Inspiration
11 genuinely romantic places in India (and the right month for each)
Beyond the obvious list — the lakes, hill stations and coastal pockets that work best for couples, with the month that makes each one worth the flight.
TMTara MenonEditor6 min read
Romance is mostly a function of timing. The same lake that is magical in October is a car park in December. This list is organised by the month that makes each place worth the trip.
For the cold months: October to February
- South Goa — wide beaches and shacks that empty by ten. Best in October and February, not December
- Udaipur — lake palaces and rooftop dinners, at its best in November
- Fort Kochi — the old spice quarter and a heritage room. Good all winter
- Rann of Kutch — white salt desert under a full moon, December and January only
- Coorg — coffee estates in the mist, best just after the monsoon in October
For spring: March to May
- Kashmir — blossom, tulips and snow still on the peaks. The single best month is April
- Munnar — tea gardens before the heavy rain, cool enough to walk all day
- Tawang — high, remote and almost empty in May once the pass opens
For the monsoon: June to September
The most underrated window in the country. Rates fall, the landscape transforms and you get places to yourselves.
- Alleppey backwaters — a private houseboat with rain on the roof is close to the best night in India
- Lonavala and the Sahyadris — waterfalls at full volume, an easy drive from Mumbai or Pune
- Cherrapunji — living root bridges in the wettest place on earth, doing exactly what it is famous for
The monsoon is the only season where a spectacular Indian trip costs less than a mediocre one in December.
- #india
- #romantic
- #destinations
