Civet Creek Camp, Coorg
Situated bout 270 kms from Bangalore in picturesque Coorg, Civet Creek Camp gives you a taste of both the wilderness and a coffee estate. The camp has tents and hammocks perched under thatched canopies — the perfect setting for lazing around with nature as a backdrop. There is a well-maintained toilet block a stone’s throw away. You can stroll through the surrounding coffee plantations or head out to a waterfall, only an hour away by foot. Into bird watching? Spend your day doing just that, or borrow a bicycle and explore the quiet country roads and forest trails. Excursions can be arranged to Talakaveri, the source of the Kaveri river, Baghmandala, a temple town, or Bylacuppe, a Tibetan settlement. Foodies will enjoy the taste of authentic Coorg cuisine, along with season specials from the surrounding forest and estate produce.
Cost: Rs 1,200 per person per day inclusive of , stay and meals. Details: 09845442224
Bheemeshwari, Mandya
How about chilling out on the bank of a river, with the refreshing sound of gurgling water for company? The camp at Bheemeshwari is a seven-hour drive from Chennai, in the Mandya district of Karnataka.
The Cauvary flowing through the town is abundant with Mahseer fish, which is why the area is known as ‘the angler’s paradise.’ Other than fishing, you could go rafting or enjoy nature walks to spot elephants, foxes, crocodiles on the river bank and monarch butterflies. The ready-touse tents at the camp have basic comfort facilities such as cots and mosquito nets, with attached showers and toilets. In the evenings, enjoy a merry campfire amidst the tents.
Cost:Approx Rs 3,500 per person per day inclu , sive of stay and meals. Details: 9840028553
10 Degrees Off, Bandipur
About 240 kms from Bangalore, neighbouring Bandipur National Park, is 10 Degrees Off. Situated off the main road, far from nosy tourists, it is the perfect getaway for those look ing to get intimate with nature. If you are lucky you could spot elephants, a sloth bear or two, sambar or gaur that dwell in the surrounding reserve. Also a good spot for bird watching or exploring by bicycle. You will have to take your own camping equipment. Food is simple Indian, with barbeques on request. Cost: Rs 1,000 per day for use of land and meals. Details: 09845442224
Pulicat, Andhra Pradesh
This is a campsite made for bird lovers, situated on one of the islands on Pulicat Lake. Just beyond Sullurpet, the camp gives you a front row seat to the flamingoes that flock to the lake all through winter. Other waders and striders like herons, pelicans, stalks and cranes also frequent the lake around this time — a delight for those interested in ornithology, bird photography or painting. If you are a camping enthusiast, this is the real thing, with ‘rough camping’ being the key words. Cost: Rs 1,750 for a two-day stay, inclusive of food and boat transport between islands. Details: 9940355521 Soul- ACE,
East Coast Road
An hour and a half drive out of Chennai is the Soul-ACE campsite on the banks of Kalpakkam backwaters, just beyond the Vengambakkam village.
Set up on what was a Dutch trail centuries ago, the camp is close enough to the old Dutch township for you to walk over and explore. Go boating or kayaking on the backwaters. For a bigger adrenaline rush, try rock climbing or rappelling in the surrounding area or take a walk with guides to learn to track down and catch snakes. The camp has a cookhouse and toilets. Cost Rs 950 per day per person, inclusive of stay and meals. Details: 9940355521
Budget Honeymoon
Wondering if you can manage a honeymoon abroad with the current economic meltdown? Expedia has just the thing — honeymoon packages to destinations around the world that do not burn too big a hole in your pocket. Experience all the romance of the ancient Egyptian civilisation for Rs 37,597 per person, inclusive of 5N accommodation, breakfast and return tickets. Or head to the cultural hotspot, South Africa, for Rs 43,880 per person, inclusive of 4N accommodation and return tickets.
Packages also available for Turkey, Australia and Singapore. Details: www.expedia.co.in
Lake view
A winter special from The Radisson Plaza Resort and Spa, Kumarakom. Includes complimentary treats such as a traditional welcome drink, meals at the resort’s coffee shop, a cruise on Lake Vembanad and use of the steam and sauna room and Jacuzzi. Also get special discounts at the resort’s Maya Spa — the largest spa in South India. Offer valid till March 2009. For Rs 14,000 onwards for a minimum stay of 2N. Details: 080 40355055
Alleppey calling
Check out The Wind & Water Package — a 3D/2N houseboat/room package for couples — at the Punnamada Serena Spa Resort, Alleppey. It includes transport from the station, sightseeing, discounts on Ayurveda massages and water sports equipment.
Valid from Jan 10 to March 31. Cost: Rs 24,999. Details: 09379145323
ISPY
Time to script your Goan romance. The Casablanca Beach Resort, nestled on the white sands of Candolim Beach, is offering 6D/5N couples package for New Years, from December 29 to January 4. Cost: Rs 12,000++ per day. Details: 0832 2479224.