DIPHLU RIVER LODGE KAZIRANGA


Wake up this New Year to the sounds of nature at the lovely new Diphlu River Lodge in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park. The lodge is located on the banks of the Diphlu river, at the edge of the park, itself home to 35 major species of mammals—including the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros in the world—and hundreds of bird species. The rustic-luxurious bamboo-and-thatch cottages of the lodge blend perfectly with the forests. Each has its own verandah overlooking the river, and at the rear there’s a sundeck to lounge on after a long morning safari. The dining areas of the lodge double up as observation platforms from where you can look out for birds or scan the riverbanks for animals while you sip your evening tea. And there are many exciting wildlife activities on offer, including river trips in a dugout canoe. Diphlu River Lodge is 4hrs from Guwahati/2hr30min from Jorhat. Tariff: Rs 10,000 per person (all-inclusive). Contact: 0361-2602223, 2602186, www.assambengalnavigation.com

PASHANGARH PANNA


This intimate property comprising 12 luxury stone cottages is the second brand-new Taj Safaris property to open this season in Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the middle of 200 acres of private jungle, near Panna National Park, the forest literally starts at your doorstep. The rough-hewn stone-walled cottages, the discreet dining room under a mahua tree and the infinity pool stretching out between rocky outcrops overlooking a stream make this lodge the dream romantic year-end getaway. The staff will even arrange a lunch for two in the jungle. And with Panna’s rich diversity of animals and birds, wildlife enthusiasts are unlikely to go disappointed either. Khajuraho (56km) is the closest airport; the lodge arranges for transfers. High-season tariff: Rs 30,000 per person per night (all-inclusive). Contact: 1800-111-825, www.tajsafaris.com     

FISHERMEN’S LODGE BHIMTAL


A month old and this 12-room lodge is already getting warm reviews from guests. It’s a “home away from home,” they say, and that’s just what it wants to be—a modern alternative to large, welcoming grandparents’ homes that few children these days are lucky enough to enjoy. With a terrace looking onto the lake, rooms like you’ll find in an elegant private home, a kitchen that encourages children to cook up a storm, a holiday at the Fishermen’s Lodge promises to be a cosy, gracious family affair. Bhimtal is 21km from Kathgodam. Tariff: Rs 6,000 for two, including breakfast, high tea and dinner (till Dec 15); Rs 8,000 (from Dec 16). Contact: 011-41328410, www.thefishermenslodge.com 

OUR NATIVE VILLAGE BANGALORE


You’re not going to find a more worthy year-end holiday than at  this ‘100% eco-resort’: it produces its own electricity, uses only harvested rainwater, was constructed entirely from materials made on the site, fully recycles its waste, grows its own fruit and vegetables (yes, organically), gives you ‘100% natural’ toiletries to use during your solar-heated baths... Set up in the belief that each of us retains a kernel of the ‘simplicity’ that marked the lives of our forefathers, Our Native Village is a splendidly earnest back-to-nature initiative. Activities include bullock cart rides, kite flying, cow milking, organic farming, stargazing... There’s also a spa at which you can indulge in some past life regression (tell us what that is when you return). The 24 ‘naturally eco-cooled’ rooms are each decorated with murals in different styles—Madhubani, Warli, Gond, etc. Located 50 minutes from Bangalore’s Devanahalli airport. Tariff: Rs 6,000 (all-inclusive). Contact: 080-41140909, www.ournativevillage.com

THE BEACH POLLETHAI


The fishing village of Mararikulam sprang onto the map in bold type when the CGH Earth Group opened the Marari Beach Resort. While the resort offers a first-class beach holiday without your having to forego any luxuries, a more quiet, much more cut-off-from-it-all experience awaits you at neighbouring Pollethai. There are 12 villas, beautifully converted from fishermen’s huts, some sea- and some river-facing. The year couldn’t begin—or end—more serenely. Located 13km from Alleppey. High-season tariffs: Rs 9,800 (garden villa)/Rs 11,500 (deluxe villa with private pool). Rates include breakfast. Contact: 0484-2216302, www.beachatpollethai.com