Planning a romantic holiday? Here are 5 getaways for this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, and while you plan what to do for your significant other, why not consider stepping outside your comfort zone and planning a sweet escape over the weekend?

YS Weekender brings you 5 places that you should consider travelling to this year…

Tadoba National Park

If you and your partner are adventure seekers and animal lovers at heart then look no further - Tadoba National Park in Chandrapur district Maharashtra is the place to be.

An Indian Serengeti of sorts, you will see plenty of flora, fauna and a wide range of animals.

Matka Sur, the tiger king of the jungle can be found here, along with his partner tigress, Choti Tara. They are the world-famous Bengal Tigers at this park and if you are patient enough, you will surely not miss them.

Set amidst the expanse of vast green jungles and the beautiful Andhari River, Tadoba is perfect for a three-day trip. Not only do you get to stay in cosy little cottages, but you also get to go in jeeps into the depths of the jungle to spot majestic tigers, sambar, flying squirrels, sloth bears and more.

Apart from tigers, the park has leopards, wild boar, deer, samba, sloth bears and a variety of creatures for you to spot, along with a number of reptiles and birds.

Hop onto a jeep with a local guide and explore the jungle at dawn. You can stay in cottages near the jungle if you like.

This is a great opportunity to meet other couples, make new friends and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Some of the hotels you should consider staying at are ‘The Tiger King Resort,’ ‘Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa,’ ‘The Pugmark Jungle Lodge’ ‘Irai Safari Retreat’ and ‘Limban Resort’ amongst others.

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Kumarakom

Famous for its backwaters, Kumarakom in Kerala, is not to be missed. It is the perfect place to celebrate love, friendship and romance.

Rent a room on a houseboat and a sail on the Vembanad Lake. Watch the blue skies turn to orange and purple hues before becoming inky blue at sunset. Some houseboats halt on the lake in the evenings and let you dive into the lake with a trained professional.

The serene and still atmosphere is wonderful if you want to rejuvenate and relax.

You can also enjoy a local meal cooked by one of the chefs on the boat, comprising Kerala’s fresh vegetables and seafood.

Boat services that you can check out are ‘Aqua Jumbo Houseboats,’ ‘Kumarakom Houseboat Holidays,’ and ‘Amrutham Houseboats.’

Hampi

The UNESCO world heritage site which should be on everyone’s must-visit list this Valentine’s Day, is Hampi, which is located in Bellary District, Karnataka.

Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

History buffs, artistic folk, travellers, and individuals looking to experience something new should not give Hampi a miss.

It is extremely convenient for a short weekend trip as it is just an overnight bus journey or train ride away from Bengaluru.

When at Hampi one must visit the Virupaksha Temple, and admire the Hoysala style of architecture, the Garuda shrine, and the Sasivekalu Ganesha, carved from a single piece of stone, amongst other admirable pieces of work.

In the evening visit the elephant stables and Lotus Mahal and stroll on the lush green lawns, or book a coracle ride on the lake.

The places one can stay at in Hampi are ‘Heritage Resort Hampi,’ ‘Evolve Back Hampi’, and ‘Hampi Boulder’s Resort’ amongst others.

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Coorg

Coffee lovers and couples wanting to wake up to an original brew should definitely consider Coorg for a Valentine’s Day getaway.

Visit the Iruppu falls and soak in nature’s beauty, or go for a long trek with a local guide.

The Tibetan monastery in Bylakuppe and the ‘Raja’s Seat’ which is the sunset point of Coorg are perfect to visit with someone you love. Don't miss the local Kodava cuisine of pork and chicken dishes. These can be eaten with kadambattu and sannas.

Couples can stay at ‘Club Mahindra Madikeri’ ‘Taj Madikeri resort and spa’ as well as ‘Orange County’ and ‘Ayatana’ resort amongst other popular resorts.

Munnar

The hill station of Munnar is an idyllic and romantic spot for young lovers.

A former rejuvenation site during the time of the British Raj, Munnar is one of the most iconic vacation spots in India, complete with rolling hills, valleys and tea estates. The rose garden is Munnar is a must-see, spread over two acres of land. Apart from roses, there are fruit trees too.

Echo Point is a popular spot to go boating, biking, and hiking. Like the name suggests, you can yell out loud and enjoy the echoes that will surround you.’

You can stay at the ‘Munnar tea country resort,’ ‘Elixir Hills’ and ‘The Leaf Munnar.’

(Edited by Asha Chowdary)