Introduction: Where to Find the Best Romantic Getaways and Hotels in India

Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala, India.

Leonardo Media

Whether you're traveling to India on your honeymoon or with a partner, there are some delightfully romantic India getaways, honeymoon destinations, and hotels to make your trip a memorable one.

Tranquil mountain hideaways, fairytale desert settings, relaxing beaches, exhilarating jungles, and of course the exotic Taj Mahal -- here are some of the highlights that India has to offer that won't fail to leave a lasting impression. You'll also find hotels just as stunning as the places they're located in.

Romantic Agra Honeymoon or Getaway

View of the Taj Mahal from a room at the Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

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Unremarkable Agra offers one of the most remarkable and romantic sights in India, the magnificent monument of love that is the Taj Mahal.

Much can be said about the Taj Mahal -- it's India's most famous architectural marvel, it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage building, and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Furthermore, it took 22 years of painstaking work and 20,000 workers to complete. However, what makes the Taj Mahal so romantic is that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had it poignantly built out of love for his wife, who tragically died during childbirth. Her body is inside the monument, together with that of the emperor.

Romantic Coorg Honeymoon or Getaway

Road leading through the coffee estate of Honey Pot Homes, Coorg, Karnataka.

Sharell Cook

The Kodagu region of Karnataka, often referred to as Coorg (the English version of its name), is an extremely picturesque and alluring mountainous area in south India. The area is renowned for its coffee plantations. Its stunning scenic beauty is captivating.

Food and coffee lovers will get great pleasure from visiting Coorg. Imagine waking up with your loved one each morning to the fragrant aroma of coffee, fresh from the estates, and later in the day feasting on the distinctly spicy cuisine that the region is famous for. What a treat!

The highlight of a visit to Coorg is Abbey Falls, near the main town of Madikeri. The cardamom and coffee plantations that surround the falls really enhance its beauty. It's possible to hike there, as well as enjoy other treks around the area. Head to Raja's Seat for breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views across the valley, although it's much quieter there in the morning. This garden spot was apparently a favorite of the Kings of Kodagu.

Romantic Jaisalmer Honeymoon or Getaway

Jaisalmer Fort and City.

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Jaisalmer is often referred to as being straight out of a romantic Arabian Nights fable. It's a cliche, but how better to describe this remarkable sandstone city that rises magically from the sand dunes of the Rajasthan desert?

During medieval times, Jaisalmer was an important part of the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Its mesmerizing ancient fort, built in 1156, is perched high on a pedestal overlooking the city. Inside, the fort is alive and spellbinding. It houses five palaces, several temples, and some exquisite havelis(mansions), as well as shops and other residences.

A camel ride into the desert brings the fairytale to life. Multiple day safaris sleeping out under the stars are popular but even a couple of hours spent in the desert, watching the sunset on the sand dunes with a picnic, is enough to inspire great romance.

Romantic Kerala Honeymoon or Getaway

A houseboat on a lake along the Kerala backwaters.

Amzed Hussain

Another of India's most beautiful regions is the Kerala backwaters. This maze of inland narrow canals, wide rivers, and vast expanses of water stretches all the way from Kochi in the north to Trivandrum in the south.

Time seems to stand still along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters. Occasionally, you'll get a glimpse of the rural Kerala lifestyle, set against a fertile green landscape of paddy fields, mangrove forests, and thick clusters of coconut palms.

Romantic Ranthambore National Park Honeymoon or Getaway

A luxury tent at Aman-i-Khás resort, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan.

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Nature and wildlife lovers will find plenty to be romantic about at Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan. The park is full of history, having witnessed many battles played out on its land, and the rise and fall of many rulers. Some of India's most fascinating wildlife can be found in the park. In fact, the chances of spotting a tiger in the wild there are amongst the best in the country. In contrast with many national parks in India, Ranthambore is also really accessible and easy to get to.

The park itself is surrounded by the Avaralli and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, with steep rocky hills and plains, dry deciduous forest, and open grassy meadows lakes and rivers. The landscape is dominated by the formidable 10th century Ranthambore Fort. It's a huge structure that contains ruined pavilions, splendid monuments, and three Hindu temples. Perfect for exploring together!

Romantic Shimla Honeymoon or Getaway

View at The Oberoi Wildflower Hall hotel, Shimla.

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Surrounded by the Himalaya mountains, Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj when they ruled India. Now it's the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.

This wonderfully cool and charming town sprawls along a mountain ridge, enveloped in oak, pine and rhododendron forests. It's quite famous for its colonial Tudor and Neo-Gothic style buildings, and historic railway.

The Kalka-Shimla train is a picture of romance as it slowly winds its way through the misty mountains and thick pine forests. If possible, try and book one of the special Shivalik Queen compartments for honeymooners. The fresh, crisp air is so invigorating and enlivening, while the scenery will transport you to a world far away from urban tensions, where romance comes naturally.

Romantic Udaipur Honeymoon or Getaway

City Palace, Udaipur.

Sam Segar

Udaipur could possibly be the most romantic city in India. It's an enchanting place full of old mansions, beautiful gardens, intricate temples, and grand palaces overlooking expansive shimmering lakes.

The City Palace, which stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, leaves visitors spellbound. The way it's been constructed is exquisite, with Rajput military architecture and Mughal style decorative techniques both combined together. For an added touch of romance, there are captivating views of the lake and city below from its many balconies, courtyards, and towers.

Romantic Varkala Honeymoon or Getaway

Walkway along Varkala cliff, Kerala.

Sharell Cook

There's something infinitely romantic about the sound of waves crashing against a rocky shore, uninterrupted sunsets over the ocean, salt air brushing against your skin, and tasty fresh seafood. One of the best places to find this in India is Varkala beach, in the southern state of Kerala.

The setting of Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with its long stretch of cliff bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks and bungalows. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is the sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top.

The cliff is particularly alluring in the evenings, when the beach shacks are warmly lit, candles flicker, and the smell of incense often wafts through the air. Relax and enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many beach shacks!