Andamans-2019

Port blair- Ross island- North bay island- cellular jail

Our itinerary for the 1st day was to explore the Ross island, North bay island and the iconic Cellular jail.

Ross island is a great tourist attraction which was occupied by the Japenese in the 1940s and later was abandoned by them. It has some really old structures such as bakery from the British era, boilers, Church etc. maintained by the Indian Navy currently. We had a little wildlife experience too, kept and cared very nicely by the authorities.

Then we headed towards the North bay island where the lighthouse which is inscribed in our 20 rupees note is located. We got a chance to do snorkeling and experience the amazing marine life of the Indian Ocean.

After the unplanned snorkeling and all drenched in salted water we headed towards the most popular jail of the British era- Cellular jail. It is now serving as a national memorial monument. The moment you step inside the monument you can feel the struggles of the great Indian freedom fighters and can feel proud of what they did to free our nation. It is a must visit place for someone planning a trip to Andamans.

Neil island- Natural bridge- Laxmanpur beach sunset point

Day 2 we travelled to the Neil island which is located in the South of Andaman islands where we experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets at the Laxmanpur beach sunset point. Neil island has got some amazing beach points with naturally created structures. One of them was the natural bridge.

Neil island is also known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and green forests. It's a very secluded island with very little activities to do but is best for people who are looking spend some time under calm sunsets and relax.

Havelock- day 1- Vijaynagar beach

Next in the list was Havelock. At first Vijaynagar beach pulled us towards itself. It was just 800m away from our accommodation. We could not believe in our eyes that the beach which is not as popular as other beaches of Havelock could be so magnificent. Vijaynagar beach was still unexplored. The beach was so calm that you could feel every particle of sand under your feet. The white sand beach surrounded by huge coconut trees allows you to relax and leave you to the hands of mother nature.

Havelock- day 2- Nemo reef- Kalapathar beach- Radhanagar beach

Well well! Havelock and no scuba? Then I guess it wasn't a successful trip.

Havelock is one of the best diving sites for scuba divers because of its rich coral reefs and underwater biodiversity. The Nemo reef is the popular one where you can spot a lot of clown fishes. The PADI divers first train you and check if you are fit enough mentally and physically to go deep under the sea. I am writing this while I am traveling back from Andamans to Bengaluru, but honestly I am still in the underwater universe because it is unforgettable. It was my first time scuba diving and I think I am gonna dive even more whenever I visit a coastal area. I had been longing to discover the ocean underneath and the adventure of diving.

After this great experience we rented bicycles and paddled towards Kalapathar beach. Another beautiful piece of work by god. White sand beach with crystal blue water and the calmness. We cycled in the beach for like half an hour and then crashed on the sand itself with fresh coconut water in our hands ready to refresh us again.

Post which we headed back to our accomodation, a shower and a nap was just the perfect things to refresh us up for the next beach which was Radhanagar beach.

Just as all the talks about Radhanagar being one of the Asia's best beaches, I think it was a little overrated and overcrowded because of its popularity maybe. No doubt the beach was huge and was dripping of beauty from every corner. Just it being a commercial one made it a little less attractive for us as we always prefer a secluded and a calm beach to relax.