1. We flew into Port Blair, the capital, from Kolkata. Ships also ply from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag to Port Blair. Takes about 50-60 hours depending on weather. Panoramic view of Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island. We stayed in Port Blair & made daily trips to individual islands. There are ferrys available like Govt Ferry (Rs.250), Grean Ocean (Rs.1650-Rs.2800) & MakCruz (Rs.2500 onward).
2. Radhanagar beach, Havelock is a paradise with lovely white sandy beaches, rich coral reefs and lush green forests. “For those who want to enjoy boating, swimming, snorkelling, scooba, sightseeing September to March is season in A & N”.
3. Enjoying the beach. There are ferry services to Havelock Island. Season for nature lovers is September to March when forest is lush green and waterfalls are at their prime. Divers can enjoy the best during December to April and bird watchers during winter times.
4. Love the colours of the sea. Water is calm, serene and inviting. Radhanagar beach is about 12 kms from the jetty where the boat drops you. The sand is white and very fine grain.
5. Loved the colours. Also on Havelock Island is Vijaynagar beach, Kalapather beach and elephant beach. Kalapather is a silver sandy beach ie gaining traction. Lots of places to in Havelock Island.
6. Cellular Jail where the British detained Indians. Leave aside personal insights, other caption details taken from Government of India site on Andaman and Nicobar.
7. Next went to NEIL Island. You see a natural Howrah bridge (name of bridge in Kolkata) at Laxmanpur II beach. “With unexplored coral reefs, super bio-diversity, white sandy beaches and tropical forest and vegetation, it is one of the tourist hot spots in the Andamans.”
8. It is known as the vegetable bowl of the Andamans. Beaches are named after characters from the Ramayana for eg. Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur etc. You see Laxmanpur I beach. With its relaxed vibes and long deserted beaches it is a perfect place to chill out after the bustle of Havelock.
9. Corals in Neil island. Going underwater cost Rs 4,200/ per head in Feb, 2018. The widest part of the island is about 5 kms in length. You can walk the whole island in about two hours.
10. Scooba diving at Neil beach. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Neil island by ferry. As you get off the boat at Neil Island Jetty and walk towards the market of village of Neil Kendra, the beach before you appears in the form of a long arc. To know more about scuba diving https://www.andamantourism.gov.in/html/scuba.html
11. Neil Kendra is the heart of the island. On the left side of the jetty is Bharatpur Beach and on the right Laxmanpur Beach 1 & 2. You see Bharatpur beach.
12. Next we took a ferry to Ross Island. Enjoyed the ferry ride. Breezy and waters looked inviting.
13.Panoramic view of Ross Island.
14. View of the water through the trees at Ross Island.
15. Sea walk at Ross. You see fish in front. Cost Rs.4200.00 in Feb, 2018.
16. Old Water Purification (Distillation Method) system on Ross Island.
17. Hand in hand under water (Sea walk).
18. Memory of how prisoners were tortured in Cellular Jain. A reminder that we must value our freedom. To read about Kalapani jail http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/10firstlook.htm
19. Next we went to Corbyn’s Cove beach.
20. Water scooter on same beach. Had a ball. Truly enjoyed this bit. Rs.600 to Rs.900 depending on time spend with the scooter in Feb, 2018.
21. Wifey relaxing at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
22. Next we visited Chidiya Tapu Beach. The beach is famous for sunset. Lot of birds stay on the trees in this beach. That’s why it is called Chidiya (Birds) Tapu. Bird lovers can watch bird here by staying whole day. ‘A rare type of bird seen that day after 6 years’ – said the forest officer.
23. Soft coral at Chidiya Tapu beach.
24. Inside the Limestone Caves. These are BARATANG island ie 100 kms from Port Blair. Also visit Diglipur that provides a rare experience for eco-friendly tourists. In Baratand we saw JARWAs but unfortuanately no photos available as India Govt doesn’t allow to take photo there.
25. Corridor of the Cellular Jail. Lakhs of Indians got jailed so we could enjoy freedom. Let us value it. Do check out the KALAPANI Jail pictures on esamskriti. To read about How the genius, Veer Savarkar, thrived in Kalapani jail https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/Life-Story-Of-Veer-Savarkar-7.aspx