Travel Beyond Beaches: How To Fully Explore the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India
Amidst the mighty waters of the Bay of Bengal lies a perfect kaleidoscope of secluded islands, crystal-clear lagoons, and picture-perfect palm trees. But beyond these natural splendors lies a beguiling world of mysterious caves, high limestone cliffs, and coastal mangroves. Andaman and Nicobar Islands conjures more than sandy beaches and lagoons. It is a green oasis not only for honeymooners but its off-beaten destinations are perfect for travelers of the gutsy kind, millennials seeking new adventures and adrenaline junkies. Andaman and Nicobar Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a stunning series of lush atolls tucked around 1,500 km away from the Indian peninsula. Due to its prime geographical location and rich resources, the archipelago fought many colonial powers until victory was won by India post Independence. Port Blair located in South Andaman is the island’s capital city and the gateway to the other neighboring islands connected via ferries and seaplanes. South Andaman Island, Havelock Island (Swaraj Deep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) are the three most popular attractions among tourists. Besides its beaches, this island paradise is full of surprises giving you the ultimate offbeat experiences. Go trekking in the virgin jungles of Mount Harriet National Park to Madhubans, drift away in the labyrinth of limestone caves in Baratang, see glowy lava against the grey ash at Barren Island, or experience a castaway life in Little Andaman. Tread off the beaten track and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this unexplored wilderness of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and find the unexplored places in Andaman. Are you checking for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ best time to visit or the best time to visit Andaman by ship?? Continue reading.. When the jungles beckon: Wilderness of the Jewels of India Forest and hill station in Andaman and Nicobar Islands The closest wilderness to Port Blair gives travelers a chance to tread away for a day from the touristic beaches to an unexplored utopia of tropical rainforest and exotic species of plants and animals. Popularly known as the ‘Trekker’s Paradise’, the nature trail from Mount Harriet National Park to Madhuban Beach is one of the most scenic treks as it passes through a stunning beach that was once a training camp for elephants. The dense jungle is surrounded by over 150 plant and tree species, butterflies, endemic animals, and birds namely the nearly threatened Andaman wood pigeon, cuckoo-dove, and woodpecker indigenous to the island. The rustling leaves, faint light filtering through the canopied trees, strange sounds of nature, ruddy pathways speckled by boulders of black stones, locally known as ‘Kala Pathar’ stretched across 16 km in distance, makes the perfect expedition for adventure buffs and adrenaline junkies. For a more unpredictable and crude experience, head over to North Andaman where sits the highest point of the archipelago. At Saddle Peak National Park, you will hike through the densest of jungles canopied by mammoth trees, crossing through knee-deep streams, and exploring unexplorable pathways with the distant roars and sounds of nature reaching the highest peak of the Andamans, the Saddle Peak. It is an ideal escapade for the physically fit and adventurous beings. Located at a distance of 300 km from Port Blair, you may have to spend a week in Diglipur, obtain permits from the forest department and arrange a local guide before beginning your trek at this mountainous region. Where fire meets water: The volcanic beauty of the islands The beautiful view of Andaman Whenever you imagine a volcano erupting, India is not the place that you would think of at first. But yes, the country does have one and is located far in the northeast of Port Blair. There is something deeply fascinating about watching a volcano erupting spewing bright orange lava against the dark grey cinder. This majestic spectacle can be witnessed in a private boat or a helicopter ride from Port Blair to Barren Island. The island is not much popular due to its remoteness and lack of measures to promote the rawness of the archipelago. You do not need to be physically fit, or wear a fire-retardant flight suit, a gas mask, and a flight helmet or save up money to watch a volcano erupting. All you have to do is, book a private catamaran with prior permits, for at least a 3-day trip to Barren Island, anchor away from the shore and watch the mountain fuming. If you are lucky enough, you may even get to watch the incandescent show of lava flowing down the slopes. For a more thrilling experience and a little heavier on the pockets is boarding a helicopter to get the best aerial views of the island. Due to its recent eruptions, which first occurred in 2019, and later witnessed mild explosive activity in February 2020, this is the best place to watch an active volcano in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Barren Island is one of the best destinations for scuba diving. Its mineral-rich ocean floor and ledges of black sand are the perfect canvas for exploring the vivid hues of the underwater world of corals, sponges, and rich marine life inhabited by manta rays, sea snakes, Barracudas, and more. Dive into the mystical expression of this hidden gem and discover the ‘Incredible India’ in its raw form. When Little Andaman is surprisingly ‘little’ known: The unexplored treasures of the Little Andaman Island A Scenic view Located in a secret corner of India, tucked away at a distance of 120 km from Port Blair and 8 hours of travel time, lies a little slice of paradise. One of the largest islands of Great Andaman, Little Andaman is lesser known due to its remoteness. The island is home to charming villages, grandly stark black limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, hidden waterfalls, and the idyllic Little Andaman Lighthouse. The most prodigious spot on the island is the Kalapathar Lagoon. Three large boulders of black limestone cliffs guarding the
Pondicherry: A French Abode in India
Sitting on the shore of a charming beach, enjoying the lovely sunset away from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful dream, isn’t it? And Pondicherry is exactly a dream and fantasy which we all want to experience. Its amazingly clean beaches, radiant streets, flamboyant roads, and French city design have earned a place in everyone’s heart. A Visit to this city would make you forget that you are still in India and not in France. If you haven’t been to this charming and serene coastal city, what are you waiting for? It will surely give you a memory for a lifetime. Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, was a French colony and later on became an Indian Union Territory. “Puddu,” as the locals call it, was not a favorite tourist spot for a long time, but it started sparkling its magic over the tourists almost a decade ago. Now it enchants tourists from all over the world to experience its lovely beaches and astounding French architecture. Boats on the shore of a beach Being a French Colony, you could easily sense a french ascendancy. You would even find the street signs in the city in both Tamil and French languages. Most of the citizens speak French, and you would also find some French natives living over here. Pondicherry provides the best experience of both worlds as it is a perfect party destination and ideal for peaceful and relaxing vibes. Apart from its scenic beauty, it also has some phenomenal places and some thrilling activities that will surely strike a chord in your heart. Let’s have a look at some exciting activities and must-visit places in Pondicherry. 1) PROMENADE BEACH The lovely view of Promenade beach. It is also known as ‘Pondicherry Beach’ and undoubtedly is the most beautiful and serene beach in the city. Located in the middle of Pondicherry, it is a 1.2 km long stretch starting from War Memorial and ending towards Goubert Avenue. Having a walk at this lovely beach is going to rejuvenate you. The place looks astonishing during sunsets and sunrise. Not to forget about the variety of sea-facing restaurants that provide you with lip-smacking food and picturesque views. Moreover, vehicle entry is banned, giving you a chance to sink in the tranquil and serene atmosphere. Pro Tip: Do give a visit to Le Cafe located near this beach. The cafe transports you back to the time when Pondicherry was a French colony. It gives you a chance to savor authentic French cuisines. The cherry on the cake represents old photographs of the city Pondicherry that are placed in the cafe. 2) FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL White memorial surrounded by green bushes One of the best memorials in the country was built in the year 1971. It is a tribute to all the residents of French India who passed away during the first world war. On July 14th(French National Day), the memorial is decorated beautifully, and people from across the city come to pay their respects. It’s a unique style of architecture that has caught the eyeball of many tourists. Surrounded by lush green gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, it is a place worth seeing. Read more fun-facts about this memorial in this informative blog. 3) SERENITY BEACH Rocky path to beach with sunset Clean shore, fresh air, and appealing palm trees have made this beach a favorite spot for tourists. The radiant sand, along with the sparkling water of Bay of Bengal, makes it a sight to cherish. It’s a calm and peaceful atmosphere that has won the hearts of the tourists. You can also spot fishing boats, a flea market, and a surf school as you explore the beach. The beach is also a hub to many marvelous cafes and restaurants. 4) AUROVILLE The lovely Auroville city. Popularly known as the ‘city of dawn,’ it was founded by Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. It is a universal town where people from all countries and caste are welcomed and live in peace and harmony. At the center of the city, you will find Matrimandir, a humongous golden sphere which stands as a symbol of divinity. Utmost silence and peace are maintained inside the premises of the temple. A visit to this temple relaxes your mind and paves a way to connect with the supreme power. Apart from this, Auroville Beach or Auro beach is another sight to behold. It is one of the finest beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is ideal for all swimming and surfing lovers. You may also be lucky to find Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on the beach. Moreover, you can also enjoy the lovely view of the lighthouse at night. In addition to that, it is one of the few beaches where you would find shacks. It is the ultimate beach to have fun and lighten up. To know more fun activities at Auroville read this lovely blog by Anna. 5) MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE The magnificent Manakula temple. It is one of the major Hindu temples in Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees come to this temple to offer their prayers and cleanse their minds and contemplate. The temple stands strong as a symbol of faith and divinity. Entering the vibrant halls of this place of devotion, you will notice a magnificent golden chariot made up of 7.5kg gold—the chariot was made from the donations given by the devotees. The spectacular architecture and the designs on the wall are surely going to impress you. You can also shop for souvenirs from the local shops located around the temple. 6) AAYI MANDAPAM The breathtaking view of Aayi Mandapam. It is a serene white monument built during the reign of Napoleon III, the great ruler of France. It is located in the middle of the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry. A glimpse of the monument is going to blow you
7 Places to visit when in Goa
Goa might be the smallest state of India, but, for a traveler, it is one of the grandest state considering its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and the continuous rave culture. The state tells a beautiful story from the times of ancient Hindu rulers to the Portuguese settlers. The amalgamation of different ideologies, customs, and traditions with the loving and welcoming nature of the Goan people, this is truly a heaven for all the travelers who are looking for the perfect meal of adventure, thrill, solace, and serenity. Read more about the travel experience from Goa in the blog written by Siddhartha!! 1. Dudhsagar Falls By Soumyajit Pramanick, Wikimedia Commons Literally meaning a sea of milk, this great waterfall is located in the tiny state of Goa. Cascading down the steep, vertical, and rocky mountains of the Western Ghats, it owes its name to the white foam it forms after its water gushes down, piercing, into the lake below. Standing at a spectacular height of 1017 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, and, being surrounded by the thick and lush green forest of the Ghats adds to its breath-taking beauty and transforms it into a surreal object of aesthetic and transcendence. Although it makes for one of South India’s most popular treks throughout the year, it exhibits unrealistic allure in the monsoon season when its pulchritudinous is at its zenith. Visiting this picturesque and awe-inspiring waterfall is something that is on the bucket list of every traveler, and a trip to goa will be incomplete without experiencing its captivating beauty. If you’re looking for the best information on anything related to Dudhsagar Falls, we would recommend you check out the blog of Sandeepa and Chetan where the extensively describe everything related to Dudhsagar Falls. 2. Sahakari Spice Farm By Michele Grif, Inspirock Located amidst the lush greenery at Curty, it has, seemingly, endless rows of India’s most cherished spices including turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as a that of fruits. The heavenly aroma emanating from the various spices in the plantation, sprawling over an impressive 130 acres of land, is divine, and, one can verily imagine savoring them in their utopian dreamland. It is a widely popular spot and one cannot hope to give this place a miss. Not only does obe learn about different spices but also get to relish some of the tastiest and luscious food from the in house restaurant located within its boundaries. You can obtain a lot of information about the culture and the overall ambiance of the farms by following the blog of Sapna, who has eloquently and beautifully written about this beautiful venture. 3. Se Cathedral By Mihir Vaidya, Wikimedia Commons Since time immemorial, Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina has been serving as a place of worship, togetherness, and love. Considered to be one of the largest catholic churches throughout Asia, this grand structure was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The off-white cathedral, which sits atop a sprawling garden had two towers when it was first constructed. One of the two towers, which survived, houses the Golden Bell which has the loudest ring in the whole world. The beautiful woodwork adds to the beauty of this elegant and marvelous piece of architecture and gives you a sense of the finesse of the craftsmen involved. Owing to its beautiful, intricate and grand design and the history of Portuguese triumph associated, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Incorporating gothic and Portugues architectural styles, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings which one cannot hope to miss when they are visiting goa. If you want a personal account of this beautiful structure we recommended you visit the blog of Manthal Bhansali, who has beautifully written a first-hand account of his visit to this church, and effectively established that Goa is not just about beaches. 4. Palolem Beach Palolem Beach By Mahabalaindia, Wikimedia Commons Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole region, this relatively virgin beach is a large stretch of white sand that attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. With a welcoming tropical climate almost throughout the year, this beach is known for several intriguing activities like the Silent Disco, which entails the people partying, wear headphones and dance. Lined with palm trees, and, the calm waters surrounding it, this place becomes a haven for all those who just want to enjoy the serene and aesthetically pleasing sunset. If you are planning to visit goa then this definitely is the place for you to enjoy, and, spend at least a minimum of two days, to settle in and absorb the aura and euphoria of this beach. If you want to, further, know more about this beautiful beach, we recommend you check out the blog of Nicole and read about her adventures in this thrilling beach. 5. Singbal’s Book House Singbal’s Bookshop By Shambhavi Karapurkar, Wikimedia Commons Located in the Church compound of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, this deceptively small blue building houses the greatest collection of books and magazines stuffed and packed into their heaving racks. A treat to the bibliophiles all around the world, this bookstore dates back to the 1930s making it one of the oldest book stores in the country. It is also known that, this store shelters some of the fabled and rare books in its tiny shelves and with some patience and a lot of browsing you could find something of real value in here. If you visit goa and even if you are not an avid reader, this place definitely warrants a visit, and without this, your travel plans are incomplete. If you thought Goa was is beaches, think again. Check out the “Goa Beyond Beaches” blog by Siddhartha Joshi where he recommends the unexplored streets and places
