Flying to the lovely Andaman Islands: A short trip

Now there would be numerous beaches across the globe, but certainly each of them have a charm of their own. It is something which is applicable to the wonderful Andaman Islands as well. It is a perfect location for a short yet amazing holiday at one of the most beautiful islands in the world, certainly the best in South-east Asia. Usually the travel options are many but when you have short span of time it’s recommended to board a flight from the Chennai Airport. There are numerous pre-designed packages which are available from travel sites such as Make My Trip, Trip Advisor, and many local travel operators.

The stay ranges from a package to another but a comprehensive package would be spending 3nights at Port Blair and 2 nights at the Havelock Islands. Andaman Islands include more than 530 islands when clubbed with Nicobar and is spread over 700 kilometres. It is only the 36 islands which are inhabited by people among which Port Blair is the capital town of the islands. A five day stay at the Andaman Islands would certainly have loads of things to explore. A personal experience has been illustrated below:

Reaching the Islands: Port Blair (1^st day)

Boarding a flight from Chennai usually takes you two hours taking the early flights in the morning could be one of the best options to go for. If you are traveling in a package tour by any of the operators then you would have all the arrangements for your stay ready. However, if you plan to go all by yourself it would be recommended to book your hotels in advance. Although you have several options after you land on the islands it would be much better to book your place in advance.

After a 2 hour flight you would be at the islands. Take your breakfast and have some rest for couple of hours before the adventure begins. A trip to the Viper Islands would be the 1^st thing to do. Most of us have heard the takes of the “Kala Pani” which was a witness to the inhuman treatments by the British Soldiers. This place can be reached by boarding a boat which would be a ride of about 30 minutes. The place has numerous things to see such as the hillock where the freedom fighters were hanged. Exploring the place would certainly take you back in times. Do make sure you check out the Light and Sound Show at the cellular jail during your visit to the cellular jail.

After all the hard work for the day it would be great to come back to your hotel and enjoy the amazing sea food of the place. There are limited options for both the veggies and non-veggies but sea food here is worth trying

Reaching the Havelock Islands: Day 2

Get up to the lovely sunrise at the islands and pack your bags to travel to the Havelock Islands which is about 54 kilometres from Port Blair. The 90 minute sea ride to the island gives amazing views of the deep sea. Get down at the islands and have sumptuous lunch before the exciting exploration of these islands begins. Travel to the Radhanagar Beach which is among the most amazing beaches in the South-east Asia. It would give you one of the loveliest views of the sea shore which extends a huge distance and is covered with white sand.

The one thing which people would appreciate at these islands is the absence of food or other vendors at the beaches and pure natural beauty which has been retained for centuries. Taking a dip into the sea is also one of the activities you may try, so make sure you carry extra set of clothes with you for a bath at the beaches.  Exploring the beaches would virtually take the entire day and the evening packs in loads of fun for the drinkers and dancers.

Exploring the Havelock Islands: Day 3

Getting up early morning to see the sunrise would certainly be recommended as the beaches offer amazing views in the morning. Have your breakfast and its time you get ready to explore the islands from within. Take a boat to the Elephant Beach at the Havelock Islands and you would be thrilled to see the options for water sports activity. You have everything out here from scuba diving, water scooters, or the snorkelling. When that was not all, you can walk in the corals to touch the colourful beaches within the waters which are roughly 4 to 6 feet deep. Although you might not see much variety of the corals you would surely fall in love with the numerous varieties of fishes. Many might get disappointed as there are no bathing facilities available at the beach.

If you are going as per a tour package then make sure you check which sports are included in the packages. Individual water sports activities might be a bit expensive which is about Rs600-700 per person for a 5 minute event. After a good afternoon at the beaches its time you packed your bags and took a boat to return to Port Blair. Many might be tired so the 90 minute would be spent relaxing. It would be all for the day.

Last Night at the Islands: Day 4

After fulfilled 3 days at the islands the 4^th day could be spent exploring some of the other close islands. North Bay Island and the Ross Island could be on the list. Visit the North Bay Island which has several water sport activities to go for. People who might have found Havelock an expensive proposition for their water sport activities could try out them at the North Bay Island. They are comparatively cheaper. Travel to the Ross Island by mid-afternoon and see the heritage spot where the British Empire had the headquarters for the Andaman Islands.

Time to get back to the Mainland: Day 5

After an adventurous holiday the heels might need to cool off. SO you may spend the day when you travel back to the mainland by relaxing or visit the museum, aquarium, or the cellular jail in Port Blair. The next thing to do would be to have your evening snacks, pack your bags and reach the airport. You could board the evening flight from the islands and be back to the mainland by night.

Things you bring back from your vacation

There are loads of memories which you would cherish after a visit to these islands. Some of them may get captured inside your camera and remain with you forever. Things like the natural beauty in its preserved form, amazing beaches and the white sand, un-crowded place to travel, water sports activities, the history, etc. would always be cherished after a short holiday to the place. Many might fall in love and wish to remain at the islands for a longer period, but as it’s said everything has an end to it. However, the place truly has the aura to bring you back to the islands for the second time.