MY VISIT TO ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

    Blue sunny skies , breezy beaches , blue water and swaying palm trees. What can be better destination than Andaman and Nicobar islands for a thalassophile like me. This was an ideal location to spend vacations for me. On early morning of December 3rd me and my family flew to Port Blair. Journey was tiring. Excitement was increasing while the distance was decreasing. After reaching Port Blair I saw a board on which it was written ‘Welcome to Port Blair, the heart of Andaman’.  We decided to put bags in hotel first and the hotel was really elegant. 

DAY-1 (CELLULAR JAIL)

The most famous and popular attraction among tourists was the cellular Jail. It was constructed between 1896 and 1906 by British authorities to capture Indians who were on trials. It was perfect place for visitors who want to know and experience the island’s colonial past. In evening special light and sound show is hosted. It is made by puce coloured bricks. It has 7 wings and at the centre there is a tower which was used by the guards to keep and eye on the prisoners. Wings have a structure like the spokes of bicycle wheel. There are total 696 cells. Each cell is very small. Name cellular Jail derives from solitary cells which prevented priosner’s communication. It was a tiring day but the story told in light and sound show was very intresting.

Day-2 (HAVELOCK ISLANDS)

These are famous for their white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Snarkelling, scuba diving, trekking, sailing , submarine tour  and paragliding. I was very attracted by submarine tour so I did it and it was a great experience for me but not for everyone as many people were feeling dazy and we’re requesting to take the submarine back to the starting point , but the majority was not feeling same so the staff denied. There were many shops from which we bought local Island crafts. Then we went to Radhanagar beach which was nearby and most famous place there to watch sunsets. 

Day-3 (LIMESTONE CAVES)

In morning we decided to visit limestone caves because it was very famous tourist destination. They are located in Baratang island which is home to a very dangerous tribe ‘Jarawa’. The once forbidden Island is rich in forests , mud volcanoes and caves. But few years ago the ministry decided to allow tourists to go there so that the tourism will be promoted. There is specifc time to visit island with high security. Clicking pictures is note allowed until you reach the caves. Caves are some million years old and it was so fascinating to see that how beautiful the rocks have been arranged by the nature itself. 

Day-4

We just visited local markets as our flight was in evening but the markets were not as crowded as of Delhi which is good 

BY ADITYA MATHUR