It has been nearly 2.5 years and as the post-pandemic world opens for travel, a raven from this nature’s wonderland beckoned our musings. As diligent pilgrims of this blue orb, we arrived at Andaman island, and here onwards, my words are silenced and only the photographs speak. I mean it, I am at a loss of words to say how incredibly beautiful this island is; every sight is picture-perfect.
I shall share some practical details to ease the process of planning your travel to Andaman.
Our trip duration: 8 days ( 5 days in Swaraj Dweep, 2 days in Port Blair, 8th day travel back)
We stayed at:
Swaraj Dweep: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
Port Blair: Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Bay Island, Port Blair
Travel Tips:
- You will need a cab at times for commuting within the Island and in Port Blair. Please book with “Island Cab services” in advance. From airport pick-up/drop to all internal travel in Port Blair and Swaraj Dweep was seamlessly handled by them at very reasonable price. Google for “Island Cab Services” for their contact number
- Book your ferry to Swaraj Dweep Island from and back to Port Blair. We used Makruzz Ferry and totally liked it.
- Restaurants:
- We mostly ate at Taj in Swaraj Dweep and ITC Welcom hotel in Port Blair. However on the day we visited Kalapathar Beach, had lunch at “Something Different – A Beachside Cafe”
- In Port Blair, visited Anju Coco Resto restaurant
- Shopping for Baraque pearls: Sagarika Emporium on MG Road
Day 1: Land in Port Blair and take a ferry to Swaraj Dweep Island
Plan for the day: Land in Port Blair, airport pick up by Island Cab services and drop at Port Blair Jetty. Catch Makruzz Ferry to Swaraj Dweep Island. Grand welcome by Taj, Check in and relax the day.
Day 2: Relax in Taj and enjoy the Radhanagar beach
Plan for the day: A day spent at Radhanagar beach and all the pampering from exotic Taj hospitality. Ocean sounds, barefoot beach walks and all your soul says is “Life is beautiful”
Day 3: Kala Pathar Beach, Govindnagar Beach
Plan for the day: Pick up from hotel by Island cab services. Visit Elephant beach. Turquoise waters and sights of this beach are engraved in your memory forever. Lunch at Govind nagar beach. Back to Taj by evening.
Day 4: Relax at Taj, more time at Radhanagar beach
Plan for the day: Another relaxing day at Taj. Walk from one end of the beach to other to catch some amazing sights.
Day 5: Morning Beach run and Elephant Beach
Plan for the day: Morning run along the beach. Pick up post breakfast by Island Cab services to Swaraj Dweep Jetty. Book for Elephant beach boat and also adventure sports. Visit and enjoy Elephant beach. Back to Swaraj Dweep by evening. Transport by Island cab services to Taj from Swaraj Dweep Jetty.
For visiting Elephant Beach, head to Swaraj Dweep Jetty and catch a boat to Elephant beach. Its mainly for water sports. We totally enjoyed it. World class facilities, expert divers and enriching experience. Totally recommend snorkelling and under sea walk. I have seen how expensive these activities are around the world, but here in Swaraj Dweep Island, its what sometimes we want to term “at the price peanuts”. World class adventure activities at throwaway price.
Day 6: Ferry back to Port Blair and visit Cellular Jail
Plan for the day: Post breakfast, check out. Pick up from Island Cab services and transfer to Swaraj Dweep Jetty. Makruzz ferry to Port Blair. Pick up from Island Cab services and transfer to WelcomeHotel by ITC, Port Blair. Lunch and visit Cellular Jail. All local travel arranged by Island Cab services(including tickets to Cellular jail and Light & Sound show).
Note: Recommend the Light and Sound show at Cellular Jail. Evening at 6pm. Its a tsunami of emotions. It makes us wonder the cruelty human being are capable of and pleasure human being take in torturing another human in unimaginable ways. The worst wounds humanity suffered during colonial rule in India and we stand here free today because of these freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives so we can live in a free India.
Day 7: Day trip to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
Plan for the day: Day trip to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. Pick/up, drop and tickets arranged by Island Cab services. Also shopping on same day for Baraque pearls on our way back to hotel.
Beautiful narration about Andaman Island.yes I recollected my trip at Andaman Island it is heaven. Great Archana