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Published: November 18th 2012
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Our experiences on short tour of Andamans.
We planned a short vacation to Andamans Islands during Diwali festivals - 2012. After exploring various options on the net, we settled for tour package by MakeMyTrip.
MakeMyTrip has typical Andamans package of 5 nights that includes 3 nights in Port Blair and 2 in Havelock Island. We decided to cut one night in Havelock. It wasn't a bad decision.
Andaman – Nicobar is a chain of more than 530 islands (some very badly damaged in 2004 tsunami) spread over 700 km, approximately 1500 km from Chennai / Kolkata. Only about 36 islands are inhabitated. Port Blair is the main town in Andaman. Nicobar is much less frequented by tourists. Port Blair can be reached by air via Chennai or Kolkata. Boat service is available but takes too long and is not a preferred mode.
Day-1 We reached Port Blair around noon via Chennai after two hours' flight. MakeMyTrip had arranged for all our local transport as well as hotel stay. Their service was courteous and is recommended. .
An important aspect to any Indian traveler to Andamans - also known
as "Kala Pani" - infamous for the inhuman treatment given by the Britishers to the 'mutineers' (in reality freedom fighters) of India.
After a short rest we were taken to Viper Island by boat - a ride of about 30 min. On the hillock is the place where the freedom fighters were hanged – after perhaps a stage-managed court proceeding. There is a ‘court’ room down near the shore.
This was followed by ‘Light and Sound’ show at the cellular jail in Port Blair. The commentary of the show could have been crispier. It failed to generate the right atmosphere. Boat-man to the Viper Island had done a better job.
Day-2 Havelock Island – 54 Km out in to the sea. The 90 min ride in cruise boat by ‘Makcruz’ was excellent. It is a 280 seater A.C. vessel.
Post lunch, was the visit to Radhanagar Beach. It is said to be one of the finest in Asia, perhaps rightly so, with white sand extending a long distance in the sea. A plus point here is that the food and other vendors are not allowed near the beach and there is no camel ride that
is seen in many of the beaches in India. Natural beauty and cleanliness is preserved. Bathing facility is available at the beach.
In Andamans, Sun sets in early – at 5 pm (in November). And if you are not drinking or dancing, day is practically over at 5 – 5.30.
Day-3 Next day morning there was another boat ride to Elephant Beach in Havelock where water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat ride, water scooter etc. are available. Near the beach, corals can be seen and one can even touch the colorful fishes in 4-6 ft of water. Although coral are not very rich in variety, nearly a dozen varieties of fish can be seen. Bathing facility is NOT available at the beach.
In Indian context, the water sports activities are quite expensive (at Rs. 600 for a 5 min event per person). One should check which sport is included in the ‘tour package’ and which one is not.
Returned to Port Blair by Makcruz in the evening. Sea was rough.
Day-4 Visit to two islands were planned for day-4: North Bay Island and Ross Island. At North Bay again a
varieties of water sport activities are available including ‘sea walk’. Water sports at North Bay are less expensive than at Havelock. Ross Island was used by Britishers as their Head Quarter in Andamans. Both the trips were cancelled due to bad weather and rough sea.
This is a major problem in Andamans. Although the tour operators claimed that such cancellations are not frequent, for an individual it is a big loss and great disappointment losing one day. One has to be philosophical that it happened for only one day. We could have lost all four days. Just in the previous week a cyclone had hit the Islands.
If you spend an extra day, you can visit museum, cellular jail during day time and aquarium at Port Blair.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT ANDAMANS: • Natural beauty – perfectly preserved - untouched.
• Good beaches – although few in number.
• The water sports and boat rides in crystal clear water.
• No crowds of tourists.
• The people: Gentle and courteous, emotional about the past history (Kala-Pani).
WHAT IS NOT SO GOOD ABOUT ANDAMANS: • Food is a major problem for vegetarians. You are at the mercy of
the Hotel where you are put up. There are no restaurants to speak about even in Port Blair. No variety in food – especially if you are a vegetarian. It is said that even bread comes from main-land 1500 km away!
• Unpredictable weather.
We had reduced the Andamans tour by one day to accommodate a visit to one of the richest temples in the world – Tirupati! If interested please visit the relevant page.
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Stuti Buch
non-member comment
It was truely a great trip !!
I would like to add that All the museums and the Central Jail remains closed on Mondays + public holidays. Keep this in mind while planning your trip.