Andaman and Nicobar Islands
     

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. - Anne Frank.

Need a break from your routine, away from your daily verve? Then come to Andaman Islands. Indulge in the sinful pleasure of being one with nature with fantastic virgin beaches with clear blue water and wide swept mangroves. The island envelopes you in its great mystery and has the magical power to make you want to stay there ceaselessly. I have absolutely no words to describe it because backpacking there is an unquestionably out of the world experience. I definitely propose you take the trip and see it for yourself.

Portblair personally did appeal to me much, so I recommend that you head off to the closest Island of Havelock as soon as you get there. There are serious restrictions on what beaches /islands you can visit. Please choose carefully on what you plan to do.

BY AIR

Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. At present, flights are operated by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.

Alliance Air City Office: Middle Point, Port Blair, Tel: 233108; Airport: 232983

Jet Airways flights operate every day on Chennai - Port Blair - Chennai sector.

Jet Airways: City Office: Junglighat, Port Blair, Tel: 236922/236933 Fax: 236944; Airport: 235911,235944 (www.jetairways.com)

By Ship: Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days. Further information on schedules and tariffs can be obtained from:

1. Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. Apeejay House, 4th Floor, Dinsa Wacha Road, Mumbai – 400 020 Tel: 2822101/2823316 Fax: (022) 2022438

2. Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., Shipping House, No. 13, Strand Road, Calcutta – 700 001 Tel: 2482354, 2488013 Fax: (033) 2482035, 2480377

3. Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., Jawahar Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: (044) 5231401, Fax: (044) 5231218

4. The Deputy Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, 6, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: (044) 5220841/5226873

5. The Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair (For MV Nancowry and MV Swarajdweep) Tel: (03192) 232528/232742 Fax: (03192) 230480

Reaching Havelock (Beach #5)
About 38 kms from Port Blair, this island provides idyllic resort in the lap of virgin beach and unpolluted environment. Camping facility is available near Radhanagar beach. A guesthouse of Tourism Department, Dolphin Resort, is available for the tourists.

Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beach in Havelock are the best examples of unpolluted nature. Vijaynagar beach is just in front of Dolphin Yatri Niwas and Radhanagar beach is seven kms away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas. There are two to three ferries which will take you to the islands. Please contact the Port Blair ports to get the itinerary as they are subject to changes.

Other beaches you can visit are Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex, Harminder Bay Beach, Ramnagar Beach and Karmatang Beach

WHAT TO EAT

Seafood, like any other coastal area, happens to be the specialty of this place. Other choices (continental, Indian, Chinese) are also available if you’re not a seafood fan.
Do check out the samosas when you reach the Havelock dock. For cheap scrumptious meals you will find tiny restaurants which serve Indian Thalis at affordable prices and are healthy.

WHERE TO STAY

The islands have several resorts which cost anything starting from Rs 200 a night to Rs 10,000. Our personal recommendation would be to find beach resorts which are spacious, have a nice beach, serve good inexpensive food and have a friendly staff.

Pristine Beach Resort seemed to fit us fine as it had spacious bamboo cottages, which were comfortable, with 24 hour cold water supply, and it accommodated three of us in Rs 500. It had a beautiful view of the beach. The staff is friendly and is the perfect place for backpackers from across the world. Most other resorts are either way too expensive or draws people travelling in packs (families).

Visit the Andaman Water Sports Complex. Some fun activities to try are snorkeling, island camping/scuba diving and trekking.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Explore the virgin beaches of the islands. If that does not suffice, then grab a cycle and head off to the Elephant Beach.

October-January is the most commercially active season attracting several visitors who partake in various festivals and extravaganzas.

Article by Ranjeetha D Mello

An Indian Backpacker