Virendra's Blog

I am back from a trip to Andaman. It was a one week vacation – one week of completely avoiding boss and colleagues.
And although you might have heard it a zillion times before – the place is worth a visit.
Here are a few tips for you in case you plan to go there –

1. Most of the hotels are basic – even the best ones don’t offer much. So go for a medium/low range hotel which will give you better value for money. Try to stick to Aberdeen Bazar area, it is the most central option close to good restaurants, bus stops, jetties and most sightseeing locations in Port Blair. Almost all hotels in that area are alike so no specific recommendations. For food, Annapurna is the best bet for veggies.
2. It can rain anytime (heavily), other times it is really sunny. So an umbrella would be a good idea.
3. Wear cottons. It is humid all the time.
4. Use bottled water.
5. Use mosquito nets or take mosquito repellants with you.
6. Do visit Ross island/Cellular jail. They are not very famous but they hold a whole lot of history about the islands and the British Raj.
7. It is not really necessary to spend the night at Havelock (nothing but secluded beaches). Do get return reservation done before leaving or you will be stuck in a limbo.
8. Visit Wandoor and Corbyn Cove. Most of tourists don’t often visit these beaches but they are quite good and really clean.
9. Souveniers for sale are brought in from Tamil Nadu. No local stuff. They cost lesser if you were to purchase them in the mainland.
10. In the rainy season, there is a small possibility that the plane is not be able to land and return back to origin. Budget airlines won’t be refunding the onward/return flight cancellation money. You have been warned.
11. Most of the fellow travellers will be in large group and they make a lot of noise (in plane/boat/beach/everywhere). Try to avoid them if you are the peace loving type.
12. Visit Baratang (whole day trip) to actually face-to-face with aborigines.
13. A week or two is more than enough. Any more than that and you will get bored.

Will post a few photo of the place soon.

( For full details of my trip, visit- http://www.indiamike.com/india/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-f41/my-andaman-trip-t43511/ )