Port Blair is considered to be the veritable Garden of Eden. In many ways, that is a very apt description of this enticing place. Port Blair is also the largest and the capital city of the Andaman and the Nicobar Islands. At first sight, the city may not seem very different from the many small cities in mainland India. However, as time passes, you will notice that the sea has had an effect in adding an indescribable charm to the place. Some of the many lovely sights of the area are mentioned below.
Cellular Jail
Samudrika
Chatham Saw Mill
Anthropological Museum
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Gandhi Park
The Viper Island is a quaint island. It is only a short boat ride away from Port Blair. As you ride the boat towards Viper Island, the cool breeze of the sea will relax you while you ponder on the unique name bestowed on the island. Viper Island offers you an opportunity to dip yourself in a completely natural environment. Picaresque spots are available in plenty making them perfect for enjoying a quiet picnic in serenity.
Visiting Ross Island can be like embarking on an expedition to discover a fabled lost city stranded in the middle of the forest. Well, the ruins you can discover will belong to the Victorian Age rather than any old ancient civilization. However, once upon a time, Ross Island was given the epithet of being the Paris of the East by the Bruisers who stayed there possibly. The ruins of the old English settlement are the major attraction in Ross Island. The island used to have a thriving settlement as it was once the headquarters of the British in the Andaman Islands.
Situated close to Havelock Island, Neil’s Island offers a scenic getaway from the inevitable deluge of tourists that line up at Havelock Island. This island is small enough for you to be able to walk around its circumference in an hour or two. The blue waters of the sea provide a soothing sight for the weary traveller as the winds of the peaceful island blow calmly. The three sand swept beaches of the languid island are more than enough for enjoying blissful serenity. Visit the sunset point to get mesmerized by the enchantment of a sun setting into the sea. Important Information: Foreign tourists need to carry their Restricted Area Permit. The police are very strict about such matters. Moreover, it is important to carry enough cash for there are no ATMs or other electronic payment options available in Neil’s Island.
The snow white sands of the beaches seem to call you from afar as you approach Havelock Island. The attractions of this magnificent island do not end there. You can frolic in the teal shallows or enjoy a scuba dive session into the magical marine life of the Bay of Bengal. A backpacker’s paradise is what many consider Havelock Island to be and a paradise it certainly is. This island of natural enchantments is filled with some scenic beaches and fantastic diving spots. Havelock Island is famous for its islands and there are quite a number of stunning and fine examples. The beauty of the beaches and the pristine waters make some beaches viable spots for various activities. You can enjoy the majestic glory of the sea by scuba diving in different spots. The lush green forests can beckon you to explore them through a trek or two.
Rangat is bound to remind people of the old frontier towns of the American Wild West shown in various movies.You visit Rangat through a dusty main road on whose two sides are located various shops. From the small town, you can take a trip to the visit a waterfall. The quaint Panchavati waterfall nestled among the hills offers a nice place to get away from the dust and bask in beauty of the serene surroundings. A turtle breeding ground can be visited at the Cuthbert bay beach. The place has been declared a sanctuary and turtles fill the area during the egg season.
Mayabunder can be considered to be a way station but dig deeper and you will be rewarded with a fascinating blend of history and culture. The people living here are not indigenous Indians. Rather, immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar have found their way here when they were oppressed in their homelands. The Burmese hill tribe, Karen, is the most fascinating. The tribe left their homeland during the British rule and started their life anew on these lands. The rich background of the people is a suitable addition to the charm of nature. The allure of Mayabunder lies in the lack of the tourist crowds in the area. This allows you to indulge in the untainted beauty of the region in peace and serenity. A jungle tour is a great way to pass the time. A small herd of elephants live in the surrounding area and can be easily seen during the safari. The off the beaten feel to Mayabunder has an appeal of its own.
