Every day felt the same. Work, home, sleep, repeat. I was tired of this routine and needed a break. I had hoped to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for many years. I had seen beautiful pictures and heard amazing stories about these islands. They looked like paradise with their clean beaches and blue waters. I kept telling myself that someday, I would visit that place. Then, finally, it happened. So, when I got my leave approved, I did not think twice. I booked my trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands right away. I was so excited! This was my chance to see a beautiful part of India I had always desired to explore. I got my bags ready for this much-awaited trip. I did not know it then, but this trip would be more than just a holiday. It would be a journey I would never forget.
Arrival in Port Blair
After a late-night flight from Ahmedabad with a brief stopover of around 3 hours in Chennai, we landed at Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair early in the morning. I had pre-booked an arrival transfer from the airport to the Da Bay Inn hotel in Port Blair. The moment I stepped out of the airport – the fresh and unspoiled vibe of these islands bowled me over. Availing an early check-in and good brunch – we crashed onto the bed for some much-needed rest, especially since we had been awake the entire night.
Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep Island
we started quite early in the morning to catch a ferry to Swaraj Dweep Island. We had booked Makruzz Ferry, which departs Port Blair at 6 am and reaches Havelock Island at around 730 am. Before heading out oh yes, we asked the hotel to pack our breakfast so we could have the energy we needed for the day ahead. The two-hour trip was amazing for the senses—the salty sea air, the vast Bay of Bengal, and the excitement of what was coming next.
Scuba Diving – An Underwater Adventure
The dive took around 20 minutes, but it felt like I was discovering a brand-new world! Before entering, we learned some basic hand signals to communicate underwater. It was like learning a secret language! Once we were under the water with the instructor, it was amazing. Brightly coloured fish were swimming all around us. The coral reefs were like underwater gardens, full of life and colour. I even saw an octopus lazing around! The weightless feeling was incredible. It was like floating in space but surrounded by beautiful sea life instead of stars. When we came back up, we were constantly chatting about all the things we saw. Even though it was just 20 minutes, the memory of that dive will stay with me forever.
Exploring Elephant Beach
We took an early morning speed boat ride to the quiet Elephant Beach —just a 20-minute ride from Havelock Island. As we got closer, the white sand and clear waters welcomed us. But the real beauty was underwater—a colourful world of marine life ready to be explored. What makes this beach special is its coral reef. It starts in very shallow water, making it easy to see the colourful underwater world even from the surface. Enjoy a range of water sports like parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, glass bottom boat rides, and undersea walking. The beach offers more than just water sports. We enjoyed walking along the shore, collecting unique shells, and simply relaxing under the sun. The lush green forests behind the beach create a beautiful backdrop, making it feel like a true tropical paradise.
