Two hours to party

These are busy times. So busy that the year has zipped past and before you know it, it's time to welcome 1998. And what better way to beat ...

These are busy times. So busy that the year has zipped past and before you know it, it8217;s time to welcome 1998. And what better way to beat the end-of-the-year blues than with a short break 8212; before you fling yourself into next year8217;s frenzy. Okay, so now you have a holiday plan but do you have bookings? Unlike the Jeh Wadias and Gautam Singhanias if you have not had the foresight to book your favourite resort in Goa then you are in trouble. Unless you8217;re a Bollywood star, like Salman Khan or Puru Raj Kumar, and own a luxurious house in Panvel or Karjat.

Since we have established that you aren8217;t, you are faced with the daunting prospect of being stuck in the city with nowhere to go. And now the blues really set in. Don8217;t despair 8212; there are still a few avenues, albeit unknown, open for you. In fact, they are closer home than you might imagine. Places that are only a few hours drive from Mumbai and fall within a reasonable budget. So, stop holding your breath and read on. Why don8217;t you take the coastal route around Maharashtra and arrange an all-night beach party? Marve, a quiet fishing village north of Mumbai, is only 40 km via Malad. It has low hills along the beach which offer a great view of the sunrise and sunset. Or, you could take a 15-minute ferry ride from Marve or Borivli and end up in Gorai and Manori islands. Or, just book a ferry for the whole night and party on the sea.

Not good enough? Well, only two-and-a-half hours from Mumbai, lies the 17-km-long Dahanu-Bordi stretch with its sprawling, uncluttered beaches. With time on your hands you can even visit the Zoroastrian temple at Udwada, which houses the sacred fire that has been kept alive for almost a 1,000 years. Or, opt for lesser known places like Sriwardhan Bay and Harihareshwar which are about 170 km from Mumbai, via the Vashi Creek Bridge. Besides beaches and temples it offers an exotic array of sea food.

If Alibag is too crowded for your taste, then hit the North coast. Twelve miles north of Alibag is the Mandwa village, hidden among palm groves. A little chat with the rickshaw driver might result in a nice room, rented out by the locals. Huge bungalows with private beaches, offer rooms for as little as Rs 200 per day 8212; including breakfast and a hot cup of tea!

Or, if you are the camping sort, you can bunk in tents and have a bonfire party at Kihim. A haven for nature lovers, it is only 120 km by road. Or you can take the small passenger service boats that ply between Mumbai and Mandwa.

Another option is Ganapatipule. Though known for its 400-year-old Ganapati temple, Ganapatipule is also famous for its pristine beaches and rich Konkani food. And MTDC provides you with special beach tents amongst the Casuarina trees, complete with beach umbrellas. Rates vary between Rs 125 to Rs 250 per day. You can even avail of the water sports facilities at a lagoon near the MTDC resort. Ganapatipule by road, via Mahad, is only 375 km away from Mumbai.

Give your celebrations a historic touch by opting for the seaside forts. The closest being the Bassein fort, which lies just 77 km north of Mumbai and is barely a 90-minute journey by train. Check with MTDC or a travel agency. A few minutes with the agent will help you find a place that fits your requirements. And for as little as Rs 1,000, this year you could have a better time than the celebs will in Goa!