Andaman
Posted July 16, 2022
Travel & Living
By Supti
Far from the mainland of India, this archipelago in the Bay of Bengal seems like sitting in isolation in the middle of the torqouise blue waters. White sands lining the clean and gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, colourful marine life, forests, limestone caves, volcanoes, mangroves, there's so much to explore but in a relaxed pace. The wild life, serene beaches, beautiful land scapes as well as marine scape of Andaman and Nicobar islands offer great opportunities for photography also.
Out of 572 islands of this archipelago, visitors are allowed only in 37. But it’s good to know, there are 97 wild life sanctuaries, 9 national parks and a biosphere reserve in this territory housing 270 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 225 species of butterflies and moths and a plethora of exotic aquatic creatures.
Preferred and popular way to visit Andaman is by Air (Port Blair is the capital city and houses the ‘Veer Savarkar International Airport’), however one can opt for cruises departing from Kolkata, Vizag and Chennai. Generally there will be three to four trips to Port Blair from Chennai and Kolkata (60 Hrs) and vice versa every month.
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1 Why Andaman
One getaway in the truest sense, literally.
Andaman is divided into north, middle and south Andaman. Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island and other major travel destination falls in south Andaman where as Diglipur, Baratang Island is within the middle and north Andaman.
The rain forests, evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, mangroves and coral reefs support a rich diversity of flora and fauna, out of which many aren’t found in the mainland of India or anywhere else in the world. South Andaman islands have great number of epiphytes like orchids and ferns in the woods.
A host of water sports and adventures can be tried while at Andaman like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, glass bottom boat cruise, sea walking, para sailing, etc. There are many trekking trails which would be best to explore the place.
A heaven for sea food lovers
Andamans has lot to offer from gastronomical point of view. Sea food forms an important part of the staple diet of the people in this islands. Andaman travelogues are incomplete without digging into a sumptous platter of pomfrets, mackarels, silver belly fish, seer fish, tuna, Red snapper fishes either grilled or curried, sizzlers etc. You can try prawns, crabs ,lobsters, squids etc. at many restaurants and stalls also.
So, when you want to get really far, far away from the maddening crowd, this is the most perfect place to be.
Andamans are safe for family trips and also for groups, solo and couples.
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Coral Reef -
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Cellular Jail -
Cellular Jail -
Cellular Jail -
Vijaynagar Beach, Havelock
2 Journey Begins
Cellular Jail National Memorial
We will be sharing below a ‘7 Days’ trip itinerary for exploring the awesomeness of Andaman but if you wan’t to spend more time in the picturesque islands, we would be too happy to customize the itinerary for you. Please keep in mind, if you want to add water sports/ activities in the schedule, you need to keep atleast 2/3 hrs for each and there will be additional charges.
Day 1: Reach Port Blair
Arrival at Port Blair in the morning/afternoon by flight. Our representative will receive you from airport and drop at the hotel. Post lunch proceed to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair’s only beach, that will allure you to take a dip in the sea. Like everywhere else in Andaman, the beach is very clean and the water is sparkling blue. You can spend time lounging by the beach or spend hours taking a swim and playing with the waves.
Visit, ‘Cellular Jail National Memorial’.
When you envision a serene, idyllic getaway amidst the blue ocean, with frothy waves lashing the soft, white sands on the pristine beaches, you can hardly think of Andaman as a notorious detention camp to snuff out the passion of patriotism from the hearts of Indian freedom fighters in pre-independance era. The Cellular Jail is one such monument which stands to tell the tale. A ‘Light and Sound show’ is held every evening at the premises, showcasing the trials and tribulations of the political prisoners of pre-independent India. After the show every Indian would definitely come to beleive that the best way to pay homage to the sacrifices of these freedom fighters is to be a responsible citizen of independant India.
Timings:
– Visiting hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
– Light and Sound show timings: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Hindi)
– 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm (English)
Please note:
– It remains closed on Mondays and national holidays
Early morning flights from Delhi, Kolkata or Chennai are ideal as they are usually direct and also the cheapest. Moreover, you get the entire day in Port Blair, so you won’t be wasting one day travelling.
Day 2: Port Blair to Havelock Island in Cruise
We depart to Andaman Island most amazing destination, ‘Havelock Island’, now known as ‘Swaraj Dweep’, located about 70 km north of the capital city, Port Blair.
A Shangri-La of tranquility and peace amidst the beautiful white sandy beaches, verdant forests and the turquoise blue sea, Havelock Island is the ultimate destination if you’re looking for a pleasant and adventurous vacation beyond the frantic pace of life.
Depart from Port Blair to Havelock Island in a ferry. Upon reaching Havelock, our representative will take you to the hotel.
Later we will begin our journey to one of Asia’s best beaches, the Radhanagar Beach. Explore this white sand beach and bask in the beauty of this natural wonder. Post this we move back to the hotel.
The Radhanagar beach is famous worldwide for its beauty but there are numerous other beaches, which are beautiful and less crowded.
You can also opt for snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving, trekking, birding, photography, etc. The Havelock Island is best for these activities
Day 3: Havelock to Neil Island in Cruise
Check out from the hotel in Havelock Island and board a premium cruise to Neil Island, upon reaching Neil our representative will take you to your hotel to check-in.
This tiny island, now know as ‘Shaheed Dweep’ is known for its unexplored coral reefs and white sandy beaches and offers some thrilling adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling.
We visit Bharatpur beach and Laxmanpur beach. Laxmanpur beach is known for its amazing sunset. Post-trip we drop you back at your hotel in Neil for an overnight stay.
Even if you plan to idle away the time, beach hopping, swimming or gazing into the vastness of the sparkling blue waters, the serene beaches with soft white sands are every where in every island vying for your attention.
Lakshmanpur Bbeach
Day 4: Neil Island to Port Blair in Cruise
On this day we first visit Natural Rock formation and later we board a ferry back to Port Blair from Neil Island. Upon reaching Port Blair, our representative attends you and takes you to your hotel for check-in. Rest and relax at the hotel, and later in the evening a shopping tour to purchase gifts for friends and family will take place. We guide you to some of the best shopping points in Andaman.
Ross Island
Day 5: Boat ride to Ross Island & North Bay
Let’s get back in time to visit the first Administrative settlement of the Britishers in the Andaman Islands, Ross Island. Earlier, they said as the Paris of the past. This island today has ruins of all the luxury the Britishers had during that time. Visit this amazing destination and move forward on a boat to visit the Coral Island of Port Blair, North Bay Island. Infringe with rich marine life this island is the other most visited destination in Andaman. Scuba Diving, Sea Walk, Snorkeling and Glass boat ride can be done in North Bay Island. North Bay island is possibly the best place to do water activities in Andaman.
Limestone Cava Baratang Island
Day 6: Baratang Island
Depart to Baratang Island by road through the dense tropical forest and Jarawa Tribal reserve in a convoy. Often you might see a member of the Jarawa Tribe while passing through the tribal reserve. At the end of this forest journey you would reach Baratang jetty. Launch service is available to cross the sea bay. Enjoy the breathtaking fiber boat ride through a fascinating Mangrove drive, which leads to the start point of the trek to Limestone caves. Trek through dense forest to reach the Limestone Cave. Made up of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate) the cave contains beautiful cave formation. Return back for an overnight stay at respective Hotel at Port Blair by the same route.
Sea Walk
Day 7: Drop to the Airport
Drop to the Airport. Return home with sweet memories of this exotic destination, the Andaman Islands.
Please Note: The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is famous for huge population of colourful fishes and other aquatic animals residing in the vibrant coral reefs. The Parrot Island in South Andaman houses thoudands of parrots, around 30 varieties of them, which you should also keep in your bucket list. The Cuthbert Bay WLS, 90 km from Port Blair has a spectacular variety of flora and fauna as well as beautiful coral reefs. It is also the nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles, Leather Back Turtles and Sea Green Turtles. There are so many interesting places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, that you’ll be spoiled for choices.
