As destinations around the world continue to reopen and with 2021 and 2022 set to have the highest number of weddings and engagements—now is the perfect time to start planning a romantic get-away. From tranquil beaches, charming mountains, lush jungles, untouched views, unexplored cultures, to towns dipped in forgotten history and architecture, there’s a lot one can explore. This is your guide for the next romantic holiday; here you will find destinations separated by geographies to help narrow down the perfect romantic trip for you and your loved one. Show your partner how committed to romance you are, celebrate your love in one of these gorgeous destinations.
Getting away and spending alone time with your partner in different surroundings offers plenty of opportunity for fun and relaxation, and has tangible benefits for your relationship. Travel is important to couples—it is an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company over a prolonged period, whilst also experiencing something new.
Whether you’ve known your partner for years or just a short duration, a lot rides on the romantic holidays: expectations are skyrocketing, tensions are high, you probably have been daydreaming about your time together at exotic locations. Whether you’re headed to an island or the mountains, you need to hope for the best and pack for the worst.
So what do you pack to make the special trip extra special? Click here for your ultimate packing list - The Romantic Must-Carry Edition. When it comes to the best locations to reconnect with romance, these destinations should definitely make it to your bucket list.
Romantic Holiday Destinations In India
1. Andaman Islands
With sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by jungles and fantastic diving sites on sun-kissed beaches, the Andaman Islands are the perfect romantic escape where you and your partner can enjoy melting purple sunsets. Out of the archipelago's 572 islands, only 36 are inhabited and a small selection of islands are open to tourists. Havelock (Swaraj) is by far the most popular.
Top Attractions Include:
Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach, Ross & Smith Islands, Butler Bay, Ross Island, Elephant Beach, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Anthropological Museum, Baratang Limestone Caves, Excelsior Island
2. Kashmir Valley & Ladakh
Kashmir Valley is India's Switzerland, attracting couples seeking cool summer air, alpine scenery and Srinagar’s romantic houseboat accommodation. The Himalayan land of Ladakh is Jammu &Kashmir’s greatest attraction. Its timeless monasteries are set between parched canyons and sky-high peaks, while green villages are nestled in highland deserts.
Top Attractions Include: Leh Palace, Dal Lake, Leh Old Town, Thiksey Gompa, Diskit Gompa, Yungdrung Gompa, Choskhor Temple Complex, Thajiwas Valley and Spituk Gompa
3. Goa
A unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, perfect for couples looking for some sun, sea, sand, seafood, and tranquillity. Goa is India’s tropical paradise. This coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state, and each beach community has developed its own personality. Whether it's a classic fish curry rice, a morning bhali-pau, or a spicy xacuti sauce, the Indo-Portuguese influence is a treat for every foodie's taste buds.
Top Attractions Include: Patnem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mandrem Beach, Anjuna Beach, Butterfly Beach, Aswem Beach, Miramar, Betalbatim Beach
4. Kerala
Kerala is South India's most beautiful state with its serene backwaters; the spice- and tea-covered hills, wildlife reserves and cool hill stations. Just setting foot in ‘God’s Own Country’ is enough to slow you down and melt in your partner's arms. Besides the famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is also home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger. Art and activities around age-old traditions such as Kathakali, theyyam, temple festivals and snake-boat races are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Top Attractions Include: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Pardesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
5. Rajasthan
The land of maharajas and palaces, Rajasthan is where royalty is. Rajasthan's big-ticket attractions are its magnificent forts and palaces. All across Rajasthan, there are many mansions, forts and l restored palaces, including Jaisalmer's enchanted desert outpost, Amber's majestic fort-palace and Jodhpur's striking Mehrangarh. You and your significant other may even go tiger-spotting in Ranthambhore National Park.
Top Attractions Include: Jaisalmer Desert Safari, City Palace (Jaipur), Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Mehrangarh, Keoladeo National Park, City Palace (Udaipur), Jaisalmer Fort, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh, Sariska Tiger Reserve & National Park
6. Himachal Pradesh
With majestic snowy peaks and plunging river valleys, Himachal is India’s answer to adventure lovers. If you and your partner love the occasional adrenaline rush, a trip to Himachal is a must. From trekking, climbing to rafting, paragliding and skiing, if it can be done in the mountains, it can be done here. Villages perched on stunning slopes enchant this destination. Experience the wonders of Tibet, in Dalai Lama's home-away-from-home, McLeod Ganj, or in remote Lahaul and Spiti with their centuries-old Buddhist cultures.
Top Attractions Include: Tabo Gompa, Chandratal, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dhankar Gompa, Kunzumla, Chehni Kothi, Norbulingka Institute, Dhainkund Viewpoint, Viceregal Lodge, Ki Gompa, Jalori Pass, Bahu, The Ridge
7. Uttarakhand
A romantic holiday in Uttarakhand’s peaceful hills is all you need to get rid of the daily weariness and spend quality time with your partner. Uttarakhand, tucked in the Garhwal Himalayas is a soothing retreat for everyone. Dotted with dense alpines, wrapped up in snow during winters, and well decorated with blooming flowers in summers, Uttarakhand has it all for lovebirds. Uttarakhand also has the second-highest tiger population (after Karnataka) and has India’s second-highest peak (Nanda Devi).
Top Attractions Include: Valley Of Flowers National Park, Chandrisilla Peak, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park, Chandak, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Gun Hill, Snow View, Neer Garh Waterfall, Hem Kund, Naini Lake
8. Meghalaya
Known as ‘the abode of clouds’, Meghalaya is a cool, pine-fresh mountain state set on dramatic rocky cliffs. Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram are among the wettest places on Earth, creating very impressive waterfalls and carving out some of Asia’s longest caves. The backdrop of numerous hillocks and lakes have rendered this place a stature as the ‘Scotland of the East’.
Top Attractions Include: Nongriat Root bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, Balpakram National Park, Mawsmai Caves, Nokrek National Park, Ward's Lake
9. Sikkim
Located in the eastern range of the great Himalayan Mountains, Sikkim is quiet, serene and enchantingly beautiful. The immaculate locations of this Himalayan state is a perfect setup for a romantic holiday. When clouds clear, an ever-thrilling experience from many ridge-top perches is spotting the world's third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga, on the north-western dawn horizon.
Top Attractions Include: Buddha Peak, Rumtek Gompa, Pemayangtse Gompa, Resum Gompa, Norbugang Park, Samdruptse, Chorten Forest, Phamrong Falls, Tsuklakhang
10. Karnataka
Known as “One State, Many Worlds”, Karnataka has heritage, beauty, palaces, food and greenery. A stunning introduction to southern India, Karnataka is a perfect combination of urban cities, glittering palaces, nature reserves, national parks, ancient ruins, beaches and yoga centres. Coffee and spices plantations, munificent forest cover, the gorgeous gorges and waterfalls and the perennially misty landscape of the place make Coorg fondly referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’. From jungle safari in Nagarhole National Park, elephant safari, boating, coracle, and much more, this destination is definitely worth a visit.
Top Attractions Include: Overnight camping amidst coffee plantations in Coorg, trekking in Tadiandamol and Pushpagiri, rafting at Barapole, Brindavan Gardens, musical fountain, a folklore museum, Mysore Palace, Halebeedu, Chikamagaluru, Kabini, Gokarna, Hampi
Romantic Holiday Destinations Abroad
1. New Zealand
Dynamic Māori culture, world-class surfing and skiing, spectacular natural scenery and stunning diverse landscape, glorious mountains, epic glaciers and volcanoes, never-ending farmland and grassland, as well as gorgeous beaches are some of the things you will fall in love with when vacationing in New Zealand. Explore the bustling city, discover Hobittown, relax on the beach or spend time discovering the many natural wonders.
Top Attractions Include: Dunedin, Auckland, Rotorua, Takaka, Queenstown, Hobbiton in Matamata, Karioitahi Beach, Waiheke Island, Lake Tekapo, Coromandel Peninsula, Milford Sound, Akaroa, Fox Glacier
2. French Alps and the Jura Mountains
Sprawled across seven European countries, the Alps reach their maximum height in France, at Mont Blanc (4810m). Towards the northwest along the Swiss border are the Jura Mountains, where you can enjoy winemaking, cross-country skiing and tinkling cowbells.
Share memories with your partner aboard cable cars, skiing at world-class ski resorts, hiking through the country in summer or just relaxing in one of the many mountain retreats.
Top Attractions Include: Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, Ville Ancienne, Citadelle de Besançon, Parc National des Écrins, Château des Ducs de Savoie, Parc National de la Vanoise, Château de Menthon-St-Bernard, Fontaine des Éléphants
3. France
Much of the country’s beauty comes from the diversity of its landscape, from sun-soaked beaches to rough Alpine peaks, and its remarkable cultural heritage, which is highlighted by spectacular cathedrals and palaces. Be it flipping crêpes in Brittany or clinking champagne in ancient Reims cellars, the culinary opportunities are endless. Spectacular villas in the South of France, majestic mountains and amazing wine country getaways, France offers couples a great choice of things to see and do.
Top Attractions Include: Eiffel Tower, Centre Pompidou, Château de Chenonceau, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée du Louvre, Les Catacombes, Château de Chambord, Musee Rodin, Jardin du Luxembourg, Pantheon, Abbaye du Mont St-Michel, Musee d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Cathedral Notre dame, Chateau de Versailles
4. Italy
Italy's charm goes beyond galleries, wardrobes and dining rooms. Not many are aware that the country is one of nature's stroke of geniuses, from the north's icy Alps and glacial lakes to the south's fiery craters and turquoise caverns. It would be hard to visit the destination that birthed the Renaissance without feeling a bit of magic and romance in the air.
Top Attractions Include: Vatican Museums, Roman Forum, Palatino, Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Catacombe di San Sebastiano, Vatican Gardens, Galleria degli Uffizi, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Duomo, Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Vecchio
5. Thailand
Bustling with tropical beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful temples, and royal palaces, it comes with little surprise that a Thailand holiday is well sought after by couples all over the world. Venture beyond the usual spots such as Phuket and Phi Phi Islands and explore spots like Hua Hin and Koh Samui that are equally alluring.
Top Attractions Include: Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Golden Mount, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Erawan National Park, Phimai, Historical Park, Hat Kuat, Hat Bang Thao, Nam Tok Thilawsu, Nam Tok Bua Tong
6. Czech Republic
Fancy restaurants, beautiful cities, and beautiful countryside this nation is among the favourite tourist attractions for many vacationers who want something different from Europe’s traditional route. Everyone who visits the Czech Republic starts with Prague; it’s a spirited urban centre with a rich array of cultural offerings and a newly emerging foodie scene.
Top Attractions Include: St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Prague castle, Vila Tugendhat, Wenceslas Square, Old Town Hall, Loreta, Old Town Square, Konopiště Chateau, Sedlec Ossuary, Karlštejn Castle, Vyšehrad Citadel, Petřín
7. Jordan
Jordan is not a traditional hotspot for a romantic getaway, but the warm hospitality, exquisite sunsets, endless outdoor adventures and magnificent landscapes create a magical setting. Take a ride through Wadi Rum at sunset, explore Petra – the ancient Nabataean city locked in the heart of Jordan’s sandstone escarpments.
Top Attractions Include: Petra, Citadel, Roman Ruins of Jerash, Siq, High Place of sacrifice. Monastery, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Theatre, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Urn Tomb, Royal Tombs
8. Finland
Northern Lights, eccentric beauty, gorgeous landscaped and culinary excellence is a perfect blend for a romantic holiday. Towering forests surrounded by serene lakes, Finland has some of the best hiking trails in Europe coupled with kayaking and canoeing. Spend a night in a cute little hut where you and your significant other are deep in the forests on nature-watching trips. Experience winters with a team of fluffy dogs, or even reindeers, for a trek across the snowy wonderland catching the aurora borealis after your much-needed sauna.
Top Attractions Include: The Theatre Of Northern Lights - Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Hameenlinna, Santa Claus Village, Kuusamo, Hossa National Park, Kemi, Jyvaskyla, Kittila, Savonlinna, Helsinki
9. Germany
Germany is a mixed bag of history, culture, gorgeous natural landscapes, bustling cities, quaint towns and romantic palaces. There are so many beautiful places with incredible nature throughout Germany, and lively sites like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich, but it’s in the North that one finds romance. From the marvellous sea crashing onto the white sand to the fabled Baltic heritage of historic towns, this is the place to rekindle that romantic spark
Top Attractions Include: Wismar, Schwerin, Lüneburg, Goslar, Lübeck, Wernigerode, Rostock