The Amazing Andamans!

Pristine aqua emerald waters, mangroves, rainforests, divine beaches, sea extending for as far as the eye can see and a unique culture are what invite you to experience the magical islands of Andamans. Winter months between November and March are the best time to visit here. Take a flight or a ship to reach here.Some must visit places here are:

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Cellular jail, Andamans. Pic courtesy: By Jomesh (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Port Blair: Port Blair is the capital of Andamans. A National Memorial, Cellular Jail, is the main attraction here. Completed in 1906, it was where the Indian freedom fighters were jailed away from the mainland. They were subjected to terrible atrocities in this seven-block structure, each having 3 storeys. Each of these blocks have 33 cells meant for solitary confinement. The people who constructed this jail were also imprisoned and tortured here. The jail has a museum and is visited by the tourists looking for a slice of India’s history. It also has a light and sound show.

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Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex at Port Blair. Pic courtesy: By Aliven Sarkar (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Water sports: Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is perhaps the only place of its kind in India. It offers many water sports including paddle boats, row boats, glass-bottom boats etc. You can also try the adventure sports like jet ski, parasailing,speed boats, banana boats etc. The place is a fun visit place for all age groups. It is located in Port Blair.

A number of islands can be accessed from Port Blair for various water sports and activities.

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Viper Island. Pic courtesy: By Biswarup Ganguly (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Viper Island: This island housed the first jails for prisoners before the Cellular jail was constructed. It was later abandoned. Many hangings and torture of prisoners took place on this island by the British.

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Ross Island. Pic courtesy: http://commons.wikimedia.org

Ross Island: This was once the capital of these islands under the British. It almost feels like a lost city now. After the earthquake of 1941 and an invasion by the Japanese, the city has almost lost its vibrant past. You can do a half-day trip from Port Blair to dwell into this slice from the past. There is a small museum here.

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Jolly Buoy. Pic courtesy: http://www.outlookindia.com

Jolly Buoy:  This has a truly spectacular Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is at Wandoor, a tiny village, just 29 kms. from Port Blair. This park is spread over 250 sq. km. and has many mangrove creeks, tropical rainforests interspersed with islands. Jolly Buoy is an island in this Marine National Park that offers a stunning underwater view and a great place for snorkelling. You can watch the water creatures in glass-bottom boats. You can witness corals and underwater marine life here. Sea bathe or just spend time walking in the lovely white sands. The sea water is clear blue and buzzes with colorful marine life which is sheer joy to witness.

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Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island. Pic courtesy: By Vineetmbbs (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Havelock Island: One needs to take a ship to reach these islands from Port Blair. The beaches here are marvelous and very unique. The Radhanagar beach will take your breath away as you see water acquiring myriad hues with the dance of sun’s rays. The water is clear and the white sands are a joy to walk on. The island is breathtaking and has a number of truly wonderful beaches.

There is no nightlife here so be prepared to do your own thing after nightfall.

The Andamans provide a great getaway different from the other vacations that you may have experienced. Its emerald waters and snow-white sands will win your heart forever.

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