Top Five places to see in Port Blair

Top Five places to see in Port Blair

“Heaven” croons Bryan Adams and I feel like I am already up there. A magic carpet winged by Spice Jet has taken me high up in the skies. I am flying with the clouds tossed around me and below me, I can see the turquoise ocean . The clouds are scattered around the atmosphere and it seems like someone has just had a pillow fight as wisps of these delicate white fabric float through the sky , above the oceans.

Nostalgia takes me back to the college days when a bunch of friends sailed to Port Blair for the first time.  It was a trip filled with checkered memories. Our first experience of sailing where we spent our time in the open deck, watching the oceans change colors, as the salts of the sea tickled our nostrils. I remember sitting in a cafe on the fifth deck as the sea turned wild and rocked us, the waves rising in height as we could feel the fury from the cafe. We roamed around freely as if the ship belonged to us , much to the amusement of the captain and his crew and that probably was our undoing.

However we landed in Port Blair three days later where the pristine beaches and the evergreen forests bewitched us. Port Blair was so silent and beautiful – it was probably even more pristine than the Havelock of today. We lazed in beaches, went on cruises and relaxed in the afternoon. There were no markets then – not even shops which sold souvenirs too. Corbyns Cove, Jolly Buoy, Ross Island were some of my favourite spots. We were supposed to be here for just three days, but then some of the crew of the ship decided to strike.

and the flight is about to land. The song played by the pilot is apt as I can see emerald tinged islands sparkling in the waters. I cannot help but be flooded with memories as I reach Andaman Islands.

We were stranded in Andamans with no money and since this was a personal trip, not something organised by our college, we virtually had to fend for ourselves. We were a bunch of girls and we were packed like sardines in a local lodge and we lived as frugally as we could. Finally after almost a week the crew decided to withdraw their strike but the journey back home was anything but pleasant. We were threatened and closely watched and we were virtually trapped in our dorms. We even shared bunks and refrained from moving out to the private decks or exploring the ship on our own. Yet the oceans calmed our frayed nerves as we finally headed back to the mainland.

1. Ross island

I remembered being mesmerised by Ross Island when I visited Port Blair during my college days. Two decades later, the island is as fascinating as ever, My penchant for ruins made me want to linger here for a long time. It was originally the British headquarters of the islands until an earthquake reduced it to rubbles.

2. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin

One of the best places to go snorkeling and see corals if you are not able to go to Havelock or Neil Island. I visited here for the first time in 1993 and I was completely blown away by the corals. We went in a glass bottom boat then and the waters were so pristine that I could see them so clearly. It still remains a favourite after all these years. However the beauty of these two islands are lost if its too crowded. Perhaps that is why most people seek out unexplored and virgin islands with the crowds gathering around Jolly Buoy and Red Skin. 

3. Cellular Jail

 This probably should have been right on top of the list. Even today it gives me goosebumps where I read and hear about the torture of the freedom fighters who were imprisoned here by the British. The colonial prison gives the term Kala pani referring to the island as a place that brings death to the prisoners. Much water has indeed flown under the bridge but you cannot but feel a bit depressed after a visit here when you read about the sacrifices that the freedom fighters made to get independence. There is a sound and light show as well.

4. Baratang Island

This takes an entire day and it is advisable to leave extremely early in the morning. The Baratang island has a mud volcano and limestone caves and it is 100 kms from Port Blair.Apparently the island and the ones around are home to the local tribes, but tribal tourism is not allowed in Andamans. You cannot speak or photograph them even if they approach you. The mud volcano here is rather unique and it has erupted rather recently.There are ferries here as well but it is connected by road too.

 

5. Wandoor Beach

Wandoor Beach is my personal favourite and you can take a ferry to Jolly Buoy from here. The beach here is popular and has quite a few locals as well but it is very clean. You can listen to stories about the aftermath of the tsunami that hit the island, from the local people here. Wandoor is an hour away from the city and you can combine it with a trip to Jolly Buoy.