– Experience the excitement !
Hi all!
I went on a trip to Guruvayur. Lord Krishna temple is famous there.
It is a grand ritual in Kerala that Elephants are brought to the temple and few poojas are done.
The elephants are kept in punnathur kota( 3 kms) from Guruvayur Temple.
Around 48 elephants are kept there. Beautiful location and the elephants are well maintained.
Don’t miss this place when u visit Guruvayur!!!!
Day 7 :
As I mentioned each day was an excitement. We planned to visit Ross and Smith Island which is a natural beauty. Two Island connected by sand during day time. Reached Ariel Jetty by 8 and got permission from forest reserve. Boarded a Jetty (Rs.625/- per person) went to Ross and Smith Island. Blue sea with white sand. Clean and beautiful. We were permitted to be there for 3 hrs. boat will wait and take us back.
Came back to Diglipur by 1 pm and started our journey back. We proceeded to Rangat and had our night stay there(Hawabill Nest). Had dinner and went to bed.
Day 8 :
Morning got up and went to Dani nala mangrove walkway. Spent an hour in the beach and returned back to room. Had breakfast and proceeded to Port Blair on the same route.
Came to Port Blair by 6 pm and checked in at a homestay close to the airport.
Day 9:
We boarded the flight by 8 am and reached home.
Lots of memories we carried with us. Nature has a lot to give us. We should respect it and enjoy and preserve for our future generations. The travel through the entire island is worth spending. Dense forest. Yet we can’t spot must animals. Must visit place !!!!
To summarize
Day 1: Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Chettam Saw Mill, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Kala Pani Light and sound show) – Stay at PortBlair
Day 2 : Port Blair (Due to Ferry Cancellation) (Aquarium , Chidhiya Tapu Beach) – Stay at PortBlair
Day 3 : Havelock Island (Radha Nagar Beach, Vijay Nagar Beach) – Stay at Havelock Island
Day 4 :Scuba Diving in Havelock . Neil Island (Barathpur Beach, Coral Point)- Stay at Neil Island
Day 5 : Neil Island (Sarathpur Beach, Lakshmanpur Beach II) Port Blair (Ross Island) – Stay at Port Blair
Day 6 : Barathtang ( Lime stone cave, Mud Volcano) – Stay at Diglipur
Day 7 : Ross and Smith Island – Stay at Rangath
Day 8 : Dani nala mangrove Walkaway – Stay at Port Blair
Day 9 : Return to Hometown
“ In every walk through Nature one receives far more than he seeks”
Day 6 :
Woke up by 3 and got ready to Diglipur, North Andaman. It is 300 kms away from Port Blair. We have organized a Xylo for the trip (to and fro). We need to travel via Bharatang and Rangat. It is a full day journey.
Journey takes about 2 hrs and 30 minutes from Port Blair to Middle Strait. The journey is in 2 phases – P.Blair to Jirkatang (40 kms, 1 hr 15 mins) and then Jirkatang to Baratang (49 kms, 1 hr 15 mins, no overtake zone through Jarwa Reserve Forest).
The vehicles have to leave in convoys. There are 4 convoys throughout the day from Jirkatang (6 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 2.30 pm). We left from the hotel at around 4am we reached there by 5.15 am. At Jirkatang check post there is a toilet/bathroom with all facilities. There are hotels with hot idly, poori, vada. We had our morning breakfast there. In the convoy 2 wheelers/bicycles are not allowed. Only 4 wheelers are allowed. The 1st vehicle in the convoy is always a bus, with 1-2 policemen.
This is the only road connecting to North Andaman to places like Kadamtala (28 kms from Baratang jetty), Rangat (71 kms from Baratang jetty), Mayabunder (141 kms from Baratang jetty), Diglipur (203 kms from Baratang jetty). Here it is interesting to see how buses/vehicles alight the jetty to reach either side of the middle strait. From Nilambur Jetty at middle strait ferry .
Middle Strait Jetty services are available for Baratang Island. Ferry takes about 15 minutes to reach Baratang from Nilambur Jetty.
This is one of the most exciting part of journey, where you will see the tribes (Jarwah). The Jarawa are a self sufficient hunter-gatherer people, who show no sign of wanting to join the mainstream. The Jarwans the local tribe of Andaman lives in the forests. Talking to them or giving eatables or taking photos is prohibited . We cannot get down from the vehicle too.
We reached Bharatang and too a ferry to visit lime stone caves. It is about half an hour journey by ferry and half an hour trekking for 1.2 kms through the forest. Taking a walk with mother nature is so pleasant and calm. Caves were a really wonderful.
Returned back went to visit mud volcanoes. The organic matter deep inside earth releases gases and the mud is pushed out. It looks like cement
Continued our journey. Took a break in a small hotel to have lunch . reached Diglipur .( The roads were not really good) Reached The Turtle – our resort by 7 pm. Was a beautiful resort.
Had good rest after a long and trilling journey !
Day 5 :
Today wanted to see sunrise at Sarathpur Beach. Got up at 4 and went to the beach. By around 4.45 we had the beautiful rays coming up and enjoyed it. Spent some time walking in the beach .
From there straight we went to Lakshmanpur Beach II which is actually a sunset point. But since we could not go the previous day we went. Had a long walk in the beach.
Came back and had breakfast at the Gokul a small hotel. Idly and dosa was good. Had tea and returned to room. Got ready and kept the luggage at the drawing room in the hotel(checkout time 7.30 am) and went to Ram Nagar beach. As we had vehicle with us it was very convenient to travel completely. Mangrove beach with coral beneath. Spent some time there and came back took the luggage and went to harbor.
Boarded ferry by 9.30 am and reached room by 11.30 a.m. We had booked the hotel close to the harbour itself. Kept luggage in the room went to Milan had lunch and went to Harbadin Jetty (close to Rajiv Sports complex) and went to Ross Island(Rs.380 per person to and fro).
It was the Island where the British had their colonies. Now it is just a tourist spot and no one to allowed to stay there. We are allowed to spend nearly 1 hour there and should return back in the same boat.
There were lots of animals like deer, rabbits, peacock. Deer were so close to us and we could touch them. Feeding animals is prohibited there.
Returned back to Port Blair and had a long walk up to the tricolor flag and sat there for some time.
Came to Milan had dinner and went to room
Day 4 :
Morning woke up by 5 am cab came by 5.45 am. I was very thrilled for the adventure. We went to Ocean Tribes (Rs.3500 per person). We changed the suit and they took us to elephant beach . The trainer gave excellent training and made us practice before getting under water. It was lot about hand signals, breathing techniques, how to manage pressure, what to do when water enters into the googles…I was terrified in the beginning then slowly got used to the breathing. I found nemo inside……so many varieties of fish…… different corals……both plant and animal………
Marine life is something which has so much to offer to us……
After 30 minutes of underwater experience and 15 feet below we were pulled up….. I couldn’t resist talking about it the whole day…….
By 8 am we returned back to Ocean tribe had shower and returned back to the room.
Had breakfast and went to the harbor to go to Neil Island. It was one hour journey from Havelock and we went by Green Ocean 2.
10.15 we boarded the ferry and by 11.15 we reached Neil Island. It is an Island with very less population and entire island is just 7 kms.
We checked into Hawabill Nest just 500 mts away from the harbour. Checked in and walked to Barathpur Beach which was just ½ a km.
To my surprise blue water, clean white sand , shallow water and no waves. Was fantastic to float and enjoyed for nearly 2 hours.
Came back to room by 3.30 pm. Decided to go to see Nature bridge which is also said as coral point. (Lakshmanpur beach I) Checked on taxi and auto and found it was not economical. Just hired a two wheeler for Rs.500 per day and went to nature bridge.
The beach was full of corals and it was enormous. All the varities of corals we can see there. Lots of small fish in the small ponds along with the corals…….We saw lots of starfish. Sea cucumbers were in plenty.
Spend time till 5.30 pm. When it became little dark started and came to Neil Kendriya. Which is the local bazaar. Bought some fruits and ate some Bengali sweets. Decided to have dinner at some local mess . Enquired and found out Chand Restaurant close to Neil market in a small lane. They cook on demand. So we ordered fish, chapatti and panner gravy. They said to return after an hour. So went back to room had bath , relaxed for some time . Came back by 9 pm to Chand restaurant and dinner was ready. Hot and nice….. It was very good and quite economical also….. had a little chat with his daughters played with their dog and returned back to room.
“If you truely love nature you will feel beauty every where ! ”
Felt each and every second of my trip ……………………………………
Day 3 :
Hi everyone !
Morning expecting things to go on well got up and went for a morning walk ,had a cup of tea and vada in a small tea shop. Vada was hot and good . Went to room and checked if the ferry service is on and to my great relief yes! Our Ferry was by 12.45 pm.
Decided to visit The Samudrika Marine Museum, Dilanpur and started by 8.00 am from the room. Took an auto. The Samudrika Marine Museum aptly depicts resolve towards preserving the rich marine heritage and spreading awareness of the vast marine ecosystem and the bio wealth of those emerald blue islands.
It had wonderful collection of corals. A beautiful video on entire Andaman was shown and it was mind blowing. The marine museum explained the various tribes in Andaman and their culture. The major tribes are the Jarwan. Lots of information was displayed and spent few hours enjoying that.
Came back to room by 10.30 got ready and took a cab and went to Haddo Jetty to board the ferry. We have booked in Green Ocean 2. After the check in we were allowed to board the ferry by 12.20 pm. It was very beautiful to see the ocean from the ferry and enjoyed it. As the ferry has a closed environment we could see the sea only through the glass panel. Enjoyed………………
The journey time is 2 hrs. By 2.20 pm we reached Havelock Islands. We got a taxi went to the hotel. We had booked in Dolpin resort which has Vijaynagar Beach at its backyard. Checked in and went to Radha Nagar beach.
Wow ! it was a wonderful experience in the water. Caught up between the waves up and down. Had lots of fun . By 5 pm after sunset beach is closed.
Enjoyed till that and came back to room. Had a nice bath .had already booked dinner with the hotel restaurant . 7.30 pm had dinner and had a walk alongside the beach .
After 9 pm went to room and decided to go for scuba diving the next day morning. Each day starts with great excitement and ends with sweet memories !
Day 2:
Hope you enjoyed my previous blog.
With great excitement to go to Havelock Island we got up by 4 a.m. got ready and went to Haddo Jetty by 5 a.m.( A Harbour in Port Blair where we board big ferries / ship ). On going there we found out that the ferries were not given permission to operate by DSS. We and several other passengers waited for nearly an hour but there was no hope. ( Likely to happen if the sea is rough or weather prediction not good)
Came back to the same room ( checkout time 8.30 a.m.) had bread omelets checked on few other hotels for day 2 stay. Luckily got a hotel nearby with a great sea view.
We rescheduled the ferry to Havelock for the next day. Thought of doing some local sight seeing. Went to aquarium which is near Rajiv Gandhi sports complex by 12 noon. Enjoyed the variety of sea water fish and the display of corals.
Came back to room and had lunch( bought fish and made the hotel cook for us separately) Was good !
Started to Chidiya Tapu ( Sunset point) 35 kms away from our hotel– Fixed a cab for Rs.1500/- to and fro journey.
Lots of things to do in Chidiya Tapu. Bathing prohibited as it is marked as crocodile spotted area. But trekking inside the forest, bird watching, walking along the beach ……..
We went trekking which was awesome. Sunset was beautiful. Enjoyed the view and returned back to hotel.
Had dinner and went to bed hoping that we will go to Havelock Island the next day !
What happened on Day 3 ? Watch out for my next post !!!!
i All !
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
– John Muir
I am back. Had a wonderful trip to Andaman and loved it! Would love to share the experience and photos . My blog can make a guide for those who love to plan their travel by themselves.
Day 1:
Boarded morning 5 am flight and reached Port Blair by 7.00 am. Checked into “The Shelter”. As all the hotels / homestays check in time is 10.00 am. , we left our baggage at the custody of the hotel and went for sight seeing. As there was a cyclone the previous day ferry services were cancelled. Local holiday for most of the tourist spot is Monday. So we had few selected places to visit.
First we went to Kala Pani – the jail where the British locked our freedom fighters and tortured them. .
We could listen to each cell narrating unique stories of the struggle our fre
edom fighters had. There was a beautiful gallery in the entrance explaining lots of stories about their struggle and speaks about the patriotism of them. The Gallery had very rare and unique photos of Kala Pani and gave details about the past.
Here are few !
The Kala Pani has been designed and was built by its prisoners itself. Had a unique structure. The jail still stands strong telling tales to its visitors .
Took a deep breathe realizing the struggle our ancestors have undergone to give us Free India ! Jai Hind !
Went to “The Shelter” . Enquired about Lunch. Hotel Milan was recommended by many. Took an auto went to Hotel Milan . Yes most of the days we had food in this hotel. Was in the heart of Port Blair Bazar and food quality was good and rate was very reasonable.
We had pulka , gravy and Biriyani.
Set out on our second spot “Chetam Saw Mill”. Took an auto and he charged RS.70 to take us to the mill.
A colonial saw mill established by the Britishers on a reclaimed small island ,Chatham, connecting by road with Port Blair. Was bombed by the Japanese & bomb pits are still their Presently under Government of India with a good collection of Woods for construction and development.
It was 2.30 pm and we set out to visit a beach to relax for the day. “Corbyn’s Cove Beach”. Not a very clean beach to enjoy ( The cyclone had its role in damaging the beach too) but the rocks were amazing to walk and go close to the beach with water splashing ……….
Returned back to “The Shelter” . Had a bath and refreshed and went for a walk to Rajiv Gandhi Sports complex.
Sea breeze was so soothening . Perfect place for a walk ….. Had dinner at New Light House restaurant near Marina Park. Food was good but cost was little high.
From there we went to Kala Pani a walk away distance . Enjoyed the Light and Sound Show at 8.30 . Using light and sound the entire story of the existence of Kala Pani was narrated. With a great patriotic spirit we took an auto at 9.30 pm and reached ” The shelter “.
Wonderful day of Day 1 of 8 days ended……..
Stay with me ………..
Thanks for joining me!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
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