How to plan a great escape

It's getting colder. It's already hard to breathe. Why not plan a winter vacation that's a world away but not too far away?

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

As the year winds its way inexorably towards its end, our thoughts inevitably begin to focus on our year-end breaks. And if you live in Delhi, where the air quality begins to plummet around this time, it becomes even more imperative to head out somewhere where breathing is not in itself a health hazard.

So, here -- in no particular order of importance -are five best winter holiday destinations. And the bonus is that they are all about four -- or less -hours away no matter where you live in India.

Bhutan

I know that most people prefer to go to Bhutan during the summer, escaping the scalding heat of the plains.

But there is a special charm to this destination in winter. The air is crisp, the snow-capped mountains provide a perfect backdrop, and the steaming momos are the best way to beat the bracing cold.

Maldives