Offbeat romantic retreats

It doesn't matter which part of the country you're from; India's vast natural beauty and cultural heritage ensures that whichever part you're from, a romantic retreat isn't too far off. Forget the well-known destinations, and go for these hidden, unspoilt places that are still far from the madding crowd.

MOUNTAIN, MIST, LOVE

            Picturesque Khajjiar: Called India's mini Switzerland for its expansive meadows, Khajjiar is an idyllic hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.Set in the midst of magnificent deodar forests, it has the rarest combination of lakes, pastures and foliage. Khajjiar Lake is ideal for picnics, strolls and more. The honeymooners can enjoy activities like horse-riding, paragliding and zorbing.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year;

Nearest railway station: Pathankot;

Nearest airport: Gaggal in Kangra; Approximate travel time: 15 hours (from Delhi);

Topmost attraction: Glimpse of the misty Dauladhar mountain range.

SUNSET ROMANCE

            Wavy Havelock: This island, located in the Ritchie's Archipelago in the Andaman Islands, has some of the best beaches in Asia. It is also India's top scuba diving hub. But the best experience is to go on a diving trip to India's only active barren volcano. And like most tropical islands, there are those romantic sunsets, candlelight dinners on the beaches and much more.

Best time to visit: Mid-January to midMay. Avoid the monsoon months;

Nearest ferry terminals: Port Blair and Rangat;

Nearest airport: Port Blair; Approximate travel time: Two to four hours by ferry; one hour by air;

Topmost attraction: Radhanagar and Elephant Beaches.CULTURAL HIGH Serene Shantiniketan: This small town near Bolpur in the Birbhum district of West Bengal is synonymous with Ra bindranath Tagore. If you want to enjoy its tranquility, go any time of the year.And if you want to enjoy, the culturally rich heritage of Bengal, do visit during Poush Mela (Winter Fair) and Basanta Panchami (Holi).

Best time to visit: Any time of the year;

Nearest railway station: Bolpur; Nearest airport: DumDum Airport, Kolkata; Approximate travel time: It takes approximately 1 hour 53 minutes from Kolkata;

Topmost attraction: Amar Kutir and Kopai River.

A WALK IN THE WOODS

            Panoramic Panchmarhi: Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most precious gem and reflects romanticism at its best. A lovely hill station surrounded by the Satpura ranges, it offers absolute serenity.Bridle paths lead into placid forest groves. It's a great destination for trekkers, hikers, bikers, parasailers and of course, couples.

Best time to visit: Between June and October;

Nearest Airport: Bhopal;

Nearest railway station: Pipariya; Approximate travel time: Three hours from Bhopal;

Topmost attraction: Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall), Rajat Prapat (Big Fall), Apsara Vihar and Satpura National Park.

GO WILD!

            Breathtaking Nameri: Explore the avifaunal biodiversity of the Nameri National Park, a birder's paradise, in Assam. It comprises semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. The rich wildlife includes barking and hog deers, tigers and leopards. Couples can also indulge in fishing, river rafting and wildlife trekking.

Best time to visit: November to April;

Nearest Airport: Tezpur;

Nearest railway station: Guwahati; Approximate travel time: Forty-five minutes to an hour; three hours from Guwahati;

Topmost attraction: Pigmy Hog-Breeding Centre....... Article by S. banerjee