Valentine's Day: Four Romantic Towns, Four Classic Love Stories

Love is…a billion dollar industry! And you (yes, you, with the chocolates and flowers on your mind) are going to make it grow again this year because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Although flowers, chocolates and diamonds have become traditional Valentine’s Day gifts; the true expression of love does not necessarily need a greeting card or an assembly-line celebration. We recommend ditching the whole flowers and gifts fuss and taking a trip to the ‘ground-zeroes’ of some classic love stories. 

(Looking to impress your Valentine like never before? Here’s a gift they’ll treasure forever). 

Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet, the star-crossed lovers from the eponymous Shakespearean tragedy, lived in the city of Verona, a popular tourist destination in Italy. Visit the famed balcony in Juliet’s house on Via Capello and even send a love letter to her, like thousands do each year! This was also the supposed spot of Romeo and Juliet’s clandestine rendezvous. While in Verona, don’t forget to visit the museum inside the house as well as Romeo’s house on Via Arche Scaligere.

Heer Ranhja

Your travel plans to Jhang, Heer’s hometown in Pakistan, may not be as easy as just booking a ticket. If you happen to get a chance, do visit the graves of these two passionate lovers who cut through all social boundaries imposed on them to be together. Some say you can still hear the melodies from Ranjha’s flute around the mausoleum.

Radha & Krishna

The legendary tale of Radha & Krishna, an enduring love story that has lasted over centuries and is still the epitome of platonic love is set in Vrindavan, in the city of Mathura, near New Delhi. You can take a road trip to Vrindavan from Delhi on Valentine’s Day to celebrate true love that comes without worldly trappings. There are several temples dedicated to this devoted couple but we suggest you visit the Shree Radha Raas Bihari Ashta Sakhi Temple; rumor has it you can still hear Krishna’s flute and the sound of Radha’s anklets dancing to his tunes some nights at the temple.

Shahjahan & Mumtaz Mahal

Your Valentine’s Day destination list would be incomplete without a visit marked for the Taj Mahal – ‘a teardrop on the cheek of time’ – that glorious, magnificent tribute to Shahjahan’s immense love for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. With the Taj Mahotsav in full swing during Valentine’s Day festivities, you can’t resist seeing the Taj Mahal in all its glory on a moonlit night and feel the presence of true love.
 

So, why spend money on a greeting card with someone else’s emotions printed on it when you can take a trip with your loved one to these cities and experience eternal love, firsthand? Happy Valentine’s Day!

Looking to impress your Valentine like never before? Here’s a gift they’ll treasure forever.