Are you sick of Monday morning blues? Are storm clouds brewing at home? Are you in desperate need of some lone time? We have it all sorted. What can be better than escaping into the lands of shimmering beaches, azure sky, blue waves and a mighty colonial past? Yes, you guessed it right. It’s the Andaman and Nicobar islands. But don’t break your head regarding the vacation itinerary. Andaman Love has a wide range of tailor-made Andaman packages available at customized rates. So make your Andaman tour all the more cherishing by connecting with Andaman Love, today.
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS: ANDAMAN TOUR
Andaman and Nicobar islands are steeped in the magnificent aura. They are located approximately 1,400 kms away from the east coast of India and comprise 572 islands out of which only 37 are inhabited. Port Blair, the capital city, functions as the hub of connectivity across the islet. While the mainstream places of attraction are located in the capital tourists will be confounded to spot small treasures in every nook and corner of the islands. Are you already considering a visit?
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ANDAMAN’S BEST PICKS
The islands are blessed with some of the best natural beauties in the country making it a tourist magnet. Let’s delve in and look at some of the best spots to visit during your Andaman tour:
• PORT BLAIR: Capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands, Port Blair is the gateway to the marine archipelago and is connected to the rest of the places via multiple ferry services. Boasting colonial architecture, the place provides a proper glimpse of the local lifestyle. Port Blair serves as the major base for the Indian Navy. The most famous place in Port Blair is the historical Cellular Jail. Also known as ‘Kaala Pani’, the jail was a brutal abode for prison inmates during the British Raj. Many notable freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla and Batukeshwar Dutt were exiled here. The jail is now government property and is also recognized as a memorial monument. The museum organizes a light and sound show in reverence of the captives it housed. Other places of interest are Chidiya Tapu, Chatham island and Saw Mill, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
• HAVELOCK ISLAND: By far the most frequented destination in Andamans, Havelock island is officially named Swaraj Dweep island. It spreads across an area of 113.93 sq. kms and is located 57 kms north-east of the capital city of Port Blair. The island is named after British General Henry Havelock and it consists of five villages. There is no dearth of natural beauty as the pristine beaches, aquamarine sea, coral reefs and lush green forests accentuate the enchanting view of the island. The most sought after Radhanagar beach and Vijaynagar beach are located on the southern shores of the island. Elephant beach and Kalapathar beach too are located on this island and are reputed for their mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. You can rent scooters and go for a fun ride across the narrow coastline bordered by rainforests. The island is also remarkable for the range of water sport activities it provides like scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking, snorkeling and deep-sea diving.
• NEIL ISLAND: Officially named Shaheed Dweep, Neil island belongs to the Ritchie’s Archipelago and is located 18 kms southwest of Havelock. The island is connected to Port Blair via daily ferry services. Neil island is named after James Neil who helped suppress the 1857 mutiny. The island being smaller than Havelock can be covered in a single walk or by rental bikes and bicycles. The forest cover has reduced drastically, as much of the land has been converted for rice cultivation. The majestic destinations of this island are its three beaches namely, Bharatpur beach, Sitapur beach and Lakshmanpur beach. The beaches are cherished by tourists for its scenic beauty, sherry sunsets and breathtaking ambience. The clear water is perfect for aqua activities like snorkeling, sea walking and scuba- diving. Tourists may also go for a short glass-bottomed boat ride to view the marine life and the exquisite coral reefs. Bharatpur beach especially is revered as a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. If you love to bask in indulgence then Neil island is your place to be.
• BARATANG ISLAND: Also known as Ranchiwalas island, Baratang island is situated about 100 kms away from the capital city of Port Blair. Being small, the island serves the purpose of a brief getaway. The island is adored mainly for its mangroves, mud volcanoes and limestone caves. Some of the most endearing activities on the island include boating through the mangroves and limestone caves, light treks, hikes and bird watching. However, a few safety tips need to be borne in mind while visiting the island. Make sure that you do not contact the tribal people, do not tread through unknown territories and mud volcano isn’t an ideal site for children below the age of 10. You may reach the island by government ferries that run between Port Blair city and Phoenix Bay jetty.
Nestled amidst Baratang island is Parrot island which is a much sought after tourist destination on Baratang. A multitude of unshackled parrots fly to this island as a part of their daily custom. This island is an undiluted mixture of wilderness and domestication. It is surrounded by a canopy of dense tropical forests and mangroves. To reach this island you have to avail small boats locally called Dunghi from Baratang jetty. Do not forget to carry your own camera on the Andaman tour to cherish this experience forever.
• LITTLE ANDAMAN: Little Andaman, known as Gaubolambe in the native language and Ebu Belong after the native residents, is a little slice of happiness and beauty and the fourth largest island in Andamans. Renowned for its extensive rainforest, the island is home to rare species of marine turtles. If explored diligently, visitors may also bump into enchanting waterfalls. Tourists may treat themselves to surfing and trekking, scuba diving or snorkeling. Elephant safaris are also available for tourists. This island requires a permit, proper trekking equipment and precaution from crocodiles. Furthermore, camping is prohibited and hitting the sea under the influence of alcohol is considered dangerous.
There you have it, folks! Pack your bags and let Andaman Love craft your Andaman tour. From sunset points to shopping centers and museums to water sport activities, the customized packages at Andaman Love are guaranteed to give you a slice of this tropical bliss. So don’t let work get to you. Plan a trip to Andaman with this guide and weave memories of a lifetime.
