Travel Guide : Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Revisited

It’s been more than two years since that wonderful trip to the Andaman Islands. And I feel it warrants an ode to it.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal are a group of 572 islands, only 34 of which are inhabited. Being far away from the Indian mainland, the Andaman Islands were established as a penal settlement by the British in mid 1850s, with the infamous Kaala Pani being set up in 1906. One will find a few remnants of the bygone days, but the serenity and exquisiteness the islands exhibit transcend the miscellanies of the blemished history. A place that was relegated as a hub for the ostracized is now an immensely welcoming vacation spot.

Serenity much?

How to Reach

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital city, is the gateway to the Islands from the Indian mainland. Flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi on a daily basis. For the slightly adventurous and the ones with oodles of time, you could take a passenger ship from either of Chennai, Kolkata or Vishakapatnam. The voyage takes 50-60 hours, and is generally not advisable.

What to see / do

As you begin your descent towards the Port Blair airport, you will lay witness to a plethora of small atolls and islands filled with greenery. Akin to a freshly broken Lego construction, the sight will be pleasant to your eyes and filled with promise. The first thing that would hit you about the city is that it is slow-paced, and about 20 years back in time, an escape from the hustle of a metro but just the right amount of jazz to keep you moving. That’s exactly what you would look for in a vacation, right?

Beaches and History galore, there is a lot to do in Andamans. Hit yourself with a bout of history by visiting the Cellular Jail memorial in Port Blair. A dark, depressing peek into history, this will give you some understanding on the significance of the islands in India’s march to independence and an elevated respect for our freedom fighters. There is also lots of scope for island hopping, beach surfing and museum vaulting. Give the Chidiya Tapu (30kms from Port Blair) an early morning visit for some bird watching. The tranquility of listening to the variety of bird-calls will give you the most soothing start to a day. Then there’s the Corbyn’s Cove beach where you could do some water scooting for cheap.

Sights like these are in abundance !!

Ross Island, a Japanese settlement in the early 1940s has an abundance of trees, squirrels, deer and dogs. I say this because it is also home to one amazing lady, Ms. Anuradha Rao, who is the sole guardian of the island and its furry inhabitants. She would make it a worthwhile experience.

Then, there is the North Bay Island which will be your one-stop for some exciting water sports. Banana boat rides, motorboat rides, water scooters, and scuba diving. Most operators are locals, and you can hand yourself an awesome deal with some negotiation.

For every vacation spot, there is always a crowning jewel. Havelock Islands run away with that title here. A 2 hour ferry ride from Port Blair, Havelock is the closest you will get to Hawaii in India. Radha Nagar beach, rated as the top beach in India, with its crystalline waters and unblemished sands would nuzzle your minds into complete submission to its untarnished splendor. An experience not to be missed. 

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is close to the perfect location for a week-long vacation. And it is much better experienced than read. So, go book your tickets.

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Fun Fact 1: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are nearer to Thailand and Burma, than to the Indian mainland.

Fun Fact 2: It is home to the Sentinelese tribe, the only surviving pre-Neolithic (before 10,200 BC) tribe in the world.