Adamant About the Andaman Islands
WHITE SANDY BEACHES AND AZURE SEAS ARE NOT USUALLY THE IMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH INDIA, BUT THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS OFFER EVERYTHING YOU ENJOY IN A BEACH VACATION, AND MORE.
Stunning beaches, forest adventures and intriguing history combine to make a holiday in The Andaman Islands a unique and fascinating experience. The archipelago glimmers in the Bay of Bengal between India and Myanmar.
PORT BLAIR
Port Blair, the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the gateway to the pristine islands. Port Blair, located on South Andaman, is where most of the population resides. Of the over 570 palm-lined, white-sand beaches, with mangroves and tropical rainforests islands in the archipelago only 38 are inhabited, mostly by indigenous Andaman islanders. Many of these are not accessible to visitors.
Not surprisingly, seaside activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and cruising the waters are some of the attractions for tourists. Coral reefs are home to marine life such as sharks and rays which is where people go for diving and snorkelling.
WATER ACTIVITIES
The Andaman Water Sports Complex is located close to the Cellular Jail in Port
Blair. The sports complex offers a range of water sports facilities and adventures. Sail boating, parasailing, paddle boating, water scooters, rowing, and water skiing are available. Even if you are staying for just a few days you can train in these water sports activities. Not only will you be able to show off your tan, you can show off your ability on the boards.
CELLULAR JAIL
The Cellular Jail, a former colonial prison is one of Port Blair’s most popular attractions. Prior to India’s independence the prison was used by the British to exile political prisoners to the remote archipelago. It was a place very difficult to escape from. Many notable independence activists were imprisoned here during the struggle for independence. Today, the complex is a national memorial monument.
Designed as seven spokes of a bicycle wheel, this unique three-storied structure was the first of its kind in India. Construction started in 1896 and completed in 1906 with 693 cells specially built for solitary confinement. An extraordinary feature of the jail was that it created the total absence of communication between prisoners housed in different wings as the front of the row of cells faced the back of the other.
MEMORIALS & MONUMENTS
The execution rooms, the cells, the torture
rooms and different areas of the jail are open for public viewing. Cellular Jail is well-maintained, and a beautiful garden has been created in the compound. There is a daily light and sound show at 5:00 pm in Hindi and 6:00 pm in English. The museum at the jail gates has pictures and replicas of the inmates. The torturing equipment has been preserved and a Martyr’s memorial has been constructed inside the jail.
Another popular tourist site is the Battle of Aberdeen monument that was built in the memory of Andamanese aborigines who fought against the British in the “Battle of Aberdeen” in May 1859.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Andaman has several shopping centres. In Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazaar is the most popular commercial hub with both locals and tourists looking for local products. A plethora of shops line the streets in colourful perfusion offering a wide variety of goods from apparel to household items. You can pick up coconut shell lamps, bamboo cane craft and jewellery made out of shells. Colourful sarongs add to the dazzling array. Take home carved wooden furniture and palm mats.
PARKS & PEAKS
Mount Harriet National Park national park was established in 1969 and covers 4.62km2. Mount
Harriet, at 383m, is the third-highest peak in the Andamans after Saddle Peak and Mount Thullier. Mount Harriet, located 55km by road from Port Blair and 15 km by ferry, offers beautiful views of the Indian ocean and adjacent islands. It served as the summer headquarters of the chief commissioner during British rule. There is a nature trail from this hill to the Madhuban forest.
The park, a butterfly hotspot, is home to Andaman wild pigs (an endangered species), saltwater crocodiles, turtles and robber crabs.
NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE ISLAND
The tiny Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island is situated at the entrance of Port Blair harbour. Lt. Archibald Blair, who surveyed the Island in March 1789, established a colony and named it after the marine surveyor Sir Daniel Ross. The first batch of 200 revolutionaries transported by the British arrived in March 1858 with a number of them going to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. Various government functionaries established residences there, including Government House, the residence of the Chief Commissioner.
A severe earthquake in June 1941, damaged the buildings. The island was occupied by the Japanese in World War II and they too demolished a number of buildings. After the war the island was left derelict until April 1979 when it was transferred to the Defence Ministry. The Island has become popular with tourists wishing to view the ruins and absorb the beauty and gravity of bygone days.
There is a state-of-the-art Light and Sound show that is said to be one of the best in the country. To keep alive the vibes of the past the India Navy has setup a museum ‘Smritika - The Ross Memorial’.
BEACHES
Corbyn’s Cove is a coconut-palm fringed beach, six kilometres from Port Blair, is ideal for swimming and soaking in the sun. There are hotel, restaurant, bar, changing room, and water-sports facilities available. Historical ruminants such as Japanese bunkers can be seen on the edges of the beach. Nearby Snake Island is popular for scuba diving. The Waves Restaurant & Beer Bar run by the tourism department provides local cuisine at reasonable rates in a comfortable ambience.
Swaraj Dweep has picturesque, beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches, there are rich coral reefs great for snorkelling and diving. One of the populated islands, 39 km of north-east of Port Blair, its centre is lush green forest. This is the place to frolic in the azure sea. High-end resorts to camping sites on the beach are available accommodation. There are more than 50 resorts such as the Dolphin Resort that is run by the Tourism Department.
Elephant Beach is an ideal site for snorkelling with rich coral reef formation and amazing
underwater marine life. One can reach Elephant Beach by small cruise boat operated by private compaines from Swaraj Dweep Jetty in about 40 minutes. Forest Camp is 8kms from the jetty towards the Radhanagar side, which can be reached by road.
ACCOMMODATION Jalakara
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn organises trips to the tropical paradise of Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands. Having originally been an overgrown banana and betel nut plantation, Jalakara is a contemporary designed boutique hotel that combines modern luxury in its natural setting, showcasing an abundance of natural light and stunning views, it offers guests something truly unique and idyllic. Comprised of just six secluded suites, guests are able to relax in private and indulge in the ultimate tranquil experience.
As it is owned by British chef Mark Hill, travellers can expect exquisite cuisine with menus that incorporate fresh ingredients and flavours. Scott Dunn can organise bespoke adventures for guests, from boat trips to witness the extraordinary marine life to jungle walks and bird watching trails. Guests will feel refreshed and rejuvenated after visiting Jalakara.
Havelock Island is part of Ritchie’s Archipelago, in India’s Andaman Islands.
It’s known for its dive sites and beaches, like Elephant Beach, with its coral reefs. Crescentshaped Radhanagar Beach is a popular spot for watching the sunset. It was named “Asia’s Best Beach” in 2004 and was dubbed the world’s seventh most spectacular beach by Time Magazine. On the island’s east side, rocky sections mark long,
tree-lined Vijaynagar Beach. The island’s forested interior is home to birdlife such as white-headed mynas and woodpeckers.
Scott Dunn is able to include a stay at Jalakara with multiple itineraries and destinations including mainland India.
BAREFOOT AT HAVELOCK
Defining barefoot luxury, Barefoot at Havelock Island is the first and only eco-resort on the Andaman Islands. Located in a rainforest, the hotel is a rustic hideaway that provides a beach escape for guests searching for an off-the-beaten-track adventure and ideal for those looking to witness the marine life with some of the world’s best diving.
Set on seven acres, Barefoot at Havelock
Island is made up of individual cottages that blend into the surrounding foliage to emphasise the eco-focused concept of the property. Scott Dunn organises stays at the newer cottages Andaman Villas which include large windows to make the rooms airy and light. Another alternative is the Nicobari Villa which is round and on stilts, replicating the traditional Nicobari tribal style.
Scott Dunn will organise diving and snorkelling trips for guests, as well as yoga, Ayurvedic treatments at the on-site spa or alternatively kayaking, fishing, nature walks, and bird watching.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
The islands have a tropical climate. The Southwest Monsoon visits the Andaman Nicobar islands towards the end of May and the North-east Monsoon in November. There is no fury of hot summer, no chilling winter. For those who want to enjoy boating, swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing all 12 months is season the go. For nature lovers, May to December when the forest is lush green and the waterfalls are at their gushing prime, is the recommended time to visit. Divers can enjoy the best diving December to April and bird watchers during the winter.