A long time ago, this place was known for punishment and imprisonment but if you Google a bit more, you will also find the world’s best beach right here! Don’t confuse it for Mauritius, Maldives or Australia, this is India, my India. As a travel blogger, I knew that someday I’d be here, I was sure but what surprised me was the way I ended up here! I booked an overnight flight from Mumbai and reached Port Blair airport with my video team in just 90 minutes.
Reaching Andaman
Finally, made it to the Andamans and one of the first questions that the immigration authorities asked me if I was a foreigner? I didn’t carry my passport to convince that I am a proud Indian so I spoke in Hindi and well, that was it. It is not compulsory to carry your passport to travel here but there’s no harm in carrying to avoid the hassle. Afternoon’s heat and night’s breeze, the weather here is quite extreme. Having reached Andaman, guess what is the first thing we did?
Also read: Top 10 Reasons To Visit Andamans
Cellular Jail – Kaala Paani Ki Saza
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First, we withdrew money from the ATM and then we went to the Kala Pani prison. I mean, visit the cellular jail which is only 10 minutes away from the airport via taxi. This is a popular tourist spot now but in the British era, all the rebellious Indian freedom fighters were sent to this prison. But why black water imprisonment, the water here is quite blue! Well, it is because the only way to exit this prison was through the water, which was really difficult.
Also read: Cellular Jail at Andamans Is The Most Dreaded Prisons In India
Ferry Ride from Port Blair to Havelock Island
Well, I had to go to Havelock Island, that is 2.5 hrs away from Port Blair and the most convenient way to reach there is via ferry but there is one problem, the last ferry for Havelock island is at 2 in the afternoon and if you land in Port Blair post 2 pm, you will have to spend the entire night at Port Blair. So I made it in time, bought the ticket for ₹300 and started off. I still remember, after reaching the port, we were just standing there with our luggage and contemplating what to do next? Because we had no hotel booking in place. After a long travel, we have reached havelock but this is the first time that I haven’t made any hotel bookings, spoken to hotels on phone, connectivity is so bad that we didn’t get through.
Also read: IRCTC To Start Rail Route To Andamans Soon!
Havelock Island Beach Resort
After aimlessly dragging our trolley bags on the beachy roads of Havelock Island, we reached Havelock Island Beach Resort. The hotel is running at the full capacity but we are expecting a cancellation. It is 6 in the evening and we are at the havelock island resort, no booking yet, we are waiting for any cancellation, only then we will be able to stay here. Our back up conversations are on, we will know pretty soon. After waiting for 2 more hours, one guest confirmed his cancellation and that’s how we got our cosy room. The bed is completely decorated. I feel bad that I have to take it off but I am so tired all I want to do is crash.
Well, we were all set by the night but to be very honest, we were scared for a moment what if we didn’t get room to sleep. While travelling, you will have to leave certain decisions on God because if it was not for him, I wouldn’t have woken up to this gorgeous view.
Also read: The Most Heavenly Hotel In The Andaman Islands
Best Of Marine Life at Nemo Reef
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Just look at the gorgeous beach, white sand, palm trees, the frame is taken straight out of some Hollywood movie. The natural beauty on the outside totally matches the underwater beauty too. We started our journey with snorkelling. Well, no trip to the Andaman is complete till you meet the Marine Life so I am headed to the Nemo reef and the mission is ‘finding Nemo’. I love beaches, I have an unexplainable love for the beaches a lot of people say that it is because of my zodiac sign i.e. Pisces but I don’t know. Snorkelling is an amazing experience, just like a meditation. There are many adventure sports here, I really loved underwater walking. If you ever get a chance, do try it out.
Also Watch: Top 15 International Travel Experiences In India
Something Different – Popular Seafood Restaurant
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It is believed that the roads of Andamans are as beautiful as the beaches here and if you really want to enjoy the roads in its true form, hire a 2 wheeler. One of the best ways to explore Andamans is to hire a two-wheeler and ride through the 2 lanes on two wheels. We are visiting a popular restaurant here which goes by the name of Something Different. I am here at an island so I’ll definitely try seafood. Not fish or prawns, let’s experiment a bit I have ordered a lobster. I saw the Marine Life & now ate it too. Sorry, vegetarians don’t hate me. I just like to try new food.
There’s more to explore in Havelock but let’s take a small break on this beach with more tales to tell.
First Published: July 07, 2020 3:42 PM