Andaman is The Heaven of The Sea

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.” ― Hans Christian Andersen.

I was reluctant and prejudice against travelling to Andaman Islands. For me Goa or Kerala is a better deal for summer vacations but I was proved wrong when palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests and coral reefs welcomed me in utter beauty. Welcome to Andaman Island which is most preferred destination for diving and snorkeling and many more sports activity in India.

Andaman Island is an Indian archipelago nesting in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal. Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is an inhibited harbor with tin-roofed houses, shops, restaurants and offices. It is the arrival point for the island, and the only place with a bank, tourist offices and hotels. One can savour on the mouth-watering sea food delicacies that Port Blair offers besides Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Burmese cuisine. The most important center of attraction here is the Cellular Jail overlooking sea. Every day there is goose bump worthy light and sound show inside the premises of the jail reminding of the gloomy past.

There are seven wings running from the central tower out of which only three remain, the rest was destroyed by the Japanese. Another stoppage is Corbyn's Cove which is 7 km walk away, is the nearest beach to Port Blair. Apart from sea beaches Andaman Island is also boast of several museums. The Samudrika Marine Museum run by the Indian Navy has tanks brimming with exotic fish and coral from the islands' reefs. The five sections of this unique museum display history and geography of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with miniature models of islands, pictures of tribal and their life-style and archaeology. This aquarium-museum has a collection of some 350 species of marine animals found in the Andaman Sea. Another museum is the Anthropological Museum in the west of town, painting the lives of the aboriginal tribes, their dresses and photographs of their life style. Ross and Havelock (45 km away from the capital) are another major tourist attraction here. Ross Island was the administrative headquarters of the British during World War II. The island is under naval control. Ferries from Phoenix Bay take 20 minutes for the ride to Ross Island. Whereas, Havelock Island is full of Bengali settlers. The island is popular for its long white beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs with dolphins, turtles and large fish is slightly hilly and very fertile.

Snorkeling and scuba-diving are the majorly enjoyed water sport here. Coming eye to eye with fish or swimming with dolphins is unforgettable, and at prices that are among the lowest in the world, it's an opportunity not to be missed. The seas around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the world’s finest, relatively unexplored, unspoiled is the must visit for every traveller.