Top 10 travel getaways of 2011

We list destinations Indians travelled most to this year, and why. The compilation includes five domestic and five international getaways, but in no particular order. 1. Goa: Goa is a veritable mix of sun, sand and psychedelia. And unlike Miami or Vegas, it has something for all ages, and just everyone has a reason to experience the 'Goan holiday'. With an endless stretch of sand beaches bordering an azure Arabian Sea, palm-fringed sunsets, lazy strolls by the seaside, manic parties on full moon nights, free flow of Feni at a beach shack, quaint churches and warm local folks...Goa is for those who want to take a pause and let the world pass by, and even those who wish to make the most of their social life. 2. Kerala: Kerala conjures up images of rustic houseboats drifting quietly on the palm-lined backwaters with a flock of ducks trailing in its wake, little shirtless boys plunging into the waters to take a swim, fishermen casting their nets in hope of a big catch and an apricot sunset over the sea. Kerala's rural scenery is charming and stands out in striking contrast to the more urbane beach setting of Kovalam and the architecturally rich Trivandrum. 3. Rajasthan: Rajasthan can be best described as a 'potpourri of colours', for you find them everywhere, and in great bright shades. Walk down an artisan village forgotten in time and you'll be struck by the colours on a local woman's attire, in the glass art of an artist, in his painted wooden dolls, in the gemstones studded on jewellery, on the door of a Sarpanch's hut, in the sandstone havelis...just everywhere you look. And that is why tourists through the year find their way to the artistically rich towns of Udaipur, Jodhpur, the historical city of Chittorgarh, not to mention, 'pink city' Jaipur and the gateway to the Great Thar dessert, Jaisalmer. 4. Port Blair: Port Blair is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There is more to this serene harbour town than its endless stretch of pristine white sand, mangrove wilderness and a teeming marine life. With Marco Polo being the first official visitor to the island town, and a history of tug of wars between the British and Japanese during World War II, a day at Port Blair can be very engaging. So, before heading for a cruise to Havelock Island, spend some time exploring its wealth of museums, marine water sports complex, or simply soaking up the scenery. 5. Ooty: 'Udhgamandalam' reduced to Ooty by the British for difficulty over pronouncing it correctly, is a quaint hill station in South India, and a favourite of trekkers trying to get the best of the Nilgiris. Largely commercial these days, in off season it pays to stroll around its sylvan surroundings complete with old-world stone cottages, flower-heavy creepers spilling out of the fence, a tall line up of pine trees, shaded trails and surrounding tea plantations. Here photographic opportunities abound and so do the pleasures of everyday life, like sharing a cup of tea with a local. 6. Thailand: Its official! Indians simply going to Thailand, whatever the occasion. From newly weds flying in for a few days at the beach haven Phuket, to friends ushering in the New Year with a beach party in Pattaya, to bargain hunting down the streets of Bangkok, Thailand has something for everyone. A holiday in Thailand may come for a humble price, but to behold the beauty of the emerald waters of Krabi, the evergreen limestone islands of Ko Tao and Kho Phi Phi Don, its colourful monasteries and simple folks, is priceless. 7. Singapore: Considered a zero-crime country, Indians find it very safe to travel around Singapore, and not to mention party till the wee hours. Clarke Quay, a historical riverside quay is the ultimate hub for party goers what with some truly impressive floating pubs and restaurants offering the best in cuisine and music by world best DJs. Singapore offers innumerable options to avid shoppers; a lot of them even go there for an exotic spa treatment followed by a trip to Sentosa that houses the Universal studio, and squeeze in a visit to the underwater aquarium along with a dolphin show. 8. Maldives: Of the South East Asian destinations, Maldives is probably the costliest. The colour of the flat sea of Maldives is something to be experienced. The resorts tucked away in the palm wilderness of the islands are an extension of the natural environment that lets you take in the scenery, dine alfresco on the deck overlooking the splendid coral reefs, or enjoy a quiet walk while listening to the soft rush of water. Maldives is known for its brilliant underwater life making a snorkelling experience here a fulfilling one. 9. London: London is a city of contrasts. Here busy walks merge with tree-lined boulevards, new age architecture share space with the Medieval ones, and swanky restaurants compete with old-fashioned dining. Aside from London's iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, it is also a perfect base to explore the quaint Irish countryside, Edinburgh and 'the city of romance' Paris . In London everyone's on the move, but people still find time for artistic indulgences like music, painting, writing, handcrafting, just anything creative. 10. Switzerland: Yash Chopra may have captured all the tulip gardens and snow-covered pinnacles of Switzerland in his lens, but the heritage, the richness, the setting of this country is something you can experience only by spending a few days here. While a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis can be exhilarating with an endless white landscape stretching out before you, there is serenity in exploring the still lakes and lively gardens of Lucerne, and taking pictures of the most photographed Swiss monument, the 14th century Chapel Bridge and its octagonal water tower. Offering world's best chocolates and cheese, Switzerland is certainly not overrated.