Tamil Nadu & The Andaman – Temple Towns & Barefoot Beaches
Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Havelock Island, Kolkata
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are truly one of the most far flung corners of India to explore. A rich tapestry of tribal cultures, colonial past, recent settlers and a wealth of tropical flora and fauna that is unique to these special islands. Any intrepid traveller is instantly rewarded with some of the world’s best beaches, coral ringed islands, world class diving, cerulean seas, wild mangroves, virgin rain forest and a wonderful laid-back island life.
The Indigenous island dwellers inhabit some of the more remote islands which are not accessible to tourists, thus keeping the tribal communities very much intact today. Out of the 300 islands less than a dozen can be accessed, however the popular island of Havelock is rumoured to have one of the best beaches in the world and can be reached by boat from the capital of Port Blair.
There are daily flights to Port Blair from mainland India, with the majority of flights connecting directly from Chennai & Kolkata. Some of the lost cost airlines also connect with Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
On arrival into Port Blair it is well worth an overnight stop to really soak up some of the interesting history. Whilst the hotels are a little basic, sights such as the impressive yet savage Cellular Jail and Zonal Anthropological Museum provide a fascinating insight into the make-up of these islands. Chatham Island is home to one of the largest saw mills in Asia, and was one of the main industries of these remote parts. Here there is also evidence of the brief and brutal Japanese occupation.
Another possible excursion is the atmospheric Ross Island. Just a short boat ride from Port Blair brings you to a Victorian ruin, where the British once made their home. A tiny island, uninhabited by natives here the British were able to create a minute England with residential houses, a Church, bakery, swimming pool, school and even a tennis court. However the island and her ruins have all rightly been reclaimed by the tropical forest leaving a unique sight to explore.
Following a day or two exploring the history of Port Blair, enjoy a luxury holiday to The Andaman Islands heading to achingly beautiful island of Havelock. Here there are several beaches to explore and the resorts of Barefoot, Jalakara and chic Taj Exotica provide a real paradise on earth.
Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Havelock Island, Kolkata