TREASURE ISLAND

                      In the splendid glittering waters of the Bay of Bengal, floats the destination of world class eco-tourism- The Andaman islands! The place which comprises of colourful under water marine life, rarest varieties of corals, excellent scope for water sports, exotic flora and fauna, endangered andamanese tribes, places of historic importance, unpolluted fresh air. All these are put together in a single box and given to us as THE GIFT OF NATURE.

                      

                       

  Andaman is not only meant for its scenic beauty, but also for its rich historical essence. The Andaman islands were colonized by the British,200 years ago. They were the first to survey those islands in 1789 for shipping and logistical use. Then, in 1906 they decided to erect The Cellular jail in Port Blair-which is the access to this ravishing island. It took almost 10 years for the British to complete the construction of this massive structure which comprises of 7 wings of buildings connected together by a central tower which on the whole, looks like a red clock made of bricks. This cellular jail was known as Kalapani-which means jail surrounded by salty sea water. The jail was built to imprison all the freedom fighters, who were given hard manual labour with daily targets and on failing to accomplish the tasks , they were hit brutally and tortured. This continued for many years until the Japanese took over. They ruled Andaman only for 2-3 years. However, they destroyed major parts of the island. They were then defeated by the British people and thereafter the British ruled over the island until they were defeated and thrown away by the INDIANS. From then, the Andaman island was set free ! Down the years there have been many changes in those islands. One good thing about Andaman is that though the place is promoted for tourism the beauty of the waters and lands is not ruined by commercialization .The nature with its ecosystem is left to its own. They aren’t disturbed. The Cellular jail has been converted into a National museum. Every evening a sound and light show is being organized. Each and every cell in the jail is being lit up with bright yellow, green and red lights. The sorrowful history of the jail and the story behind those souls who have sacrificed their lives for their motherland is being portrayed as a drama. It’s really hard to take in and digest the emotions which the drama brings to life.It shakes our souls and spirits. The show is definitely worth a watch!

              

                  

     Andaman’s treasure – WATERS. The wind brushing against your hair, with the sun slowly sliding within the horizon and the waters shining in light yellowish orange colour is a treat to the eyes. The smell of the salty sandy sea tingles your nose as you breathe in the fresh air. The waves sing a melodious lullaby, ready to embrace us with its open arms and splash into those waters. YES ! The waters ! The signature of Andaman islands. There are many islands like North bay island, Ross island, Havelock islands, Jollybuoy islands in which the waters are so clear. Blue, green, transparent likewise water takes different shades of colours. In every shade, they look so beautiful and unique in their own way ! Some of the beaches like Mundampaud beach near Chidiyathappu are secluded adjoining the forest and it offers a lovely sunset view. Whereas Radhanagar beach in Havelock islands is sandy white which acts like a mirror completely reflecting the sunlight. This beach is one of the best beaches in Asia. The water bed in this beach is quiet flat, so the water does not pull us inside. Walking along the shores of this pristine beach is indeed a wonderful experience. On the other hand, the Jolly buoy island which has a wide scope for water sports such as Snorkling. Snorkling is a way of exploring the life inside water. The splendid feel of touching those corals under the water and swimming along with the colourful fishes- silver, purple, parrot green and what not, floating upto a depth of 100 feet ! These experiences are way beyond one’s imagination. The ride on the boat with a glass frame bottom is mind boggling as one gets to see through the waters so close yet so far.

                   

                  

  The journey takes 2 hours to reach Andaman from Chennai by air and 3 Days by ship. The total expense for a 5 day trip to Andaman will cost around Rs.26,000/- per person inclusive of all flight expenses, food and stay. The means of transit between the islands is via boats only. One of the most basic necessities which has to be followed while travelling by the sea is WEARING LIFE JACKETS !!! Nature is unpredictable; we neither can control the winds from blowing hard nor the water waves being rough! But we can protect our lives by wearing life jackets, so that even if any accidents occur we can sustain our lives for a maximum of 36 hours laying afloat on the water. And about the food! Sadly, Andaman is not the best option for food lovers. There is no special authentic Andaman food. Andaman is a great hub for buying wood and shell articrafts.

                     ANDAMAN – My first ever overseas trip is the one which I will never ever forget in my life and so will you. It is indeed a Treasure island!

                              

It’s time to pick your swim suits, coolers, sun screens and get ready to add some sheen to your skin with some tan. 
Go Andaman! Go Dromomaniacs!