What: Colonial cottages and villas at One Tree Hill point, Matheran, for details call 9820502326, from Rs 1,000 per person.

Why: From hot water and TV to bottled Italian spices, these carefully preserved villas built in 1871 come equipped with everything you need. At this five-acre estate - once owned by Pakistani high commissioner who named it Salmona - you’ll learn how to ride, relax with home-cooked meals and get used to the ubiquitous monkeys.

When: May 1 long weekend. Just remember to vote before you bolt.

What: Trikaya, Aditya Shagun Mall, 3rd Floor, NDA Pashan Road, Pune. Call 02066750868.

Why: When we visited on opening night, it seemed as though all of Mumbai had migrated to this humongous Pan Asian Pune joint. One bite of the Phanang Curry-rice and we knew exactly why.

When: You don’t mind day-tripping in the quest for a good meal.

What: Isabella Rossellini’s Green Porno 2 series on www.sundancechannel.com/greenporno.

Why: After doing bugs, daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini is back with round two of her eco shorts that showcase the reproductive habits of marine animals, eggs and all.

When: You want to do it like they do on the Discovery Channel. Started April 1.

What: Places I Have Never Been To wall prints, JHill Design, at www.jhilldesign.com, Rs 1,250 each, ships internationally.

Why: Own a piece of the designer’s “imaginary vacations” with wall prints of cities across the world. We love the Jaipur Kites graphic that thankfully doesn’t involve elephants or paisleys.

When: You don’t mind if your travel plans run into a wall.

What: Taj Safari’s Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh. For reservations call 9212305607 or visit www.tajsafaris.com. Price on request.

Why: Spanking new luxury tent suites (each with a separate fairy lit deck that opens out onto the river and a secret pool) put you in the heart of the wilderness… but with an eco-friendly air conditioner.

When: You want to rough it out in style.

What: A Really Good Screw, order online on www.happilyunmarried.com Rs 500, ships nationally.

Why: Happily Unmarrried gives it to you - a screw-shaped loose change collector with a secret cavity to hide condoms. This quirky V-day gift option keeps you safe from the moral brigade too.

When: A good screw is hard to find, especially on the busiest day of the year.