Killer Ideas For Valentine's Day: Only Rs. 500 Needed!

We all know that situation. February 14^th is around the corner and you want to make it special for your partner. But your bank account argues otherwise. You’re broke.

Can you manage to fork out Rs. 500? If you can, things are looking up.Whether you’re in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, these ideas for Valentine’s Day on a budget will help you show your partner that your wallet may be thin, but your love is strong.

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

In Delhi

Ah, the Capitol! Delhi’s notorious for its extravagance, but if you know your way around, it can surprise you with its nooks and crannies on a budget.

Shahpur Jat

Yes, the name’s a bit of a downer, but Shahpur Jat (or SPJ) is like Hauz Khas before it went mainstream. Romantic date for two? Try dining at Café RED, Coffee Garage, Old Town Café and Motuu’s Qila. Yep, they all come with meals for two under Rs. 500.

Shopping outlets like House of Blondie and Nirvana are your best bet for romantic gift items with price tags under 500 bucks.

Top it all off with a romantic walk around Tohfe Wala Gumbad.

Suggested date: Coffee with salads and sandwiches at Coffee Garage (approximately Rs. 300); accessories for him/her at Nirvana (approximately Rs. 200); walk around Tohfe Wala Gumbad (Free).

Some More Options

Campus Hangouts: JNU and Kamla Nagar are your best bet for cheap eateries and trinket shops. Sometimes, the best dates can happen over a plate of hot momos at Momo’s Point.

India Coffee House: Great food on a shoestring budget is what you get here. Try their coffee and dosas. The terrace seating makes for a great late-evening date.

In Mumbai

Mumbai is about as unpretentious as they come. From Bandra to Borivali, the options for making Valentine’s Day a budget-oriented bonanza are endless. But while walks on Juhu Beach and Marine Drive are well and good, here’s a special suggestion for you.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Take the local to Borivali and hop inside this 104 square kilometre park for a nature-loving date. Carry knick-knacks to munch on or, if you know how to cook, take a picnic basket of home-cooked food for brownie points. It’s not as notorious for public displays of affection as Bandra Bandstand and Marine Drive, so you will be granted some privacy.

Later, take the Vanrani Toy Train to complete what will definitely qualify as a memorable date.

Park Timings: 7:30 am to 6 pm

Suggested date: Home-cooked food/Takeout (approximately Rs.300); Entry ticket for the National Park (Rs. 40 for two); Vanrani train tickets (Rs. 100 for two).

Some More Options

Juhu Beach: An early morning walk along the beach with your lover, with bhel puri for nibbles, is a clichéd notion – only because it works every time. It’s virtually free of cost, so you can spend the remainder on a nice gift for your beloved.

Lonavala: If you have a bike or car, a long drive  to Lonavala (83 kilometres from main city) is definitely recommended. Pack a picnic basket and some wine, if you want to make things real special.  

In Bengaluru

The Garden City has its fair share of esplanades to make for a veritable Valentine-day setting. Let’s start with our pick for an interesting date.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

It’s unconventional, it’s enlightening and it’s just the right measure of cheesy to spark off an ideal date. The entry tickets to the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium are surprisingly cost-effective, leaving you with plenty of dough for food and gift budgets.

Bond with your lover while gazing at the starlit skies, mercifully clear of the pollution that is a byproduct of a metropolis city. There’s plenty of privacy to exchange sweet nothings as the solar system transports you to another universe.

Suggested date: Entry ticket for the Planetarium(Rs. 70 for two); Food expenses (Rs. 200); Gift/Flowers (Rs. 230)

Some More Options

Nandi Hills: There’s a good reason why Nandi Hills are a popular picnic spot for Bengaloreans. About 56 kilometres from the main city, Nandi Hills afford breathtaking vistas, glistened with watering holes like Palar and Arkavati. Take a bike, and hit things off on a long drive through the mountain scenery.

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens: With an aquarium, a lake and India’s largest collection of tropical plants, Lalbagh gives the visitor plenty of activity, or a pleasurable lack thereof. It’s cheap, exotic and has plenty of benches to spend time with your Valentine.

Remember, it’s always possible to win a heart without breaking the bank.