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Eat, pray, love: Vote for romantic Indian hotspots!

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
The Taj Mahal at Agra

With Julia Roberts' latest movie, much of which has been filmed in India, releasing today, we bring you the third and final part of our series. Take a look at India's best honeymoon destinations and tell us which you think is most romantic!

In the first two parts of our Eat, Pray, Love series, we asked you to vote for India's favourite culinary delights and most popular religious sites.

Today, we bring you the country's best-loved honeymoon hotspots, from lofty mountains and lush valleys to the golden sands of the desert and the cool, wafting breezes of the seashore.

Vote on the last page and let us know which is your favourite!

Love...

In romantic Agra

There are few places on earth as ideal for a honeymoon as this romantic city, home to the greatest monument on earth dedicated to love -- the Taj Mahal.

Take in the many wonders of the monument that the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan dedicated to the love of his life, his queen Mumtaz Mahal. The architecture will take your breath away, as will the tragic tale of the royal couple and one man's undying love for his wife.

Sure, we all know the story, but nothing beats reliving it with your own strolling arm-in-arm im the beautifully landscaped gardens and gazing upon the dome turn a rosy pink at sundown.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Manali

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Manali

If you want to gaze upon the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas and the majestic scenery of North India, it doesn't get better than this hillstation, tucked into the Beas River Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Besides the fact that everything you set your eyes on will take your breath away with its beauty, Manali has a lot to offer. Visit the many Tibetan Buddhist temples with your partner and the hot springs. If you're an outdoorsy twosome, there's no limit to the adventure sports you can enjoy here -- skiing, mountaineering and paragliding are only a few of your many options.

And hey, nothing beats getting cozy together in a tent in the snow-kissed hills!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Goa

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Goa

So getting frostbitten's not your thing? Head to the balmy beaches of Goa.

Just picture it now -- the two of you in your swimwear, lazing in deck-chairs with cocktails as the sea roars in your ears. If you want to indulge in some activity, rent out a Jet Ski watercraft and zip around the the bay, or indulge in paragliding over the coconut trees.

Nothing to do but spend the days in this idyllic bliss and the nights partying hard at the beach shacks! If you tire of it, set a day aside to take in the rich cultural past of Goa, with its Portuguese-style churches and manors.

And of course, let's not forget that fantastic Goan cuisine -- vindaloo, crab curries -- mmmm!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Kerala

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Kerala

God's Own Country also offers the charm of the seaside, but in a way that's slightly different from Goa. No bikini babes here (who knows, maybe you're breathing a sigh of relief)!

Instead, you can look foward to living in a houseboat with your partner and rather tranquil but stunning beaches. The seafood here is as fresh as can get and in addition to the ocean experience, you can travel around a little too -- Kerala also offers hillstations, South Indian temples, wildlife sanctuaries and colourful festivals by way of tourist attractions.

So your romantic getaway can include a little bit of everything!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Khajuraho and Konark

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Konark

In our conservative country, we tend to forget that our ancestors had a healthy and open outlook towards relationships and sex.

And if you need a reminder, just head to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh or the small town of Konark in Puri, Orissa. Both these destinations offer architectural marvels dating back centuries, richly sculpted with erotic stone figurines in the throes of passion.

In Khajuraho, the medieval Hindu and Jain temples are ornamented with these works extensively along the external walls, while in Konark it is the Sun Temple which offers Kama Sutra-inspired poses in stone.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Gangtok

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Gangtok

The capital of Sikkim nestled into the Himalayas looks like a toy town among the snowy giants.

Gangtok offers you chance to get back to nature, to rediscover yourself in cold climes. Commune with nature, go mountaineering or river-rafting and learn all about North-East Indian and Tibetan culture through the many monasteries, centres of education and other institutions that flourish here.

Forsake the grind and grime of the city and take in the heady atmosphere of gorgeous Gangtok with your loved one.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Mumbai

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Mumbai

What's so romantic about teeming, polluted Mumbai, you may ask?

Well, it's safe to say that it's one of the most liberal Indian cities and that no matter the conservative outlook of our people, romance is allowed to blossom here.

If you don't believe us, just take a walk along our various seaside promenades, railway stations or even taxi stands. Happy, chattering couples are everywhere, gazing at each other by the sea, holding hands and hurrying towards a train, cuddling in the back seats of cabs...

Moreover, it's relatively safe for couples to venture out by themselves at night -- not something other Indian cities can boast of!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Rajasthan

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of Winds', Jaipur

We have three words for you -- Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Also Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu...

Where else can you live in a palace hotel, visit animal sanctuaries, take camel rides in the desert and appreciate the wealth of India's rich past all in one? A luxurious stay, safaris and architectural marvels all rolled into one.

While each of Rajasthan's stunning cities has something to offer visitors, you simply must try to take in as many attractions as possible that the state has to offer, like Chittorgarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park...the list is simply endless!

You can also shop for popular Rajashthani textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts to brighten up your home and remind you of a trip to the heart of the mystic desert.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Coorg

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
Coorg

Sprawled across the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the greenery of Coorg, or Kodagu, as it is also known, will steal a piece of your heart .

The vast coffee estates are a sight for sore eyes and you can shack up in a cosy resort to spend the days cuddled up, sipping a steaming cuppa and sighing at the scenery.

And if you want to indulge in sightseeing and take in wildlife, you won't be disappointed. Visit the three wildlife sanctuaries and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, discover Talakaveri (the source of the river Kaveri), picnic at the island of Nisargadhama and take in the thunderous beauty of the Iruppu and Abbey Falls.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

The Andaman Islands

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST
The Andamans

And finally, we come to this little piece of heaven, just off India's southern tip.

Warm tropical breezes, vast expanses of sea and the beauty of the mangroves on these breathtaking islands will refresh you. Take a long walks hand-in-hand along the sea, warm dips in the crystal-clear ocean and enjoy seafood.

Also be sure to visit the villages of the aboriginal Andamanese tribes, who have lived on the islands for thousands of years. You can come away from your romantic getaway with some lovely handicrafts as souvenirs.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes.

Cast your vote!

Last updated on: August 27, 2010 15:30 IST

So which do you think is India's most romantic getaway? Take the poll below and let us know.