ANDAMAN NICOBAR: A GOA FAR FROM GOA

Andaman, for me, was more like, "MAN! I do not want to leave" The sense of peace and serenity I experienced there was unmatched. You cannot beat the view there - wherever your gaze moves, there is water with coral reefs adding another layer of magnificence. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Last December, when one of my friends suggested a vacation to help me relieve the stress from my work, I agreed to take a week trip to the Andamans and Nicobar Islands, which turned out to be the best impulsive decision I have ever made. This time rather than running abroad, I decided to explore parts of India instead. I chose the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago for its heavenly beaches, each of which has distinct characteristics.



In Andaman, it is not uncommon to see coral reefs filled with various exotic plant and animal species. There are a lot of activities to do here like sea walking, snorkeling, and scuba diving to get the best experience of nature around. One might also consider swimming with these colorful creatures underwater - it will definitely be the highlight of anyone’s trip.

Andaman and Nicobar is not just a place to relax by the beaches; it is also a hotspot for various kinds of water sports. One can enjoy everything from parasailing to scuba diving. 



It was wonderful to be able to experience some of the most exciting water sports on Havelock Island at Elephanta beach: sea walking, scuba diving, and kayaking. Out of the three, Sea Walking was my favorite as I got to have the experience of scuba diving without having to do much work except walking at the bottom of the ocean tied to a rope. Plus the adrenaline rush and the serenity altogether.



I experienced an enchanting sunset from Radhanagar Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is also located on Havelock Island. Other hidden gems I got to visit include Kalapathar Beach, Havelock, Smith Island, Long Island, Guitar Island, Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, Baratang Island, and Wimberly Gunj Waterfalls. We spent time hiking through forests and seeing historical sites, all of which were amazing one-of-a-kind experiences.



It was the last day of my trip. I had to make the most of it. After giving it much thought, I decided to spend my last day at Ross and North Bay Islands. Considered as Land of the British Architecture, Ross Island and North Bay were used to be referred to as “The Paris of the East” during the time of the British and Japanese regimes. That place was orgasmic to my eyes and to my wandering soul.

There was so much to see. Every small building, every single cafe, each and every shop – everything was breathing the air of aesthetics out of it. The fauna at Ross Island was surreal. It was like taking a walk at a city from a Studio Ghibli film. It was almost the evening when I reached the North Bay. I realized that I don’t have much time left with me to explore it completely and so I chose to spend my evening on a glass-bottom boat ride. And (a) man, did I ever feel so much at peace before? It was mesmerizing. It was captivating. It was alluring. But, most of all, it was peaceful, so peaceful!! And that was how my last day at Andaman and Nicobar went.

My week faded away like it was a day. There was so much to do, so much to see and do, such beautiful sightings and beaches that one week was never enough. I'm thinking that next time, maybe I should take a year off to visit this captivating place.