Andaman is Heavens on this earth . It is an absolute tropical Paradise . .We had planned our trip in mid October and were constantly worried about the rains . Somehow the rains stopped just 2 days before we reached Andaman giving us interspersed clouds to soothe us at times from the tropical sun however not affecting the vision of the beautiful corals which appear better in sunlight .
The sight of islands from the aeroplane is mesmerising .Most of these islands are inaccessible and hence unexplored - only a few near the capital are meant for the tourists , unless you have time and patience to explore the ones which are quite farther away .
Port Blair is a small city without traffic snarls .Hotels are few and good restaurants are fewer . Stick to restaurant which suits to your taste buds . The LightHouse Residency is good for nonvegetarians .We stayed at Andaman Teal House , which is fairly OK . But book very much in advance .Local mode of transport - autorickshaws are good , buses have a very good frequency and are cheap or you can hire a car although a little expensive .In Port Blair we saw the son et lumiere which depicts the history of the cellular jail nicely .Sagarika Art Emporium is a nice place to buy curios to take home .
We took the Harbour cruise which shows Ross Island , North Bay and Viper Island . Ross Island is a lovely small island . It was the administrative head quarters for the Britishers . Now the entire island is converted into a park with signs of British raj conserved in a novel way .It is surprising to see huge trees on roofs of houses and administrative offices with roots forming the walls.Don’t be surprised to see spotted deers moving around fearlessly , and they don’t shy away if you go near them . The backside of the island is a picture perfect shore . Harbour cruise gives you very less time on this island .
Nort Bay Island has a romantic lighthouse . It is visited mainly for seeing the corals either through glass bottom boats or by snorkelling .The glass bottom boats do offer you a glimpse but the colors are not real . Snorkelling , yes you get to appreciate the true colors . However , this is not a good place for snorkelling either as it is too frequently visited and hence the corals and colorful fishes are not so abundant .Elephanta beach at Havelock offers best snorkelling experience if you have money to spare .
.Viper Island had gallows for women in British days .The latter two islands can be skipped if you plan to snorkel at Elephanta Beach .
Corbyn’s cove is a good beach to laze around if you have nothing else to do . From this beach you can go to Chidiya Tapu which is a fantastic place nestled in a dense reserve forest .It overlooks a strait with many islands seen around . This serene place looks particularly magnificient in the evening and should not be missed .
Havelock Island is the most beautiful place in this world , and it is a must see for all .Air conditioned speed boat is the best means of reaching this place but the availability of tickets can be a problem . Atleast two days must be spared for this place . .Dolphin Resort on Vijayanagar Beach run by Directorate of Tourism , Andaman and Nicobar Islands is fabulous . Extreme care has been taken regarding the minutest details to make your sojourn comfortable .The resort also runs a bus , which will receive you from the jetty when you arrive here . It will also take you to Radhanagar beach and village for marketing , and leave you back at jetty on the day of your departure .The food at resort is good .Private tour operators however leave no stone unturned to harass you for getting the tickets back to Port Blair as these ticktes are purchased by them in a lot .There is no other way to go back to Port Blair but the boat and they make you feel as if you are stranded and to their mercy . Havelock has three beaches - Vijayanagar , Radhanagar and Elephanta .
Vijayanagar beach is not for swimming .The shallow waters and the reefs however imparts myriad hues to the sea from emerald green to electric blue to indigo to grey -all the colors seen at the same time - this is an experience to cherish for the lifetime .At high tide we experienced another strange phenomenon -the waves on the shore looked milky as if it is a sea of milk rather than water .The water here is crystal clear - you can see the bottom very clearly .Vijayanagar beach has lovely sunrise .
Radhanagar Beach is ranked the second best beach in the world by Times magazine .Sand white as marble , brilliantly blue sea and dense tropical rainforest at the shore which is full of parrots which never stop chirping .The waves are a little too big for swimming - but a perfect beach for sunbathing . The sunset is worth seeing .
Elephanta beach is absoluely virgin , accesible only through boat .A trip to this place is expensive and hence avoided by many , which fortunately has helped maintain the subtle ecobalance for the growth of corals and colorful fishes . You can do unlimited snorkelling here and never feel satisfied looking at what lies underneath the sea .The corals are abundant and multicolored , fishes are very colorful and unabashed and plentiful .For snorkelling you need not know how to swim - the accompanying person manages everything . Besides the beach is very beautiful but small .As it is not frequently visited you see many shells and conches with creatures inside running around the beach in absolute abandon but ensconcing themselves in their home if you disturb them .
People in Andamans in general are polite , well behaved and friendly .Weather is hot and dont forget to carry sunscreens , hat and sunglasses .
Overall it is a memorable experience