Pack your overnight bags and take off for the weekend. You have plenty to choose from whichever part of India you are in

WEST
Destination: Tarkarli
What it is: Long narrow stretch of untouched beach. White sands and pristine waters, still not hounded by tourists, though the gradual attempt to make it a tourist attraction has begun. So, take off this weekend. On a clear day, you can even see the seabed through a depth of approximately six metres.
Where to stay: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has well maintained tents.
Getting there: Nearest Railhead: Kudal, on the Konkan Railway belt is 45 kms away. By Road: Mumbai-Tarkarli is 542 kms; Kolhapur-Tarkarli is 160 kms; Malvan-Tarkarli is 7 kms.
Must see/do: Try the delicious 'malvani' food, a typical coastal Maharashtra cuisine. Take a tour around the Sindhudurg Fort.
More details: www.mtdcindia.com

SOUTH
Destination: The Kabini River Lodge
What it is: A wildlife resort, rated among the top five in the world. It is very near the famous Nagarhole National Park. The biggest attraction is the convergence of an abundance of wildlife and birds on the banks of the river Kabini.
Where to stay: At the lodge, you will find a variety of cottages, bungalows and tents.
Getting there: Nearest Railhead: Bangalore.
By Road: Bangalore-Kabini is 220 kms away; Mysore-Kabini is 80 kms on the Mysore-Mananthavadi road; and Ooty-Kabini is 240 kms.
Must see/do: Jeep safari, elephant rides, Coracle and motorboat rides, cycling on mountain bikes, nature walks and aquatic bird watching.
More details: www.nivalink.com/kabini or e-mail: kabini@nivalink.com

EAST
Destination: Digha
What it is: Beach on the Bay of West Bengal. A charming, languid place. You will find ponies trotting on the beach. Here is a place where you can enjoy timeless days and nights, doing nothing but unwinding your tired nerves.
Where to stay: Tourist rest houses and lodges.
Getting there: Nearest Railhead: Contai Road, which is about 37 kms away.
By Road: Calcutta-Digha is approx 210 kms.
Must see/do: Just be. Enjoy the sea and the sands, and also the prolonged meal times with delicious Bengali food.
More details: www.westbengaltourism.com

NORTH
Destination: Sultanpur
What it is: Spread over 400 acres,Sultanpur is home to a variety of resident and migratory birds. It is a green haven with a lake and plenty of trees, shrubs and masses of bougainvillea.
Where to stay: Haryana Tourism Development Board (HTDC) runs a tourist lodge.
Getting there: Nearest Railhead: Gurgaon, which is 15 kms away.
By Road: Delhi-Sultanpur is 46 kms. You can also drive down from Gurgaon.
Must see/do: Park yourself at the hideouts to watch the birds. Visit the museum. Great for long walks. If you're lucky, you might spot the 'Neel Gai' and other varieties of deer.
More details: info@indiawildliferesorts.com

11 Things To Do Together On A Holiday
•Greet the Sun: Wake up early to watch the sunrise and have a good breakfast.
•Go for a long walk: Amidst wild jungle paths, long stretches of beach, lush green paddy fields... wherever.
•Sip a local drink: Maybe toddy, 'kokam' or just tender coconut.
•Exotic stay: On a tree house or a boat house or in a tent... the idea is to keep it exciting and romantic.
•Eat: Don't miss the local flavours. It's as authentic as it can get.
•Pick Nature's best: Ride an elephant, watch birds, go on a tiger trail, bathe in the waterfalls, go river rafting or swim in the sea... depending on where you are.
•Luxury: Indulge in a massage, lounge at a Jacuzzi or get an aromatherapy mudpack.
•Shop: Pick memoirs - Go to the local market. It's the best place to pick the specialities of the region. Don't miss handicrafts exclusive to the place.
•Say 'hello' to God: Visit a local house of prayer.
Ride along: Take a ride on a local transport - auto rickshaw, 'tanga', bus, bullock-cart. It will be enjoyable.
•Future talk: Just for fun. Get your palms read by a tree side astrologer!