OG’s Bungalow, a niche beach resort at Mararikulam, 80km from Cochin Airport, could be your monsoon haven this season. The spectacular bungalow is just 10m from Mararikulam Beach. One can reach OG’s Bungalow by road from Cochin International Airport. Alternatively, you can get off at Alleppey or Mararikulam station and cab it to the resort. On offer are 14 AC double rooms, all overlooking the sea. The tariffs are Rs 8,250, per room per night, with all meals included and Rs 7,250 per room, per night with breakfast and another meal. Foodies can sample the fresh catch of the day from the sea and are even provided the option of cooking it themselves in the well-appointed kitchen. Also, you can indulge in a variety of activities while staying at this property including farm and coir factory visits, a backwater cruise at Alleppey and country boat rides. Nearby tourist destinations include Arthungal Church (one of oldest churches built by the Portuguese in Kerala), Munnar, Alleppey and Kumarakom, visits to which can be undertaken as day trips. All activities and trips are extra. For reservations e-mail: reservations@thegreenappleexperience.com.

Monsoon magic

If you’re tired of the on now, off now rains, why not chase the clouds to the splendid beaches of Mauritius? SOTC has a 6-nights and 7-days monsoon package to Mauritius ex-Mumbai at Rs 40,550 per person on a double occupancy basis. Whether you’re exploring the capital, Port Louis, lazing on the white beaches or being daring and trying out water sports, this tour promises plenty. What’s more, you will get a discount of Rs 10,000 for a couple along with a free stay for the fifth and sixth nights at the 3-star Casuarina Resort and Spa. The price includes accommodation, round trip economy class airfare, travel insurance, meals, surface transport and sightseeing as per itinerary. You’ll have to shell out approximately Rs 7,000 extra for the Calcutta-Mumbai round trip airfare. The package is valid till 30 September. For details call 1800 209 33 44.

Holiday hotspot

Shweta Kawatra,
actor

Both my husband and I love to travel to and visit exotic places. And very soon we will be doing a travel-based show on television. Both of us love visiting New York and every year we make it a point to head for the Big Apple. We’ve a few of our friends in New York so the excitement is all there. Since I am a shopaholic I love to shop for my clothes from there. Apart from that we go out for long drives or just chill out at wayside cafetarias. Since I am also a foodie, I like to eat out there. It’s the spirit of the city that attracts us a lot.