Travel special: Head to these holiday destinations to acquire a hobby

Women sort cashew nuts as part of a mackerel trail around Malvan in Maharashtra that will be hosted by White Collar Hippie The trail involves understanding and appreciating the coastal way of life as lived by villagers along the route Mackerel trail MalvanFor The culinary enthusiastFrom Malvani Fish Curry and Sol Kadi to Shevaya soft rice noodles served with coconut ras learn to cook authentic Konkan coastal cuisine by signing up for Holy Mackerel tripBesides enjoying a homestay with families in Malvan and Sawantwadi you can go fishing with them cook in their restaurants explore spice gardens as well as learn the tricks of the trade at a local fish auctionFrom February 20 to 22Call 9930260748Email travelwhitecollarhippiecomIdeal for 3 daysRural farming PurushwadiFor The green thumbThis is ideal for those who love to understand farming but lack time and space in the cityGet your hands dirty at Grassroutesrsquo adopted tribal village Purushwadi in Ahmednagar district where rice cultivation is practised Stay with the locals and learn to plough and sow draw water from a well milk cattle chop wood as well as plaster cow dungCall 8879477437Email infograssroutescoinIdeal for3 daysCost Rs 2372 per night on weekend Rs 1995 per night on weekdaysCycling tour SikkimFor The bicycling enthusiastWhat better way to explore mountain valleys and lakes in picturesque Sikkim than on a cycle Set out on a cycle trip from Gangtok ride through rhododendron forests up to Nathu La Pass make your way to villages like Zuluk and arrive at the quaint town of Kalimpong mdash all this while soaking in the views of the KangchenjungaOn March and April 2015Call 9886681381Email infoactiveholiday companycomIdeal for 7 daysCost Rs 42875 per person on twin share basisCaving tour MeghalayaFor The adventure junkieEstimated to have around 500 natural limestone and sandstone caves this NorthEastern state is ideal for those who love excavation or want to rough out in the rocksWith tour companies offering several packages exploring different caves in Meghalaya wade through water pass through the dark and murky interiors and learn about calcite formationsCall 7676703001Log on to wwwthrillophiliacomIdeal for 3 days Cost Rs 14500 for two personsTextile trail Madhya Pradesh For The embroideryY buffEager to learn about the traditional Maheshwari silks that date back to 5 AD and about Bagh weaves as well Sign up for a textile trail at Maheshwar and try your hand at the traditional handlooms of Rehwa SocietyAt Bagh attend a workshop to learn block making and printing techniques before undertaking it by yourselfFrom February 27 to March 3Call 9310007855Log on to wwwbreakawayin Ideal for 5 days Cost Rs 52500 for a group size of 46 inclusive of meals stay and the trailPainting tour ShimlaFor The art loverThe next time you plan a trip to Shimla bring back the memories on canvas instead of cameraOpt for a painting tour with Himachalbased tour company Shimla Walks where you can learn techniques from artist Him Chaterji who heads the Visual Art Department in the Himachal Pradesh University Through this guided tour capture the moonlike Lake Chandertaal the barren snowcapped mountains overlooking the Spiti Valley as well as the village life of Hikkim one of the highest villages in the worldCall 9817141099EmailshimlawalksgmailcomIdeal for 14 daysSurfing KarnatakaFor The waterbabyIs learning a new sport part of your 2015 resolution list Then take up surfing lessons at Kodi Bengre a sleepy coastal village near the student town of Manipal in KarnatakaWith a campsite near The Shaka Surf Club on the beach you will be taught theory on surfing and safety by professionals and learn to battle the waves with the surf boardOn Weekends from October to MarchCall 9930260748Email travelwhitecollarhippiecomIdeal for 3 daysCost Rs 8500 inclusive of three surfing lessons campsite stay and all mealsPhotography tour LadakhFor The clickHappyFrom capturing the majestic Himalayas and Yuru Kabgyat festival at the Lamayuru monastery to the fascinating Balti ethnic group and wildlife finetune your photography skills at this 15day phototour of LadakhWhile you need your camera equipment a professional photographer and Ladakh region expert will guide youFrom June 3 to June 17Log on to wwwtravelshooterscomIdeal for 15 days Cost Rs 288000