Spend New Year's in a tree house with just loved ones for company
The Machan, Western Ghats
Spend New Year's in a tree house with just loved ones for company. Located in the midst of an isolated private tropical forest in the Western Ghats, The Machan is 25 acres of lush forest hanging over the edge of a precipice. Complete with four levels -- The Main Deck, The Hanging Room, The Loft and The Crow's nest, The Machan has been constructed with eco-sustainability in mind. That means no animals or vegetation was harmed in the construction process. Electricity is generated through a wind and solar farm and mountain water is pumped from a 300-feet deep bore.
Getting there: The Machan located at Jambulne in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats. It's a two and a half hour drive from Mumbai.
Log on to: www.themachan.comSt. Mary's Islands, Karnataka
Made up of four islands, St Mary's Islands are located off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. Famous for their distinctive formations of columnar basaltic lava, the islands are important to Karnataka as a site for geo tourism. Legend has it that in 1498, Vasco da Gama landed here on his way from Portugal to India, fixed a cross and named one of these islands, El Padron de Santa Maria, as a dedication to Mother Mary. There is no habitation here and no shops. You'll have to stay at Udipi, about 60 km from St Mary's Islands. Carry sunscreen and lots of water.
Getting there: The only way is by boat. Regular ferries from the Malpe fishing harbour. The closest airport is Mangalore.
Log on to: www.karnatakaholidays.netTranquebar, Tamil Nadu
A quaint seaside town with a Danish influence, Tranquebar is also known as Tharangambadi and lies 275 km from Chennai. It is famous for Fort Dansborg, the monument that served as the residence of Danish Governor for 150 years and is a relic of the Danish era in India. We recommend that you stay at the only real place available, Bungalow on the Beach, a gorgeous 17th century Neemrana property.
Getting there: 24 King Street, Tharangambadi 609313, District Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Log on to: https://www.neemranahotels.com/bunglow/index.html.htmMypad Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Located in Nellore district, Mypad is dotted with banyan, coconut and mango trees, making it perfect for long walks. Clean sands and gentle waves also make it an easy place to get into the water and swim, for the most part. There isn't too much here by way of hotel accommodation, but a few rooms are available for rent on the beach. Else, stay in Nellore, 21 km away.
Getting there: There is a regular bus service from Nellore. Tirupati is the nearest airport at 130 km.
Log on to: www.aptdc.in
