This festive season, head to Kanyakumari for a refreshing getaway with your loved one

Enjoy some ‘we time’ this festive season by embracing adventure, nature and luxury with your loved one.

Romantic indulgences go hand-in-hand with retreats that promote good health and allow indulging in unique experiences. While fusing all elements can be difficult, with some good planning in place, it sure is possible. Celebrate differently this festive season with your loved one to choose activities close to nature. Modern day wellness retreats take a hint from yesteryear therapies and now offer a range of treatments for couples and cater to individual needs. You can select a venue of your choice according to the mood that works for you. Would you prefer the hills, the beaches or lake-fronts? With so much variety, select packages that fit time in hand and your budget. Here are top suggestions to explore:



Venture out into the sea
To catch some of the most romantic sunsets across the backdrop of large waves, journey to Chitra Pournami, Kanyakumari — the southernmost tip of India. Almost entirely surrounded by water, Kanyakumari sees three humongous water bodies — Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. The most unique feature here is viewing the sun setting in tandem with the moon rising. Visit the 3000-year-old Bhaghavathy Amman Temple, perched on the sea shore, which along with offering a piece of history, also serves as a vantage point.



Create a splash with your partner
A getaway can be be even more fun-filled when it includes a bit of adventure. The season is perfect to enjoy water sports across various spots along our coastline. So, if you are planning a vacation with your loved one in the coming winter months, then think of Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Kerala and Sikkim. These states offer amply opportunity to bask in the post monsoon scenery and enjoy rafting or kayaking. Furthermore, with favourable conditions for surfing, schools around the beaches of Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are gaining popularity. If your loved one is passionate about adventure, long term courses that will help you learn to conquer the waves may be best suited.



A taste of the rustic countryside
Rippling fields of wheat and mustard, tall glasses of lassi, hardworking farmers, joyous harvest festivals, and food rich with butter and ghee — these are the popular images associated with Punjab. If you’ve found a calling in the vast stretches of green farms, a trip to Punjab is perfect for you. The farms of this resplendent state have served as an inspiration for many films. This makes the set-up perfect for a couple. At a distance of two hours from Amritsar, you can avail many comfortable stay experiences which offer a feel of isolation. Located amidst lush farms, it immediately tends to calm your senses. The state is also popular for its traditional food. So go all out and club an informative farm trail with a food trail and enjoy the best of both worlds. Stroll through the village to observe the typical structure and layout of houses, cattle sheds, livestock grazing and feeding, and the drying of dung fuel cakes. For a more immersive experience, enjoy a tractor ride through the beautiful fields and watch the lush fields brimming with seasonal crops.

Eat, pray, jog
India’s sunny coastline, breezy riverside and hill retreats are dotted with comfortable stays that offer nutritious food, yoga, massage, and detox therapies. The rich tradition of ancient practices of Ayurveda and yoga makes our nation appealing to international travellers as well. With the fast-paced lives we lead, a couple detox programme is certainly enriching to deepen your bond with nature. Book a stay at a retreat that offers a wholesome approach; one is generally encouraged to connect with local cultures through meditation, art, and cooking classes — as well inner healing. It’s holidaying at a gentler pace. From the sunny beaches of Goa to the verdant hills of Uttarakhand, these are some of the best sanctuaries to make a break for whenever you need to restore your physical health and reawaken your soul.

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ON THE MOVE: Reconnect with nature with the help of simple activities such as a morning run.

Cherish your love for the wild together
Topslip, Valparai, and Parambikulam together make up a unique trail that’s perfect for couples who love nature and wildlife. Spend a night or two at the scenic Coimbatore before you begin with the wildlife trail through the remote Anamalai Hills. Topslip, nestled in the heart of Anamalai Hills, is a refreshing wildlife sanctuary. Thereafter, venture deeper into the jungles of Valparai, located by the Anamalai Mountain Range. Valparai is characterised by an expansive forest cover, majestic valleys, and azure lakes. This divine stretch of land is adjacent to Parambikulam Tiger Reserve that boasts of tranquil charm. While wildlife safarias and animal spotting are the primary attractions here, a number of bird-watching trails and other attractions await.