From Bangalore to Andaman and Nicobar Islands : A Flight into Bliss
It all began on a clear, beautiful morning when I boarded my flight from Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The flight took a little over two hours, but what I witnessed from above made time fly.
As we soared over the Bay of Bengal, the view from the window seat was nothing short of cinematic – endless blue waters, swirling sea waves, and tiny green islands dotting the ocean. It felt like someone had spilled turquoise paint on a vast blue canvas. That moment alone was worth the journey.
I had booked my entire package via MakeMyTrip, and I must say – they handled everything with absolute professionalism. From airport pickups to hotel stays and cruise bookings – it was all seamless and stress-free.
Warm Welcome in Port Blair & Sunset at Corbyn’s Cove
As we landed at Veer Savarkar International Airport, the warmth of the tropical breeze hit me instantly. Our driver was already waiting at the exit, holding a placard with my name. After freshening up quickly, we headed straight to Corbyn’s Cove Beach – one of Port Blair’s most accessible and beautiful beaches.
I still remember walking along the coconut-palm-lined coast, waves gently crashing, and the sky turning shades of golden-orange as the sun began to set. It was serene. It was poetic. We sipped on fresh coconut water and let the sea wind ruffle our tired souls. That evening set the tone for the adventure that lay ahead.
Later, we checked into our hotel, relaxed, and caught up on much-needed sleep after a long but exhilarating day.
Day 2: The Haunting Beauty of Cellular Jail & Local Port Blair Exploration
Our next morning began with a visit to the iconic Cellular Jail – locally known as Kala Pani. This colonial-era prison was built by the British in the late 19th century and served as a detention center for many Indian freedom fighters. The structure, with its massive iron gates and seven winged corridors, is both historically rich and emotionally moving.
Inside, we saw the cell of Veer Savarkar, one of India’s bravest revolutionaries. The silence inside those walls spoke volumes. In the evening, we stayed back for the light and sound show, which uses voiceovers and visuals to narrate the stories of torture and resilience. Not a single soul in the crowd left without a lump in their throat.
Exploring the Beaches of Port Blair
Post our Cellular Jail visit, we explored some of the lesser-known but equally mesmerizing beaches of Port Blair:
Chidiya Tapu:
A birdwatcher’s delight and one of the best places to view sunsets. The beach is surrounded by mangroves, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some exotic birds.
Wandoor Beach:
A calm and clean beach known for coral sightings and starting point for trips to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
Munda Pahad:
A trekking trail from Chidiya Tapu that leads to a cliff point with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Each of these beaches had their own vibe – from serene to adventurous, giving us a complete island experience.
Cruising to Havelock Island: A Journey to Another World
The next morning, we hopped on a cruise ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island (now called Swaraj Dweep). The ride took about 1.5 hours, and we chose the Makruzz cruise for a comfortable journey.
Looking out of the ferry window as the ship sliced through the sparkling blue water was surreal. I had never felt more peaceful.
When we reached Havelock, it felt like we had arrived on another planet – clear skies, lush green forests, and powdery white beaches that stretched endlessly.
Havelock Island: Where Nature Paints with Perfection
Our two-day stay in Havelock was filled with joy, discovery, and awe. It’s no exaggeration to call it one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Radhanagar Beach
This beach is a must-visit. Once voted Asia’s Best Beach by Time Magazine, it lives up to the hype. The water is crystal-clear, the sand is like soft flour, and the vibes are peaceful. We spent hours here – swimming, lazing, and simply watching the waves.
Elephant Beach
We took a speedboat to reach this beach and did snorkeling for the first time. What we saw underwater was simply magical – coral reefs, colorful fish, and marine life I had only seen in documentaries.
Kalapathar Beach
A relatively quiet beach but equally stunning. Ideal for long walks, meditation, or simply sitting and absorbing nature.
We also visited a few local cafes – Full Moon Café and Something Different Café – where we enjoyed grilled seafood, refreshing smoothies, and chats with fellow travelers.
The island is home to a mix of Bengali settlers and local Nicobarese, all very friendly, polite, and welcoming.
Scuba Diving in Havelock: A Dive into Silence, Soul, and Zindagi
Scuba diving in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) was, without a doubt, one of the most soul-stirring experiences of my life. As I slipped into the ocean, suited up and slightly nervous, a wave of calm washed over me with the first breath underwater. The world above disappeared, and I was suddenly floating in an entirely different universe – one where colors danced, silence spoke, and life bloomed in its rawest, most beautiful form. Coral gardens stretched endlessly beneath me, filled with swaying anemones, curious clownfish, vibrant parrotfish, and slow-gliding sea turtles. The dive instructor pointed to hidden moray eels tucked in rocks, while rays skimmed the ocean floor like flying carpets. Time felt like it stopped – there was no rush, no noise, no phone signal – just me, the sea, and something profoundly healing. When I surfaced, tears mingled with the salty sea water on my cheeks, and the first thing that came to my mind were those unforgettable lines from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – “Pighlay neelam sa behta hua yeh samaan, Neeli neeli si khamoshiyaan, Na kahin hai zameen, Na kahin aasmaan, Sarsaraati huyi tehniyaan, pattiyaan, Keh rahi hain ki bas ek tum ho yahaan, Sirf main hoon meri saansein hain aur meri dhadkanein, Aisi gehraiyaan, Aisi tanhaiyaan, Aur main sirf main, Apne honay pe mujhko yaqeen aa gaya…” I finally understood what it meant to be truly alive. That dive gave me not just memories, but perspective. Every time I close my eyes, I still see those swirls of blue, the soft dance of the ocean bed, and I’m reminded that some moments don’t need a camera – they need a heart wide open.
Off to Neil Island: A Hidden Jewel of Simplicity
After two dreamy days, we boarded another cruise to Neil Island (now called Shaheed Dweep). If Havelock was about stunning beauty, Neil Island was about serenity and simplicity.
Fewer tourists, minimal commercial development, and peaceful beaches define this charming little island.
Bharatpur Beach
Perfect for swimming and water sports. The shallow, crystal-clear water makes it ideal for beginners wanting to try snorkeling or glass-bottom boat rides.
Laxmanpur Beach
We witnessed one of the most gorgeous sunsets here. The beach is known for its stunning rock formations and sunset photography.
Natural Bridge
A rare formation created by years of erosion, best visited during low tide. Our local guide explained how it’s also called the “Howrah Bridge” by locals.
We stayed at a beach resort with bamboo cottages and enjoyed local food – especially the banana flower curry, fried fish, and coconut-based desserts.
People here live simple lives – mostly fishermen, coconut farmers, and local shopkeepers. Yet, the hospitality was world-class. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles and warmth.
Other Unique Attractions: The Island of Deers
On our last day, back in Port Blair, we made a quick trip to Mount Harriet National Park and the nearby Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) – once the administrative capital of the British. The island is now home to hundreds of spotted deer roaming freely, along with peacocks and ruins of colonial structures.
Walking among ancient British offices and churches, with deer grazing quietly beside you, felt like being in a movie set.
My Final Thoughts: A Trip That Changed Me
This trip was not just about travel. It was about pausing life, reconnecting with nature, and discovering a part of India I hadn’t seen before.
From the cruise rides, untouched beaches, warm-hearted people, to the amazing seafood and tranquil sunsets – everything about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was soul-refreshing.
I came back home with a tan, seashells, and a heart full of memories.
FAQs – Your Travel Questions Answered
Q1: Best time to visit Andaman?
October to May. I went in February – perfect weather and calm seas.
Q2: Do you need permits to visit these islands?
No permit required for Indian citizens unless you’re visiting tribal or restricted zones.
Q3: Is it safe to travel alone or as a couple?
Absolutely! Andaman is safe, clean, and welcoming.
Q4: Can non-swimmers do water activities?
Yes. Most operators offer safe experiences with life jackets and guides.
Q5: Is it expensive?
With platforms like Makemytrip, you can customize your budget. There are both luxury and budget options.
Final View
This journey reminded me of how beautiful India truly is. If you’re looking for a place that’s far from chaos, close to nature, and fills your heart with gratitude – Andaman & Nicobar Islands is waiting for you.
So go ahead, book that ticket, pack light, and let the sea whisper stories into your soul.
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
