Trip to Andamans

5.      Andaman (if we were to call it mainland in local context and if we leave out Nicobar and many islands, including forbidden ones, for the time being) is divided into North, Middle and South Andaman, separated by straits. With the expansion of tourism related information, facilities and infrastructure, visitors can now virtually travel all over this mainland Andaman. Our next plan was a foray till a point called Bartang Island that lies across the strait, sandwiched between South and Middle Andaman.          Such a trip is possible in a day (return trip, ie) and since Bartang has no major facilities for stay and basic ones for eats, it is preferred that way. Yes, if one is going ahead to Maya Bunder or so, hotels can be found there but then one can't get back in one day. More than travelling time, it is the system of traffic regulation that kills over-ambitious plans and rightfully so.        If you, like us, ar...

4.      Neil Island is a small, beautiful and quaint island that offers two extremes of nature on one of its rocky beaches. Yes, Laxman Beach has a spread of dead reef (courtesy Tsunami of 2004) and thriving ecosystem that is open to visitors during low tides. Check timings but forenoon is a safe option when most of the live corals are visible and can be seen closely. It is a tiny, quaint place Naturally shaded approach path to Laxman Beach Dead, killed by Tsunami A variant of live star fish A guide is a must ..... a crab in our guide's hand An almost dead one The island has many Bengali settlers and they call this formation as Howrah Bridge Work of natural forces Nature's artwork The under water world A ship goes away Mr Lazy....a sea cucumber A colony of its own kind A platform in the sea Family pic on the platform As mentioned before, take a guide when you go to this beach. ...

3.   Havelock Island. This is a must see, feel and stay! There is a ferry service (both govt and pvt) and a chopper service too. The difference between govt run and pvt ones (both have fixed timings) is the matter of vintage and speed. You may take Makruzz cruise that starts at a respectable time of about 0800h and reaches soon after the early morning one that has a slower speed but starts pretty early. On Makruzz, try and book first class seat (only few) if you want to go out on the deck. Otherwise, the Premium segment is good enough. Cafe charges twice the MRP (simple calculations) and serves basic snacks. The breakfast from the hotel can also be consumed on board.     We were lucky enough (or kind courtesy our tour operator) to have first row seats on to and fro journeys bu despite clear announcements and requests and instructions, people crowd around the wind screen and screw up every one else's happiness. Luckly, such an exuberance was not there on our return jour...