Strange and mysterious Mandu, with its crumbling, mossy architecture and ghostly monuments is a forgotten kingdom out of one of Brothers Grimm's romantic tales… A ghost town of exotic palaces, mosques, mausoleums and pavilions. Splendidly isolated, Mandu is situated on the stark, never-ending plains of western Madhya Pradesh that overlook the Narmada valley. It takes a few days to tour the fascinating monuments of Mandu – Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Haathi Pul apart from the Rupmati Pavilion.

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Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
A list of romantic getaways of India, or for that matter the world, would be incomplete without this entry – Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is for lovers. Especially the Taj on a moonlit night.

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Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
By almost any yardstick Khajuraho is the most romantic destination in the world. The shining sandstone temples of this remote town -- which wax a pale pink at dawn and a mysterious white in the moonlight – are some of the greatest in India. Their intricate erotic sculpture – short acts straight out of the Kamasutra – are positively captivating. Equally attractive is the serene atmosphere of this giant shrine to Eros.

Eighty-five in all, they were built by the 10th century rajas of the Chandela dynasty. Mysteriously their construction was given only a passing reference in Chandela literature. Centuries later the jungle had all but overtaken these ancient temples. They were ‘discovered’ in the 1830s by a British army engineer who was lead to their site, by his palanquin bearers. Thereafter with true British precision the temples were measured, studied, researched and classified by a ‘disapproving’ senior officer. The name Khajuraho is believed to have been derived from khajur or dates after the date palms that grow all round. Chandelas apparently were great believers in the tantric tradition of working towards satisfaction of all carnal desires to attain salvation and hence the Khajuraho temples were built.

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Aizawl, Mizoram
The capital city of Mizoram is located out in the Lushai Hills that border Burma and it’s a rather long journey due east to take for a romantic weekend. Nevertheless Mizoram, the most peaceful state of the North-East is a tribal land of rare beauty.

Sparkling white churches. Remote villages. Bright green rolling countryside. Bamboo forests and gentle hills. Add to that the warm welcoming nature of the Mizos and you have one of the most wonderful destinations this side of the Suez. More interesting is the fact that one feels one is tramping through a remote location west of the Suez, perhaps Costa Rica Aizawl is perched high on a hillside and is a very small town. Using the capital as your base it easy to explore the surrounding countryside.

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Palolem, Goa
Half of India in all likelihood honeymoons in Goa, if not at Mount Abu or Kodaikanal. And half of Europe grabs a suntan in this sunny state. Finding a spot on an empty beach is a bit uphill these days. But happily not impossible. Palolem is one of the state’s southern most beach and virtually ‘un-discovered’. Located about three hours away from Panjim the only sun tanners around here are cows apart from a few tourists. Accommodation is a bit scarce. It is possible to get rooms to stay at in the village and meals at the village inn or at the four stalls along the beach. And for the truly romantic: Why not a tent holiday or stay in a hut on stilts?

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Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal
A rather unlikely destination for a romancing couple… But a few days in the cool, dark jungles of the Sunderbans, in the delta of the Ganga and you’ve left the rest of world behind.

Indeed the Sunderbans – the Beautiful Forests -- is one of the least accessible jungle parks in these parts. It is also the home of the Royal Bengal tiger. Made up of a series of islands and riverways shaded by mangrove trees, boats are the only type of navigation around here. The tiger too has learnt to swim his way around. The West Bengal tourism department offers some fairly comfortable cottages where it is possible to spend a few days boating around the park.

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Wankaner, Gujarat
As you approach the royal town of Wankaner, situated smack in the middle of the scorched plains of Saurashtra, a fascinating palace appears like a mirage on the horizon. As you draw closer its elaborate turrets, arches, sandstone curves and clock tower are visible A kitsch of different styles, this 19th century palace is nevertheless imposing. And don’t hesitate to walk right in with your suitcases, because this is where we suggest you put up for the night. What better holiday than a few days in the Residency wing of the Ranjit Vilas palace.

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The backwaters by houseboat, Kerala
What is the most romantic way to see mile after mile of coastal Kerala lagoons, shaded by thick groves of palms, that meander past two huts-and-a-coconut-palm hamlets, white churches, temples and mosques and iridescent green paddy fields, behind betel nut farms, around floating markets and below tiny picturesque bridges? From the comfort of the drawing room-cum-balcony of a typical Kerala houseboat. Granted that jaunt will not be cheap… But then once in a life time experiences are costly affairs.

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Bhuj, Gujarat
A place that the 20th century overlooked, not much has changed in the walled town of Bhuj since the days when it was ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs. Very much a medieval Kutchi township, its winding narrow alleyways and cluttered bazaars reflect a Gujarat of yesterday.

Camels still amble through the market place. Cows lounge mid-road. And locals, wearing traditional Kutchi clothes, go about their business at a leisurely pace. Interesting too are the palaces and mahals of its Rajput rulers. The serene Sharad Bagh Palace, on the shores of the Hamirsar Tank, set in beautiful gardens, is worth a visit, especially to see the coffin of Maharao Madansinjhi. Aina Mahal

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Royal Orient Express, Gujarat
Indoors it's all luxury and old world charm. Gloved bearers passing out trays of omelettes and toast. Afternoon tea in dark, comfy salons. Outdoors the train is whizzing through picturesque Gujarati countryside. Thatched huts. Arid hills. Silent forests. Busy village markets. Buffaloes lazing in ponds. Yes, travel by the Royal Orient Express is a great railway journey.

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Nisargadhama, Karnataka
Nestled in the heart of misty Coorg is a little known and little visited island sanctuary called Nisargadhama. Located in the middle of the Cauvery river, the quiet bamboo forests here are home to parakeets, woodpeckers and bee-eaters… And not tourists. Accommodation is very basic but charming – huts standing on bamboo stilts in the water. Equally romantic is the drive here from Madikeri. The road winds through lush coffee plantations, pepper estates, silent teak jungles…

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Lovedale, Tamil Nadu
This tiny hill station in the blue hills of western Tamil Nadu was perhaps christened Lovedale in a fit of nostalgia by its British founders. Probably because the countryside around here is reminiscent of the foggy rolling dales of Scotland. In any event what better destination to recommend for a tryst than a town called Lovedale.

The Nilgiris narrow gauge rail line passes through Lovedale and the shrill sound of the toy train’s whistle as it chugs through the eucalyptus forests is a most romantic sound. Situated very near Ooty, Lovedale by contrast hardly sees a tourist and has fortunately escaped being overrun by souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants and tour operators.

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Matheran, Maharashtra
Despite the Nikon-laced crowd and the Bombay yuppies blasting on their boom boxes, Matheran retains a unique charm. This quaint, old fashioned town is off limits to cars and a cute toy train up the hillside (grab a window seat) is one way of getting here. Perched 800 metres above sea level, on a ridge of the Sahyadri mountains, Matheran has some fantastic lookout points. The sizeable Parsi population maintain most of the lodges and hotels.

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