travel bleisure

The Andamans’ best kept secret The pristine Andaman and Nicobar Islands set a dreamy picture for travellers looking to get away from the city’s hubbub and the beaches here can give South Europe a run for its money.

words // Edwina D'souza

Andaman Map not to scale and Nicobar Islands

Vistara | 22 | April 2019 travel bleisure

he capital city of Port Land of the Jarawas any photographs and videos. It’s Blair is the gateway to the One can enter the Baratang an experience one captures with Andamans and its many Island via the Grand Trunk the eyes and not the lens, as you Tbeautiful islands like Road, Andamans’ only highway see the tribes coexist alongside Havelock, Ross and Neil Islands. connecting the south to the north. modern civilisation in present And one would be wrong to say It’s a three hour journey until you day world. that the Andamans is only about reach Jirkatang, which is the check the sun, sea and sands. Venture post to cross the Jarawa tribal A boat ride through caves inland and the Andamans surprises reserve. The Jarawas are one of The limestone caves in the you with its dense rainforests, the oldest existing human races Andamans are one of the most , creeks and some of in the world, who have shunned prominent attractions in the the rarest natural wonders unique interaction with the outside world. Baratang Island. Formed by the to this place. A fitting preview to According to estimates, only about compression of over millions of that is the Baratang Island in the 250 to 300 Jarawas remain and they years of gradual deposits of marine Middle Andamans, which is a still practice hunting and gathering life, corals and skeletons; these haven for nature lovers, birders as means of survival. limestone caves date back to the and those who seek all things wild. pre-historic age. Photography enthusiasts will have The Jarawa tribal reserve is a a field day soaking in sceneries that protected area by the Government; A torch would come in handy as look straight out of a documentary. hence tourists are only allowed to you find your way inside the dark How to Get There enter this region thrice in a day and and eerie caves with a temperature Vistara flies twice A full day tour to the Baratang always in a convoy at a speed limit at least 2 degrees cooler than usual. daily between Delhi and via Island from Port Blair is an less than 40kmph. Throughout Kolkata and Chennai ideal way to explore this the 50km stretch, tourists are not Mangroves tunnel respectively. untouched region. allowed to stop the vehicle or take Over 13 per cent of ’s

Right: trees growing wild in the shallow waters near Port Blair; Below: Statue of a member of the Jarawa tribe hunting with a spear, on display at the Samudrika Marine Museum run by the Indian Navy.

Vistara | 24 | April 2019 Insider's view

As dusk approaches, the parrots head back to the island for the night, creating a green canvas that hovers in the air

mangrove forests are in the Andamans while three are in in Northern Vishesh and a sizeable number belongs to Andamans. These mud volcanoes are Khanna, the Baratang Island. On way to the remnants of the 2004 tsunami that Vice President – Sales limestone caves, one rides on a boat rocked most of Asia. The effects of that along a creek through a dense mangrove natural disaster can be seen till date, “Among the most tunnel that looks like a scene straight out where the earth is letting out trapped beautiful beaches in the of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the hydrocarbon gases in the form of cold Crystal Skull. The occasional chirping mud bubbles in periodic pops. The mud country, Radhanagar of the birds and crickets provides volcanoes at Baratang are 6km from in Havelock Island is a the appropriate background score the jetty, followed by a short hike to sight to behold. This to complete the mental picture. The get there. beach is comparatively journey by boat is great for birding and one can even spot salt water crocodiles, Parrot Island less inhabited and is the idling away along the water’s edge in the A small unpeopled island in Baratang perfect place to unplug. mangroves. These reptiles are known to is home to one of the world’s largest Azure water meets a thick thrive in the marshlands and the inlets parrot habitats. Thousands of parakeets near the middle strait jetty at Baratang, roost here in the evenings and leave the carpet of pearly white are conducive to them. next morning only to return again in the sand and a sense of calm evening, trimming and perfectly pruning pervades the air that you Mud volcanoes the forest during this cycle. The Parrot Not only is the Andamans home to the Island is an experience in itself, where breathe in. It is the perfect only active volcano in India at Barren these birds fill the sky every evening place for rejuvenation Island, but it also has the unique mud making for one of the best sunsets you’ll while enjoying a volcanoes. In the Andamans, 11 mud ever see. Birding enthusiasts from across volcanoes have been reported and eight the world often come here to catch a mesmerising sunset. As for of them are in the Baratang Island, glimpse of this spectacular marvel. adventure enthusiasts, the beach also offers many vistara QUIZ snorkelling and scuba Question 2: Who has written the largest number of books on ornithology, in India? Answers in the next issue of Vistara magazine. diving opportunities.” Share your answers at [email protected]. Two winners per question will be notified over e-mail.

Vistara | 26 | April 2019 travel bleisure

explore the city The bustling cultural hub has many facets for travellers to explore

Visit Ross Island, a The Andamans' Bird Island or Chidiya-tapu is 10min ferry ride from a mangrove forest eco-park that plays host to Port Blair. This relatively numerous species of birds. Apart from being a unexplored island used bird watching paradise, this place is also famous to be an important hub for its picnic spots, trekking trails and glorious for the British. Today, the sunset views. mangroves of the island The Anthropological Museum in Port Blair look gloriously untamed displays ethnographic exhibits that explain the and wild with hanging Visit lifestyle and history of the various tribes of wines, huge roots the Andamans (like the Jarawas, Sentinelese, and trunks of century and Onges) as well as the old trees hugging the Mongloid Tribes of Nicobar (the Nicobarese and cathedrals, graveyards Shompens). and administrative remnants of that era. Port Blair is the land of fresh seafood so head to any restaurant and opt for their 'Catch of the Havelock Island, a ferry ride away from Day' specialities. For the Port Blair, has some of the widest accompanying sauce, range of restaurants in the archipelago, experiment with the frequented for their exotic menu and subtle and diverse flavours island vibe. Sit under the thatched roof, eat unique to this region. The feel the refreshing sea breeze envelop seafood dishes here, especially you as you dig into some delectable the curried prawns, are commonly finger licking goodies. served with rice. There are many evening barbecue parties hosted by the beachside restaurants where freshly caught lobsters are grilled and served along with a fresh drink.

Aberdeen Bazaar is located in the heart of Port Blair and is its main cultural hub. All entry and exit points from Port Blair are best accessed from this bazaar. From colourful sea treasures to handcrafted wooden artefacts, this is the place for best ethnic souvenirs. shop Pearls, especially those that come from Nicobar, are a much coveted ornament. You can either buy them loose and get them embedded in any jewellery back home or you can choose one from the really pretty pearl-sea shell combination neckpieces and bracelets that are available here.

Vistara | 28 | April 2019