Blissful Andaman

un[travel] the subcontinent’s serene Andaman Islands for idyllic white-sand beaches, untouched coral reefs, adventure water sports and more. Picture-postcard views on Corbyn’s Cove in Port Blair make the perfect beginning to your tranquil getaway. Visit the ‘kala pani’ jail, formerly a colonial prison, as well as Japanese bunkers used in World War II. Head over to North Bay and Ross Island for those fascinating corals before you make your way to Havelock. Spectacular beaches in seclusion with underwater walks and snorkeling thrown in make every day spent here more memorable than the other. Look out for everything from jet skis to limestone caves and mud volcanoes in your week in these paradise islands.

Itinerary

Daywise Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Port Blair

    Head out into the sunshine in Port Blair after you’ve checked in at your hotel.

    What better way to begin your holiday in the Andaman Islands than out at Corbyn Cove Beach, a mere 3 kilometers away? Don’t forget to pack that book if you’re ready for that tan and the hammock. Everything from jet skis to lounge chairs is available on rent here on this coconut-palm lined beach. A motorboat could take you over to Snake Island for some interesting rock faces and lovely corals and marine life. The World War II Japanese bunkers close by are worth a visit as well.

    Make your way to cellular jail here in Port Blair later in the afternoon. Called the ‘kala pani’, many a movie has been made here to portray India’s freedom fighters kept in captivity here. Now a well-kept tourist spot, the museum has exhibits from the life of prisoners as well. Dramatically narrated, complete with lights at night, the sound and light show at the cellular jail pays tribute to these prisoners every day.

  • Day 2

    North Bay and Ross Island

    Take the ferry from the Andaman Water Sports Complex to North Bay. With some of the island’s most beautiful coral reefs, look out for exquisite species of marine life when you head out snorkeling. From underwater walking to deep sea diving, there’s much to be done here in this coral reef paradise. Don’t miss the ride out on a glass bottom boat for corals and more.

    For sunsets and nature, Ross Island is the perfect way to spend the evening. Explore the dense forest here for everything from deer and wildlife to bright tropical birds.

  • Day 3

    Havelock Island

    Havelock Island is probably one of the Andaman’s finest with over seven serene beaches and practically no concrete buildings. Radhanagar beach here has actually been named one of the world’s top 100 beautiful beaches. Fairly popular for diving and snorkeling experiences, Radhanagar is a marine explorer’s paradise. Look out for the spectacular sunset here at Radhanagar Beach.

  • Day 4

    Havelock / Elephant Beach

    Spend your day strolling around Havelock or take a quick boat ride over to Elephant Beach. Hit pretty badly in the 2004 tsunami, Elephant Beach is now a center of sorts for all adventure water sports. From scuba diving to underwater sea walks and banana boat rides, there’s plenty to do with enough coconut water to keep you going through the day here.

  • Day 5

    Havelock / Kalapathar

    Another morning and another beach in Havelock. Kalapathar is a small, fairly secluded beach with white sands beside turquoise waters. There are no shacks or benches here, and if you’re looking for some solitary alone-time, Kalapathar is where you want to be. Take the ferry back to Port Blair later in the evening.

  • Day 6

    Baratang and Mayabunder

    The Limestone Caves in Mayabunder hold some of the most unique stalagmites, stalactites and pillar rocks. Take a boat ride to these ancient caves, through the mangrove forests, stopping for a break at Amkunj and Cutbery beach. The mud volcano in Baratang is a short trek away from the caves. Stop for some of those huge tender coconut drinks once you’re here, and keep in mind that there’s just bubbling mud here and not lava like you might have thought.

  • Day 7

    Port Blair

    Begin your last day in Port Blair at Wandoor Beach at the Mahatma Gandhi Natural Park. A short boat ride from Wandoor jetty would take you to Jolly Bouy Island. Jolly Bouy and Red Skin Islands are both open to tourists, with a variety of water sport opportunities available. A fairly small island, absolutely no construction or pollution is allowed here, so expect no restaurants or hotels. Clear water and scenic surroundings also make this a litter free zone, so make sure you’ve left no trace of your visit behind when you leave the islands.

  • Day 8

    Port Blair (Departure)

    Leave in time for your flight home with picture-postcard photographs of these little paradise islands and memories for a lifetime.

Inspirations