Against the backdrop of the ongoing wedding season, Raunaq Kapoor shares some lesser-known romantic destinations for your honeymoon

 With the wedding season in full sway, many among us are planning our honeymoons and let us remind you, there is no place better than a trip with your significant other! India is a geographical feast when it comes to romantic destinations but everyone knows about the Himalayan valleys and Goa! But there is so much more to explore and so many places one can spend some quality time with their partner. Covid-19 affected us all but now that things are going back to normal we can plan a vacation away from the stress of the city. Some of the lesser-known romantic destinations include

Pondicherry

Pondicherry is also called 'The French Riviera of the East. This former French colony is the perfect combination of traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape for couples.

The streets of the French quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, are lined with charming mustard yellow colonial structures with bougainvillaea laden walls. There are many cosy cafes and chic boutiques spread along the area and offer delectable French cuisine and beverages. A simple stroll down the street can make you feel like a fairytale! Topped with authentic French bakeries one can also opt for a bicycle ride and enjoy a lovely day with their partner.

One can also visit Paradise beach and take a 30-minute ferry across the backwaters and enjoy the serenity of the Bay of Bengal. Pondicherry also offers an amazing adventure pf scuba diving. Exploring the sea life together and seeing exotic creatures as well as beautiful corals and surely revive a spark between couples.

One can also opt for the various wellness retreats and connect with their inner selves and better their relationship with their partner! The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October and March.

Lockdown in Pondicherry has been lifted and places have been opened for four tourists to visit. Although the capacity for every destination has been limited to only 50 per cent due to the regulations.

Coorg

Coorg is located in the mountains of Karnataka in a misty landscape. Coorg is extremely popular as a coffee producing hill station. It also stands out for the culture and the people. The Kodavas, a local clan is known for its hospitality. It has exotic breathtaking scenery which can just make you feel like you are in an SRK song. The beautiful green hills and steam cutting right through them gives the place a sudden rush of cool air and you can cuddle up with your bae and enjoy amazing coffee and just unwind.

The beautiful landscape is also embezzled with various waterfalls, one can get lost in the serenity of the flowing water. one can go for a guided tour of the plantation of coffee and vanilla trees. You can also pick up local coffee when heading out to enjoy yourself at home. River rafting is quite famous in Coorg and serves you an experience of a lifetime. Late-night drives around the mountains can surely set the mood for the night. One can also pamper their partner and themselves with Ayurveda treatments which can rejuvenate you from within.

The state of Karnataka only allows asymptomatic tourists and one has to social distance and wear a mask at all times. They have also set up options for online ticketing and request people to not come in frequent physical contact with the local people

Matheran

Matheran is the cutest hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. It is just 100 kilometres from Mumbai making it a perfect weekend getaway. It is amazing for couples looking for a short trip filled with peace and serenity. Matheran is one of the few places which does not allow any kind of vehicle. Thus the pollution level is extremely low and one can just breathe in the pure clean air.

This hill station is famous for its 36 viewing points like Louise point, Porcupine point and Lord point. Most points have trekking trails and amazing views of the mountains, sunrise and sunset.

Fifth level restrictions are imposed in Matheran thus it has opened up for tourist travel. One has to follow the basic Covid 19 protocols while visiting.

Khajjiar

Often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ it is very conveniently only 20 km away from Dalhousie and one can visit for an overnight trip. It has grassy meadows, forests and cottages and one can create their fantasy among the woods. There is even a small lake in the middle of the meadows and one can enjoy sports like paragliding, zorbing and horse riding.

Khajjiar is also known for its nine-hole golf course which is nestled amid lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. It is generally closed in winters due to heavy snowfall but during the other seasons, it is a treat to visit this place. One can also choose Jungle safari at Kalatop wildlife sanctuary and also go trekking among the woods.

One can visit Khajjair without an e-pass now. People flying to Himachal need a negative RT-PCR test. There is no mandatory quarantine either. Although you need to register on the Arogya setu app.

Coonoor

It is one of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations. It is the second largest one to exist. It is just 19 km from Ooty and a dreamy destination for couples. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a perfect summer retreat.

It is known for its scenic beauty, manicured hills, colonial culture and greenery. It has amazing heritage homes and is an amazing spot for a staycation. One can visit the Lamb rocks for a breathtaking view of the Coonoor hills. One visits the Highfields tea factory which is a place drenched with the smell of tea. One can also have fun at Nilgiri mountain railways.

Please note, a negative RT-PCR test result has been made mandatory for tourists to visit the Nilgiris.

(The author is the founder of it’shoneymoon.in, a premiere guide for those who wish to embark on their honeymoon.)