ANDAMAN ISLANDS - Dreaming with an endless summer (part 1)
Hey there beautiful people. Welcome to another blog. I hope you all enjoy it. Don't forget to leave you love and comments behind.
Don't forget to stop by my INSTAGRAM account for more pictures from the trip
Ever got tanned and loved it? Well, isn't summers all about beaches and tanning! Pristine beaches, clear blue waters and exquisite marine life - when you think of all these the place that comes to the mind is Andaman. The archipelago is a wonder of nature and provides a lot of attraction for the tourists and backpackers alike.
Andaman has the best beaches, most virgin natural trails, mesmerizing sunsets and it's history; the place has been one of my favorites. Andaman is one of the most beautiful places in India and holiday to these beaches is a once in a life time experience.
QUICK HISTORY OF ANDAMAN
Usually, before visiting any place, I look about the historical importance of the place. It somehow helps me understand the place and people better. Andaman was no exception. While delving into the history of the place, I did find out some interesting facts. The Andaman was a British penal settlement in the colonial era is known to everyone, but the place seems to have historic evidence older than that period.
It is not exactly known when the first inhabitants came to this group of Islands. It is believed that Andaman had a population over 30,000 years ago. The earliest archaeological evidence dates back to 2,200 years ago.
Later these islands were purchased by the British East India company in 1869 and they later formed a penal settlement in these islands.
MY TRAVEL STORY
As I had mentioned earlier, the place is a delight for both the conventional tourists and the backpackers alike. The list is quite long, but the places are all worth ones time.
So, we a group of three friends, visited the Andaman Islands for 7 days, during the mid of April 2019, when we took a flight from Bangalore to Port Blair (capital of the Andaman Islands), that costed us INR 5300/- person.
Day 1 - Port blair
We reached our hotel, Sriradha Nivas Homestay, which was 20 minutes away from the airport into the city. Situated right near the dock, this homestay provided us with such a beautiful view of the near by beaches and the town lying right next to it. I am sucker for hotels with a great view, and this hotel from Airbnb didn't fail to surprise me.
Since the sun was already setting by the time we settled in our rooms, we just decided to roam around the city, visit the local market and learn more about reaching other parts of the island.
Our hotel manager, Saijal uncle, provided us with a brochure that contained all the information about Andaman tourism. We figured out that Corbyn Cove Beach was a place that we could cover up in the the evening, and we headed towards our destination. Corbyn's cove being a bit secluded from the main city bustle of Port Blair is serene and is indeed picturesque and worth spending the evening hours. The approach road leading to Corbyn's cove is exceptionally picturesque and perfect for few landscape shots. One can also see the Snake Island at a distance and that gives the inexplicable thrill. The walk along the soft sands and lazy evening, with the swaying palms lining the beach offer a splendid scenery.
As the sky got darker and the night fell in, we went back to our rooms and called it a night.
Day 2 - North Bay Island
As the sun rose up early at 6 am in the morning, we buckled up for a new and bright morning. We had our breakfast, that was served to us in the hotel itself as a complimentary meal and headed towards our next Island, the North Bay Island.
North Bay is one of the most popular destination in the Andaman Islands. Our trip began from Andaman water sports complex or Juglighat Jetty where we booked a boat (INR 2000/- for 3 people) that took us to the Island.
North Bay island is best known for its extensive water activities. What makes North Bay visit worthwhile is the amazing array of corals. It is a delight to see them no matter which water activity one chooses.
We chose to go for snorkeling, before we tried out the Scuba diving because its something that we all can do, just a few hours of practice. We found this exciting package where we could snorkel for INR 1200/- per person, and we jumped on to avail the offer, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed at all.
North Bay being the most populated snorkeling destination, It sees a lot of tourists. We had to wait in the cue for around 45 mins for our turn to come, when the guide finally put in a tube around our waist, equipped us with a diving mask, and stuck in the breathing tube into our mouth, Oh yeah! we were good to go!
After the whole snorkeling experience, we head up to the very famous and old lighthouse. They say that the picture behind a Rs. 20 note has the same lighthouse with the same background.
Later we headed back to Port Blair, as the last boat was at evening 5pm. We went to our rooms to dust down our sandy clothes and wash our salty bodies, before we went to the cellular jail for the light and sound show. Cellular jail, a national memorial is a must visit attraction in Port Blair as it reminds us of the hardship our freedom fighters had to go through for the freedom that we're enjoying today. In the light and sound show various artists enact the life of the prisoners when cellular jail was operational.
We later went to this amazing restaurant called The Sea Food, which is famous for sea food (ironic) and trust me! that place has the best king sized lobsters one could possibly find. I don't remember when was the last time I had gobbled so much food at once. LOL!
After this huge and heavy king size feasting, we decided to take a walk back to our home-stay. And trust me, it was totally worth it. Early summer wind blew from the sea coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city had finally started to calm down, and the bonking of the ships arriving to the port became louder and clearer by the time night fell in.
We went back to our hotel, only to settle down on the terrace, with a view of the swinging palm trees and the lighthouse that flashed every now and then. Accompanied by a bottle of Irish whiskey, we talked our hearts out, catching up on each other's lives.
Don't forget to stop by my INSTAGRAM account for more pictures from the trip
- Since the Andaman Tour was of 7 long days, I'm going to write the blog in 2 parts. As you can see that this is Part 1, and it consists of all the experiences in Port Blair and North Bay Island, and the Part 2, which consists of all the adventures in Havelock and Neil Island.
Ever got tanned and loved it? Well, isn't summers all about beaches and tanning! Pristine beaches, clear blue waters and exquisite marine life - when you think of all these the place that comes to the mind is Andaman. The archipelago is a wonder of nature and provides a lot of attraction for the tourists and backpackers alike.
Andaman has the best beaches, most virgin natural trails, mesmerizing sunsets and it's history; the place has been one of my favorites. Andaman is one of the most beautiful places in India and holiday to these beaches is a once in a life time experience.
QUICK HISTORY OF ANDAMAN
Usually, before visiting any place, I look about the historical importance of the place. It somehow helps me understand the place and people better. Andaman was no exception. While delving into the history of the place, I did find out some interesting facts. The Andaman was a British penal settlement in the colonial era is known to everyone, but the place seems to have historic evidence older than that period.
It is not exactly known when the first inhabitants came to this group of Islands. It is believed that Andaman had a population over 30,000 years ago. The earliest archaeological evidence dates back to 2,200 years ago.
Later these islands were purchased by the British East India company in 1869 and they later formed a penal settlement in these islands.
MY TRAVEL STORY
As I had mentioned earlier, the place is a delight for both the conventional tourists and the backpackers alike. The list is quite long, but the places are all worth ones time.
So, we a group of three friends, visited the Andaman Islands for 7 days, during the mid of April 2019, when we took a flight from Bangalore to Port Blair (capital of the Andaman Islands), that costed us INR 5300/- person.
- One quick advise : it is highly advisable that one pre-books their flight tickets specially if you're planning a trip to Andaman, as the rates are really high even 2 weeks prior to the travel date.
Day 1 - Port blair
 |
| view from our hotel INR 2500/- (per room/per day) |
We reached our hotel, Sriradha Nivas Homestay, which was 20 minutes away from the airport into the city. Situated right near the dock, this homestay provided us with such a beautiful view of the near by beaches and the town lying right next to it. I am sucker for hotels with a great view, and this hotel from Airbnb didn't fail to surprise me.
Since the sun was already setting by the time we settled in our rooms, we just decided to roam around the city, visit the local market and learn more about reaching other parts of the island.
Our hotel manager, Saijal uncle, provided us with a brochure that contained all the information about Andaman tourism. We figured out that Corbyn Cove Beach was a place that we could cover up in the the evening, and we headed towards our destination. Corbyn's cove being a bit secluded from the main city bustle of Port Blair is serene and is indeed picturesque and worth spending the evening hours. The approach road leading to Corbyn's cove is exceptionally picturesque and perfect for few landscape shots. One can also see the Snake Island at a distance and that gives the inexplicable thrill. The walk along the soft sands and lazy evening, with the swaying palms lining the beach offer a splendid scenery.
As the sky got darker and the night fell in, we went back to our rooms and called it a night.
Day 2 - North Bay Island
 |
| Approaching North Bay Island |
As the sun rose up early at 6 am in the morning, we buckled up for a new and bright morning. We had our breakfast, that was served to us in the hotel itself as a complimentary meal and headed towards our next Island, the North Bay Island.
North Bay is one of the most popular destination in the Andaman Islands. Our trip began from Andaman water sports complex or Juglighat Jetty where we booked a boat (INR 2000/- for 3 people) that took us to the Island.
North Bay island is best known for its extensive water activities. What makes North Bay visit worthwhile is the amazing array of corals. It is a delight to see them no matter which water activity one chooses.
We chose to go for snorkeling, before we tried out the Scuba diving because its something that we all can do, just a few hours of practice. We found this exciting package where we could snorkel for INR 1200/- per person, and we jumped on to avail the offer, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed at all.
North Bay being the most populated snorkeling destination, It sees a lot of tourists. We had to wait in the cue for around 45 mins for our turn to come, when the guide finally put in a tube around our waist, equipped us with a diving mask, and stuck in the breathing tube into our mouth, Oh yeah! we were good to go!
- Another quick advice, if anyone has asthma or any kind of breathing problems, its better not trying out the snorkeling and scuba diving. Be safe guys!
After the whole snorkeling experience, we head up to the very famous and old lighthouse. They say that the picture behind a Rs. 20 note has the same lighthouse with the same background.
Later we headed back to Port Blair, as the last boat was at evening 5pm. We went to our rooms to dust down our sandy clothes and wash our salty bodies, before we went to the cellular jail for the light and sound show. Cellular jail, a national memorial is a must visit attraction in Port Blair as it reminds us of the hardship our freedom fighters had to go through for the freedom that we're enjoying today. In the light and sound show various artists enact the life of the prisoners when cellular jail was operational.
We later went to this amazing restaurant called The Sea Food, which is famous for sea food (ironic) and trust me! that place has the best king sized lobsters one could possibly find. I don't remember when was the last time I had gobbled so much food at once. LOL!
 |
| King sized Lobster - Tandoor style |
After this huge and heavy king size feasting, we decided to take a walk back to our home-stay. And trust me, it was totally worth it. Early summer wind blew from the sea coast of the Bay of Bengal, the city had finally started to calm down, and the bonking of the ships arriving to the port became louder and clearer by the time night fell in.
We went back to our hotel, only to settle down on the terrace, with a view of the swinging palm trees and the lighthouse that flashed every now and then. Accompanied by a bottle of Irish whiskey, we talked our hearts out, catching up on each other's lives.
The trip was worth it. A must visit destination with must do activities.😊
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