Going to Goa and … studying? Is that what we’re suggesting? Seriously?

Seriously. But before you divorce us forever, wait to hear the rest: if you choose to visit Art Escape, Goa, you get to stay in bamboo huts with colourful porches, take classes by the sea, swill mojitos with arty types at a mosaic-floored bar. And the lessons themselves? Workshops in djembe and beer-making, photography and tai chi, design and experimental theatre (schedule for the season opens on November 9). Movie buffs can also check out film screenings and supper theatres.

Most importantly – you can participate in all these fun-yet-uber-productive activities and still find time to grab a beer and chill on the beach, doing absolutely nothing. Hatch – 22!

I Like Big Huts and I Cannot Lie

Leaf Justice: Big Red Tent's new camp site is bigger, better and greener.

Get Out of Town!

If the October heat and unexpected showers kept you in for most of the month, your frolic forecast is about to change. Staring first week of November, Big Red Tent moves out from its old site, and to new and improved location in Khopoli, one that wins bpb’s camp of approval.

Your sneak peek at Gaia, the hottest new restaurant in Goa. PS: We've heard rumours of topless chefs.

Beaches and Cream

If we didn’t know any better, we would have dismissed them as hippies, Chinu and Christophe from Mumbai and Switzerland respectively - they’ve named their North Goa restaurant, launching on November 8, Gaia after Goddess Earth; they plan to grow their own herbs and veggies; and hope their space becomes a community for free spirits. They’re one chillum and a few good vibrations away from the H word.

But we do know better: Chinu, aka Shilarna Vaze is a Le Cordon Bleu, Paris graduate who’s worked Goa’s culinary scene for over four years, has her own cooking show and ran a kickass sushi delivery service in Mumbai. She will be executive chef at Gaia. Christophe is a (cute) horticulturist, and therefore well equipped to tend the organic garden. Until it blooms, the restaurant will source veggies and herbs from organic farms around Goa. Pair- fait!

What: Masala Meanders culinary tours, visit the website here or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , customised tours available for groups of four or more, price on request.

Why: Conceptualised by food blogger Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal in collaboration with her family’s travel agency, these half-day tours take you through vegetable markets and spice lanes, a utensil maker’s workshop and grain-grinder’s wheel. Your hungry bum is then deposited at an authentic little restaurant or kitchen where you learn home-style cooking. Also sign up for the month-long food journey across India, coming up in February 2011.

When: You want a delicious caper. Schedule for half-day tours goes up on November 10.

What: Go fish with Konkan Fishing at Devbagh near Tarkali, visit www.konkanfishing.com or call Siddharth Kelkar on 9821052598, Rs 2,500 for a three hour session, equipment included.

Why: Because there are many fish in the sea, and they’re all waiting for your rod. Make the 400 km trip, and these guys will supply everything else you need – boat, equipment, guide, instructors – to reel in fresh barramundi, groupers, red snappers and more from crystal clear waters. They can also hook you up with transport, hotels, meals, scuba lessons and a campfire to cook your catch.

When: You’re looking for a love-bait relationship.

Are we there yet? That’s one whiny question you won’t be asking on a road trip put together by Exoterra. Why? Probably because you and your co-trippers will be too busy scavenger hunting en route to the Konkan coast, or following a map to a secret waterfall in Bhandardara after your tour operator intentionally lost you along the way.

Reduced to Gears

These are the kind of road trip itineraries the new adventure drive company Exoterra’s Harshit Merchant can customise for you, who has been participating and organising race car rallies in Maharashtra since 1987. His motor movement is well oiled by event planner wife Anjani’s super organisational skills - before this, they ran Chequered Flag, a national Formula One fan club together.

This online travel bookstore carries a curated selection of fiction and non fiction books that are sure to send you on a trip.

What: Yellowleg traveller's bookstore, visit www.yellowleg.com, start at Rs 220 for a paperback.

Why: Slick and user-friendly, this online bookstore not only carries usual suspects like Lonely Planet and Fodor’s,  but also a curated selection of trippy fiction and non-fiction. Plus, they offer lowest price guarantees, buy back options and three day delivery. In bpb’s cart: My Invented Country by Isabel Allende, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and Ishmael Beah’s A Long Way Gone.

When: You want to (s)train your eye.

What: Four day Cambodia Culture Photo Tour by Toehold, visit www.toehold.in or call (0) 8022442211, 850 USD plus airfare.

Why: A collective of wildlife, landscape, fishing and sports photographers replace tour guides on these specially designed trips that combine vacationing and picture-taking. Next on the agenda is travel photographer Venkatesh K’s snap judgments on Cambodia and the ruins of Angkor City. Amateurs are welcome. Developing in the dark room: Kabini leopard photography trip and Formula One tours.

When: You need to zoom away from the city. October 13-17.

What: Luggage tags by Magnolia Design, to order call Sheetal on 22832202 / 8898712887 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 500 for set of 4.

Why: The carousel will love to go around with your suitcase when it’s dressed in these super fun candy-coloured  luggage tags with Bon Voyage, Par Avion, Ciao and other travel phrases written across them.

When: You want to land new air craft.

What: Made-to-order summit day jackets, AVI Industries, 13, Shriji Sadan, 352, Chandavarkar Road, Matunga (E), call 24143810 or visit www.aviindustries.com, Rs 3,000.

Why: Because you’ve come so far, it’ll be a pity for you to get cold feet now. Prepare for summit day in mountain climbing jackets by AVI Industries, tailored specifically to your measurements from rain-proof polyester, and warm enough to keep you toasty even at -15 degrees Celsius. Available in black, blue, red and green.

When: You need the help of a trail-blazer.