Quick getaway: The culture & history of Rajasthan's Shekhawat region will floor you

From Mumbai: Saputara, Gujarat
Saputara is situated in the Sahyadri range, at at an altitude of about 1000 metres above sea level. This hill station derives its name from the Snake god revered by the tribals and translates as ‘the abode of serpents’, Saputara. In winter, at dawn, trek up to the Gandhi Shikhar as the river of light bathes the streams over undulating mountains and the drifting birds, into a magical dance of awakening.

Must-visit places:
Take your kids to Vansda National Park as they spot wildlife. Also a prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, or Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) is needed before visiting the park.

Go for boating on the beautiful Saputara Lake.

The Sunrise Point offers some of the best views of Saputara and adjoining Malegoan. It is a walk of 1.5 km in the direction of Waghai.

From Delhi: Shekhawat region, Rajasthan
Shekhawat Region is located in North Rajasthan comprising districts like Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu and Nagaur. History has it that in the 18th and 19th centuries, Marwari merchants constructed these grand havelis in this region. Steeped in wealth and affluence, these merchants got busy outdoing others in building more grand edifices -homes, temples, step wells which were richly decorated both inside and outside with painted murals. Its painted Havelis, fresco paintings, and numerous forts are worth seeing. Attractions: Murals and Marble fountain at the Mandawa Fort, Horse Safaris at Rawal Sahab Ki Kothi in Nawalgarh, Mukundgarh Fort, Bissau Fort – the war fort that was never breached, and Heritage on Wheels, the luxury train.

Tip: Rajasthani cuisine is world-renowned. Must-try!

From Bangalore: Kottayam, Kerala Acclaimed as the land of letters, latex and lakes, Kottayam has the distinction of being the firstever fully literate municipal town in India. This land also boasts of the first English educational centre in South India as well as the first Malayalam printing press which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD. Today, it is the forerunner in publishing with about 80 per cent of the books published in the State come from the district. The nerve centre of Kerala’s newspaper industry, a total of five dailies are published from here. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations characterise this picturesque land, which attracts lots of tourists. The majestic Vembanad Lake and the stunning backwaters of Kumarakom are its prime attractions.

Cuisine: The cuisine of Kottayam is the same as rest of Kerala, but with a distinct Syrian Christian influence seen in the use of coconut and spices, as well as beef (mainly buffalo), pork and seafood in Kerala cuisine. Most of the breakfast foods are made using either rice or wheat.