1.North Kerala
If a classic, beach holiday is what you’re after, cancel those tickets to Goa. Head instead to the pristine, unexplored beaches near Kannur. Winter is the best time to visit, with clear skies and a sea that’s calm enough to swim in. At the Ezhara, Thottada and Meenkunnu beaches near Kannur and the Kappil and Hosdurg beaches near Bekal, you’ll have only the sun, the sea and a few fishing boats for company. There are homestays near the beach: try Costa Malabari (0497-2836174, www.costamalabari.com), KK Heritage (09447486020, http://kkheritage.com) or Kannur Beach House (09847184535, www.kannurbeachhouse.com).   

2.Yoga On The Beach
If December in Goa it must be, go alternative. Get in touch with your inner self at these two yoga retreats this winter. Yoga Magic (0832-6523796, www.yogamagic.net)  is a tented eco-lodge at Vagator which offers yoga classes near the beach every morning and evening. The other option is the Lotus Yoga Retreat (09604290688, www.lotus-yoga-retreat.com) at Patnem beach in South Goa. They have yoga classes right on the beach. The tariff includes scheduled yoga classes.

3. Minicoy Island
Lakshadweep is at its best in winter — the sea is calm and the sun bright but not hot. Of the six islands that tourists can visit, Minicoy is right at the geographical bottom. Laze on the beach, go scuba diving or go on walks through the villages. As Minicoy can be visited only as part of Tourism Department packages, you’ll have to share the island with few other tourists. The Swaying Palm package is a 6D tour to the island. Contact: 0484-2668387, www.lakshadweeptourism.nic.in    

4. Fishing InThe Andamans
For an active but high-living holiday, go big game fishing. The seas around the islands are of course teeming with marine life and anglers can go trophy fishing (all non-table fish are released after the mandatory photograph). A new outfit, Monster Fishing, is offering shore- and boat-based angling packages as well as day trips. Contact: 9845015472, www.theandamans.com





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