Best Romantic Valentine's Day Destinations In India

A warm hug, a passionate kiss, a bouquet of red roses, swiss chocolate and a candle-lit dinner followed a romantic drive, this is what we hear from most people when it comes a Valentine’s Day with your honey. In the land of India, there are several romantic cities and tourist spots which attract visitors to feel the vibes of love and share with your companion. Here is the list of  must visit destinations on Valentine’s Day.

Kerala

It is a fabulous place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Here the romantic couples enjoy a lot of fun, relaxation and delight. You can choose a slothful tour of the beach or a relaxing cruise in the backwater region of Kerala. 

   
 

Goa 

The beach destination of international renown, Goa is a popular choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Though there are many picturesque beaches in Goa, Palolem beach is a perfect choice  for love birds as it is quite secluded as compared to other beaches. You can move to Goa if an adventurous and laid back place is on your mind. 

Agra

Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal in Agra is a perfect place to express your love to your sweetheart on the Valentine’s Day. Walking on the pavement of Taj with your honey on a full moon night is an experience beyond words.

Manali

Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Every year, it attracts honeymooners in large number. White water rafting, Paragliding and Ice Skiing are some of the adventurous activities that can be done. Other places to visit include Rahalla Falls, Malan Valley and Manali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Udaipur 

Fondly referred to as ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a dream destination for celebrating Valentine’s Day. The romantic charm of Udaipur lies in an array of man-made marvels dotting the length and breadth of this city along with the lush green Aravali ranges.

Nainital 

Nestled at a height of 6,358 feet above sea level, Nainital is a beautiful, picturesque and a verdant green hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. Some major attractions of this place include Naina peak, Tiffin top, ropeway, horse riding and boating.

Ooty 

Situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level, Ooty, also known as ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, is a popular hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. The dense forests, tea estates and lofty mountain peaks add to the attractions of this hill station.

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Tour aboard Palace on Wheels for Wildlife Excursion

Spanning over a whopping 3,42,000 square kilometers, in the northwestern part of the country, Rajasthan is not only the largest state in India  but also attracts a sizeable chunk of overseas travelers. One of the most popular ways to explore the diversity of this region is to travel on board Palace on Wheels. When it comes to Rajasthan tours, the popular tourist attractions are forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and wildlife. The state is home an array of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

Palace on Wheels Train

During the 8 days and 7 night journey on board Palace on Wheels, the luxury train encompasses the former princely states of Rajasthan along with a stopover in Agra. The two destinations covered by the Palace on Wheels train- Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur- are mainly visited for wildlife excursion. While Sawai Madhopur is home to Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur is famous for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO  World Heritage Site and bird sanctuary.

Spotted Deer in Ranthambore National Park

These national parks teem with an array of flora and fauna species including some highly elusive and endangered animal species such as Royal Bengal Tiger and Siberian Crane. Lets have a look what these  wildlife sanctuaries have to offer to its clientele.

Ranthambore National Park 

Royal Bengal Tigers - Ranthambore National Park

Nestled at the junction of Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambore National Park, spanning over an area of 320 square kilometers, is mainly visited for its large population of Bengal Tigers. Besides Royal Bengal Tigers, the park has more than 200 species of birds and various herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous animals. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and a 10th century Ranthambore fort at a height of 700 meters above the sea level. The fort is home to three temples , built with red Karauali stones and dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha and Ramlalji.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary 

Siberian Crane at Keoladeo National Park

Emblazoned as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, is named after an ancient Shiva temple located at the center of the park. It is an absolute heaven for bird watchers and ornithologists. The bird sanctuary is home to  more than 336 bird species, out of which 117 migrate from China and Siberia.

Cycle Safaris in the Keoladeo National Park

Palace on Wheels let you explore the Ranthambore National Park and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in the first half of the 3rd and the 7th day sightseeing trip. This luxury train is a virtual five star hotel equipped with luxuriously designed guest cabins, multi cuisine restaurants, a lounge bar and well equipped spa.

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Major Cultural Events to Look forward to this February

India is a country of fairs and festivals, which occur all round the year. Here is a list of major cultural events to look forward to this February:

What : Maha Kumbh Mela
When : January 14 to February 25, 2013
Where : Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

Why :The Maha Kumbh Mela, a spiritual fair is quite popular in the form of the largest gathering in the whole world for religious purpose. During this ancient northern Indian festival, millions of Hindu holy men and devotees gather to preach their faith and beliefs of their religion. Not only Indians, it is visited by a large number of foreign too.  Maha Kumbh Mela that takes place only once 12 years, this year it is taking place in Haridwar.

What : India Art Fair
When : January 31 to February 3, 2013
Where : New Delhi
Why : This year it is going on in its 5th edition of the India Art Fair in Delhi and has brought together around 105 galleries from 24 countries showcasing works of around 1000 of  the famous as well as young artists from India as well as the world. The Fair has a assorted program, which includes a 3- day Speaker Forum, art projects, performances, book launches, curated Walks and an art bookstore.

What : Surajkund Crafts Mela
When : February 1-14, 2013
Where : Faridabad
Why : At the on-going Surajkund Crafts Mela which is in its 27th year, you can witness the finest of handloom, handicrafts, as well as regional Indian cuisine. More than 400 artisans and craftsmen from all over the country are showcasing their extraordinary works. It also includes of numerous cultural programs, and an amusement zone. Like every year where a state in the form theme is picked.This year, the theme is Kerala, a South Indian state.

What : Shekhawati Festival
When : February 7-10, 2013
Where : New Delhi
Why : Shekhawati Festival is the best time to visit the popular old painted havelis (mansions) of the Shekhawati region. This three-day festival is inclusive of jeep safaris, camel safaris, various kinds of competitions, organic farm visits, cultural programs and  other entertainment activities. The main purpose of this festival is to attract more and more number of tourists to this region.

What : Goa Carnival
When : February 9-12, 2013
Where : Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa in Goa 
Why :Started by the Portuguese rulers during the 18th century in the form of a local feast, the Goa Carnival, has now gained a lot of popularity as one of the main events of the state. At the time of the festival, the streets are filled with parades, music and dancers wearing masks. The festival concludes with the Red and Black Dance, a formal ball performed in Panaji with a color code of red and black.

What : Taj Mahotsav 
What :  February 18-27, 2013 
Where : Agra, Uttar Pradesh

 Why :Every year, the Taj Mahotsav takes place in Shilpgram Agra, near the eastern entry gate of the Taj Mahal. The prime focus of the festival to promote arts- crafts, culture, and recreation of the Mughal times. It also features a huge procession of elephants, camels and drummers. You can  even ride an elephant and enjoy camel rides too, kids can also play games and enjoy sumptuous dishes at the food festival. It is said that the venue is the place where the workers building Taj, used to live.

What :Pariyanampetta Pooram 
What : February  19, 2013

Where : Palakkad,Kerala

Why: The Pariyanampetta Pooram is celebrated on the last day of the seven- day festival at Pariyanampetta temple, Kattukulam, Palakkad district of Kerala. It includes a procession of 21 beautifully decorated elephants. This temple festival also features shadow puppetry in the evening and religious as well as folk arts.

What : Khajuraho Dance Festival  
When :  February 20-26, 2013 
Where :  Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

 Why :The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place in Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh against the mesmerizing backdrop of the world-famous Khajuraho erotic temples. At this festival started  in 1975, one can  witness classical dance forms from all over the country. The performances are done in the Western group of temples.

What : Jaisalmer Desert Festival 

What : February 23-25, 2013 

Where : Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Why :If you want to witness the vibrancy of the dessert then Jaisalmer Dessert Fesitval is the best place to be. Enjoy various interesting events like camel rides, beautifully dressed performers, camel races, polo matches, turban tying and moustache competition, acrobatic performances, puppeteers, and many more. Relish the food of the region.

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Shekhawati Festival - The Vibrant Spirit of Shekhawati

The Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan is known as the land of Rajputs that offers an insight to the culture, performing arts as well as rural farm life of this stretched semi-desert part of the Indian state. Most of the palaces, havelis and mansions in this region built during the 18th and 19th century are a proof of the magnificence of the rich culture of the country. The architectural marvel and beauty of these huge buildings is unmatched for.

Dance performing during the Shekhawati Festival,Rajasthan

Nawalgarh is once again all set to serve as the chief location of the Shekhawati Festival. The upcoming year, 2015 promises to bring in the most colorful festival of the year again. The final dates for the 20th Annual Shekhawati Heritage Festival are here and it going to be held from 12th to 15th February 2015. 

So that the visitors can get a great idea of the whole region, the festival spreads in various venues like Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu but the Nawalgarh is the chief location to which Jaipur is the nearest. The main thought behind the organization of the festival is to attract more and more amount of tourists every year so that they can witness the friendly rural environment of this region. One gets a taste of humble hospitality of the rural hosts where you can also explore this picturesque rural destination too.

Camel Safaris, Shekhawati Festival

The Shekhawati Festival includes of some regular activities such as organized tour of the region where you visit the heritage buildings (havelis) of the region. During the festival, they are open for public visits. One gets an excellent opportunity to take part in various rural games and other sports activities.

Take part in Rassakashi, Matka Daur, Mehendi (Henna) or Rangoli or Painting competition etc. You can visit art exhibitions or can shop for some amazing handicrafts of the region. Workshops are also organized during the festival offering information about the art and craft.

Another major attraction is the cattle fair where people from all over the state come, to buy and sell cattle. As far as food is concerned, you have various options to taste organic food at numerous stalls which are set during the festival. Seminars are organized so that visitors can understand the whole process of cultivation of such food. The festival also includes an award ceremony where students with merit as well as brave people of the local community are awarded.

     Shekhawati Festival 2015 Itinerary

• The 20th Annual Shekhawati Heritage Festival
• February 12th - 15th, 2015, Nawalgarh Rajasthan

The main venue for Shekhawati festival remains Nawalgarh with Jaipur being the nearest destination. Check out the Programme Details of Shekhawati Festival in Nawalgarh..

Shekhawati Festival 2015, Nawalgarh Program Details 12th to 15th February, 2015

Time Activities Place   Thursday, 12 February-2015  11:00 am  Local Games & Sports – Competition Initial  Round Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh  04:15 pm  Craft Bazar-Inauguration  05:15 pm  Organic Food Court-Inauguration  Friday, 13 February-2015  11:00 am  onwards  Local Games & Sports, Craft Bazar &  Organic Food Court-Continued Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh  01:45 pm  Cultural Performance-Competitions Initial  Rounds Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh  05:00 pm  onwards  Inauguration by Chief Guest  Duff & Chang  Cultural Program Saturday, 14 February-2015 10:10 am onwards  Local Games & Sports, Craft Bazar &  Organic Food Court-Continued Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh 11:30 am  Poster, Painting & Bandhej-Competitions 01:30 pm  Mahendi, Musical Chair & Rangoli – Competitions Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh 03:15 pm  Cultural Performance – Competitions Semi Finals Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh 05:00 pm  Cultural Ceremony & Price Distribution 06:15 pm onwards  Laughter Show  Sunday, 15 February-2015  10:00 am Onwards  Local Games & Sports, Craft Bazar, Organic Food Court,  Bandhej Exhibition-Continued Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh  01:30 pm  Matka Daur, Rassakassi , Handicraft &  Mahendi – Competition Surya Mandal Stadium, Nawalgarh  02:30 pm  Cultural Performance – Competitions Finals  05:00 pm Onwards  Shopping Dhamaka – Final Draw  Fire Show  Kavi Sammelan

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Top Famous Indian Rail Cum Road Bridges

In a vast country like India, roadways and railways provide easy accessibility to different parts of the country.

Indian and overseas travelers find it enjoyable and interesting to travel via roads and rails as it helps them to behold the true colors of vibrant Indian kaleidoscope.

Although they are not as quick as airplanes but some privileges are restricted to the road and railway transport industry.

India has a diverse topography that abounds with snow clad mountains, deserts, beaches, river valleys and hills.

The connectivity to different parts of this country has been made possible by an impressive network of road and railway bridges as some natural boundations have hurdled the mobility of road vehicles and railways.

Here is the list of some famous Indian rail cum road bridges for your kind perusal.

Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link (Bandra-Worli Sea Link) 

Rajiv Gandhi Bridge, Bandra

It is a cable stayed bridge which links Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai to Worli in South Mumbai. This bridge has a concrete steel viaduct on both sides. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in association with the Hindustan Construction Company has executed this project worth Rs. 1600 crore.

Rajendra Setu 

Rajendra Setu - The road cum rail bridge near Mokama in Patna

 2 kilometers in terms of length, the Rajendra Setu has another name called Mokama bridge. This bridge was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the year 1959.

Saraighat Bridge 

Saraighat Bridge, Guwahati

Built in Guwahati, this bridge connects the Brahmaputra River of Assam to the Saraighat. Opened for general public in 1962, Saraighat Bridge offers proximity to the Chilarai Park and Lachit Borphukan Park.

Naranarayana Bridge 

Naranarayana Setu,  Assam

This bridge is 2.5 kilometers long and connects the Pancharatna to the town of Goalpara. The former  Prime Minister of India ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee’ performed the inauguration ceremony of this bridge in 1998.

Godavari Bridge 

Godavari bridge, Rajahmundry

Godavari Bridge has a length of 2.7 kilometers and was commissioned by Indian Railway’s South Central Railway. President Fakhruddin Ahmed was the guest of honor during the inauguration ceremony of this bridge held in 1977.

Howrah Bridge 

Howrah Bridge, Kolkata

Built on the Hoogly River, Howrah Bridge is the largest cantilever bridge in India. It connects Kolkata and Howrah and was renamed Rabindra Setu on 14th June, 1965.

It requires years of construction to construct a solid bridge. Hundreds of workers have put in a lot of hard work to build them. No matter whether these bridges have been built to connect nearby places or far-off destinations, they certainly play an important role in day to day life.

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