Andaman Islands

In between the progression of the flights from Mumbai to Andaman Islands I was catching on some sleep, just then I woke up to the bird’s eye view of the islands surrounded by water, well it wasn’t anything extraordinary but was beautiful because of the turquoise blue water of Andaman Islands and in no time I was pretty excited to stumble upon the adventure I was going to catch up for the next few days.

My first spot was Corbyns Cove beach, a non fancy beach with a bit of water sports activity backed up by the coconut trees. I didn’t realize it was just 5 PM when I advanced towards the Cellular Jail to watch the light and sound show but not before the perfect sunset in the calm beach. 

180 degree Panoramic view of the Corbyns Cove Beach during sunset. 

A little I had known about the Jail but after the show I was in complete emotional breakdown of the history behind the formation of jail in the past and how the freedom fighters were brutally tortured during the reign of British. In the past this island was nothing but a home to 100s of freedom fighters who opposed British rule. It is also known as “Kaala Pani”. This remote island was considered to be a suitable place for the prisoners for torture and penalty as there was no scope of running away. It has the penal complex of the renowned activist Veer Sawarkar, as he describes the agony they faced during their inhuman stint in the jail. One must visit this place to understand the history behind Kaala Pani.

The complex regarded as the National Memorial monument.

Next day: The next destination was Havelock. It takes almost 2.5-3 hours to reach this gorgeous island from Port Blair. I had my lunch at Barefoot bar andBrasserie which was the nearest decent looking restaurant outside the Havelock port. Although the name of the restaurant depicts itself a bar but it isn’t a bar so take the measures correctly. The food was scrumptious as I ordered the North Indian cuisine, one thing that I like about Andaman Islands was there was no language barrier, people speak fluent Hindi and the taste of North Indian food is as good as eating in the North.  The stay at Havelock was at a beach resort with access to private beach.

There is nothing better to ask for than a private beach resort. 

 Day 3: Few things one should undeniably do in Havelock is Scuba Diving. The next day I donned my scuba suit and completed my maiden dive in the water. It was undoubtedly outstanding and the very next second I was in the world of captivating multi-coloured and diverse fishes and some tiny marine creatures, the experience is beyond description one should take the plunge to pore over and take pleasure in the crystal clear water.

The next stop was the Radhanagar beach, the most famous and a true competitor to world’s best beaches. The words won’t do the justice but the picture would. There is no good joint to eat near Radhanagr beach so I found one called as The Blue resort. After the lunch I left for Port Blair and reached back at 7 PM. I ended the long day with a sound sleep.

Radhanagar Beach stands no. 7th on the western coast.

Day 4: The day was meant to explore the local area of Port Blair city hence the initial stop was Chatham saw mill, it is known to be the oldest and Asia’s largest mill. It was set up by the British, during the Second World War Japanese invaded the island and thus the mill was destroyed by them. One can see the pit that has been formed due to nuclear explosion at the place and Japanese bunker standing still in this area. The Chatham Saw mill is connected through a bridge from Port Blair.  

The next stop was Ross Island, there is a 10 minute ferry from Port Blair Marine park. Apart from watching the ruins of the island there is an important historical learning about the place as this island was the headquarter of the British colony in Andaman thus one can also take a round at the museum that is accessible for the tourists. Back in the time when the island belonged to the British they had their own press, bakery, hospital but now, one can only see these buildings entwined by the roots of Banyan trees. It was said that during the hit of Tsunami Ross Island saved Port Blair from getting destroyed it acted as a wall and saved it from submerging in water. This place holds the sad demise of the beautiful island and the historical significance, a must visit place if you are a history follower. 

The ruins of the Ross Island.

The last day: It was the day before leaving Port Blair and to head to the Baratang Island which is about 90 kms away from Port Blair and one has to follow the convoy in order to reach the island. The most exciting and fascinating part of the trip was to see the Jarwah tribe in its natural appearance. I was lucky enough to spot some members of the tribe in the forest. There is a strict instruction given by the government as not to get in contact with these people and not to give them any kind of help, food and definitely no interaction. The sight of a man from the Jarwah tribe still lingers in my eyes as he was sitting with a spear in this hand by the roadside with a dead wild boar, he had tied its legs and was gazing at the convoy passing by him ignorant of the people of today’s age perhaps he was waiting for the convoy to finish so that he could cross the road. After the convoy one has to take a vehicle ferry for the Baratang jetty, this ferry can accommodate buses, trucks, cars and bikes because that is the only source to cross the water body upon reaching the jetty one has to take another ferry to go to the limestone caves. 

The dense mangrove forest.

The sole reason to visit Baratang Island was to see the very extraordinary limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites rock formation. The dense jungle of Mangroves and a close encounter with the roots of the trees made the journey more exciting before taking a short walk for the limestone caves.

The guide said it will take another 4 years for these two to abut. 

Hence the remarkable journey came to an end. My recommendation would be to visit Havelock Islands and unquestionably to go for the jungle drive between the Port Blair to Middle Strait and to see the Jarwah Tribe people. There are no direct flight to Port Blair but it is well connected from Calcutta and Chennai. The majority of the locals are from the West Bengal. Andaman Islands are near to Thailand than India therefore the sun rises early and sets early.

  



Do visit this paradise soon!