New Delhi: Valentine’s Day does not always need candlelight dinners and city reservations. Sometimes, the most meaningful celebration is a journey shared
across snow-covered slopes, quiet tea estates or coastal promenades. These unique Indian getaways offer couples a chance to pause, explore and reconnect amid striking natural beauty. From the Himalayan heights of Auli and Tawang to the serene backwaters of Chandbali, each destination promises romance shaped by landscape, culture and unhurried time together.
You may prefer skiing in Pahalgam, café hopping in Landour or waterfall trails in Dabhosa, these destinations blend adventure with intimacy. Tea gardens in Valparai, beaches in Daman and monasteries in Tawang add distinct character to every journey. With practical stay options and ideal visiting seasons, planning a romantic escape becomes effortless and rewarding.
Romantic destinations in India for Valentine’s Day escape
1. Auli, Uttarakhand
A charming, snowy hill station featuring panoramic views of Nanda Devi and cozy pine-fringed slopes.
Romantic things to do
- Ride the Auli Ropeway, one of Asia’s longest cable cars, for sweeping views of snow peaks like Nanda Devi and oak forests.
- Book a cosy mountain-view cottage in Auli with a private balcony for intimate breakfasts and stargazing.
- Go skiing together on Auli’s snowy slopes for a fun, adrenaline-filled couple experience.
- Hike through pine trails to the hidden freshwater gem, Chattrakund Lake, for a quiet romantic pause.
- Plan a scenic picnic at Kwani Bugyal, surrounded by expansive meadows and Himalayan peaks.
- Watch a serene sunset by Auli Lake, a peaceful artificial lake reflecting mountain hues.
- Sip hot tea or coffee on a private balcony at sunset after a day of exploring the hills.
- Visit the tranquil Vridh Badri Temple or the historic Narsingh Temple for a calm spiritual retreat.
- Best time to visit: December to March
Stay options
Faraway Cottages Rs 8,732
Satopanth The Auli Resort Rs 4,964
Casa Himalaya Rs 13,050
Blue Poppy Resort Rs 6,182
Cliff Top Club Rs 14,700
2. Landour, Uttarakhand
A quiet, literary haven offering a peaceful escape from the busy life of nearby Mussoorie.
Romantic things to do
- Visit Lal Tibba, the highest point in Landour, for panoramic Himalayan views and take scenic walks through pine and deodar forests towards Jabarkhet Nature Reserve.
- Enjoy pancakes, waffles and ginger tea at Char Dukan, sip coffee and savour pastries at Landour Bakehouse, and explore local jams at Sister’s Bazaar.
- Explore heritage architecture at the gothic-style Kellogg Memorial Church and the scenic St. Paul’s Church, and stroll around Rokeby Manor.
- Relax with pizzas and valley views at Cafe Ivy.
- Shop for homemade peanut butter, jams and cheese at Prakash Store in Sister’s Bazaar.
- Best time to visit: Landour is pleasant throughout the year, but April to June is best
Stay options
Rokeby Manor Rs 29,523
Tree of Life Highlands Rs 9,018
Sansa by the Woods: Manor and Spa Rs 2,210
Hustlers Den Rs 6,345
Oakwood Forest Retreat Rs 2,633
3. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Romantic, scenic valley ideal for couples seeking serene, snow-covered landscapes.
Romantic things to do
- Enjoy skiing and sledging at Chandanwari, a popular snow adventure spot near Pahalgam.
- Explore the scenic beauty of Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran Hills, often called Mini Switzerland, for sweeping mountain views.
- Take a pony ride to Baisaran Valley, one of the most scenic snow-covered meadows in the region.
- Walk along the snow-lined banks of the Lidder River for a peaceful riverside experience.
- Visit the 12th-century Mamleshwar Temple for a glimpse of the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Shop for Pashmina shawls, woollen jackets and local handicrafts in the main market of Pahalgam.
- Spend relaxed family time at Lidder Amusement Park.
- Best time to visit: March to November
Stay options
Welcomhotel Rs 22,865
Hotel Heevan Rs 7,278
Radisson Golf Resort Rs 18,290
Pahalgam Forest Resorts Rs 5,274
Sojourn Cottages Riverfront Rs 2,407
4. Valparai, Tamil Nadu
A serene, lush green hill station located in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats.
Romantic things to do
- Explore the lush Sirukundra Tea Estates or stay in colonial-style bungalows to soak in plantation life.
- Take in sweeping views of the Anaimalai Hills and tea gardens from Nallamudi Viewpoint.
- Visit the massive Sholayar Dam, one of Asia’s largest, and the scenic Nirar Dam with its nearby waterfall.
- Enjoy a refreshing dip at Monkey Falls or witness the heavy-rain beauty of Chinna Kallar Waterfalls.
- Seek quiet moments at Balaji Temple, set within a tea estate, and visit Chitti Vinayagar Temple.
- Admire the architecture of Karumalai Anna Velankanni Church, located inside the Karumalai Tea Estate.
- Unwind by the peaceful banks of the Kuzhankal River.
- Best time to visit: October to February
Stay options
Sinna Dorai’s Upper Paralai Bungalow Rs 14,000
Sirukundra Bungalow Rs 8,010
Ibex Resorts Rs 7,762
The Paradise View Stays Rs 2,516
Misty Creek Homestay Rs 2,640
5. Dabhosa, Maharashtra
A unique, offbeat waterfall destination offering adventurous, nature-oriented, private escapes.
Romantic things to do
- Witness the 300-ft Dabhosa Waterfall, one of Maharashtra’s tallest waterfalls, at its most dramatic during the monsoon.
- Try adventure sports such as rappelling, kayaking, valley crossing and fishing near the waterfall site.
- Trek through the lush green trails surrounding Dabhosa for a scenic hiking experience.
- Capture photographs of the cascading falls and dense forest landscape while enjoying a peaceful nature break.
- Explore the relatively untouched Hiradpada Waterfall nearby.
- Visit Jai Vilas Palace, the neoclassical residence of the Mukne rulers.
- Soak in panoramic valley views at Sunset Point during dusk.
- Discover the region’s tribal heritage, including traditional Warli painting.
- Best time to visit: July to September
Stay options
Prakrit Agro Farm Resort Rs 1,602
Sterling Nature Trails
Shanti Sarovar Resort
6. Daman, Gujarat
A quiet, coastal getaway with beaches and unique, relaxed charm for a weekend trip.
Romantic things to do
- Relax at Devka Beach for coastal views (not safe for swimming) or head to Jampore Beach for a calmer vibe with water sports.
- Explore the colonial-era Moti Daman Fort with its old walls and lighthouse, and visit St. Jerome Fort in Nani Daman.
- Visit the historic Church of Bom Jesus, the ruins of the Dominican Monastery, and the scenic Church of Our Lady of the Sea.
- Unwind at Jetty Garden along the riverfront or enjoy boating at Mirasol Lake Garden.
- Stroll through the colourful lanes of the Fort area, often called Mini Goa, and shop for bamboo crafts, seashell jewellery and local liquor.
- Best time to visit: October to February
Stay options
The Deltin Rs 9,366
Praveg Lake Resort Rs 6,286
The Golden Beach Resort Rs 9,770
7. Chandbali, Odisha
A peaceful river-side eco-retreat with mangrove forests, offering a unique nature-lover’s getaway.
Romantic things to do
- Take a ferry from Chandbali to explore Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its mangrove forests and one of India’s largest populations of saltwater crocodiles.
- Visit the 18th-century Baba Akhandalamani Temple, a major Shiva shrine built by the King of Konika.
- Spend quiet time at Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Ashram, featuring a Relics Temple and educational centre.
- Explore the historic Chandbali Port, once a key trading hub on the Baitarani River.
- Visit local shrines including Maa Patana Mangala Temple and nearby Hanuman temples.
- Plan a day trip to Aradi to experience scenic countryside and rural life in Bhadrak district.
- Best time to visit: October to March
Stay options
Jungle Avengers Resort Rs 5,183
Bhitarkanika Eco Cottage
8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
A breathtaking, serene, high-altitude destination, featuring spectacular, romantic waterfalls.
Romantic things to do
- Explore the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery, India’s largest monastery and a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism featuring a towering Buddha statue.
- Visit high-altitude lakes including Madhuri Lake (Shonga-tser Lake), PT Tso Lake, and Nagula Lake for serene mountain views.
- Drive across Sela Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, offering dramatic Himalayan vistas and views of Sela Lake.
- Visit Bum La Pass on the Indo-China border for panoramic views, with prior permits required.
- Witness the 100-metre-high Nuranang Waterfalls (Jang Falls), tucked amidst forested surroundings.
- Pay respects at the stupa-style Tawang War Memorial, honouring soldiers of the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
- Visit Gyangong Ani Gompa and shop for handicrafts and prayer wheels at the Old Tibetan Market.
- Hike and birdwatch in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary or admire the towering Gorichen Peak.
- Best time to visit: March to June
Stay options
Vivanta Rs 7,933
Timilo Boutique Rs 15,680
The Khaar Rs 3,357
Donrub Homestay and Resort Rs 4,812
A thoughtfully chosen getaway can turn Valentine’s Day into more than a date on the calendar. It becomes a shared memory shaped by mountains, rivers and quiet conversations far from routine.
