A trip far from the maddening crowd to the
peaceful & gorgeous tree lined beaches and clear turquoise waters along
with thrill of wilderness & adventure.... added with garnishing of
patriotism.... that’s what Andaman is.... EXOTIC!!
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| Neil Island at the Andaman |
I was always fascinated seeing the beauty and national
heritage of Andaman Islands on National Geographic and Discovery channels and
here I was with my family for a MMT vacation to the Exotic Andaman’s.
What beauty is in store for us was evident the moment our Indigo flight started
its journey on the Bay of Bengal.... the vastness of the sea.... the play of
clouds.... it was nature at its best!
We checked into Hotel Sea shell at Port Blair and off to Ross Island. The small island, located just across the water sports complex at Port Blair is a peaceful destination and had lush green walking trails. It stands as testimony to its glorious past with old structures almost in ruins.
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| Ross Island |
The next was a patriotic trip to the cellular jail and
witnessing the Light and sound show which tells about the happening in the jail
prior to India’s independence. I was almost in tears at the end of the show....
salute to the Martyrs! We must value our independence and freedom because it
has come after a huge sacrifice of our Freedom Fighters.
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| Cellular Jail |
Next day started with an experience of lifetime.... we were
doing a ‘Coral Safari’ in a Semi Submarine experiencing the richness and beauty
of the ‘Bay of Bengal’ and the treasure of Corals... its beyond words!!
After the semi submarine ride, we were in the luxurious
Makruzz Cruise ship ferrying us to the beautiful Havelock islands....
we checked into Sea shell resort and dreamt of what’s next....
Early morning, we were proceeding in a ferry boat for an
excursion in the deep blue waters to the Elephant beach and a session of
snorkelling at the beach.... experiencing the marine life and touching the
corals.... WOW!!
On our return to the resort, I booked an early morning scuba
diving session for my family and retired for the day with dreams of seeing
myself as a National Geographic scuba diver. The Scuba diving should be on a
‘must do activity’ whenever you visit Andaman’s. A 45 minute’s training session
and we were in the deep sea in full scuba gear. All kind of mixed feelings were
there when I was in the deep sea - anxiety, fear, excitement.... with corals,
fishes and sea horses all around. An amazing sea world!
Next, we were cruising to the Neil Island. True to its name
with different hues of blue, the Bharatpur Beach at the Neil and its beautiful
Sunset made me say only one thing: ‘God, You are Great! Thank you for our
beautiful and wonderful Universe!’
.... and I was tempted to make a Sunset Timelapse to capture the Nature's beauty!
It's nature at its best at the Andaman Islands!!
Any trip is not complete without some souvenir buys.... time for shopping at the Andamans.... tribal figures... sea shells... jewellery made of corals!
Next day is the time to say GOOD BYE to Neil... we are cruising back to PORT BLAIR.... and the last stop at Port Blair was a visit to ‘Samudrika’- Naval Marine Museum. Great Museum showcasing ANDAMANS!!
After
a Gala Dinner organised by MMT, we were transferred to Airport next morning to
board our flight for the return journey....
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| Aerial view of Andaman Islands |
.... we were back to our City of skyscrapers with sweet and beautiful memories of the Andaman Islands!! A Journey of a lifetime!!
