Even though I was a bit tired with the last few days I had in this beautiful journey of the 572 islands that we know as the Andaman and Nicobar I woke up early probably at 6 in the morning to see the lovely morning at Port Blair besides the mystic sea which has witnessed so much and kept it inside. Andaman Islands are simply a creative blend of green nature and transparent blue water. Everything is so fresh and so clean that you can feel it. Even though this place is a bit outside but I wish everyone must visit this beauty of nature. I had a flight to catch to go back to Kolkata where I am currently living but I never wanted on that day to leave. The place has so much to offer. This is so very calm and still that you eventually get tranquilized with the environment has on offer. I must say people here at Port Blair are so very generous and humble. They might be of any class but they are always there to help. When I was boarding flight at the Veer Savarkar International Airport I had many things in my mind especially a pray to god
“Please keep this place as it is today always“
While flying over the Bay of Bengal I was thinking about the times I had at the Andaman Islands. This is what I was going through.
Days to come
Deep within us we all are moved by the deep blue sea and oceans. We all always want to see and to feel what is there inside the waves and deep on the bed of it. How life is beautiful there and how is it different from what we usually think of. In this world of internet where you can expect almost everything at your doorstep sometimes we forget a view is not only a view.
On the verge of life
Early morning from Kolkata we boarded our flight for Port Blair. Frequently, because we were very excited we left our hotel. It took half an hour boat ride to reach this remote island called the North Bay. On the back of the 20 Rupees note is this place itself. This island can be seen from the top of the mountain of Ross and the view from there is exactly similar to what you will see in that note. Crystal clear water and the light house mesmerized us. Later, after having our lunch and a few showers we went to Ross Island.
History and Beyond
It was the Administrative head of the Andaman Island at that time before Independence now taken care by the Indian navy and coast Guards. The way it welcomes you is so magical that you are ought to fall in love with that place. It has remarks of British East India Company and the times when Japan invaded the Island for their own purpose during the World War 2. Ross Island has the imprints of those times as the governor’s house, Water treatment plant, Bakery, church and many more. Ross Island has one another Significance which I personally have the highest regards is the location of the island itself. In 2004 Tsunami this Island had saved many lives and the town of Port Blair. This was exactly in front of the capital town like a saviour.
Later, in the evening we visited the cellular jail where political prisoners were kept who were part of the Indian freedom movement from all across the nation. Walls of the cellular jail and the museum showcased how much difficult, challenging and painful was there to live. Great freedom fighters were slaughtered and punished by the British general. The Jail so called was “Kala pani” i.e; Black Water very rightly so it was .7 long wings in spoke of wheel shaped were established having 3 floors in each. It was in such a fashion that no one could understand where they were kept. Great poet and activist of Indian freedom Movement Veer Savarkar was not aware of the fact that his brother was kept in the same jail for 3 long years. In the evening we saw exceptional representation of the days of the past in light and sound show of one hour. It portrayed the complete journey of the Andaman Islands from the time way back when it was discovered to today when only 3 of the wings are left. Erstwhile, other 4 were demolished during the World War 2 and after independence. Today, Left with 3 Wings they are categorised as building of national importance.
Feel the blue
Next day we were ready for the Havelock Island. Famous for its world class beach such as the Radhanagar and Kala Patthar. Havelock is also famous for snorkeling and Scuba Diving. It took an hour and a half to reach to this beautiful place. You will fill something different. It is free and fresh. We planned for a bike ride all across the Island and our first destination was the Radhanagar beach. Silver Sand and Sun on the horizon what else one can look for. Yes, this place is different. What I was expecting this was something beyond that for sure. Amazed with the scenic beauty this place had on offer. All green on the land and all blue on the other side. This place is a must visit in anyone’s life. Dive in and have a sun bath there. This is perfect destination for everything one wants for a holiday .SUN SAND BEACH. We roamed around the local market had the pleasure of eating some local cuisine but yes they were a bit expensive. There is a café named as Something Different. Great place to enjoy an evening with your friends.
Deep Into the Sea
Think about a morning you wake up and see this beautiful sun on the tip of horizon and deep blue sea all long in front. I woke up and had a small walk alongside the sands to engulf the canvas within. Certainly, it was not expected in monsoon such pleasing and alluring morning. It felt as if the whole nature is ready to present you with something adorable. I would like to thank Barefoot and their people especially my trainer Sada for providing such great diving experience on the farewell day from the Havelock. Deep into the sea it was cold and calm. It felt as if the whole aquatic life was greeting you with the shrine beauty it has on offer. These beautiful coral reefs and the heterogeneity of the fishes were completely unmatchable. This world is colourful on bed and blue above it. I was extremely fascinated with the experience of being there. Diving at 6 Meters below sea level was completely phenomenal. But, In that point in time I was thinking yes we as a human come and visit these places but we have to be conservative. This is a major cause of concern and everyone must be perturbed about this. Exploitation of Marine Life is never a solution towards the conservation of this beautiful world. All these oil discharge and motor jet used in boats are eventually causing depletion in the marine life standards of this beautiful aquatic world. We have to provide a solution to this. Along with this I can see nets all around these diving areas which actually halt the natural environment process. We as a human have been provided with such special gifts that we need to sustain it for the world of future. In spite of conservation activity of some activist all around that is certainly not sufficient. Also, to mention the corals here in these bounded areas are a bit dirty what it should not be. These are extraordinary gifts one can have. Only one can understand this notion who has tried this at least for once. While studying I found all these activities are hazardous for those fishes which during the early stages of life are male and later on metamorphisized in female when they become the largest animal in that territory.
This is just one story I am sure there are many planktons and fishes which faces the same challenges such as the sea star. Obviously all can never be examined and presented in just one meeting. The vulnerability has to be depreciated. I went through an article and I found very few are there who are actually concerned about this all across the globe. Ocean not only provides this scenic beauty but also provide 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere. While you breathe you never know that one gift is from that dreamland itself. There are many species that migrate from different parts of the world each year but nowadays they find it challenging to be here. Proper learning and understanding about this world will actually help us to make a brighter future ahead. Why to blame others or for instance any other country for the activities they do. There are many shampoos, Conditioners and cosmetics which use parts of these aquatic species such as oils and fats that are execrated.
Final Note
Suddenly I woke from my dreams of the days I had. Beside the window I was able to witness these beautiful deltas of the Sundarbans. Lush green with water flowing. But, the matter of fact is I was there in between and since I have tried it as an activity I believe morally we must do our part to save it. Yes, Andaman still roams around my head and one day I will hopefully find myself a lot deeper than what I actually experienced.
I would like to thank Harendra Roy, Priyanka Karn and Sweta Kumari for accompanying me and making this dreamful journey a reality in such short span of time. Looking forward to many more in days to come. Cheers!