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Tropical escapade: A family getaway to the Andaman Islands

A paradise where fun, relaxation and adventure come together for a perfect family holiday.

I had always dreamt of gifting my parents an unforgettable vacation, one they could cherish for a lifetime. The planning phase was exciting as I devoted hours to research, meticulously finalising the itinerary to ensure everything was perfect for the getaway. Taking a two-hour flight from Bangalore to Port Blair, I marvelled at the breathtaking ocean views and lush greenery below as we hovered above the Andaman islands. Deep down, I had a feeling that this trip would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I couldn't wait to explore this beautiful tropical paradise.

Table of Contents:

  • Port Blair—A cultural kaleidoscope
  • Road to Diglipur—A journey through untouched wilderness
  • Diglipur—A tropical oasis of serenity
  • Havelock Island—Where time stands still, and nature thrives
  • Neil Island—Where adventure, relaxation, and nature converge

Port Blair—A cultural kaleidoscope

The picturesque beauty of Port Blair made my heart skip a beat. Soon after we checked into our hotel, we headed out for sightseeing. Our first stop was the famous Samudrika Marine Museum. We were impressed by the diverse collection of animal and floral life. We also shopped for unique handicrafts, bamboo crafts, and seashell souvenirs from the curio shop at the museum. Next, we visited the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Paani. The jail complex is now recognised as a national memorial. Our visit to the historical site proved to be an enlightening and emotional experience, leaving us deeply moved by the courage of Indian freedom fighters who endured imprisonment under British rule. Next, we visited Chidiyatapu Beach, a breathtaking part of the emerald island. At this scenic spot, we embarked on a thrilling speed-boating adventure, which added an element of thrill to our getaway. My brother and I also ventured on a trek to Munda Pahad, relishing the moments of serenity and savouring the breathtaking views. After a long day of exploration, we indulged in a delectable seafood dinner at our hotel. It left our taste buds tingling with delight. The Macher Jhol, a mouthwatering local seafood delicacy with origins in Bengal, was the highlight of the meal. Relishing every bite, we later retired to our cozy resort room, eagerly looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead.

Road to Diglipur—A journey through untouched wilderness

The following day, we woke up before the crack of dawn, excited to explore the beautiful town of Diglipur. We drove through a thick forest at 5 am, accompanied by an army convoy. This was for our safety as we would be passing through the territory of the indigenous Jarawa tribe. The Jarawas have been living on the Andaman Islands for over two millennia, and are one of the original inhabitants of the islands. We drove through the forest and saw several Jarawa people with bows and arrows. We were strictly prohibited from taking their pictures or videos, as the government had vowed to protect their privacy and way of life. As we continued, we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the forest and the incredible culture of the Jarawa tribe. It was a humbling experience that reminded us of the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous groups.

Diglipur—A tropical oasis of serenity

After a long drive, we finally reached Diglipur. We decided to trek through the pristine woods, enjoying the fresh air and lush greenery. The beaches were immaculate, with no sign of plastic or litter. We encountered Olive Ridley turtles and their hatchlings heading towards the water. As night fell, we retired to our cosy resort, nestled in the lush greenery. We woke up early and drove to the Forest Office in Diglipur to obtain a permit to visit the Ross and Smith Islands. We hired a fisherman's boat that took us to the islands from the Ariel Bay Jetty in Diglipur. We were mesmerised by the turquoise-blue water. Since it was low tide, we were able to walk from Ross Island to Smith Island on the natural sand bar connecting the two places. We were so taken in by the island's beauty that we found it difficult to part ways and return to the boat. As we bid farewell to the islands, we eagerly anticipated our next adventure at Havelock Island.

Havelock Island—Where time stands still, and nature thrives

After bidding farewell to Diglipur, we hopped on a ferry to get us to Havelock Island. Our first stop was the world-famous Radhanagar Beach, celebrated as the seventh best beach in the world. The beach was truly breathtaking with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Being a certified diver, I couldn't resist the temptation to go night diving in the Andaman Islands. I visited Ocean Tribe, a dive shop run by three brothers who had found excellent swimming reefs in the area. The night dive proved to be an incredible experience; the underwater world came alive with cuttles, sea turtles, trevallies, butterflyfish, and scorpionfish. Although I had hoped to encounter a dugong, luck was not on my side. Nonetheless, the experience was unforgettable.

Neil Island—Where adventure, relaxation, and nature converge

As we caught a ferry from Havelock to Neil Island, we eagerly looked forward to exploring this lesser-known gem. We got down at Bharatpur Beach, where we shopped for souvenirs and local handicrafts. Next, we indulged in massages and spa treatments at the Silver Sand Beach Resort. With our bodies and minds relaxed, we felt completely at peace. The next day, we rose early and made our way to Sitapur Beach to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Later, at the Vibes and Dives Cafe, the owner graciously invited my mom to whip up a dish; she chose to cook Mangalorean prawn ghee roast. The dish was a huge hit among the customers, and my mom's face beamed with pride. Later in the evening, at Sunset Point, we watched the sun slowly descend into the horizon, painting the sky with a beautiful mix of colours. We explored the nearby caves and enjoyed the cool sea breeze. We felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature in all its glory. As we boarded our flight back home from Port Blair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and sadness about our wonderful family getaway coming to and end. The beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, delicious food, and the warm hospitality of the locals made this trip truly unforgettable. When I looked out of the plane window, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of our adventures and the bonds we strengthened as a family. It was a trip that brought us closer together and allowed us to create memories that will last us a lifetime.

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