My Solo Trip to a Romantic Place to Romance with the Nature #notinhills #IssSummerBaharNikal

I still remember, When I was in the middle school, our history teacher told us a gruesome story of a prison from pre-independane era known as "Kaala-paani" located at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since then it was imprinted in my mind that Andaman Island is a place only for penal establishment.

As the wheel of time rotated, the first generation of cable tv reached to the people and we started to know about the India and the world through travel programs on TV. That was the first time that my imaginary views of Andaman were overturned by viewing the white sands, pristine beaches and lush green tropical rainforests on a non-HD TV. Since then the Andaman Islands got listed on my travel bucket list.

After a long wait and many makes & breaks of Andaman plans, last summer, I finally decided to ditch everything and everyone and went Solo to strike-off this place from my bucket-list.

The temperature of Andaman Islands is moderate throughout the year, with 32-35 degrees on the higher-end. Also when there's summer in most of the mainland, the monsoon season started approaching the island. This makes the Andaman to be a great place to be in summers other than the hills.

You cannot predict the weather there. You can be surprised by a quick showers on a very bright sunny day and the sun can say you peek-a-boo at any moment between the rain. Somehow in between this weather-swings you would get get a chance to witness the beauty of nature at its best.

Places to visit:

Port Blair
It would be the only entry and exit point of the island as it is the capital city of the Andaman Islands. 2 days are required to explore rhe city and the nearby islands. You can also stay for the night you arrived and night before you leave the island. These 2 days you can utilise by paying the visit following places:

Corbyn Cove Beach
This is one of the safest beach of Port Blair, as at many parts of Andaman Islands there is a risk of an encounter with saline crocodiles. But at Corbyn Cove Beach it is not like that as there you can enjoy the water sports activities and can enjoy the waters at the beach.

Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail Its the most attractive but the most unfamous place to visit in Andamans. A tour to this jail recalled my dreaded ghosts from the history lessons. I experienced goosebumps while making a tour to one of the most horrifying prison in the history of India. The sound and light show in the evening is not to be missed at this place.

Ross Island
Ross Island Located at the east of Port Blair are the ruins of an establishment once built for the British officers and troops. It was so luxurious back than that it was known as the "Paris of the East" during late 19th century. However, after witnessed the Anglo-Japanese war in mid of 20th century and a devastating tsunami in 2004, it is survived with only the ruins of the past.

North Bay Island
North Bay Island Just north of the Ross Island, this small but beautiful island is located. It can be visited combined with Ross island through passenger speed boats running from Rajiv Gandhi sports complex, Port Blair. Visit North Bay Island if you want to experience the sea walk.

Chidiya Tapu
17 kms south of Port Blair is Chidiya Tapu and Munda Pahad beach. It nestled a biological park that sheltered many endangered wildlife species of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Must visit to see live saline water crocodiles. Munda Pahad beach is right beside the walls of biological park where you can witness a scenic sunset.

Wandoor beach
Wandoor beach At around 19 kms west of the Port Blair town, is Wandoor beach and Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park. From there you can rent a boat and go for some island excursions where you can see Turtles.

Port Blair is like a pit-stop for most of the travellers to the Andaman Islands. The main attractions and the most-visited Romantic gateways are Havelock and Neil Islands. These are the must-visit destinations of Andaman Islands. Tagged as the "Honeymooners' Paradise", every beach of the islands leaves no space to doubt about this tag.

For the mainlanders, the 2.5 hrs of speedboat journey from Port Blair to Havelock Island itself is very exciting. First ferry leaves at 6 A.M. and the last at 2 P.M. As these ferries are limited and due to the high number of tourists, the tickets of ferry should be booked 1 or 2 days in advance.

Most of the resorts at Havelock Island are nestled along the beaches which make these beaches kind of private. A private beach, sun-loungers by the beach and the sea-breeze perseverates to indulge in the romance. What else is required for a perfect romance with the nature.

There are many beaches on both the islands, but the best off the lot is Radhanagar beach. The moment you walk down on the Radhanagar beach at Havelock island, the romanticism of crystal clear waters kissing the white sands will justify its being named as the "Best beach in Asia".

Baratang Island
Baratang Island If you wish to see some of the natural wonders, then you should definitely go for a day trip from Port Blair to Baratang Island. This island has few million years old limestone caves, accessed through speedboat and a small walk through mangroves ecosystem and paddy fields. The journey to the caves is as exciting as the destination. You can also witness a small mud volcano at the island, if lucky you can see mud eruption out of the volcano.

To reach Baratang from Port Blair, you need to join one of the convoys to pass Jirkatang tribal reserve, that house the near extinction Jarawa tribes. You can encounter few Jarawas from a distance but be very cautious, getting off your vehicle, clicking pictures of Jarawas, offering them any food or trying to communicate with them are all prohibited and a punishable offence.

How to reach Andaman Islands

Veer Savarkar international airport at Port Blair is well connected with daily flights from major airports of mainland. However, Port Blair can be accessed through cruise ships from Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata ports. Ships are cheaper but considering the time taken and the comfort, it is advisable to avoid.