Breathing with the Fishes.Scuba-diving #TravelAdventure2019 #IslandLife

What comes to your mind when I say breathing along with the fishes? Yes, you have guessed it right. It is diving under the sea or in other words scuba-diving. It was one of my surreal experiences when I decided to go for that one experience of a lifetime during my stay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI).
Before getting into my diving experience, I would love to share my overall travel experience in this incredible island.

With an impeccable history, this island was once famous for wrong reasons during pre-independence era that is Kala Paani. But you should certainly get rid of these prejudices when you plan a trip to this place. Before you even arrive, to the capital city of Port Blair, the panoramic view of lush green forests is breathtaking from your flight. So, my fellow travelers do reserve a window seat in advance. The city of Port Blair is captivating to every visitor. The place is an amalgamation of cultural diversity from all over India. You can come across people from all walks of life living peacefully,relaxing in the abode of nature, and celebrating life.. Of course with a mug of beer or glass of wine. Yes, the liquor is tax free as the place is a Union territory. This city is also connected to all of the most important places like Ross island, Havelock Island,North bay, Neil island etc. You just have to board a ferry and boats (it can be both government/ private boat- usually the government run boats are cheaper for commuting).

Port Blair is itself a place worth exploring. During my stay I roamed around gaping at allure of the place. From historic Kaala Pani, Light and Sounds show, Japanese bunkers, view of ruins from Ross island, glittery Marina park, vibrancy of Aberdeen Baazar, prolific night life and timeless view of airport from the joggers park. The place has a myriad of tales to speak for itself. Apart from this, the food from this place represents the diversity of India. It has a range of variety from North Indian, Punjabi, South India and plethora of seafood delicacies where every Indian can relate it.

Then I went on to this mind boggling and eye popping place of Havelock Island. The pristine beaches in this island has been rated as Asia's one of most clean beaches. Radhanagar beach is one of the most famous beaches with turquoise blue water and unblemished seashore. I boarded on one of the government run boats and reached this place in 2hours from Port blair. Adding on to the enchanting beaches, the place offers amazing seafood delicacies, resorts with private beaches (they also arrange candle light dinners for couples on demand) and a plethora of water sports adventure. This island is small both in terms of radius and distance. A rented two wheeler (costs around Rs350-400 in a day) would serve the purpose of exploring this island.

I stayed in one of the breath taking resort- Gold India beach resort. The breakfast is amazing which is complimentary along with your room bookings. They have a private beach where you can arrange a romantic candle light dinner for your loved ones. I would rate it 7/10 overall for stay, food, location, accommodation and overall hospitality.

The most awaited adventure in this island was scuba diving. Imagine a moment when all you can hear is your heart throbbing, your body feels weightless and you are just floating around with vibrant fishes in an unending, deep blue sea. Breathing under the sea was the most spine chilling moment, when I was death scared yet I was rejoicing something incomprehensible. My initial nervousness diminished, the moment I realized I am swimming along with those fishes in 150-200 feet under water, that I usually see in an aquarium, pond or river.  Those beautiful unblemished and preserved coral reefs is a treat to any explorer's eyes. The diving is equally beautiful even if you are a non-swimmer. Those expert divers can release your stress hormones in a jiffy and you are up for the most awaited thriller of your life. This experience has left a timeless footprint on my mind and senses. It was for 1hour but I felt like I was there for few minutes. Literally, time flies when you're in that vast blue horizon. I would rate it 9/10 when you opt for scuba diving in Havelock Island in India. It would cost around Rs 3,500 but it is worth each of your penny spent.