Scuba Diving-An Experience of a Lifetime
During our recent trip to Andaman, I was most looking forward to my first scuba diving experience. Having never gone scuba diving before, we wondered if we would get nervous or claustrophobic 40-50 feet under water; but we wouldn’t know until we tried it.
On the day of the dive, we woke up early in the morning and headed over to the Havelock Island byn a Private Ferry from Port Blair. There were several people sitting out front chatting with each other & waiting for the Ferry to depart.The Ferry took 1.5 Hrs to reach havelock.After reaching We were greeted with a big smile and from Sam,A PADI Certified Instructor.He welcomed us into his scuba shop and gave us the run-down of what to expect for our first time scuba diving. He partnered us up with two experienced divers to learn the basics & safety maneuvers in the shallow water before heading out to the nearby reef.
He Then accompanied us to Beach No. 2 which is approximately 10 min by boat from our dive centre At the dive site the instructor allowed us to get comfortable while breathing with Scuba and then taught basic exercises in shallow water which will be used during our dive.
I Loved the Calmness of being Submerged,the Hypnotic Sound of my Breath and the Quiet Clicks of Fish Eating Coral.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are unique. It is unlike any other place in India. The Islands are shrouded in the mystery for centuries because of their inaccessability. A paragon of beauty, these islands present a landscape of scenic and picturesque extravaganza, shimmering like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal
Long fabled among travellers for its legendary beaches, world-class diving and far-flung location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman Islands are still the ideal place to get away from it all.lovely opaque emerald waters are surrounded by primeval jungle and mangrove forest, and snow-white beaches that melt under flame-and-purple sunsets.The best season to visit these beautiful islands is from November to March.
Cellular Jail
Also known as Kaala Paani (black waters), the cellular jail is perhaps one of the most infamous remnants of India’s struggle for independence.The building comprised of 7 wings which were designed in a criss-cross pattern with its center being a tower used by the guards to keep a close watch on the prisoners.Andaman had been the location, where the convicts charged against the British regime were kept behind the bars. Therefore, Cellular Jail enfolds a great past under its realms. As a result, tourists, as well as enthusiasts, come to the Cellular Jail to witness the suffering that the freedom fighters had gone through.
The most famous prisoner to be held at the Cellular Jail was “Veer Savarkar”. The Cellular jail was known for its infamous cruelty meted out to prisoners, made to toil under the extreme vagaries of nature without food and water alike, death for the prisoners was an easier option rather than a release or escape.
Torture was meted out to the Prisoners both physically and mentally, by making them to work for long hours on a hand driven oil extractor made of iron to extract coconut and mustard oil and mentally by meeting the prisoners with lashings and left in the open grounds of the prison and forcing the prisoners to watch the executions of their fellow mates.
CHIDIYATAPU
Chidiya Tapu, also known as “Sunset Point” and “Bird Island,” is one of the best places to see the sunset in Port Blair, the main hub of the Andaman Islands.Chidiyatapu is a tiny fishing village situated at the southern most tip of South Andaman Island. It is about 25 km from Port Blair in Andaman District. The place is also famous for its 46 varieties of endemic birds, white spotted deer and seasonal orchids. This village has earned the name, Bird Island.
Chidiya Tapu has a trek of 2.5kms which leads to Munda Pathar. The view point is to die for. You have to climb the mountain and the view that opens up is surreal. It is also called “Suicide Point”. There is a stand alone huge boulder which is joined by a very thin bridge from the mountain. Needless to say, it is barricaded and nobody should get into the act of a “Stuntman”. The repercussions will be very serious – meeting with the Almighty !
The only beach near by the city, corbyn’s cove gets its name due to its unique shape, being one of its kind in the country and is named after Corbyn Chaplain of Port Blair. The beach is flanked at the edges by Japanese Bunkers to remind visitors of the days of Japanese occupation of the island. The pristine sands and water make it an experience to remember for any visitor.
At a distance or 30 Kms form Port Blair is Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi National Park, the sanctuary of restricted Islands. The region is controlled by the Forest Department to protect the Marine Flora and Fauna from frequent human interference.A few of the Islands are open for visitors and entry for the same is regulated and requires prior permission from the forest department.
