RESORT BY THE SEA: A panoramic view of Tarkarli (below); the picturesque Malavan beach

Clear, unpolluted sea water and eyefuls of the sea bed? Most people believe that such a vision is only possible at the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep isles. It's time to set the record straight. Stretches of Indian beaches with pristine water and a Caribbeanesque view of what lies beneath do exist even if they are unknown and unsung. Recently, some of Maharashtra's lesser known beaches have been drawing attention for all the right reasons. Take Tarkarli, for instance, which an American luxury cruiseliner Hebridean Spirit found attractive enough to make a port of call while on its way to Oman from Goa.

Travel

GETTING THERE SEASON: Ideal during November- March. MODE OF TRANSPORT: Tarkarli, on the Mumbai-Goa highway, is easily accessible from Malvan by bus and rickshaw. Dabolim, Goa, is the nearest airport. ACCOMMODATION: MTDC accommodation at Rs 1,200 per day.

Situated at the confluence of the Karli river and the Arabian Sea, about 546 km from Mumbai, what makes Tarkarli a haven is not just its long and narrow Shuru tree-lined stretches of beaches but also the wide Karli river, picturesque sailboats and tiny island hamlets on the riverbank. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation accommodation here is quite nice, even if not entirely reasonable at Rs 1,200 per day. The relaxation spree needn't end at Tarkarli either. You could travel to other interesting places closeby-Ganapatipule, Murudjanjira and Shriwardhan. There's also the 17th century Sindhudurg Fort, one of Maharashtra's most popular landmarks.

HOT DEALS
Southern Sojourn

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is offering discounts to promote group travel: 10 per cent on hotel expenditure and ticketing upon bulk booking and 15 per cent on staying at three ttdc hotels continuously. Plus, a special two-day Courtallam tour offer during Saral Vizha (July-September) at Rs 900 per person from Chennai. Log on to tamilnadutourism.org.

Adventure Calls

Assam: A six night-seven day tour, including an eco-camp at Nameri National Park and a visit to Kaziranga National Park, can be yours at Rs 18,800 per head (on twin-share basis) or Rs 12,100 per head (four persons). There's more. For more info, log on to networktravelsindia.com or call (0361) 520719/ 512711.

TOURISM

Never before deals: With the slump in global travel there was already a surfeit of discounts and special packages being offered by tour operators and government tourism bodies since September 2001. These are slated to increase even further in the coming months with the Indian tourism industry responding favourably to the clarion call for 2002-Year of Tourism, initiated by Fairfest Media Ltd, organisers of some of the largest travel shows in India. So go on, make the most of it.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

PAST RELIC: Bhimbetka's cave paintings

Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh: If you're fascinated by a blast from the past but don't quite fancy the idea of braving crowds to get a glimpse of one, Bhimbetka is the place for you. Around 45 km from Bhopal, the Madhya Pradesh capital, Bhimbetka is a site of immense archaeological interest ever since over 600 rock shelters dating back to the Neolithic Age were discovered here. Amidst dense forests and craggy cliffs, you could explore some 500 caves whose walls are enlivened by panoramic paintings of the lives of prehistoric cave dwellers. Classified into seven time-frame categories, the drawings and paintings range from linear representation of animals-typical of the Upper Palaeolithic era-to the more schematic, yet somewhat crude, etches of the Medieval era. The strange stone structures and the unusual topography make it an almost surreal tourist experience. Thankfully, guides are available for essential doses of trivia. It's advisable to leave for Bhimbetka early morning from Bhopal and get back for the night. The capital is easily accessible by air, rail and road. To escape the scorching heat, visit during September-April.

-compiled by Natasha Israni