Many people forget how cold it gets in Delhi and Rajasthan in the North of India during the winter.

You have to fly down south for a bit of sun and beach to chill. Avoid Goa at all costs.

Go down to Cochin in Kerala which is slightly south of Goa. As per Paul's Mertons documentary last night, it truely is "God's country" because it is lush and green and food is in abundance and people are extremely laid back. Too much so at times.

I stayed at the Marari Beach over New Year's a couple of years ago and lovely it. It is pricey but rustic. If you truely want to get away from the rat race, this is the place. And it is haven after touring Delhi and Rajasthan in the North. Wrote this review about my stay. However, spend the day on a houseboat going past of the rice paddies around Appelley - this is truely the most chilling experience I have had ever.

Just remember, Udaipur is a dammed up river, not a proper beach. Watch James Bond in "Octopussy" to see the Lake Palace Hotel in the middle of the lake. I would agree that Udaipur is relaxing if you get away from the main town but you only get sufficient sun for about 2/3 hours to lie by the pool at mid-day in winter.

Also get first class seat on JetAir and avoid Indian Airlines. Got a three course breakfast on the 35 mins flight from Udaipur to Bombay!