5 New year’s eve hideouts no one told you about

And no, they aren't booked yet. Aditi Sharma tells you where to gaze at the blue moon, fly off a cliff, ride on a horse, and live like a king... on the first day of new year

5 New year's eve hideouts no one told you about

And no, they aren't booked yet. Aditi Sharma tells you where to gaze at the blue moon, fly off a cliff, ride on a horse, and live like a king... on the first day of new year

Fly off a cliff at Kamshet,u00a0>> 2.5 hours away
See what the world looks like on the first day of the new year, from way up in the sky. We aren't talking about tripping on contraband substances, but experiencing the perfect take-off at Nirvana Adventures' paragliding site. Get to their campsite, Native Place Guest House, by December 31, with your our own quota of booze. Spend the eve at the open-to-sky courtyard, strolling through lush terraced tropical gardens or sitting on a parapet to watch the moon's reflection glimmer in the tranquil waters of the Vadivali lake.
We suggest you don't OD on alcohol, though. You don't want to be stuck with a hangover on the first day of the new year. Besides, a throbbing headache and a perfect lift-off just don't go together. Astrid and Sanjay Rao from Nirvana Adventures are feeling generous this 31st, and offering free flying sessions for trained pilots. In fact, pilots from France, UK, Holland and Norway are already at base.
For those who of you who are questioning your ability to fly, making the two-hour climb to the flying site for a joyride, will be thrilling enough.
How to get there:
The base for Nirvana Adventures is Native Place Guest House, which overlooks the Vadivali Lake and lies just 2.5 hours away from the city, along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The staff at Nirvana will give you exact directions on getting there. Paragliding joyrides are on a first-come-first-serve basis.
You shell out: Rs 2,000 per pilot, per night in dormitory-style accommodation. Joyrides are priced at Rs 2,000 per head (does not include stay at guesthouse).
To book: Call Nirvana Adventures on 26053724 or 26493110 or drop an email at info@flynirvana.com.

Live in someone else's home at Sindhudurgu00a0>> 8 hours away
Barbecue evenings, boatride in the river's backwaters, fishing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, cycling along winding village roads, puppetry, swimming in a natural pool, Ayurvedic mud bathsu00a0-- seems like a full enough itinerary for a special vacation. This is what you get to do if you decide to bring in the new year at any of the home-stays developed by Culture Aangan. The luxurious, yet cosy-like-home spaces are all located in Sindhudurg district.
It's best if you leave town early on December 31 (if you can't head out earlier than that) so that you are in time to witness the last sunset of 2009 on the western coast.
Each of the three current properties of culture Aangan has been developed in close association with a local family. If you are tired of clinical resorts, this is your best bet. Home-cooked seafood, backyard gardens and local gossip are the highlights.
How to get there?
The nearest airport to Sindhudurg is Dabolim, Goa, from where a pick-up can be arranged. You can take the Konkan railway from Mumbai to Goa. Major rail stations in Sindhudurg district: Vaibhavwadi, Kankavli, Sindhudurg or Oras, Kudal and Sawantwadi. A pick-up can be arranged from a convenient station. By road, it's 500 km away.
You shell out: Rs 5,000 per couple, per night, inclusive of food and one activity. Additional activity at Rs 1,000 per activity.
To book: Call Rashmi Sawant on 9821483765 or log onto www.cultureaangan.com.

Live like a king at Jadhavgadhu00a0>> 3 hours away
As you walk up the steep steps of Jadhavgadh, the elevator back home is sorely missed. That is probably the only indulgence that city-breds would like to add to this majestic fort-turned-resort. But urban comforts are quickly forgotten when a Navvari-clad hostess welcomes you into an era gone by. This is just the beginning of a royal break with family.
Jadhavgadh Fort belonged to Maratha warrior Pilaji Jadhavrao, who served as an army general in Chhatrapati Shahu's army. The fort was built in 1710 as a place of residence during times of war. The heritage hotel has retained facets of the ancient fort.
In fact, the USP of their December 31 celebrations is a tour around the fort that boasts of at least four dungeons that have been meticulously restored. The dungeons might have held prisoners of war in centuries gone by, but they are a lot less sinister these days. Some of them store the best wines sourced from around the world. Ask your guide to take you to the dungeon that was used as a secret pathway by Pilaji Jadhavrao and his men in a crisis.
A bullock cart ride, horse riding and trekking are some of the activities on offer. On December 31st, the resort has planned a Ghazal Night, a Hukka 'n' Tikka session, and thrown open a huge dance floor. Foodies can look forward to exotic live cooking counters that will be active all night.
How to get there:
Jadhavgadh is located in the hills of Saswad, past Magarpatta City in Pune. We suggest you drive down the scenic route Mumbai-Pune route.
You shell out: For the New Year's eve party: Rs 4,999 per couple, Rs 2,999 per child above 12 years or stag per couple. For stay: tariff varies from Rs 12,000 to Rs 30,000 depending on type of room and length of stay.
To book: Call Rubina on 26164040 (ext 3621) or make reservations online on www.fortjadhavgadh.com

See the blue moon at Konkankadau00a0>> 5 hours away
The year 2010 will arrive with a blue moon shining in the sky, and what better place to catch a clear view than at 4,500 feet above sea level. It's all happening at Konkankada, the highest peak in the Sahyadris reached via Harishchandragad. The celestial sighting is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, and that's a rarity for Mumbaikars anyway, who barely get to catch a regular moon minus a filter of smog.
Konkankada valley crossing and rappelling is considered the ultimate adventure activity any trekking enthusiast can take up. It's a rigorous journey that only the tough-hearted can make. But the thrill of achievement that takes over once you get to the peak, is incomparable, say those who've been there. A trek to Harishchandragad brings you to the top of the Konkankada, a majestic rock face that resembles a cobra's hood. The group will spend the night in ancient caves believed to be built in the 14th century. This is where the valley crossing will unfold, as you traverse 1,271 feet at a height of 1,800 feet above sea level. The adventure continues from here as you rappel down 1,200 feet to the base of rock face.
How to get there:
Trek dates: December 27 to January 1. The organisers have arranged for transport from Mumbai, and back.
You shell out: Rs 3,000 per person, inclusive of transport, breakfast and packed lunch and equipment charges.
To book: Call 65259195 or log on to www.natura.co.in.

Party with studs at Talegaonu00a0>> 2.5 hours away
We love this place for what it is, of course, but more for it's 31 December party tagline: If the booze runs out, you get your money back. That's some statement for the busiest party night of the year. Japalouppe Equestrian Centre on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway is where power-packed equestrian beauties make space for bonfire-lit parties held under a star-studded sky. All year round, the centre sees kids training to ride horses. On New Year's eve, the place turns into an adults-only hangout. The blasu00e9 canteen and kitchen area turn into a thatched bar and dance floor, complete with shiny disco balls and huge multi-watt speakers.
We suggest you get to the farm by the afternoon of December 31, to take in the rustic ambience spread over 27 acres. Between 3 pm and 6 pm, you can set off on a horseriding joyride.
The evening unfolds at the thatched-roof bar and dance floor. Proprietor Rohan More is known among guests for his knowledge of spirits, and bartender skills. He suggests you try his cocktail-of-the-moment, Moscow Mule, which is a blend of ginger, fresh lime, sugar syrup and Russian Vodka. "It's cool, yet warm -- a perfect farm drink,' says More. DJ Aqeel's protege, DJ Aditya will be spinning music for the night. So, expect everything from Retro to Progressive House.
How to get there:
A blink-and-miss turn just after the toll naka at Somatne on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway leads you to Japalouppe Equestrian Centre. The best way to get here is to drive down. Or you can take a bus from Mumbai and get dropped at the Somatne exit. Else take a train and get off at Talegaon, from where More will make arrangements to escort you to the farm.
You shell out: Rs 2,500 per head for the party (inclusive of drinks, starters and dinner). Rs 400 for the 45-minute joyride on the farm (not on January 1). Accommodation: Tent stay for two: Rs 1,200 per night; dormitory accommodation for 40: Rs 300 per person.
To book: Call Rohan More on 9890920183. Last date to get your name on the guest list is December 29. Limited rooms available.

Win couple stay at Japalouppe stud farm
Which hollywood star has visited Japalouppe?
Mail your answer to this question to thetrip@mid-day.com. A winner will be selected through a random draw and contacted on phone.
(Japalouppe will offer a stay on any night except New Year's)