Are those romantic photos of couples holding hands as their Gondola glides on the whimsical canals of Venice making your eyes glitter but the unending international travel restrictions shattering your hopes? Cheer up, because we might just have found the perfect place for you to quench your thirst for those romantic boat rides in the heart of India!
Madhya Pradesh stands out when it comes to tourism owing to its unique topography. The state boasts of some lush National parks and wild life sanctuaries on the one hand, it is equally rich in historical and heritage cities on the other hand. While it is gleaming with some major bustling cities, it is also gifted with some picture perfect hill-stations and waterfalls.
Kanha Tiger Reserve, Bandhav Garh Tiger Reserve, Pachmarhi, Sanchi Stupa, Orchha, etc. are a few names which spring up as soon as one thinks of visiting this phenomenal state. But let me tell you about a precious secret that Madhya Pradesh is nurturing since a long time. This beautiful place, which is laden with freshly blooming flowers and tranquil waters and is nestling far away from the buzz of cities, can be a perfect place for you to traverse that perfectly romantic evening with your beloved. This place is known as 'Lotus Valley'.
Gulawat Lotus Valley:
Gulawat is a quaint little hamlet situated at around 25 kilometres to the north-west of Indore. The Gulawat Lotus Valley is a naturally occuring lake formed by the backwaters of Yashwant Sagar Dam. Hundreds of lotus flowers beaming on the surface of this lake is a sight to behold! This valley is touted to be one of the largest lotus valleys in Asia and is running ahead in the race of becoming the most popular tourist destinations of the state.
The valley is encircled by tall bamboo trees on all sides, making the experience of a boat ride amidst them a quintessential experience. The panoramic scenes of serene waters, vibrant flowers and vivid blue skies make for a perfect set up for photographers to swoon! And the sight of setting sun over lovely pink lotuses might actually be successful in making you forget those gorgeous sunsets of Goa, Kanyakumari and Kashmir.
How to reach and what to do:
The nearest airport and railway station to reach Gulawat Lotus Valley are in the city of Indore, from where one can hire a taxi or a self driven car till Gulawat. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Gulawat Lotus Valley from the heart of Indore city.
Along with boat ride, a number of activities like horse riding, cycling, open jeep rides, etc. are available here. The bamboo forests also have beautiful swings installed on the branches for people to relax and appreciate the beauty around them. This is an ideal place for a family picnic. Recently the place can also be seen abuzz with couples arriving here for pre-wedding photoshoots, and can you blame them? The sheer amount of romance in the air would definitely work like a charm to ignite chemistry in those photos, right?
You will find some tourist attractions like Yashwant Sagar Dam, Bijasan Mata Temple and Gomatgiri Digambar Jain Temple while on your way from Indore to Gulawat.
Best time to visit:
The months of December to February make an ideal time to visit this place as the lotuses are on their full bloom and welcome you with a hearty embrace. During these months the winds are crisp and sunshine is soft, which will make your trip to Gulawat Lotus Valley, a perfect weekend visit!
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