Sun n Sands of Andaman

Visited in April 2024

Who wouldn’t love to have a fun filled vacay on an island? If this is in your wish list, then try Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, is a Union Territory and consists of more than 800 islands, out of which only 31 are inhabited. Capital is Port Blair where the international airport is also located. There are flights from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata etc to Port Blair. Cruise options are also available from Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam to reach here.

We planned our itinerary for 5 days to cover

1. Port Blair

2. Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

3. Neil (Shaheed Dweep)

It was another beautiful family trip, we flew from Kochi to Port Blair via Bengaluru and back via Chennai. As we had our parents also joining us in this trip, we opted for a package tour via Ya holidays. They did the arrangements well and were tied up with Experience Andaman, a local tour company which did all arrangements that's necessary for us while in Andaman. Overall the experience was good.

We landed in Port Blair, our driver took us to the hotel, checked in and after a quick freshen up, we headed towards the Cellular Jail. This place is also known as Kala Pani (remember the famous Mohanlal movie?) which was used by the colonial British government in India to exile 'criminals'. Many freedom fighters of India were put behind the bars here and had to face extreme torture and punishments during their term in the jail.

We opted for a guided tour of the jail. The narration of the guide reminded me of Dachau concentration camp in Germany. Tortures, both physically and psychologically, forced labour, medical tests, forced feeding the ones on hunger strike and eventually put them to death! How can human beings lose their core value of humanity! How could one treat another human so bad! Why did some have to face such cruelty in life, just because they fought for their country's independence!

The guide explained daily routine of the jail years back, the rough behaviour of the wardens, the extreme torture and punishments they gave to prisoners. While walking through the corridors of the jail, I could only Thank those strong men who sacrificed their lives and souls for the cause of our country's independence. I could only pay my silent homages to them for giving me the free life I live today! Post Independence, Cellular Jail is declared as a National Memorial to honour the freedom fighters who laid their lives for our country.

Many were given capital punishment of hanging to death, and this was done in open with the jail complex to instil fear in other jail inmates.

Veer Savarkar, was put behind the bars of this jail for several years and the cell where he was confined can be visited here.

The prisoners of Mapila Lahala who were jailed here in Andaman:

Its interesting to hear the names of places in Port Blair - Wandoor, Calicut etc. These are the names of cities in Malabar region of Kerala. Lot of prisoners, on finishing their terms, had no means to return to the mainland of India. They tried to settle in Andaman and hence some of the places named after those in Malabar.

In the evening there is a light and sound show within the jail premises, which narrates the struggles that the prisoners went through, and how finally, the jail was shut freeing all the inmates.

The next day, we got ready early to catch the ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). We boarded Makruzz and it was a 2 hour voyage.

I was very excited, as we were soon going for Scuba Diving, first time ever in my life. We checked in to our hotel and the diving centre was quite near. The whole process took around 2 hours - meet and greet, changing clothes, instructions, practice and finally board the boat and dive!!!

Being a non swimmer, I had concerns if I could do this well, but I realised, we don't need to know any swimming to dive with an instructor. The next 30-40 minutes were some of the best moments in my life, to see the marine life so close. I had only imagined and experienced it on TV, but now this is real and amazing!

In the evening, we visited Radhanagar beach, one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Asia. Had loads of fun playing in the sea, that too our parents made it extra special experience.

After enjoying a beautiful sunset, we returned to our hotel.

Next day was to Elephanta beach in Havelock Island. Its a 30 min boat ride from Jetty to reach Elephanta, which is famous for its water sports and activities. Here, we did many water sports, Sea Walking, Snorkelling and Submarine trip.

Getting ready for Sea Walk

Finding Nemo :)

Inside the Submarine

Snorkelling

We were super tired after all the activities, and went back to the Jetty, boarded our ferry, Nautica, to Neil Island.

After checking in to hotel, we visited Lakshmanpur beach to enjoy sunset.

There are many small souvenir shops near the beach, run by locals. I found them quite good and decently priced. Its better to buy the souvenirs from these islands than at Port Blair.

The next day was to visit the natural rock formations in Neil island. It is highly recommended to hire a local guide who can take you to all the beautiful corners of this place to show the natural rock bridge, lot of marine life and wonderful sea views.

Its a bit of walking through rough stone and mud and we have to be here during low tide to experience the place. In high tide, all these areas are below the water.

The natural stone bridge:

You get to see star fish, zebra fish, sea cucumbers, oysters, clown fish, colourful algae and even can feed fish here. You can also walk so close to sea on the natural rocks by the shore, and get water splashed :)

I bet you will be so tired after this expedition, walking on the rocks, mud and water. Not to worry, there are plenty of shops selling tender coconut, lime soda, fresh fruits and also local handicrafts and souvenirs. Relax and enjoy all that before you head back :)

Leaving this place, we now went to Bharatpur beach, the final spot in Neil Island. Bharatpur is quite near the boat jetty, has water activities as well. We didn't do any, rather chose to relax by the sea under the shade of trees, had lunch from a local sea side restaurant. At around 3 pm, we took our ferry back to Port Blair.

Back in Port Blair by evening, relaxed, had dinner, packed for our departure next morning.

Shopping spree continues in the airport. There is a lovely little shop selling pearl jewellery near the departure gate. Don't miss to pick a few nice pieces from there.

Overall, it was a beautiful escapade. We dedicate this trip to our parents who made this incredible experience with their presence. There was not a dull moment and we all thoroughly enjoyed. So, why not plan and pack your bags to Andaman!

Some beautiful moments:

Instaaa boyzzz

Fish feeding

East or West, Noodles are the best

All set to hit the water!

Sisters love

Behind the bars

Ocean of Love