Editor’s Note: For the latest version of this story, see The World’s Most and Least Expensive Cities, Ranked.
21.07.2023 - 08:09 / roughguides.com
India has to be one of the most romantic places in the world. Its beguiling mix of ancient forts, pretty palaces, shimmering lakes and gorgeous beaches is bound to get many a traveller feeling the love. If you're looking for a special setting to spend time with a special someone, here are the most romantic destinations in India to set the heart soaring.
With its sumptuous pink-hued palaces overlooking a series of placid lakes, Udaipur in Rajasthan is probably India’s most immediately romantic city. While the lakefront has been overtaken by hotels, head to the labyrinthine backstreets to find the true heart of the city and experience the Udaipur of old, as you wind past traditional havelis and historic bazaars. Alternatively, approach the romantic Taj Lake Palace from the water and admire its irresistible old-time allure.
Where to stay: There are plenty of uber-romantic places to stay in Udaipur, many on Lake Pichola. The Amet Haveli is one of the best, built in the 18th century. The rooms have glittering lakeside views, and the restaurant and pool are sublime.
City Palace and tourist boat on lake Pichola. Udaipur, Rajasthan, India © Sean Hsu/Shutterstock
Sunsets don’t get much more romantic than this. Travellers to Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India at Chitra Pournami– or full-moon – will be rewarded with a fabulous sunset in tandem with the moon rising. This makes it one of the best places to visit for couples in India. Almost entirely surrounded by water, Kanyakumari is where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. It’s also a popular pilgrimage site, and the 3000-year-old Bhaghavathy Amman temple, perched on the sea shore, is well worth a visit.
Where to stay: The beachfront Sparsa Resort Kanyakumari is our pick, just a 5-minute walk from Sunset Point. Facilities are excellent, and there's an outdoor pool and tennis courts on site, too.
Kanyakumari — Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue photographs while sunrise © View360India/Shutterstock
Observe Mughal architecture at its most magnificent at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Aside from being one of the most beautiful places in India, the Taj is surely the biggest, boldest romantic symbol on the planet. It was designed to house the body of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Muntaz Mahal. Created from precious materials and semiprecious stones from around the world, it took more than 20 years and about 20,000 men to build. It’s ostentatious and extravagant, but there’s no doubt that this wonder of the world is utterly spectacular.
For any lovers itching to visit the Taj Mahal, why not combine your trip with a wildlife safari? Spotting monkeys and leopards against spectacular Indian landscapes is a
Editor’s Note: For the latest version of this story, see The World’s Most and Least Expensive Cities, Ranked.
Though I pride myself on being an independent traveler—I was in the United States Peace Corps in Paraguay for two years, have been to six continents, and spent multiple years reviewing hotels across the U.S. and around the world, by myself— India is one country that I’ve never considered visiting as a solo traveler.
When it comes to accommodations, Bali offers a wealth of options that cater to every traveler’s desires. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique villas nestled amidst rice paddies, Bali’s lodging choices are as diverse as its landscapes. Immerse yourself in opulence and indulge in world-class amenities, or embrace the island’s bohemian charm by staying in guesthouses surrounded by lush gardens. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Bali’s best accommodations provide the perfect sanctuary to unwind and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.
The White Musk Resort in the Himalayas is the perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty. Located in the serene Kaudia Range, the resort offers a breathtaking view of the mountains and forests, and a connection to your natural surroundings that’s pretty tough to replicate. White Musk is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape and unwind in a peaceful environment.
The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.
Despite India’s vastness, foreign travellers tend to clump together in a relatively small number of well-known regions or cities, leaving plenty of destinations to the more intrepid few who are willing to take the challenge of escaping the tourist trail. Here’s a selection of our favourites:
Whether it’s a friendly face at check in or a taxi driver who’s full of useful tips, nothing beats getting a warm welcome on your travels – and our interactions with local people have a huge impact on how we view countries as a whole. We asked our Facebook and Twitter followers to share where they’ve found the most hospitable places around the world. Here’s what they said.
Australia is a vast country, though most visitors stay on the same tried and tested track, ticking off well-touristed pitstops along the way. But, of course, there's plenty more to see beyond the usual Sydney, rock and reef holiday triangle. Here’s our pick of the best places to escape the crowds Down Under.
India’s most underrated city, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a far cry from its negative stereotypes: it’s friendly, attractive and home to some of the best – and most diverse – food in the country. Shafik Meghji picks out seven essential foodie experiences.
Last year our roaming photographer Diana Jarvis took some time away from her usual stomping grounds in Europe and headed to the far northeastern Indian state of Nagaland to witness the annual Hornbill Festival. Here, she shares 15 pictures of the region's fascinating tribes.
Co-author of the Rough Guide to India, Nick Edwards, explains why trekking in Ladakh is among India's finest.
There's few more thrilling travel experiences than getting up close and personal with animals in their natural environment. Here, taken from the pages of Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , are ten ideas for nature lovers around the world. Whether it's wolves in Wyoming or jellyfish in Palau, there's all kinds of experiences to try. Let us know your own favourite animal spots below.