What memories do you have as a 1st grader, well mine are visiting Corbyn’s Cove for a weekend picnic on the beach; climbing cashew trees to pluck the yummy cashew apples and getting scolded by mom for staining my white school shirt with the indelible cashew apple juice; making sand castles for hours with my friends on Jolly Bouy Island. I was fortunate that my father was posted to the group of Islands and I could witness the pristine beauty of this tropical paradise.
Port Blair is the capital of the Islands and also Connecting point to the rest of India through Veer Savarkar International Airport. Although air travel is not the only way of transport to the Island but surely the shortest and most convenient, alternatively you can choose a ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag.
The Island capital holds dark memoirs of India’s freedom struggle and the cellular jail is an existing proof of it. It was also infamously known as Kala Pani. It was used to house many notable freedom fighters such as Batukeshwar Dutta, Yogendra Shukla and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The best way to experience the grandeur of Cellular jail is by witnessing the light and sound show which will take you back in time. The administration of this colonial prison was carried out from Ross Island, 15 min Boat ride from Port Blair. Although the Island is abandoned now and nature is slowly reclaiming the land, but it makes it the best spot to take Instagramable pictures.
The next one in the archipelago is Havelock Island. Its beaches are amongst the best in the world. The Radhanagar beach is the 7th best beach in the world. There is something for every kind of traveler on this island; Sun, sand and Pina colada for the laid-back traveler; scuba and night kayaking for the adventure seeker. The Island also offers Plethora of sea food options at the amazing cafes of the restaurant.
You can take a ferry ride to Neil Island from Havelock Island. The ferry drops you at Bharatpur Beach which is the hub for all water sports. You can try activities like water scooters, Snorkeling, Glass boat ride, banana ride, Jet ski etc. Another beach to spend a quite time on the white sandy beach overseeing the various shades of blue and a dense canopy of jungle on the other end is Laxmanpur beach. If you are a morning person do not miss the sunrise on Sitapur beach. While taking a flight back from Port Blair keep a day as a buffer as the ferries can be delayed due to the erratic weather conditions.
Comments