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Top romantic spots for a perfect Valentine's Day

Yes, it is that time of the year again when you want to impress your better half with the perfect Valentine's Day. So why not plan a romantic holiday? The two of you with a beautiful location as the romantic backdrop.

To help you in your quest -- here are 10 romantic getaways. Whether it's wildlife, beaches or the mountains -- there is something here for everyone. Jet off to one of these locations for a Valentine's Day to remember!

Valparai, Tamil Nadu
A totally peaceful hill town nestled amidst tea plantations, there's literally nothing to do here except relax, take long walks and enjoy each other's company. Located at 3,500 feet in the Annamalai ranges in Tamil Nadu, Valparai is about 90 km from Coimbatore. The drive up from Pollachi town is a sight you'll remember for a long time.

The Monkey Falls en route is quite popular with families. Give it a miss if you want to avoid the crowd. The monkeys too can be rather mischievous.

Once you begin the climb, the road will take you through 40 hair-pin bends, offering gorgeous views from every bend.

The 9th bend is supposedly the best, so do stop by for a few moments to click photos and take in the scenery. The Aliyar dam stretches out in front of you with the surrounding mountains skirting one side of the dam and the green plains just beyond on the other side -- you'd probably be tempted to spend more than a few moments here.

Airfare for Rs 599 and less!

The endangered Niligiri tahr sometimes comes visiting these slopes so if you're lucky you might sight a few of these nimble animals.

When in Valparai, you can go in search of the mysterious submerged tunnel -- this can be an adventure in itself.

Enjoy a few cool moments by the river flowing through the plantation. Take a dip if you please. Just make sure you keep sight of your bearings. It is easy to get lost in the maze of the plantations. Ask the locals for directions every once in a while.

Borrow a couple of bicycles and enjoy cycling up and down the roads. The local buses are very colourful -- red, green, yellow -- and make for great postcard pictures as they pass through the plantations.

Valparai is fringed by the Annamalai ranges and you get some lovely views of the surrounding mountains at any time of the day.

There are quite a few sights around including the Sholayar dam, the Karamalai Annai Vellankanni Church, the Balaji temple and the Athirapilly Falls, where you can pack a picnic for two.

Try the local cuisine, take long walks in the plantations, enjoy the beautiful and fresh air or simply laze around sitting and sipping on a cup of tea whispering sweet nothings! It's definitely a place you won't forget in a hurry.

Where to stay
Check out the The Stanmore bungalow.

Text and photographs: Anita Bora
Also read: A Topslip adventure

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