I say, if Kashmir is heaven on earth considering the beautiful mountains, then Andaman & Nicobar islands is indeed the water heaven on earth!
So, I have reached back to Kolkata from my trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. I couldn’t stop myself from sharing this post and this trip was so amazing. I felt like I am in some green and blue wonderland. Right now I am sitting in the business centre of my hotel and writing this post from there computer.
To being with, my trip was SUPER AWESOME! Thanks to Dad for this memorable trip and hey, I did snorkelling. OMG! That was an amazing experience.
The only problem I faced was network. I could only get Airtel Postpaid network there. Neither Vodafone, nor BSNL or any other was working. But that is one such place, where you don’t feel like using your phone. It’s once such place to escape from the usual life and live an entire new life for few days. You can avoid all the hustle and bustle of the busy life and traffic and enjoy the serene and scenic beauty.
Here are things to see & do in Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Okay! first things first, though this group of islands is called as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, but Nicobar islands is closed for visitors. Only people with special personal are allowed to go there. But there is a LOT to explore in and around the Andamans. Port Blair is the capital city and the place where you will land once you reach the islands.
Cellular Jail, Port Blair:
This is a must visit place in Port Blair. You must have heard about ‘Saza-e-Kala-Pani’ in old movies or while studying history of India and British rulers. This cellular jail is that Kala-Pani jail where the prisons were sent by British rulers. Gosh, this Jail looks scary during the sunset. And yes, don’t forget to enjoy the light and sound show in cellular jail. You’ll get to know the history and happenings of Port Blair and that place. Visitors are allowed to explore the jail but only some parts are open as the jail is massive. There is a museum inside the jail where you can see all the clothes, weapons, equipment, documents and what not!
Aquarium, Port Blair:
Aquariums are not at all boring! True me. This Aquarium has the most extinct marine species which are rare to spot in normal ones. From urchins, to sea horses, rare bling jelly fishes, phiranas, and star fishes, there is a lot to see here!
Neil Island:
The Neil Island reminds me of the famous story of the coral reefs. The red coral which is used to make the red stone to be worn for healing and recommended by astrologers is found here, in this island. The colorful and lovely with beauty and magical experience keeping your eyes stay long seeing the view of the corals swaying and dangling below the water surface. It truly feels like heaven on earth. Oh yes, how can I forget to tell you this.. we saw comodo dragons (also known as Giant Lizards) here. There were SO MANY!
Ross Island:
Stranded ross island was once the main hub for Britishers. This island closes in the night as there is just ruins of the old buildings and cementary left in this island. If you ask me personally, there were some corners and places in this islands that were scary af. Even during the day time, it scared me. And yes, you must book a guide to explore this island as you might get lost here.
Read detailed post on Ross Island in Andamans here
Coral Island:
The best place to do Snorkelling! This is a small yet beautiful island where is famous for corals. Though you can get on a boat and see the corals but snorkelling and underwater diving is what I will strongly recommend. Also, it’s okay if you don’t know swimming, I also dont know swimming, you can do snorkelling. There is a trainer who will help you do it and hold you safely all through. We went to the deeper side of the ocean (though we had to pay extra money for it) but totally worth. After the dip and dives, you can relax in one of the shacks here and enjoy the blue oceans, till your ship is there to take you take to the port blair.
Local Market:
As I always suggest, do take out time to walk through the local market of Port Blair. You can get souvenirs and amazing handicrafts here at cheap price. Also, talking to locals will help you get to know the place even more!
So, these were the amazing places to see in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Here, sun rises really early. Around 5 AM in the morning, the sun is up and shining. And because of this, it sets early too. Around 7, it’s all dark and black and even the shops close around this time.
I would suggest you to hire a guide as he or she will give you the right information and will show you places that are interesting and memorable. This is a must visit place and I would strongly recommend you to visit Andamans at least once in your lifetime.
FAQ:
How to reach? Take a flight. Mine was from Delhi to Kolkata & Kolkata to Port Blair
Best time to visit: Oct – Jan
Tip: Hire a guide, book in advance
Also read: Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands – My Trip Details + Photos
