A natural paradise replete with history of Indian freedom struggle

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located one and a half hours by flight from Chennai. The capital city of Port Blair is a bustling town with infrastructure development right at the doorstep of your arrival. With an international airport under construction and development of 4G internet lines, the indicators of a modern commercial city are all too obvious.

The beauty of the Andamans is not so much about a half dozen activities available on the island as it is about the effortless reset it creates in your own state of being. This strategic port is also the gateway to some of South Asia’s most pristine beaches and islands and one among them is Havelock.

The middle Andaman town is a hotbed for historical spots. The Cellular Jail is the most iconic location on this island, with a history deep rooted in cultural and civil strife, revolutionary determination and ultimate victory for India.

Taking your time through the jail walk is recommended because there is so much to read on the various struggles that led revolutionaries to this prison. The historical walk around the premises gives you a glimpse of what life was for prison inmates. There used to be 693 solitary confinement cells that housed individuals who fought for the freedom of India from the British.

From the passage of revolutionaries across kala paani (black waters) to the trade of timber from the island, Chatham Island is a must visit place to understand the story behind timber trade and logging of forests. Back in the day, this union territory exported timber that was logged from the lush green forests here. The story of the Saw Mill is yet another historical experience that you must walk through. All these tours don’t require guides, just patience and a love for reading would do.

As you drive through this beach lined town, you can’t help but see so many reminders of the history that showcases the Indian freedom struggle and the World Wars. The hotel we stayed at served as a Japanese bunker decades ago and to date is the only hotel to be located so close to the water’s edge. The light blue shades of water and the blissful breeze by the coconut palms set the tone for what Havelock has in store.

The city of Port Blair is also a location for entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to get gifts that are not ‘emporium’ bought, try the soap and shampoo bars from Cosmic Island, a brand that was launched by National award winning woman entrepreneur Neha Bhatt.

A one and a half hour catamaran ride to Havelock brings you to azure blue waters and a beautiful tropical island. If you’re visiting during the peak season, don’t let the busyness of the jetty dampen your expectations, as this island has so much flora and fauna to take advantage of. Havelock is not a very large island. Two picks for beautiful beach shores are beach Kalapathar (black stone) and Radhanagar. The latter is a hot favourite for the sandy shores and near still blue waters.

We stayed at beach Munjoh and the experience of being sandwiched between a beach on one side and gigantic tree-lined hills on the other was the perfect centre for peaceful, meditative and restive hours.

At Havelock, there’s a dual existence between commercialisation and retention of the natural habitat. We skipped the snorkelling, diving and game fishing for a night kayak around the mangroves of Havelock. 

The phenomenon of bio-luminescent phytoplankton lighting up the still dark waters of the night reiterates why you need to keep your eyes wide open. The plankton which feeds on the nitrogen-rich mangrove roots lights up as you gently stir the water, creating a light show produced by Mother Nature. I recommend this to anyone who wants to indulge his or her adventurous side and quest for the sublime.

The peak season has a charm that outdoes the offseason. However, keep in mind that travelling during offseason would require more planning as the frequency of the ferry rides reduces to a few times each week, and most resorts and island activities stop for upkeep 

and maintenance.