Tropical Heaven: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ever imagined what is on the islands of Andaman and Nicobar? The most unexplored place is the most beautiful island with soft white sand, dense green forest all around you, with birds chirping, and the waves touching the shoreline with crystal-clear water. This is the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the unexplored gems. This place not only represents nature but also tells us about the tribal heritage and the past colonial history. This place also wants to get discovered and wants to show that there are many such things that are yet to be discovered.

Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Here’s why

Bored with everyday work and the same pattern of life, and want to change the pattern for sometime and get to explore some different places? Come to this Island far from all the hassle and noise, where you can slow down your fast-paced life and reconnect with nature and experience something extraordinary. This island is full of nature and culture, and most importantly, peace. It doesn’t matter whether you are a solo traveller or a person who likes adventure or peace, this island provides you with everything. This place is heaven with clear water, beautiful places, and full of nature.

Itinerary for 5-Day Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Port Blair

After you land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, check into your hotel, keep your bags, and get freshened up. Get ready to start your trip on the Island with the most historic place, which is the Cellular Jail, a prison from colonial times. If you want to understand the significance of Sri Lanka in the independence of India, then you can definitely hold yourself back from attending the Sound and Light Show in the evening.

Day 2: Ross Island and North Bay Island Excursions

After completing the to-do list for the first day, we will start our day 2 list with taking a boat ride to the administrative capital of the British period, Ross Island, which is now surrounded by banyan roots and wild berries. This has been ruined. Then you can come down to the North Bay Island. Now, if you are an adventurous person, then you would like this place. You can get the experience of Suba Diving among the coral reefs.

Day 3: Travel to Havelock Island

After enjoying a dive, you can now catch a local transport and come to Havelock Island, which is considered the masterpiece of the Andaman. After a lot of roaming and travelling, you can take a rest at the Radhanagar Beach in the evening.

Day 4: Elephant Beach and Mangrove Kayaking

Nature-loving people should visit this place. You can come to the Elephant Beach and get the experience of jet skiing and sea walking. You can explore the diversity of the island in an eco-friendly manner by visiting the mangrove kayaking tour.

Day 5: Return to Port Blair and Departure

After an amazing experience on the island, now it’s time to pack your bags and get back to your home. If time permits, you can definitely shop for some memories that you would like to take back home with you, like some handicrafts or some shells, or some souvenirs.

Destinations to Stop At

• Radhanagar Beach

One of the cleanest beaches in India, most favourable for swimming. You can experience the beautiful white sand which is the most famous thing about the place. And you will also get to see the tropical dense forest.

• Cellular Jail

Famously known as Kala Pani, Cellular Jail is a prison from the British times. This place has a lot of memories of our past during the independence. The Britishers used this place to torture the prisoners and the freedom fighters, and inhumanely treat them and force them to listen to their commands. So you can come to this place and get to know more about our past.

• Ross Island

This place is filled with history and beauty. This place was once the administrative headquarters of the British. This place has been abandoned due to the destruction caused by the earthquake in 1941.

• Havelock Island

This island is now known as Swaraj Dweep. This beach is mostly famous for its crystal-clear water and the greenery that is spread all over the place. If you are an adventure sports person, then you can try the different activities that are available, such as scuba diving and more.

• Neil Island

Travelling alone, with family, or couple? No worries, this place contributes to a wholesome experience in your trip. Tropical forest, white sand, coral reefs, these all will give you an experience that you are going to remember lifetime.

Essentials for your Bag

• Carry light and soft clothing and do keep your swimwear.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from the scorching heat of the island.
• Keep your electronics in a waterproof bag.
• Don’t carry your snickers or shoes either carry flip-flops and one pair of trekking shoes.
• Most important is your power bank and the medical kit which has to be there you bag.
• Keep any of the government ID, which you will require for the permissions.

Trip Expenditure Breakdown: Budget Calculation

If you are thinking that coming to Andaman will be a very costly trip and this will affect your budget, then let me give you a breakdown of the budget, which will give you a reason to come to Andaman and that too without giving any trouble to your pocket.

• Hotels: 500 INR-2000 INR per night
• Food: 200 INR -500 INR per day
• Transport Tickets: 1500 INR
• Adventure sports: 500 INR-2000 INR scuba diving/snorkelling

Estimated expenditure: 3000 INR-4500 INR

Beaches you don’t Want to Miss

• Radhanagar Beach
• Elephant Beach
• Laxmanpur Beach
• Kalapathar Beach
• Bharatpur Beach

To-Do List in Andaman

• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Glass-bottom boat tours
• Trekking to limestone caves in Baratang
• Visit the Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail
• Experience sea walking
• Kayak through mangrove forests

Want to get the best experience of the activities? This is how you can.

Tips for the First-Time Traveller

• Always carry cash with yourself as finding an ATM in such a place might be very difficult.
• Pre-book your vehicles for the transportation especially during the holidays or peak season.
• You should have the permit with yourself. Though Indians would not need permission for most for the places but the foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit.
• The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar is October to May with best weather conditions.

Time to Visit Islands

• Dry season (October-May): If you want to explore adventure water sports, then this is the best time to come to the Island. You can experience scuba diving, parasailing, and other adventure sports. This is the best time to visit the place with very pleasant weather and quiet seas.
• Monsoon season (June to September): This should be avoided by travellers as it’s the most difficult season to travel with heavy rainfall and lightning. Seas can be a very dangerous spot to visit during this time.
• Peak season (December to February): This is the time with huge crowds and the busiest time of the year. You will get the opportunity to explore more and more activities and sports.

Cuisines of the Locals

• Fish curry with Rice
• Lobster and grilled seafood platters
• Prawns coconut curry
• Banana leaf thali

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have remained the untouched beauty of India. There are many places which has not been discovered properly by the people. Over there the nature is still the ruler, and everyone bows to it. And the time slows down here. You will find peace and calmness here. Every moment that you spend here feels like a present that you gave to yourself. Coming here, you understand what nature really means. The coral reefs with the quiet beaches with the sprinkle of golden sunlight would give you the experience of heaven. Everything on the Island leaves a mark for life; it stays with you the rest of your life, be it the deep sea, or waves, or the ancient ruins. Everything on the island has significance.

Just keep your bags ready and get ready to get a trip to heaven, and get ready to leave the chaotic life and live a peaceful life for a few days, and enjoy your vacation, and get your life a bit changed.