It has been a childhood dream to visit the mystical and magical island called Andamans…the green-blue sea, the stories of Indian freedom fighters from the far away “kaalapani”, the flora and fauna, rare corals and shoals (a group of fish), littoral forests, picking up shells only to be taken away at the airport security..... the beautiful picturesque island has something new to offer every day and amaze you with its silhouettes…..
Since my travel updates atleast a dozen people have asked me about the trip, costs and how long the trip should be…so I decided I will write the blog in parts…
Firstly, Andamans trip cannot be done in 3 days. So if you thought Andamans is doable in 3 days or 4 you are wrong, its not your destination. The place deserves atleast 5 days if not 7 or 10.
We toured Andamans for seven days and came back rejuvenated and happy.
An ideal trip includes
Day 1-
Most of the tourists reach Port Blair airport by afternoon, it’s advisable if you take a morning flight and reach their by lunch. After lunch we headed to see the Cellular Jail, the star shaped stone building which takes you through the stories of Indian freedom struggle. There is a sound and light show which starts in the evening at 6pm. After the tour we visited the Carbyn Cove beach….this is one of the beaches where water sports takes place. You can also see snake island from there. Recently crocodiles have been spotted on the beach and it is advisable to avoid bathing in this one.
Entry tickets in the jail is rs 20 per person and rs 30 extra for cameras.
Day 2: Ross Island, Viper Island, North Bay Island
One heads to the three islands.. Ross Islands, Viper Island and in the end North Bay Islands.
Ross Islands is where British officers used to stay, you can see peacocks and deers roaming around…
From ross Islands we headed to Viper island where there is a small ‘faasighar’ on top of a small hill….it was actually the first jail in Andamans Island, later the Britishers shifted it to Port Blair. From Viper the ferry heads to North Bay Islands, which is the bed of coral reefs and underwater sports.
You get to do snorkelling, scuba diving and underwater sea walk at this point. Also there is a concept of glass boat, wherein the boat has glass on its base through which you can see coral reefs and water life.
Costs- Snorkelling in North Bay Island costs Rs 500/- per person
Scuba Diving costs Rs 3500 per person with photo and video cd
Underwater sea walk costs Rs 3200 with photo cd
Glass boat ride costs Rs 300 per person
Snorkelling can be avoided at this beach because the best place to snorkel is Jolly bouy island and it is included in the ferry ticket so one doesn’t have to pay for it. Also snorkelling doesn’t cost more than Rs 300 in other beaches. It is advisable to buy your own snorkelling kit and roam around on your own.
Ferry ticket costs Rs 500 per person inclusive of lunch meal and a water bottle
Day3-
Baratang Islands
Have you ever heard of Jarawa tribe?Andamans has four-five tribes of its own one of which is Jarawa tribe, they are found in the forests that starts from Jirkatang. The dense forest is the house of Jarawa’s and it’s a treat to drive through that part of the forest.
It takes nearly two hours to reach Jirkatang from Port Blair in the car and one has to get permit done before entering the forest. It is a 50 km stretch, one and half hour ride, where you do nothing byut sit back and look out for Jarawas.
Jarawa watching was banned by the court a few years back in fact the gates have been opened just a month back. Travellers cannot click pictures, if found guilty one will be jailed. The drivers cannot stop their cars or over take, if done their licenses would be cancelled. You cannot give clothes, food, or talk to them.
Once you cross the forest, you will reach Middle Strait from there ferry’s ply to Baratang Island where one visits the limestone caves and Mud Volcano. To reach the limestone caves one has to go in a speed boat which speeds through mangrove forests and takes you to a forest and after a 2 km walk you reach the limestone caves. This experience is just splendid to say the least.
The whole day trip costs around Rs 1000 per person.
Rest continued in the second part.
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