Romantic getaways in South India

Valentine's Day is around the corner and since it's on a Monday you could extend your weekend to make a quick romantic getaway. Pack some lingerie and love and head south to these enchanting destinations with your sweetheart.

Kerala

Also known as the Spice Coast of India, historically Kerala played host to travellers and traders from around the world. Whether it's pristine beaches, tall mountains and deep valleys, endless backwaters and river rides, Kerala has it all.

What you can do: Kerala is a popular tourist destination with honeymooners and couples. There's something for every couple here: romantic couples can opt for a leisurely boat ride along the backwaters, reminiscent of Venice's famous gondolas, with a boatman and a serenade for your loved one.
Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic techniques. Couples can enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or treatment at one of the many centres in the state. The state government approves certain centres and you can find the best one for you at http://www.keralatourism.org/ayurveda/ayurclassified.php.

For more information you can get in touch with the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala at:
Phone: + 91-471-2321132
Tourist Information toll free No: 1-800-425-4747
Email: info@keralatourism.org, deptour@keralatourism.org
Website: http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php

Puducherry (former Pondicherry)

Because of its clear blue waters and temperate climate Puducherry is known as the French Riviera of the East. A former French colony, it has retained a distinct European flavour in its architecture, people and general attitude. A number of foreigners have made Puducherry their home adding to its unique culture.

What you can do: The four beaches in Pondicherry - Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach - are the most popular tourist destinations. The 1.5 km promenade that runs along the aptly named Promenade beach is popular with couples taking a late evening walk. Paradise and Serenity beaches are serene, virgin beaches a little away from the town and ideal to spend a lazy day.
Another cosy spot is Chunnambar, situated about 8 kms from Puducherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet creek flowing on one side and a beach on the other. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a romantic seaside tent for two. Overnight stays within the tree-houses on the backwater banks are a perfect way to get away from the city and connect with nature. The Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort, a Puducherry government enterprise, arranges for boating, backwater boat tours, trekking and picnics on Paradise Beach. Contact: 0413 - 2356816 for more.
Arikamedu, 4 km south of Puducherry on the right bank of Ariyankuppam river, is a small, ancient town perfect for lovers to stroll through. Let yourself be swept away by hundreds of years of history as you walk down the narrow lanes of Arikamedu. Puducherry is a walker's delight and walking tours are conducted all through the place.

Note:

While Puducherry is known for Auroville and a trip to this town is incomplete without a visit to the ashram, we must warn you that it is in no ways romantic. But do visit it for the sheer experience, there will always be time for some canoodling.

Andaman Islands

With clear, blue waters and white sands, the Andaman Islands are truly a tropical paradise. The swaying palms and crisp sea breeze will make you feel like you’ve landed inside a picture postcard. Adventure tourism like scuba diving, snorkeling and trekking draw a lot of tourists here every year. Word of caution: the Nicobar Islands are out of bounds for foreigners at present. Even Indian citizens require special permission to visit them.



What you can do: Going island-hopping is one of most popular activities at Andaman and Nicobar. Take a little boat ride around the archipelago, beach bumming on Jolly Buoy, Cinque, Havelock, Viper, Ross and Chatham Island. Take a look at India's only live volcano on Barren Island, which can only be viewed from a boat. Amongst the popular beaches are the Radhanagar and Vijaynagar beaches in Havelock. Sea fronts on the Hut Bay island and Diglipur island are perfect to take that "wish you were here" picture for friends back home. The capital Port Blair is well-connected to all the islands with regular ferry services. Great getaways for lovers include Neil Island where you can explore the lush jungle or just take a walk along the pristine beach. Eco-friendly holidays are offered at beaches like Laxmanpur, Bharatpur and Sitapur. Long Island offers an excellent sandy beach at Lalaji Bay, unpolluted environment and evergreen forests. The sea around the island is frequented by dolphins and you can take a boat out to see them frolic in the cool waters. Diglipur beach is famous with all water babies who like to take part in water sports like speed-boating, jet-skiing and skurfing. This beach is also gaining popularity with surfers because of its high breakers. Couples with a penchant for fitness can take a day-long hiking trip to Saddle Peak with its many nature trails and trekking paths. Little Andaman has a beautiful beach at Butler Bay, a waterfall and a plantation of oil palms. Apart from this there are several sandy beaches all along the coastline of the island. The break water at Hut Bay offers an excellent view to the tourists. (This island also has a tribal area inhabited by the Onge people and this area is off-limits to tourists.)



For more get in touch with the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration

Phone:

03192-232694, 03192-238473