The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 100 plus islands in the Indian Ocean that have served as one of the southernmost points of the Indian subcontinent. Its strategic location has only been surpassed by its lush beauty that has led it to become one of the hottest tourist destinations in India. Before the tragic 2004 Tsunami which affected large parts of India, Indira Point, a part of the Islands, was considered to be the southernmost point of the country, before it got submerged.
The capital of the islands is Port Blair, and is remarkable example of how it has rebuilt itself post the Tsunami tragedy. As one walks across the relatively newly-built parks and amusement structures, one could never believe the immense hardship that its citizens had to go through to raise these structures from scratch. The infamous prison- 'Kala Paani', which used to be used as an impenetrable fortress for Indian prisoners during the British colonial era, today, stands as a major tourist attraction. I would strongly suggest attending its light-and-sound show which narrates its history to perfection. As I explored the building with its numerous spiralling staircases, I learnt more about its history through the several metal plates that lined every corridor. While the original building had seven wings, most of them were demolished, and now only two wings remain. The museum section of the prison showcased the various instruments of torture and terror that the prison officers employed to torture the prisoner.
One can also cover the entire area of Port Blair by foot, absorbing the natural beauty mixed with the official importance that the area has come to be associated with. The numerous museums throw light on the area's amazing history, with one museum even giving light to the fact that a certain species of goats inhabiting one of the uninhabited islands of the Andaman and Nicobar group have actually adapted to surviving on sea-water!
Most inhabited islands in the Andaman are accessible by land and one can hire a car or hop-onto a bus early in the morning at 5 am to go to various adjoining islands housing the famous limestone caves and lava-mud pool, and one will often go through the reserved forest territory of the Jarwa tribes, which have been given protection by the government. Other islands are accessible by boats or ships, and one must visit Ross Island for the spectacular view of the animated sea which can be viewed from an artificial hill-top in the background of a natural park. Ross Island is home to the ruins of the decades-old colonial offices that fell into disuse. The next stop should be Havelock Island. Havelock Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country- with pristine white sands and surprisingly well-maintained public beachfronts. There are many resorts in the area which are sea-facing and will provide a serene and wonderful experience to your holiday destination. Aman Shah, one of my fellow travellers, residing in Dolphin Resorts at Havelock tells me, "The sea-side view is more than amazing. One can see the sunrise as well as the sunset in the comfort of the resort huts with armchairs on their decks. You'll never want to leave. Moreover, renting bikes and riding on the long winding roads to beaches like the Radhanagar beach in the light rains are food for the soul."
One can reach Port Blair by either taking a two-stop flight to Chennai and then the islands, or by taking a train to Chennai and boarding a ship to Port Blair. All the islands can be accessed either by car or by ship.
