Every year, August brings extra reasons to celebrate as India’s Independence Day falls on the 15th, granting us an additional school holiday. The stars align as this holiday usually coincides with a weekend, allowing us to extend the joy even further. To make it even more special, my mother’s birthday on the 14th fits snugly between the weekend and Independence Day. It’s the perfect time to create cherished memories and that’s what we did. We set out to explore the stunning beauty of Andaman, a hidden gem within our country.

Upon arriving in Andaman, we were awestruck by the breathtaking beauty surrounding us. Our hotel, located near the Veer Savarkar International airport, may not have matched the grandeur of other ITC properties across India, but what made it truly unique was the panoramic view of Andaman’s natural wonders from every corner. The turquoise waters, gentle sea breeze, and captivating allure of nature kept us spellbound in the lobby itself. After settling in, we set out to explore Andaman’s treasures.

While the internet may suggest dozens of places to visit in Port Blair, here are the once I visited, and my heart felt complete. No regrets, just unforgettable memories.

PLACES TO VISIT IN PORT BLAIR

Cellular Jail – One of the most significant places we visited in Port Blair was the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani. It holds a powerful place in the history of India’s struggle for independence. Stepping into Cellular Jail was an emotional experience that allowed me to connect with the stories passed down by my grandfather. Its unique design, with seven wings radiating from a central tower, allowed the British to maintain complete control over the prisoners.

Each inmate was kept in solitary confinement, preventing any form of communication with others. Our guide vividly described the grueling work prisoners endured throughout the day, leaving no time for reflection or planning. The prisoners were forced to engage in physically demanding activities, which included extracting oil and other manual labor to fulfill the objectives of the colonial administration. The harsh conditions and forced labour were intended to break the spirit and resistance of Indian freedom fighters during the British colonial rule.

Visiting Cellular Jail was a moving experience that served as a poignant reminder of India’s history and the extraordinary bravery of its freedom fighters. As an Indian, this historical landmark holds immense significance and is a must-visit to pay homage to our past and the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom.

Oh, motherland !
Sacrifice for you is life,
and living without is death.

by Veer Savarkar

Ross Island – During the British era, Ross Island, also known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island was developed into a self-sustaining township with grand colonial buildings, luxurious clubs, and well-maintained gardens. It was known for its opulence and served as a residence for high-ranking officials and their families. Today, Ross Island stands as a ghostly reminder of its glorious past. The island’s ruins, surrounded by dense tropical foliage, offer visitors a unique glimpse into the colonial era architecture and lifestyle. The crumbling structures include the Chief Commissioner’s House, Government House, Church, Ballroom, and various officers’ quarters. Tourists can explore the island by foot, taking in the eerie ambiance and imagining the vibrant life that once thrived there. It is accessible by a short boat ride from Port Blair.

Corbyn Cove Beach – It is situated around 7 kilometers from the city center, and we found it accessible by road via cabs or public transport. However, we opted for the convenience of an auto rickshaw for our travels, making it easy to hop in and out whenever we pleased, avoiding the wait for cabs. When we arrived at the beach, we were greeted by a lively and bustling scene, with people enjoying their time in the sun. The beach appeared to be a safe spot for swimming, and various adventure activities like jet skiing and banana boat rides were available for those seeking a thrilling experience. While we didn’t participate in these activities ourselves, it was delightful to witness others having a great time.

Port Blair, offers a variety of beautiful beaches. For the ones interested, you can also check out –

• Wandoor Beach: Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, located 25 km from Port Blair. Close to Wandoor Beach is the Red Skin Island which is famous for its vibrant coral reefs.
• Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island): Scenic beauty and mesmerizing sunsets, located 25 km from Port Blair. Close to this beach is Munda Pahar Beach. It is ideal for relaxation and nature walks.
• North Bay Beach: Paradise for snorkeling and sea walking enthusiasts, accessible by ferry.
• Ross and Smith Islands: Twin islands connected by a stunning sandbar, providing a unique and picturesque experience but they are not in Port Blair. To visit these islands, you’ll need to take a ferry from Port Blair to reach North Andaman, and then from there, proceed to Ross and Smith Islands.

Baratang Island – Also known as Ranchiwalas Island, is located to the north of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The distance from Port Blair to Baratang is about 101 km, and it takes approximately two to three hours to reach the island by car via NH4 or a bit longer by bus. Once reaching the main road, visitors still need to take a vehicle jetty from Baratang Jetty Post to access the island.

Alternatively, travelers have the option to choose boat or ferry services. Government ferry services are available, but they do not operate daily, and they typically do not return the same day. Ferry tickets for Baratang can usually be purchased two days before the trip. The ferry journey starts from Port Blair and directly takes you to Baratang before proceeding to Havelock Island.

Baratang Island is famous for its mud volcano, a rare natural phenomenon where mud and gases are released from the ground. Another popular attraction on the island is its limestone caves, which can be reached by taking a boat ride through dense mangrove forests, offering an experience similar to what we had in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

Being a tropical rainforest, Baratang is abundant in diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Additionally, the island is known for being home to the Jarawa tribes. Tourists and visitors are not allowed to have direct contact with the Jarawa tribe, and special permits are required for entry into the tribal reserve areas, due to their isolation and desire for privacy.

I could not visit Baratang due to lack of time, but you must.

Netaji’s Flag Hoisting Memorial : This memorial holds immense historical significance. Located at South Point, also known as Netaji Chowk, this memorial commemorates the historic event when Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the first flag of independent India on December 30, 1943. The location is also notable as it is the southernmost point of India.

On this momentous day in 1943, Netaji, along with officials of Azad Hind Fauj and the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, raised the tricolor for the first time in Port Blair. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, under Japanese Imperial Forces’ occupation during the Second World War since March 23, 1943, were declared as the first Indian territory to be freed from British Raj. The Japanese Prime Minister, in the Tokyo Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations on November 6, 1943, announced the transfer of these islands to the Provisional government of Azad Hind. The Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial stands as a testament to this historic event that played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle.

Shopping : After exploring the stunning beauty of Port Blair and its surrounding attractions, we decided to take some time to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the city’s charm. While shopping options were limited, we stumbled upon the Sagarika Government Emporium, which offered a delightful array of pearl jewelry, unique home decor accessories made from shells, coconut lampshades, bangles, and paper mache tribal masks. We couldn’t resist getting a few bottles of virgin coconut oil as a souvenir to take back home.

Food : In search of authentic local flavors, we decided to dine at a humble and well-loved restaurant known as Annapurna. While it may not boast grandeur, the food won our hearts instantly. As vegetarians, options were limited, especially since many restaurants in the area focused on seafood. Nevertheless, we had no complaints about our choice. Additionally, for a delightful culinary experience, food trucks scattered across Port Blair proved to be a fantastic option. These mobile eateries served a variety of savory dishes and delectable desserts, remaining open until late at night, catering to the cravings of hungry travelers like us.

I discovered that truly experiencing Andaman was about immersing ourselves in the atmosphere, savoring the beaches, sipping their delightful noon tea, and engaging with the locals. The conversations and connections we made with the people were more rewarding than rushing from one point to another to tick off a list.