To the average Calcuttan, the very thought of leaving the city during the Pujas is about as preposterous as planning a family outing on the day of an India-Pakistan match. After all, it?s the prospect of these four days of fun and frolic, when festive fervour is at its peak, that keeps them going the whole year through. There are, however, others for whom the downside of the Pujas far outweighs the positives. Think blaring loudspeakers, endless traffic snarls and any amount of chaos and confusion ? and these people just can?t wait to pack their bags and head out for a breather from all the madness and the mayhem. For them, given below is a ready roster of popular getaways these Pujas.

Shankarpur

If you?re sick and tired of the usual touristy haunts like Digha or Puri, but would nevertheless like to holiday with your family by the beach, Shankarpur should be right up there as your destination of choice. Fringed by casuarina plantations, this sleepy fishing hamlet in the district of Midnapore offers travellers all the pleasures of a private beach, without having to dig too deep into your wallet.

Tourists looking to escape from the madness of the Pujas will find here all the peace and quiet they?re looking for ? and then some more. There isn?t much to do here, apart from sightseeing trips to the Talseri beach, Kapal Kundala Mandir and Chandipur, a visit to the Shankarpur Fishing Harbour or spending endless lazy hours on the beach. But then again, that?s probably just what the West Bengal Government had in mind when it developed this place as an idyllic weekend getaway.

Gangtok

An air of enchantment hangs over the picture-perfect city of Gangtok, where prayer flags whip in the breeze; friendly smiling people line the roads and the majestic mountains in the distance beckon weary travellers. At 5,500 feet, Sikkim?s capital has it all ? awesome locales, colourful monasteries and endless opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.

While places like the Rumtek Monastery, the Tsongmo Lake, the flower show complex and the Nathu-La Pass are any sightseer?s delight, shopping is another major draw, with gorgeous jewellery, hand-woven Tibetan carpets, wood-work and more up for grabs. Food-wise, the variety isn?t that extensive, but if you have a soft spot for thukpas and momos, Gangtok should be right up your street.

Kerala

Kerala draws tourists for many reasons ? its beaches, its hill-stations, even its ancient Ayurvedic treatments. But of late, the more glamorous way to soak in the sights and sounds of the state has been by water ? for there is a different Kerala along the backwaters, throbbing with its own unique culture and heady charm. The backwaters offer tourists a glimpse into Kerala?s life, taking them from the broad vistas of Vembanad Lake to the narrower canals to Alleppey, the ?by-lanes? of Kumarakom, and even into what are essentially irrigation channels.

There are day cruises on motor boats for busy travellers, but the way to experience the slowness of Kerala is on a kettuvallam (a stitched boat) that meanders past lush greenery, offering you a peek into the pastimes of the people who live here, rearing ducks, growing paddy, or enjoying the simple pleasures of fishing. The more adventurous can even go kayaking through the myriad lagoons, lakes, canals and back alleys that are part and parcel of the stunning landscape.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

An archipelago of about 300 islands, only 39 of them inhabited, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the perfect tropical paradise, picture-postcard beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life, swaying palms et al. What?s more, they are completely untouched by the vagaries of modern life, making them a perfect destination to escape from it all.

Watersports of every conceivable kind at the Andaman Water Sports Complex are the main attraction here, though a visit to the Cellular Jail runs a close second. This jail, once used by the Britishers to imprison Indian freedom fighters, is today the venue of a sound and light show every evening, where the story of the jail is related through the eyes of the tree located near the entrance. Other places to visit nearby include Chidiatapu, the bird island, the Samudrika Naval Maritime Museum, the Anthropological Museum, the Zoological Survey of India Museum and the Aquarium or Fisheries Museum, showcasing the enormous wealth that lies beneath the dazzling-blue waters of these islands.

Goa

The singular allure of Goa lies in that there?s something about the place that makes you just want to let loose and throw caution to the winds. So head there if all you want to do for a few days is eat, drink, drink some more and rave on the beaches!

A fun-and-feni kind of place, this former Portuguese enclave is the destination for a lazy yet freaky holiday. So, while ocean-lovers can surf, yacht, swim or just chill out on the beaches with a drink, the more adventurous can head out in pursuit of the local attractions ? the churches, the fort, the wild life sanctuary and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier.

And of course, no visit to this Indian Ibiza is complete without sampling the succulent local fare ? the vindaloo, chicken xacuti, sorpotel and balchao that?ll leave you licking your fingers.

Singapore

Bangkok may well be hot on its heels with its bargain-basement deals, but so far as die-hard shoppers are concerned, Singapore still remains the ultimate shopping haven ? at least, in this part of the world. Yes, your kids will probably want to be carted along to the Night Safari and the Jurong Bird Park, but like it or not, those are just the fringe attractions. So, prepare yourself to fork out the big bucks for Singapore?s major offering continues to be its mega malls. From the latest Ralph Lauren designs and the newest Palmtop to the cheapest DVDs and a variety of cosmetics and accessories, this island state has it all.

Get set for the time of your life, as shopping apart, Singapore offers countless memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. World-class spas, rides along the Singapore River on a traditional bumboat, a Chinese temple, mosque, Hindu temple and church, all in one neighbourhood and the mouth-watering food ? your stay here will be an unforgettable blend of all the things you?ve always wanted to do.

Mauritius

With the local government scrapping visas for Indians as of last month, Mauritius has become the hottest new destination for families travelling abroad. And with good reason, for the island nation with its rich green fields of sugarcane, picturesque little towns, winding highways and sparkling-blue waters is about as inviting and intriguing as it gets.

Snorkel, parasail, hire a speedboat and go visit the dolphins here, or simply relax on the terrace of a French caf?, sipping a drink while listening to Creole music and the conversation of the locals. Pamper your partner with that diamond she?d been craving forever (Mauritius is a diamond processing centre so it?s possible to buy them duty-free) or load up on the usual knickknacks, and artefacts. While on a shopping spree, also don?t forget to make time for a visit to the rambling interiors and Mauritius? multicultural capital, Port Louis.

Time travel

Karan Paul, entrepreneur

I don’t really mind staying in the city during the Pujas, but as it happens, I’m hardly ever here. Just last year, I spent a fantastic holiday with my entire family in Goa during the Pujas and more often than not, I even try and pack in a short trip during this time. This year, though, it’s going to be work. As the Pujas start from Wednesday this time, I’ll be heading off to my offices in South India to oversee business.

Pinky Roy Chowdhury, model

Given half a chance, I try and get out for shows during the Pujas as what with all the traffic and crowds, staying here is pretty unbearable. Last year, I went to Kathmandu on a show, the year before it was Vizag — and both times, I stayed back in these places and had a blast. Had I been in Calcutta, I probably wouldn’t have ventured out at all, except maybe to a nightclub or to a friend’s place.