Tanu Talwar
Falling in love becomes so natural when you find the right person, but it`s keeping that romance alive and those butterflies flying that turn affairs in to long-term commitments. With the metropolitan culture making our lives increasingly hectic and fast paced, lovers long about those short lived moments of calm and togetherness. And Valentine`s Day is just the ideal day for a quick love break. The day declared as the lovers’ day worldwide brings dreams of beautiful surroundings such as the quiet lunches at a garden restaurant in Florence, a canoe trip through Botswana`s Okavango Delta or just lazing around the sandy white beaches at Tahiti.
These are the places that make us fall in love with the idea of falling in love. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, we lined up some of the most romantic places on the planet. Whether you’ve visited these spots, you plan to go, or you’re just an incorrigible dreamer, they’re certain to make you crazy in love.
Florence, Italy
Italy has so much to offer to lovers with its romantic past. To capture the true beauty of the place, stay outside of the city at a nearby hamlet in the greater Tuscany region and relish a glass of wine on your villa`s patio. If a villa is not what you fancy then go in for a simple front-row table on a summer evening at a waterside restaurant, order a mouthwatering pizza and a glass of Brunello.
A visit to Florence remains incomplete without a tour to the local wineries. But what really makes this city first on our list, besides its magical beauty, is the mysterious air that pervades this land of Da Vinci and Michelangelo- a land that has captivated the imagination of numerous painters and artists, has been explored time and again for its unresolved mysteries. And it is this mysterious aura that makes lovers feel a part of eternity. Though the best weather will be from June to September one can find reasonable prices and open pools from April through October at most places.
Paris, France
The very name Paris is so exotic that every time it`s mentioned it raises alluring images of romance. With the city of lights ruling the hearts of romantics and travellers from across the globe it`s by far considered to be the Mecca of love. Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Musée du Louvre or simply walk down the streets, love is in the air in Paris. There`s much to see and do in Paris regardless of the season, but expect better weather during the summer months. And don’t mind the security cover around a certain Sarkozy and Carla cooing at a café around the corner.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
What a better place to getaway with that someone special than an island- separated from the rest of the world for just the two of you. To have a true French Polynesian experience, stay in a hut along the water in Bora Bora and spend your days lazing on the white sandy beaches and the clear blue water. An island that has something for everyone whether it`s the adventure that you are looking at or some quiet time to cuddle, Bora Bora has it all. The island offers a wide range of adventure sports ranging from scuba diving, jetboat tours, and surfing to para sailing, hiking and climbing.
Bath, England
The World Heritage site of Bath has always been one of the consummates for lovers. This most romantic city in the Britain is one of the most popular destination for elaborate proposals and weddings, so much so that its official website even has an entire section devoted to romantic Bath. A simple stroll around the golden crescents and squares here is enough to rejuvenate dying romance.
In order to get reasonable accommodation one could stay outside of the city at farm accommodation, that offer spectacular views. A trip here remains unfinished without a visit to the downtown Bath and the Pulteney Bridge.
Switzerland
If its not the adventure you seek but swooshing the slopes and staying cuddled up till afternoons, consider a trip to the Honeymooners’ paradise, Switzerland. This ultimate romance destination needs no descriptions. There is an endless list of places to visit ranging from the Schilthorn mountain in Swiss Alps and Piz Gloria restaurant- the location for the James bond movie `On Her Majesty`s Secret Service`, Wengen and Murren Waterfalls, the Tropical Alps, Aletsch Glacier, Lake Geneva to the two hundred year old town, Zurich.
Venice (Italy)
The city of bridges, Venice is built connecting hundreds of islands. The serene water, the mystical fog, the beautiful buildings, and the most romantic transport -boats make this city one of the most picturesque lovers nest.
In order to capture the true beauty of Venice, travelling by foot is the best option. However, if you are in a mood to get cosy, the famous Italy gondola ride is an ideal way to explore the city’s wind canals.
The city has numerous galleries and museums located throughout, with perhaps the most famous of these being the Guggenheim and the Galleria dell`Accademia. One of Venice`s islands, Murano, is famous for its glass making and produces some beautiful glasswork, including chandeliers, glasses and ornaments.
Although the city has numerous places to visit , certain spectacular events make this city even more appealing. One of the most sought after events in Venice happens to be the historical Boat Race, which takes place every year. A race that sees huge participation from around the world finds the bowl of St Mark and the Canal Grand filled with boats and spectators wooing the participants on this much-celebrated day of the year.
India
India by far is one of the most romantic countries in the world. A country that brings together diverse cultures has an equally entrancing geographical diversification that has something for everyone. Whether it’s a beach that you fancy or a love for the hills, India is sure to captivate your imagination.
If it’s the snow that gets your heart racing then you can consider Darjeeling, Kodaikanal, Srinagar, Shimla, Nainital, Manali, Mount Abu, Gangtok. These popular hill stations are sure to hold your breath and help you stay close to nature as you can wander along in the winding roads and gaze at the soothing greenery of forest-covered hills. Watch the clouds drift over the snow-capped mountains, as you walk through meadows of flowers. Take a stroll through the orchards and breathe in the fresh heavenly fragrance of pure air.
For those of you who want to who want to enjoy the thrill of adventure sports, the country offers numerous adventure sports such as trekking, nature camps, bungy jumping, para gliding and the world renowned river rafting at the Ganges in Rishikesh.
However, if you want to soak that sun and laze around in the spilling blue waters the country offers such options that shall surely spoil you for choice. One could either head to party capital of the nation, Goa or enjoy the peace and quiet of Lakshadweep, Kerala, Kovalam, Puri and or Pondicherry. But if you wish to enjoy untouched nature’s beauty pack your bags and head to the Andaman and Nicobar islands to lie in the arms of nature. With over 570 islands of which only 39 are permanently inhabited, the famous personalities visiting the islands have been left awestruck time and again.
A trip to India remains incomplete without a rendezvous with the Indian royalty i.e. Rajasthan. The city of maharaja’s, Rajasthan is land of mystic surprises; it’s a divine destination for the travellers looking beyond the ordinary. The city of sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes Rajasthan’s palaces and rugged forts let the tourists travel through time into a world of imperial romance.
The city has numerous places surrounded with breath taking views of lakes and gardens. In order to give the locals and the visiting tourist a glimpse in to the royal lifestyles most of these places have been converted in to five star hotels, without any major changes in the architecture. To paint a picture as realistic as possible, these places cum hotels have retained the traditional interiors such as age long royal looking tapestries, beautiful candle lit up rooms and halls etc. But what’s most is the food that is served in this city. The city also known as the city of spices caters some of the most mouth-watering dishes cooked in traditional home made spices.
Some of the most famous royal palaces that are sure to get you in mood for romance are the Lake Palace, Udaipur, the City Palace, Jaipur and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur.
Going beyond frontiers
Well for those of you who want to go for an experience that is truly out of this world in a literal sense prepare yourself to lighten those bank vaults and head for Space. Yes people you heard it right- going in to space has just been made possible.
So for all those rich guys who have space fantasies, Virgin Galatic is right on track to start commercial space flight SpaceShip Two next year. SpaceShip Two is one spaceship that shall take you around space. The dream machine has the capacity to tote up to eight people each of whom shall have to shed about $200,000 for their space dream to come true.
Underwater Hotels
Romance takes new heights as it goes deep under sea. Captivating the imagination of millions of lovers, underwater hotels are the latest rage among the couples looking for adventure. However be willing to spend big bucks for this exotic getaway.
To enjoy these undersea getaways you need not be a swimmer, but there is no need to shy away as most of these hotels offer their visitors a crash course in scuba diving before check-in.
Through the wet room entrance, residents can enjoy all the conveniences of modern life. Patrons marvel at unobstructed views of sea life in their natural settings through windows. Completely stocked with modern conveniences like air-conditioning, hot showers, these hotels are perfect romantic destinations. Once underwater, visitors do not have to resurface until they desire. Dinner and breakfast are provided by the world’s only “mer-chef”.
Prague in Czech Republic
If you love fairytales and want to live out your fantasy of a dreamy honeymoon, then Prague in Czech Republic should be a top priority on your list. Known for old and traditional castles set in amiable surroundings, this place has definitely made a place for itself among the top most romantic places. Popular for Kafka and Mozart, the city is also famous it’s mouth-watering local food and hospitable people.
