Andaman: The Astonishing Archipelago

"O Ocean, in your palette of colours, let me drown myself becoming all yours."

The pristine nature and its beauty in Andaman is more than gorgeous, more than pleasant to my eyes and soul. Divinity of the waters and aesthetic touch of the islands fabricate me and I seem to float peacefully away upon the soft waves of the ocean, until I discover myself in some dream-land, where the Moon sings lullaby from behind the silky clouds.

Andaman is an idyllic paradise nestled in midst of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is one of the Union Territories of India and is a blessedly unspoiled tourist gem. Although it is widely regarded as one of the best spots for the honeymooners, but it has more to offer the travellers; it's a storyteller, narrating the tales of Indian subcontinent through the ages.

Best time to visit:

Andaman welcomes peeps throughout the year from across the globe, but the best time to enjoy the soothing weather of this place is from mid October till the end of May. Weather you are in search for a hustle or a tranquil time at the beach, this place will never disappoint you. If you wish to experience the underwater charisma in Jolly Buoy island, you should plan for the beginning of the year till the end of April.

Travel Guide for the Peeper:

Port Blair

The Capital of Andaman and the largest town here has the only International Airport in the islands. Veer Savarkar International Airport or The Port Blair International Airport serves as the only entry to these islands through air. There are few places of interest in the town like Ross Island, Viper Island, The Cellular Jail, Water Sports Complex, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, The Chatham Saw Mill, Wandoor Beach, Munda Pahar, Jogger's Park and the Corbyn Cove's Beach.

Inside Cellular Jail

You wouldn't like to miss the Light and Sound show in The Cellular Jail to know and feel the struggle of the freedom fighters and stories behind Indian Independence. The voice of Om Puri in the Hindi version of the show brings life and makes us feel present with his narration.

Skeleton of a Blue Whale in Samudrika Naval Museum

Source: wikipedia.org

Baratang Island

If you are absolutely fanatic to explore the unknown and not intimidated by long and tiring journey, you should visit Baratang. The Natural Limestone Cave, Mud Volcano, Parrot Island and the Mark Bey Beach will surely amaze you with the creative skills of the nature.

Limestone cave

Diglipur and North Andaman

This is arguably one the best secrets of the Andamans. North Andaman still remains quite unexplored, but once you're here, you'll be mesmerized by the virgin beauty of this place. Moricedera Beach, Dhani Nallah are among the most interesting places to explore here. You can find yourself among the best waves throughout Andaman, here, in Ross and Smith Island with a secret pathway only visible during the low tide making the place even more mystic and attractive.

Sunrise in Moricedera Beach

Walk through the Dhani Nallah

Ripping waves in Ross and Smith Island

Jolly Buoy

One can reach this pristine island by the ferry service of Port Blair. It remains one among the unexplored places but the best island with the Coral lives and the underwater thrills. You should surely experience glass boating and snorkeling here to explore the beauty underwater.

Havelock Island(Swaraj Deep)

You can hire any Government ferries or private cruise ships like The Makruzz from Port Blair to reach Havelock. Sightseeing at beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach are worth your time. Kalapathar, as the name suggests, is famous for the black rocks there and Radhanagar Beach with the clearest ocean water and white powder sand and subtle waves will surely calm your heart and let you fill yourself with the purest vibes of the blue waters.

The Makruzz.
Source: Sumedha Das

At Radhanagar Beach

Neil Island

Both Government and private ferry service is available to reach this island as well. Comparatively a smaller island, known for its magnificent bio-diversity, coral reefs and tropical woodlands. If you want to relax in some resort or cottage and walk through the long deserted beaches, Neil island is your destination. Don't forget to visit Bharatpur Beach and The Natural Bridge here.

Sunset at Bharatpur Beach

Natural Bridge

Andaman and Nicobar is the residence of the aboriginal Indian people who were attacked by the skilled Indo-Aryans, capturing the peninsula and were forced to move to these islands. Later Andaman was bought by the British from the Danish East India Company during the colonial raj and formed a penal settlement, The Cellular Jail. Those inhabitants(mostly Jarwas) can be spotted in the jungles on the way to Baratang. There are different tribes living on these islands, few of them being the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarwas, Sentinelese,and the cannibals Shompen and Nicobarese.

Andaman with its serene natural beauty and blue waters lies unexplored behind the green leaves of the primeval jungles. It calls out for the explorers to float among its waters, experience the voyage through the beautiful carving on Mother Earth.