(From top): The Zanzibar coastline; the imposing ruins at Syria; dancers of Kyrgyzstan

New York, London, Paris. Yawn. Bangkok, Singapore, Bali. Been there, done that.

What next? How does the world-weary global traveller find new spots away from the madding crowd and go where no tourist has gone before?

The fact is it’s getting tougher to veer off the beaten track. But there are still some idyllic spots only a handful of tourists reach. And, of course, there are places where very few Indians get to.

How would you, for instance, like to holiday in places like Zanzibar, Kyrgyzstan or Syria, which are decidedly off the tourist track? And, how about Machu Picchu in Peru, popular with north Americans but still a long way from India?

Forget city lights, spa weekends or shop-till-you-drop breaks in these places. Prepare instead for a very different kind of journey: earthy, rugged and one filled with the warmth from the people of these countries.

Zanzibar

It’s been called the best-kept secret of the Indian Ocean. Welcome to Zanzibar, the island about 25 miles from the coast of Tanzania. This is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar, Pemba Islands and some islets and it’s a great place to be. Once famous as the commercial hub of East Africa, it was also the last to abolish the slave trade. Zanzibar offers a heady cocktail: sandy beaches, coral reefs and the quaint Stone Town with its crumbling yet picturesque ruins and markets.

In Zanzibar, visit both the east and west coasts. In the west, scour Stone Town, visit the Persian baths, take a dolphin safari and snooze at the Mangapwani beach. The east is one big beach by itself.

How do you get there? Many international airlines ply scheduled flights to Zanzibar. Dar-e-Salaam, Tanzania’s business capital, is only a short flight away and is connected by major international carriers including Air-India, Kenya Airways, British Airways, Emirates and South African Airways. From Dar-e-Salaam, there are flights, charters and boats. If you travel via Europe, from Italy and Spain, hop onto direct and cheap charters.

Where to stay: The choice veers from resorts to budget hotels. Staying here will cost between $70 to $110 per night (on twin-sharing).

Documents: You’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, which will suffice to visit Zanzibar.

Syria

A holiday to Syria ? that’s flanked by Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey ? will not be about beach-combing but one replete with history, art and culture. A key region of the Ottoman Empire, Syria retains much of the elegance of that period. Your explorations will centre around the capital, Damascus, and from there most roads will lead to the mosque of Damascus, the temples of Palmyra and the Citadel of Aleppo.

If you love browsing through museums, Damascus offers plenty. The Museum of Popular tradition is a veritable pleasure palace and The Museum of Arab Science and Medicine and the National Museum are not to be missed. You must wander around the Old Quarter to explore its souks and bustling streets. Take a trip to Crac De Chevaliers, a spectacular mountain stronghold.

How do you get there? Fly from Delhi to Damascus on Syrian Arab Airlines or Royal Jordanian. The former operates twice weekly flights from Delhi and return fares are about Rs 25,000. Royal Jordanian flies from Delhi to Damascus via Amman.

Where to stay: Plenty by way of accommodation in Damascus ? star category hotels, motels, inns and even camping sites. Expect to pay $50 to $200 and above (depending on what you choose).

Machu Picchu

Why Peru? Peru is one of the world’s most spectacular countries, with rugged mountains and Inca cities. And Machu Picchu, a 500-year old city set deep in the Peruvian Andes, is the jewel in its crown. For those who came in late, Machu Picchu is the Inca city that was practically lost to the world until as recently as 1911. And it’s an archaeological jewel which Indians are only just discovering.

The breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu cling to a steep mountainside, even as they are flanked by mountains.

How do you get there? The best way to make this trip is to fly to Peru’s capital Lima. And from here connect to Cuzco or if you like a trek, sign up for a 4-day trek up the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

Where to stay: Again, plenty by way of accommodation ? star category hotels and resorts. Expect to pay $50 to $150 and above (depending on what you choose).

Kyrgyzstan

Another new discovery, this was formerly the Kyrgyz Republic, a part of the Soviet Union. Now Kyrgyzstan (independent since 1991), beckons warmly. Mountainous and landlocked ? it is surrounded by China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan ? the landscape here is craggy. Arrive in the capital city Bishkek and start your adventurous vacation (it’s also from where you’ll exit). From here, it’s possible to go mountaineering, trekking, horseback-riding, caving, river-rafting and rock-climbing. Visit the National Historical Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Osh Bazaar.

The country was part of the Great Silk Road ? the ancient trading route used by silk merchants from the 2nd century to the 14th century AD. The attractions of the route in Kyrgyzstan are historic relics like the Burana Tower and the amazing Issyk Kul Lake or the hot lake (as it never freezes), called the soul of Kyrgyzstan.

How do you get there? Major carriers like British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa have regular services to Bishkek from European destinations. From India, fly Uzbekistan Airlines that connects Delhi to Kyrgyzstan via Tashkent.

Where to stay: All kinds of accommodation is available in Bishkek and other parts of Kyrgyzstan, including apartments, resorts, five star lodging and camping locations. Tariffs look upwards of $50.

My favourite holiday

Chaiti Ghoshal, actress

It was the place where I honeymooned and I’ve gone back there several times since, but there’s something so magical about Sikkim that I just can’t get enough. Just last winter, I went there again, with my husband, Ranajit and son, Amartya, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. For we had just happened to go at a time when Sikkim was experiencing the heaviest snowfall it had seen in the last decade.

We were staying in this hotel in the tiny village of Lachung, though most of our time was spent in the adjoining 150-year-old wooden house that belonged to the hotel’s owners. The surrounding area was under a thick blanket of snow, and my son had a ball, frolicking in it with the local Sikkimese children. We even ventured out to the famous Gurudogmar Lake, and the journey there was the thrill of a lifetime. We were the first to make our way there, even before the army trucks had trawled the roads, and I can tell you, it was both exciting and frightening. Our car skidded a couple of times, for the roads were snow-slick, so it was sometime before we actually reached the lake, which had completely frozen over. The roads were glittering like diamonds whenever sunlight struck them, and the beauty of the surroundings was amazing — it was nature at its pristine best. I can’t wait to get back.

Route map

Want to go skiing but don’t know where? Somewhere exotic and not at any of the Indian ski resorts? Well, you can enjoy such a holiday abroad and without the long-haul flight to Europe (or the cost involved). Marriott hotels have just the packages you are looking for in Seoul.

The twin offer comes from JW Marriott Seoul and the Renaissance Seoul Hotel. The first, the JW Marriott Seoul throws in plenty for a couple for $210 per night and is valid till March 31, 2006. A couple can enjoy a luxury superior room, breakfast and discounts when they go skiing at the famed Yongypong Ski Resort. They can also avail of the drop-off and pick up service to the resort and 30 per cent off on the lift, gondola and ski rental equipment. And if they choose to stay overnight at the Yongypong Ski Resort, they get 60 per cent off the normal room tariff.

The other offer from the Renaissance Seoul Hotel is valid till February 28 and is cheaper at $130 per night for a couple. For this price, the couple can enjoy a luxurious deluxe room, an extra bed for a child, return shuttle bus transfers to and from Bears Town Ski Resort and a 30 per cent discount on the ski lift and ski rental equipment. Only thing, you need to get to Seoul at your own cost. For more: log on to www.marriott.com or call India toll-free 1600-22-0044.