16 December,2010 06:30 AM IST | | Dhvani Solani
Ditch five-star parties and booze-inspired bashes. Dhvani Solani helps you choose from a tranquil beach, a hilly retreat and a wild getaway, to ring in 2011
Wild wonderland Dandeli
Even a good wine can't give that heady feeling that comes with the fusing of nature, adventure and wildlife. This town, located not too far from Goa, is famous for its wildlife sanctuary that can give you a rare glimpse of the Black Panther.
Get a striped welcome for 2011 at Dandeli
Listen to crickets as you surpass the boredom that comes with an ordinary beach vacation. Spot the Sambhar, Bison, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Iguana, Cobra, the Great Indian Hornbill and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The breathtaking valleys, the meandering rivers and hilly forest -- if picturing this makes you go "Wow", this is where you should be.
Adventure seekers can opt for overnight rafting or canoeing on the Kali River. Sign up for a nature walk or go crocodile spotting or angling.
To reach: The nearest airport to Dandeli is Belgaum, which is about 90 km away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai and Bangalore by domestic flights. The nearest railhead is Alnavar, which is 35 km away from Dandeli.
Seaside story Tarkarli
The sun, the sand and the surf. You love the combo deal but do not want to be seen anywhere close to the young chaps who lie spaced out all over the place after the raves in Goa. Head to Tarkarli, a small coastal village in Malvan.
Turquoise waters kiss the off-white shoreline, which hasn't yet faced a wave of commercialisation and with it, uncontrolled pollution that threatens the Konkan. Bring out the beers and finger food and laze around on the vast beach that isn't exactly a private beach though we promise you will get your slice of solitude. Watch the last sunset sink of 2010 sink into the waters of the Arabian Sea as you swing on the hammocks, while the whispering suru trees add the perfect background score.
Step into the New Year with an adventure as you explore the nearby Sindhudurg sea fort. If you are a water baby, make arrangements with the manager at the beach-facing MTDC Resort (02365-252390) and he will fix up a snorkeling or scuba diving session. The high visibility of the waters ensures that you encounter several schools of fish. Drive down to the village and tuck into a local Malvani meal. Our suggestion? Don't miss the Kombadi Vada.
To reach: Sindhudurg is the nearest railway station. Tarkarli is accessible from Malvan, which is 546 km away from Mumbai, by bus and later, rickshaw. If you're driving take NH 17and take SH 118 at Kasal.
High on Life Bhandardara
Yes, the monsoons are the best time to visit this place but winter comes a close second. Massive mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery greet you at Bhandardara.
There are tons of things to do, whether you are adventurous, an explorer, a nature lover or just curious. Begin 2011 by conquering Maharashtra's highest peak, Mount Kalsubai. You can also visit Amriteshwar Temple, the Necklace Falls or the forests of Ghatghar
To reach: Bhandardara is 185 kms from Mumbai. Take the Eastern Express Highway via Thane on the NH 3. Travel via Igatpuri and Ghoti. If you prefer taking a train, board any train that halts at Igatpuri
