Exploring the Andaman Islands

Tripoto
11th Nov 2013
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 1/10 by Padma Madipalli
Chidiya Tapu Beach
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 2/10 by Padma Madipalli
The only accommodation at Long Island
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 3/10 by Padma Madipalli
Sunrise at Diglipur
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 4/10 by Padma Madipalli
Cellular Jail
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 5/10 by Padma Madipalli
Ride through Mangroves to reach Baratang Lime
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 6/10 by Padma Madipalli
Coral Natural Bridge at Neil Island
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 7/10 by Padma Madipalli
Amazing experience with Scuba Dive
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 8/10 by Padma Madipalli
Our stay at Havelock
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 9/10 by Padma Madipalli
Jolly Buoy Island
Photo of Exploring the Andaman Islands 10/10 by Padma Madipalli
Evening leisure at Chidiya Tapu Beach

Andaman being a place of pristine beaches, rich coral ecosystems, and among the best dive sites had always attracted me. It was a dream to witness immense beauty of these islands which finally took shape this year in November (2013).

Eleven days, four girls, seven islands of the Andaman archipelago; it was truly a trip of a lifetime and an amazing ‘girls only’ vacation. We set out first to explore the more popular among the tourists, the South Andaman and then bidding goodbye to two fellow travellers, two of us set out to explore the less travelled Middle and North Andaman.

Day 1 and 2: This is the place where your aircraft will land. So spend a night here before you set out for your journey across the Islands. You can visit the Chidiya Tapu beach to watch sunset or visit the cellular jail and watch its light and sound show. Also visit Anthropological Museum if interested in knowing about tribes of Andamans. Next day visit Jolly Buoy Island which is a one hour boat ride in the Wandoor National Park. This is a must visit place as it has good beach, good visibility and amazing coral ecosystem making it a best for snorkelling and glass bottom rides!

Photo of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli
Photo of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli
Photo of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

Day 3 and 4: This place is a hub of dive shops. Engage in Discover Scuba Dives if you are a beginner or indulge in SSI and PADI courses if you have time and know swimming. Apart from that this place has one of the world's best beaches called the Radhanagar beach. Skip luxury and stay at Emerald Gecko; an eco-resort which has sweet little budget huts just a few steps away from the beach.

Photo of Havelock Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli
Photo of Havelock Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

This is a quiet little island and has good beaches where you can relax. Visit the natural coral bridge and see marine life trapped in the corals. We saw a young star fish in its developing stages and many beautiful colourful fishes and crabs.

Photo of Neil Island, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

This is not for tourist but for travellers. Long Island is a small island in the middle part of Andaman Islands and is devoid of any tourist activities except a small place called the Blue Planet where travellers come to stay and relax away from the crowd. This is simple village full of south Indians and you can visit the less travelled beaches of Lalaji Bay and Merk. No one will come to pick you luggage from the jetty so keep minimum luggage preferably a backpack. In rainy season, do keep a torch and wear closed footwear to avoid being bitten by wild crawling creatures like centipede!

Photo of Long Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

This is the last end of North Andaman till where tourists can visit. Very few tourists venture and that makes it more exciting. But the journey is long (12 hours from Port Blair, 7 hours from Long Island). From here you can visit Ross and Smith Island, the twin islands connected with a thin strip of land which is an altogether different experience. One of the least crowded beaches! Also indulge in trek around the twin islands if you have time.

Photo of Diglipur RV, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

From Diglipur we went back to Port Blair to catch our flight back to Delhi. On our way we visited the limestone caves at Baratang. It was a short boat ride through Mangrove forests followed by a small simple trek to the caves.

Photo of Baratang Island, North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India by Padma Madipalli

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