A date with nature - Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar are a group of picturesque Islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, a total of 572 islands, islets and rocks lying in the South Eastern Part of the Bay of Bengal.They lie along an arc in long and narrow broken chain, approximately North-South over a distance nearly 800 kms.

After a four and half hour air travel I finally arrived at Port Blair engulfed with lot of enthusiasm, ecstasy and a state of euphoria.After completing the check in formalities at hotel, it was time to go for a city ride.My first stoppage was a visit to anthropological museum which gave a brief insight into the life,culture and food habits of Andamanese tribes namely the ONGE,JARAWAS,SENTINELES AND SHOMPENS.

Next was the visit to Cellular Jail.The most scariest place in the history of the earth and popular by the name of "kala Pani".  Spread as seven spokes of a bicycle wheel, this unique three-storied structure was the first of its kind in India. There were total 663 cells in the jail specially built for solitary confinement of the prisoners. In the center of the seven wings of the Cellular Jail was built the Central tower.Another unique feature of the jail was the total absence of communication between prisoners in the different wings since the front of one row of cells faced the back of the wings in front.

The prisoners of Cellular Jail were required to produce a daily quota of thirty pounds of coconut oil, ten pounds of mustard oil.Targets that were beyond the physical capacity of all. Severe punishments were given to those who failed to meet the quotas. It was quiet heart rending to know about the bleak desolation of cellural life, the barbaric punishments and the attrocities perpetrated on them in the form of curses and abuse.

 

As the evening drew closer it was time to bid goodbye to cellular jail and to pay a visit to carbin beach. An hour ride in a local bus to carbin chowk and one k.m. walk I finally made it to one of the exotic location of Port blair. Surrounded by coconut trees on one side and flooded with evening walkers the exotic beach reminded me of Juhu beach in Mumbai.

After the beautiful city ride, it was time to bid adieu to port blair. Next day was an early wake up call to Ross Island.After an hour ride in Mac cruise from Port blair it was time to set foot upon, one of the heavenly Islands of Andaman.These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere.I had an amazing time exploring the island and the pitch black forest.While trying to get back to the entrance I lost my way and to my surprise I came across a heard of deers.It was an amazing sight to hear there foot thumping the ground and watching them running down the hill.As the magical evening came to and end, with a heavy heart it was time to leave Ross Island to continue my journey to next destination.

Next day was a visit to Havelock Island.This Island is a paragon of beauty and presents a landscape full with scenic and pictursque extravaganza. The beautiful small towns,narrow pavements surrounded with banana trees and coconut trees add more soul to this lovely island.The Radhanagar beach known for its wide coastline, white sand, crystal clear water, beautiful sunset and its cascading effect on water was one of the most exotic location of Havelock island. Till the sun turned crimson orange I enjoyed the last wave on the beach.The location provides awesome food for the sea food lovers. The local shacks were found spilling with lobsters,crabs and local fishes.

After an heavenly evening next day was the time to try something adventurous.After enjoying a 30 min ride in speed boat I reached Elephant beach from Havelock island. The beach provides a lot of sports activities to tourists like snorkeling, sea walk, Jet skiing etc.The green crystal clear water provides beautiful view of the marine life beneath the sea like the corals, colourful fishes, sea cow etc.I had an amazing time doing snorkeling and swimming and taking all the beautiful memories back to Havelock.

After an amazing time at Havelock, next day was an excursion to yet another heavenly place known as Neil island.It took almost 50 min to reach Neil island from Havelock in ocean cruise. Famous for its lush green surroundings, crystal clear green water Neil Island is a perfect romantic destination for newly wed couples. The calm beach provides soothing effect to your senses and leaves a deep impression on your heart. The beach also offers a series of water sports activities from glass boat ride to scuba diving.After an awesome time on the beach I had the privilege of visiting one of the beautiful hotel for lunch.After a scrumptious lunch it was time to bid farewell to this splendid place and return back to Port Blair.