Shore and the city- Port Blair

The capital of Andaman and Nicobar- Port Blair offers a relaxing vacation in company of woods, caves, museums and historic remnants and is a window 0f the delightful - a potpourri of culture, history, leisure, luxury, sports and much more… 

 Port Blair- gateway to the sun, sand and surf of the natural beauty- endowed Andamans. A perfect nirvana for the urban dweller, enveloped in a modicum of the unchanged from times immemorial. Unchanged is the soulful pace of life folded in the wraps of time. Lingering in the air is the decadence of colonial rule, unchanged in the face of time and tides. Unchanged are the remotest heavens of biodiversity far removed from the gnawing realities of urbanization, a visit to this land of the unchanged and unfathomable is an eye-opener and an enchanter. 

A Solo Backpacking trip to the Andamans

This magical land has hidden gems that distinguish it from usual tourist hotspots, says Amit Sengupta

Andamans looks like a piece of beads strung together in the Bay of Bengal, straight out of a dream set. It is flanked by the beautiful and mesmerizing North and South Andaman Islands, and stretches till the Nicobar group of islands in the south. Consisting of about 556 islets, this magical land hosts some remarkable hidden gems that are far away from the usual touristy hotspots. There are some of these, which are equally, if not less, appealing and scenic than the usually known places such as Havelock and Neil Islands.

My journey to the islands was intended to be different and a bit daring, so to say. It was a solo backpacking trip, the weather was not conducive, and I would say there was never a single moment I regret being all alone. You can easily fly to Andamans from any city through Chennai or Kolkata (which is usually a two-hour journey). International travelers and tourists would, however, need to have a permit to enter the islands, which can be comfortably availed from the authorities upon arrival. So here’s my ultimate itinerary for you to plunge into the deep blue waters and virgin islands of Andamans and make a solo backpacking trip yourself.

20 Amazing facts about Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Long fabled among travellers for its gorgeous beaches, underwater wonders and primeval location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are still the ideal place to get away from it all. The archipelago has around 572 islands of which only 36 are open to tourists. The island population is an interesting mix of south Indian and Southeast Asian settlers, as well as Negrito ethnic groups on some islands whose arrival here still has anthropologists baffled.

Adding to the intrigue is the fascinating ecosystem that exists on the island – the spectacular coral reefs, the biggest crabs, the largest turtles, the most vibrant fish and the most beautiful butterflies.

While most of us know about Andaman and Nicobar’s legendary beauty and charm, these emerald isles are intriguing in more than one way. Ptolemy and Marco Polo documented the isles as home to fierce man-hunters and Jean-Jacques Cousteau dedicated a movie to them called Invisible Islands.

TRIP TO 'BARREN ISLAND'- India's only active volcano is located in the Andamans

Disbelief registers quickly on most people’s faces when I tell them that India has an active volcano. They then proceed to laugh when I tell them that I have visited it and dived the waters around it. Well, the truth is that India does have volcanoes. And, historically, the most active volcano along the volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma is India’s very own Barren Island. With reported eruptions dating back to 1787, the volcano’s existence has been known to us for centuries. However, inaccessibility and limited, poorly publicised research has long rendered the island an enigma unto itself.

Long Island- Gateway to untouched Middle Andaman

A rather secluded island, Long Island somehow contradicts its own name; it is a small island with just one village in it. This could be a dream come true for the travelers who have been thinking of staying in a place where the rush of responsibilities don’t eat away life. This slow-paced vibe is a spa to your senses. Long Island is gracefully simple. You may not find constant honking of the motor vehicles around. There is one government headed guest house and some beautiful eco-huts headed by Blue Planet. Blue Planet also hosts diving and other sports activities here. Some amazing spots of the Long Island are Lalaji Bay and Merk Bay. There are forest areas too; there is always a canvas for the explorer in you.

BEACH WEDDINGS IN ANDAMANS - NEAR DESERTED BEACHES & MARINE LIFE

Not many people would consider Andaman as their wedding destination owing to it not being much publicized. Andaman might be a secluded place, but it is nothing less of being picture perfect with widespread flora and fauna, and if you want a wedding away from the bustling of city life and amidst startling natural beauty and tranquility, then Andaman is the place to be.

I Know Andaman Islands- an e-learning Program