What have you planned for New Year's Eve?

chandigarh: the countdown has begun - there are just ten days to go for the new year, and of course the grand party. while early planners may have already booked tickets to goa, organised a new year eve bash and doled out invitations, we presume there are many lazy souls who like to 'go with the flow' - in short they haven't figured out anything to do. are you one of them? if yes, then read on to find out some exciting new year eve party packages being offered by resorts and hotels in the vicinity. yes, it does entail a drive away from the city but there has to be some adventure, right? east bourne resorts, shimla this resort is offering a two night-three day package that includes morning tea, breakfast and choice of lunch or dinner. also thrown in: one full day's sightseeing with complimentary vegetarian packed lunch. for the big night, there's an open-air barbeque and a buffet dinner with a bonfire, and also unlimited nonalcoholic and alcoholic indian premium brands served on the night of december 31. you get to dance to the music played by a dj and participate in lucky dips and dance competitions where prizes are up for grabs. cost: rs 3,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis; cost of an extra person in the same room: rs 2,000; child: 1,500; infant free. all taxes are included. koti resorts, mashobra again a two night-three day package that offers a king's breakfast (fruits, juices, cornflakes, ham, sausages, salami, eggs, veg cutlets, puri/bhaji, parathas with curd, bread, butter jam and tea/coffee, unlimited veg and non veg snacks, special breakfast on january 1, 2001. and of course if that hasn't filled you up yet, there's the grand gala dinner on new year eve. cost: rs 4,250 per person on twin-sharing basis; extra room: rs 2,000, child: 2,000. the rate for the suite is rs 9,500 on a twin-sharing basis. the package is valid from december 29 to january 04, 2002. shilon resorts, shilon bagh, shimla at shilon resorts, you get a three night-four day package, which includes bed tea, breakfast and lunch or dinner every day. you also get a 30 per cent discount at the bar during happy hours and a complimentary entry to scandal point, the night club and the nirvana, the multi gym. free access to recreational facilities such as table tennis, skating, video games etc is also provided and games like musical chairs, tambola/housie, and treasure hunt will also be organised. moreover, the daily dinner will be a candlelit one with live ghazal performances. and needless to say, there's a gala dinner on new year eve with fireworks. cost: rs 21,000. the package is for couples plus two children below five years of age in a deluxe room and includes food in the restaurant. the package is valid between december 29 to january 2, 2002. taxes included baikunth resorts, kasauli this resort gives you a three night-four package that includes unlimited tea/coffee room, breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days. you also get to attend the grand party that will have a dj belting out groovy sounds. dinner is of course inclusive. cost: standard cottage - rs 15,999, deluxe cottage - rs 17,999, suite - 19, 999 the package is for two people, and all taxes are included. star resort fagutop, fagu claims to get the maximum snow in winter, so you could get lucky and have a white new year eve. accommodation includes villas, log, bamboo huts and rooms with jacuzzi, etc. an observatory base with a powerful telescope and a mini golf course add to star resort's attractions along with bars, restaurants and a kebab and burger corner. the landscaping at star resort is spectacular, with the observatory base being designed on the lines of the kolovaski at kuferstein in austria. an american package includes a three nightfour day stay in a super deluxe room or cottage, complimentary welcome drink, trekking/skiing/swimming, bonfire. costs: family suite room - rs 5,500, villas with independent garden - rs 10,500 log, bamboo hut room - rs 2250, etc