pondicherry
Coonoor
As you travel towards Coonoor, you are sure to breathe in large gulps of air that carry the fragrance of Tea and Eucalyptus. Coonoor is situated about 20 kilometers from the more crowded Ooty and nestles amidst sloping tea gardens. A wonderful way to get to Coonoor is to take the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train from Mettupalayam.
The three and a half hour slow train journey will take your imagination on a romantic upsurge and you lose all sense of time as you cruise through verdant valleys, tiny tunnels, green glens. As the tiny train chugs up the hill and curves around the bend, your heart is sure to miss a beat. Once in Coonoor, treks amidst tea gardens and whispering sweet nothings in the leafy shade of enchanting gardens is sure to make your Valentine’s Day outing an indelible part of your memories.
How to get there
* Coonoor is about 293 kilometers from Bangalore and can be reached by road
* If you want to travel on the toy train from Mettupalayam to Coonoor, then you need to reach Coimbatore by flight and then take a taxi to Mettupalayam which is about 33 kilometers away
* You can book a seat on the toy train from this site
We hope this post on Valentine’s Day stirs a storm in your hearts and inspires you to pack your bags, hold hands and March into a beautiful sunset. Do not forget to tell us about your Valentine’s Day escapades!
Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read our post! Do check out our various Travel Destination posts. We’d love if you’d comment and share this post.
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That is a great list. Coonor does look a great option to be away from the chaos of the city.
Thanks for sharing these really awesome places. I hope to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra someday.
I’ve never visited any of these places, and they all look wonderful. I love different each location is, so no matter what your tastes, you’ll definitely find a romantic trip. Thanks so much for sharing these destinations, it’s made me think!
I had not even heard of Gulaba till I read this post. I love Coonoor and even the more touristy Ooty near it. I agree Coonoor is a romantic destination. Pondicherry is also close to my heart for many reasons. May I add Goa in the list. I find it very romantic.
Goa definitely is romantic!
The Taj Mahal would be showstoppingly romantic- is it true they are closing it to the public soon though? I didn’t know it was so far from delhi, but still worth the trip. My 2nd pick would be Coonoor as you describe the train in such a romantic way- that would be lovely!
Taj is beautiful. The closing down may be a rumor doing the rounds. We certainly would not want it to close down for the public.
I think this is my first time visiting your blog. I simply love your blog name and all the gorgeous pics 🙂 Such amazing recommendations for Valentines day. Coonoor would certainly be my pick. I would love spending time with my hubby amidst the tea estates and the toy train is my all time favorite 🙂
Thanks Revathi. Coonoor is definitely amazing!
Gulaba looks so romantic!!! The snow filled location is just gorgeous. I went on my honeymoon to Pondicherry and been there twice after that! Still there’s so much more to see in Pondy!
I would be so excited if I could see Taj Mahal! But all your ideas look interesting, especially Coonoor!
Well, Taj Mahal looks amazing, I have heard alot about this place on Internet, it is something like symbol of love, so it certainly is a good place to spend you Valentines day.
Wonderful list of places to visit with Valentine!! Unfortunately, I am single, but otherwise I would have loved to visit the Taj Mahal or Conoor with my love! Great ideas.
The Taj Mahal looks amazing always wanted to visit there it is on my bucket list to visit one day. Very nice images of all the beautiful places. Great Post.
I wish we could go to any of these places but alas, we have kids and responsibilities so we can’t just take off at the moment. One day, maybe! We’re just having a low key Valentine’s Day.
NO getaways for Valentine’s Day for me this year – NOPE… Instead I am going to stay right where I am because I need to be present and PACK UP ALL MY STUFF because I am moving!
Very nice…..
These sure look romantic. I wish I could take a trip to one of them for tomorrow. ;(
i wish i could travel to places like this… being poor sucks T^T
These are such great trip suggestions. I think I’d like to go to Pondicherry first and will add it to my bucket list.
really awesome destinations and really worth visiting, i love this post caption
These all look wonderful places to go. I really need to get abroad more and see more of the worldthe Taj Mahal is something I’d love to see.
Having just returned from Finland, I am in love with white! You can imagine how much I loved your recommendations. 🙂
Some wonderful destinations here you seem to have covered something for everyone from history to nature. I am sure these destinations would inspire romance even in the most unromantic person.
I would love to visit any of these places. Someday, I hope!
Amazing destinations. Important that one is adaptable to roughing it a bit. Uneven amenities, transportation and language challenges are not for those accustomed to Marriott hotels.
Oh my gosh – “a teardrop on the cheek of time?” My inner princess just totally swooned.
Finding time to getaway occasionally and just enjoy each other is always a great idea! These spots look great! Hope you have a great Valentine’s Day! I’ll be making dinner for my wife (probably steaks) and spending the evening with her and the kiddos at home!
I want to see the Taj Mahal, its on my bucket list. When I think India and romance, I think the Taj, maybe because it was built out a great love affair by a sultan… of the intrigue. I just wish the idea of it matched all the the things I’ve read from actual visitors who say its the opposite of romantic because of its location. Conversely, Pondicherry sounds like heaven on earth for romance and intimacy and I’ve never heard of it. It sounds ideal for a romantic trieste.
I love how these are not your typical choices like ‘Paris’ or ‘New York’. Love the look of Pondicherry it captures what I love in travel xx
been always dreaming to visit the Taj Mahal, my partner promised me to make it happen this year on my birthday! the places you posted are all very interesting to visit!
I watched a documentary last time about the Nilgiri Mountain Railway , it is beautiful , marvelous, if I have to chose between those places it will be to do this road .
All are lovely choices, especially Taj Mahal which is a lovely symbol of love. I think I’ve never heard of Conoor before. It’s definitely a great place to go to!
Agra and the Taj Mahal are so beautiful! I won’t make it for Valentine’s Day, but hopefully soon!
Great places! I have been to Coonoor, and it is amazing! Those green, rolling hills are beautiful! I would love to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
Agra is my most favorite place to visit in India. I consider it as a very romantic place to spend with my boyfriend. Definitely, it is one of the places I dreamed to explore someday. Fingers-crossed, someday I will be there with my boyfriend. <3
These are all very unique destinations, I love this list! I think that they all look amazing, but Coornor looks like it would be right up my alley. I grew up around snow, but that lush green field and epic train ride would make for a very fun Valentines. I will have to share this with my boyfriend! 🙂
Each place that you featured has something amazing to offer! I think these are all worth going to especially with the person that you love!
Very romantic indeed! I’d love to visit one of these one day.. I’m spending my Valentine this year at the office sadly.. Meh!
I’ve never been to those other placed but Agra is so beautiful and so romantic in its history
I love sunsets and nature! Indeed these are perfect for a Valentine’s date!
These are all such great ideas. I would love to have a romantic getaway. It’s a tough call though as I have never been to the Taj Mahal and I would love to go. Typically I would opt for a beach like Pondicherry though. Very tough choice!!
Lovely ideas! I’ve been to Agra only. I didn’t know India can have so much snow! 🙂
this was a great list. thanks for sharing
Ah, the Taj Mahal is so on my bucket travel list. It is perfect for Valentine’s Day, you are right. It would be beautiful to see in person.
These are so perfect – I can’t think of anywhere more romantic than the Taj Mahal – the ultimate expression of love!
Great travel list! Taj Mahal is on my bucket list. It’s a beautiful place. My hub really want to visit this place someday.
Spending Valentine’s Day at the Taj Mahal would be incredible. I’ve always longed to see it in-person. The mountain railway is stunning. The views would make for a romantic adventures
I was especially taken with Pondicherry for it’s eco-friendliness and French Finesse. Anywhere by the beach is super romantic for me. The Taj Mahal has always been a super romantic destination in my mind because of how stunning the architecture and grounds are.
Beautiful destinations . Have been to Pondicherry and Coonoor. Both are so peaceful, serene and beautiful locations. The toy trains at Nilgiris definitely provide a very romantic ride. Want badly to go to Kashmir valley.
Lovely places for couple! Except Agra, I have never been to these places. Coonoor looks awesome. Thanks for sharing such a great list.
I really hope I get to India someday. Better yet, if someone is with me so we can enjoy these spots! Agra is number one on my list
These places looks so beautiful, I definitely agree the Taj Mahal would be a gorgeous romantic spot for valentines day although i’m not too keen on Agra as a city at all!!
How cool! I’ve always wanted to go to India. I’ve been to Italy, which I really enjoyed and highly recommend, especially for couples. Thanks for sharing these good ideas and beautiful photos.
How cool! Thanks for sharing these lovely places and beautiful photos. I’ve wanted to go to India for a while now. I have been to Italy, which I recommend to couples. It is so romantic!
Best list made! 🙂 Worth going alone too to fall in love with own self… no?
Great pics. Hard to choose one really.
I too was impressed with the Taj Mahal ( even though I travelled there solo) and thought the story behind its construction was very romantic
that is a cute little list for the valentines season. But then, V day or not, I would definitely love to explore all those destinations. Gulaba is one place I have not tried and I shall definitely add it to my itinerary in the area. I wonder if the locale would look equally charming in spring.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is actually in my bucket list of places to see. I am glad it made it to your V-day list. Need to really plan to go there soon! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Happy heart’s month.. 🙂 From your post, if you would let me choose where to spend the NEXT valentines, I would like to spend it in Agra with Taj Mahal and in Coonoor with the scenic sites of tea and eucalyptus plantation… and yes, the photo of the train made me nervous… 🙂 I guess riding the train will be the adventure part…
Wow, these are awesome getaway ideas. Taj Mahal is on my list. Thanks for sharing!
I honestly don’t know what to make of this post, just because it has no value for me in this point of my life hahaha.. I am single, needless to say I don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day. I’m sure though that couples would have a grand time checking these spots. Coonoor is my favorite, in a relationship or not, I’d love to go there.
I think that Coonoor looks UNBELIEVABLE! I love getting back to nature and tea! Plus, that train looks so unbelievably romantic. This is going to be a MUST on my upcoming trip to Asia!
I would have to agree that Agra be on the list. As this memorial is made out of love, the Taj Mahal can be the perfect backdrop for your picture-perfect shot! 😀
Forget everything and just focus on Agra, Taj mahal. I have heard alot about this place and trust me I would definitely be spending my next 14th feb at Taj Mahal. what a beauty! The symbol of love <3
What a great selection of places! Each one is so different, yet they all look like they would make a great destination for a romantic getaway.
Great list. Amazing post. Loved all the destination. Looks so amazing and beautiful. I would prefer Agra.. Loved the taj
I love Tagore! Couldn’t have expressed my awe of The Taj Mahal more eloquently! My boyfriend and I had a plan to visit Pondicherry during our monthlong travels in India but they were derailed by the crazy rains and flooding that hit that area last November 2015. SO sad we missed out on it, your pictures are giving me a serious case of envy!
A romantic trip for Valentine’s Day sounds perfect! Your photos are all so nice!
Such a romantic and beautiful post. I have been to Gulaba and Agra both are lovely places. Rest of the two are also so good. Would like to visit asap.
Such a beautiful post 🙂
The images are very attractive and the places are a must visit for every couple.
Thanks for sharing with us.
I love Coonor. It’s really beautiful. Went there 2 years ago.
Gulaba sounds really interesting – the only one from this list that I have not yet seen. Will have to start convincing Ash on why we need to head there. 🙂
among my dream destinations is the Taj Mahal! and wouldn’t it be best to go there on a Valentine’s day? I ‘d really love to! don’t care it it is cliched haha it is Taj Mahal!!!!
Coonoor and Gulaba- the snow covered place sounds interesting as earlier I have no knowledge about these places. So, from now onwards I have to convince my bf to be there with him this season.
I haven’t been to any of that place but they sure are all great places to visit.
This is such a great comprehensive list! Ohh the choices! I think my number one would still be the Taj Mahal, although a train ride through the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or a trip to Gulaba sound equally as charming.
This train journey from Mettupalayam to Coonoor is my next dream trip in South India. We are going to Masinagudi next week. Is there any chance we could do this as a daytrip from there? Or part of the way?
Mettupalyam is about 80 kilometres from Masinagudi, but the roads will ensure that it is at least a 3 hour drive. However you have to go through Ooty/Coonoor to reach Mettupalyam and then head back. If you really want to enjoy, then I would suggest you spare two days for this, probably spend a night in Coonoor.
I love those destination suggestions. My first choice would be Coonoor because I love vintage trains. Thanks for sharing.
I think anywhere in India would be so romantic. I love everything about the country, the culture, the food, the history but sadly I’ve never been. Hoping to make 2017 the year this changes!
Great suggestions! I’d love to visit the Taj Mahal at Agra – i think that would be the ultimate romantic destination in India for me. The structure is just so beautiful!
this are all great places, i want to visit Taj Mahal one day or to go for that slow ride with the train with my husband. I feel sometimes life is too short for so many places we want to see, right ? Your blog is very nice and good organized, you are doing a great job.
Valentine’s Day has come and go. And next year is another Valentine’s Day. Your recommended places are truly awe-inspiring and beautiful. Love the Taj Mahal the most. I agree. Though very cliche as a romantic getaway, the structure itself symbolizes love which is so perfect for the love month.
Apart from the Taj Majal, I am stoked how you wrote about the lesser-known parts of India. That country must have everything — mountainscapes, beaches, snow and sun!
I’ve been itching to visit Pondicherry since I learned of it from Life of Pi. Once before, I’ve been to Luang Prabang, a French city in the middle of the Laos jungle. I loved my time there, and in my mind, Pondicherry is just as arresting as LP.
Great post here!
Interesting list. I’m not quite familiar to most of these destinations. When love, romance and valentine’s day, Paris will come into my mind first. But these places, they sound romantic too 🙂
Is this only in India? Interesting list by the way, I only know Taj Mahal out of all 4. Haha.
I think I should go ahead and book a flight with my girlfriend. Would you be available for a tour with us? XD
Hey Jerny, Yes, all 4 destinations are in India. Please let us know when you plan a visit to India. We would be glad to help you. 🙂
These are unique places to recommend for romance. They’re all quite beautiful. The most lovely place for me is Pondicherry. Conoor is a close second. These would be absolutely romantic.
Its such a great idea and tips! Its really wonderful to read about this. I like it.
These places are lovely! We don’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I definitely wouldn’t mind traveling to these dream destinations on that day. 🙂
I agree that the Taj is the most cliched destination because of its symbolism, but personally, I would love to visit a place far from the noisy city. If I were to choose a place in your list, I would pick Coonoor and Pondicherry.
That would be awesome to smell Eucalyptus in the air. What a lovely way to travel.
That’s sounds great! I love all the details of this post! I will noted this.