Emerald Islands: Andamans

andaman - the name is beleived to be derived from hanuman, an animal prevalent mostly in India.

Andamans are Coral islands teeming with marine life, with white sand beaches and surrounded by pristine breath-taking beauty of nature. This tropical archipelago consists of about 300 islands with only 39 of them  inhabited. Unspoiled and untouched by the vagaries of modern life, these islands are truly the perfect tropical paradise.

The seas around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the worlds finest, relatively unexplored, unspoiled and multi-hued. Many species of fish and coral are unique to the area and fascinating life systems exist in ash beds and cooled lava around the eastern volcanic island of Barren, the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.. Some beautiful islands in the midst of calm blue seas and amazing places really to talk about, its atmosphere, its people, its flora and fauna and more. A perfect place for vacation for those who love beauty, serenity and romanticism.

A voyage by ship will perhaps be more thrilling and romantic and an adventure by itself. Wading in the blue waters for more than three days continuously will be an unique experiences. The sunrise and sunset in the blue seas is a real delight to watch. It’s as if a round red ball suddenly coming out of the waters during sunrise or suddenly disappearing in it at sunset.

Havelock Island, located 54 KM northeast of Port Blair is a 100 sq km picturesque island that has great white-sand beaches and clear water, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are interesting coral formations and large fishes, dolphins and turtles, which make snorkeling very interesting. This is one of the few islands at which foreigners are permitted to stay overnight. This Island is also rated as the seventh most beautiful island in the world.

Situated in the Havelock Island, the Radhanagar Beach is the most popular beach in Andamans. It is known for its crystal clear turquoise blue waters and beautiful surroundings. Nothing can be more romantic than the full moon nights in the sea beaches amidst whistling waves. The moon rays in the shining blue waters are a nature’s beauty. And you will be the luckiest if you see a passing ship in this night, which just looks magnificent.

The coral reefs are other beauty hidden under waters. The exquisitely colourful corals, fishes and other sea elements play in the under waters hidden from the outside world. The scuba diving in the Jolly Buoy reef and Cinque Island is a heavenly experience among the amazing array of coloured corals and fishes playing with themselves. People who do not wish to swim can hire glass-bottomed boats to view the coral-reefs.

The shallow seas around the island are rich in corals and there are some fine, unspoiled beaches. You could be greeted by frolicking dolphins if you are lucky enough. A day at each of these islands will suffice to satisfy the appetite of most for the sea. But the experience always leaves the visitors with a restless feeling longing for more and more of the same.

There are numerous islands here, out of which, the Ross & Smith islands is very popular. During low tide, it is one single island but during high tide it separates into two islands. Ross Island was the administrative headquarters of the British during World War II. Formerly known as Paris of the East, this place now lies in ruins. Its manicured lawns adorned with umbrellas and shades and the majestic ballrooms were destroyed in an earthquake in 1941.

Also referred as Vegetable bowl of Andaman, Neil Island is popular for its lovely lengthy beaches. Neil is a small island with its widest part being just 5 KMs in length. You can walk the whole island in about an hour or two. There are a few uniquely designed resorts facing the beach, which are just thatched bamboo huts with a bed and a bulb to glow.

Another stunningly beautiful park in the midst of the cool blue seas is the Wandoor Marine National Park. There are strong currents on the beaches here and everyone is not allowed in the beaches. Many coral reefs can also be found here. Part of the Wandoor national park, Red Skin and Jolly Buoy islands boast a stunning array of over 50 varieties of coral and fish.

Port Blair's only firm reminder of its gloomy past, the sturdy brick Cellular Jail or Kala Pani overlooks the sea from a small rise in the northeast of town. The British used the islands as a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. Seven wings originally radiated from the central tower out of which only three remain, the rest being destroyed by the Japanese. A sound and light show is held here every evening. The entire story of Cellular Jail is related through the eyes of the massive tree located near the entrance, imaginatively interspersed by light effects. The Jail has acquired the name "Cellular" because it is entirely made of individual cells for the solitary confinement of the prisoners.

The primitive Jarowa tribes are still found here and are still very averse to the modern human tribe. They still live in their own world far away from the vagaries of modern day world and enjoy a life of their own. Modern humans are restricted in their periphery as they still throw arrows if any modern human being disturbs them.

Viper Island is a tiny, serene, beautiful island situated near Haddo Wharf at the mouth of Port Blair harbour. Measuring just 69 acres this crescent shaped place offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. The ruins of an old Jail can also be found where the British used to harbor convicts and was abandoned after the Cellular Jail was constructed in 1906. It has ruins of gallows atop a hillock.

Corbyn's Cove, situated 7 kms away from Port Blair is a coconut palmed fringed beach, ideal for swimming, surfing and sun basking. One of the most picturesque sea-beaches, it provides a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front.

Located 30 kms from Port Blair is Chidia Tapu, a island of Birds with beaches and mangroves. The island also provides astounding views of other islands and submerged corals, especially at sunset. The beach is popular for its picturesque beauty. One can experience a varied form of water sport activities. Bird watchers  can also be really lucky because the beach is home to some of the rarest species of birds like Mangrove Whistler, Large Cuckooshrike, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Brown Coucal, Red-breasted Parakeet, Collared Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, etc.

Two amazing islands to explore yourself, and make others wonder with its hidden tales. The serene environment and the scenic beauty will surely spellbind you. 

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