Every day felt the same. Work, home, sleep, repeat. I was tired of this routine and needed a break. I had hoped to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for many years. I had seen beautiful pictures and heard amazing stories about these islands. They looked like paradise with their clean beaches and blue waters. I kept telling myself that someday, I would visit that place. Then, finally, it happened. So, when I got my leave approved, I did not think twice. I booked my trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands right away. I was so excited! This was my chance to see a beautiful part of India I had always desired to explore. I got my bags ready for this much-awaited trip. I did not know it then, but this trip would be more than just a holiday. It would be a journey I would never forget.
After a late-night flight from Ahmedabad with a brief stopover of around 3 hours in Chennai, we landed at Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair early in the morning. I had pre-booked an arrival transfer from the airport to the Da Bay Inn hotel in Port Blair. The moment I stepped out of the airport – the fresh and unspoiled vibe of these islands bowled me over. Availing an early check-in and good brunch – we crashed onto the bed for some much-needed rest, especially since we had been awake the entire night.
Once we had the required rest, we were recharged to explore Corbyn’s Cove Beach – just 09 km from Port Blair. This coconut palm-fringed beach was perfect for a relaxing swim and soaking in nature. In the evening, we went to the popular Cellular Jail for a soul-stirring Light and Sound show. It was a startling experience that made the stories of Indian freedom fighters alive. The powerful storytelling and dramatic lights took us back in time, showing us the struggles and sacrifices of our freedom fighters. As I listened, I felt goosebumps and a strong link with the history of our country.
On day 2, we started quite early in the morning to catch a ferry to Swaraj Dweep Island. We had booked Makruzz Ferry, which departs Port Blair at 6 am and reaches Havelock Island at around 730 am. Before heading out oh yes, we asked the hotel to pack our breakfast so we could have the energy we needed for the day ahead. The two-hour trip was amazing for the senses—the salty sea air, the vast Bay of Bengal, and the excitement of what was coming next.
On arrival at Havelock Jetty, we met our local representative, boarded our vehicle and checked in at our hotel – New Gold India Beach Resort. After a quick refresh, we were ready to explore!
We had a private car booked for our island tour. But I noticed many tourists zipping around on scooters. It looked fun and flexible. Next time, I will rent a two-wheeler to explore this small island at my own pace. Our first stop was Radhanagar Beach, often called one of the best beaches in Asia. I have seen many beaches, but this was something else. The sand was so soft and white that it felt like walking on fluffy clouds. The water was so clear and had the brightest blue I have ever come across.
As we walked along the beach, we enjoyed the beautiful sunset, with the sky turning shades of orange and pink. The beach wasn’t too crowded, so we could really take in the natural beauty and calm. As the day ended, I felt so relaxed and happy. Radhanagar Beach isn’t just a place – it’s an experience. It’s somewhere you can truly unwind and connect with nature. If you ever visit Havelock Island, don’t miss this beach. It’s like a small piece of paradise.
Day 3 was all about the thrill of scuba diving. We had to tick off this activity from our bucket list. We chose Dive India for our underwater adventure. Dive India is a well-known diving company in the Andamans. They take safety very seriously. Before we went into the water, they taught us all the important safety rules. Our instructor was very friendly and patient. He explained everything well and made us feel at ease. We got lots of personal attention. All the diving gear was in top shape. Dive India cares about the ocean. They taught us how to dive without harming the coral or sea life.
The dive took around 20 minutes, but it felt like I was discovering a brand-new world! Before entering, we learned some basic hand signals to communicate underwater. It was like learning a secret language! Once we were under the water with the instructor, it was amazing. Brightly coloured fish were swimming all around us. The coral reefs were like underwater gardens, full of life and colour. I even saw an octopus lazing around! The weightless feeling was incredible. It was like floating in space but surrounded by beautiful sea life instead of stars. When we came back up, we were constantly chatting about all the things we saw. Even though it was just 20 minutes, the memory of that dive will stay with me forever.
Scuba diving with Dive India was definitely a highlight of our trip. If you visit the Andamans and want to try diving, I highly recommend them. They made our first diving experience safe, fun, and unforgettable!
On Day 4, we took an early morning speed boat ride to the quiet Elephant Beach —just a 20-minute ride from Havelock Island. As we got closer, the white sand and clear waters welcomed us. But the real beauty was underwater—a colourful world of marine life ready to be explored. What makes this beach special is its coral reef. It starts in very shallow water, making it easy to see the colourful underwater world even from the surface. Enjoy a range of water sports like parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, glass bottom boat rides, and undersea walking. The beach offers more than just water sports. We enjoyed walking along the shore, collecting unique shells, and simply relaxing under the sun. The lush green forests behind the beach create a beautiful backdrop, making it feel like a true tropical paradise.
In the afternoon, it was time to leave Havelock Island. We boarded the Makruzz ferry at 4 PM for our trip back to Port Blair. The two-hour ride gave us a chance to think about all the great experiences we had on the island. We arrived in Port Blair at 5:30 pm and checked back into Da Bay Inn for our last night in the Andamans.
Our Andaman adventure was coming to an end. After checking out from Da Bay Inn, we headed to the airport. Our Indigo flight took off at noon, carrying us away from this island paradise. We had a 2-hour stop in Kolkata, which gave us time to stretch and grab a quick snack. Finally, at 7:05 PM, we landed in Ahmedabad, marking the end of our amazing trip.
As I got off the plane in Ahmedabad, I felt both refreshed and a bit nostalgic. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands had been everything I had hoped for and even more. From the historic Cellular Jail to the beautiful beaches of Havelock, from the excitement of scuba diving to the peacefulness of Elephant Beach, every moment felt special. This trip was not just a break; it was a journey of discovering nature, history, and my love for adventure. The memories of the blue waters, white sands, and kind faces of locals will stay with me forever.
Also Read: Bucket List Adventures: 7 Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar in 2024-25!
Hello, I’m Devesh Kumar. I was born in Uttar Pradesh and received my early education there. I completed my 10th and 12th grades in Gujarat, and then graduated in Madhya Pradesh. In 2014, I earned a degree in Computer Science from Rajiv Gandhi Technical University. Currently, I am working in Ahmedabad.
When I’m not immersed in my IT profession, you’ll find me indulging in my hobbies. I love traveling, playing volleyball, and swimming. I have a deep affection for religious sites, spirituality, beaches, adventure, forests, and mountains. Additionally, I enjoy contributing to Wikipedia , wikitravel and Tripoto.
Over the years, I have explored various states and Union Territories across India. The diversity of our magnificent country never ceases to amaze me, from the serene landscapes of Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh to the vibrant cultures of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and from the coastal beauty of Goa to the stunning hills of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
