When Islands Call, Go to Andaman: Abhishek’s Romantic Trip Review with Thrillophilia
They say the ocean has its own way of calling out to you, a silent siren that tugs at your heart. My wife and I felt that tug and decided it was time to escape to the Andaman Islands.
After a bit of back-and-forth with Thrillophilia, our itinerary was extended from five days to seven, a decision I was initially hesitant about but now wouldn’t change for the world.
From white sandy beaches to mysterious caves, Andaman was adventure-packed with surprises, mishaps, and memorable moments that brought us closer than ever. Here’s our story—how we lived it.
A Date with History
You don’t just “see” the Cellular Jail; you feel it. The moment we stepped into this historic prison, a wave of reverence washed over us. It was surreal to imagine that these walls once confined India’s bravest freedom fighters. My wife, who loves history, was completely absorbed, and I found myself drawn in, too.
As the sun began to set, we joined the crowd for the light and sound show. Sitting there, surrounded by the pitch-dark silence, the voice of the narrator brought the prison’s story to life. “I can feel the goosebumps,” my wife whispered, as the lights created haunting shadows against the walls. The experience left us both thoughtful and a tad emotional as if we were somehow connected to those lost souls who had walked the prison corridors.
Into the Wild
Our journey to Baratang felt like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. We hopped onto a convoy that took us through the dense forests of Andaman, home to the indigenous Jarawa tribe.
When we reached the Limestone Caves, it was like stepping into a different world. The caves, with their interiors and intricate formations, felt ancient and untouched.
Our adventure continued with a mangrove boat ride, where thick, interwoven trees towered around us like a natural tunnel. The locals guiding us shared bits about the area’s history and stories about the Jarawa people, making the experience even richer.
But the real surprise awaited us at the Mud Volcano.
It was bubbling.
The mud bubbles looked like something straight out of a science experiment. It was simple yet fascinating, and we left Baratang with a renewed appreciation for nature’s quirky side.
Love, Sunsets, and Salt
For every beach lover, Havelock and Neil are dream islands. But let me tell you, even if you’re not much of a beach person, the turquoise waters and soft sands here will sweep you off your feet.
Our first stop was Radhanagar Beach on Havelock, where the sun seemed to shine a little brighter, and the coconut trees swayed just a bit slower. We spent the day lounging, swimming, and just savouring each other’s company.
The best part? The beach wasn’t crowded, so it felt like our own little paradise. “Is this real?” my wife asked, and honestly, it felt like we’d slipped into a dream.
Next up was the famous Elephant Beach, where we dove into some water sports. “I dare you to snorkel!” she laughed, knowing I’d be hesitant. But with her encouragement (and a little competition), we donned our snorkel masks and were soon floating above vibrant coral reefs, watching a world of colourful fish. I’m not one to get poetic, but it felt like magic down there—quiet, colourful magic that was just for us.
Neil Island was equally magical, though its charm lay in its quiet simplicity. We visited Bharatpur Beach and Kalapathar Beach, both offering spectacular views and some much-needed relaxation. And then, the Natural Bridge—a stunning rock formation—was the cherry on top. It felt like a natural monument to the beauty of the island, standing proudly against the crashing waves.
Under the Moonlit Sky
Ah, the moonlight kayaking experience—the surprise we didn’t see coming. I had booked this activity spontaneously, unsure of what to expect, but it turned out to be the most memorable part of our trip. As night fell, we met with our group and our guide, who handed us paddles and instructed us to keep our voices low as we drifted away from the shore.
Gliding over the dark, mirror-like water with only the moon illuminating our path was pure magic. “It’s so peaceful,” my wife whispered, as we paddled gently under a sky littered with stars. But then, the true magic happened—bioluminescent plankton.
Each paddle stroke lit up tiny, glowing trails in the water, like underwater fireflies. We were both speechless, just gazing at the shimmering lights around us. "This feels like a fairytale," my wife said, and I couldn’t have agreed more.
Moonlight kayaking was the epitome of romance and adventure—a perfectly surreal moment that captured the essence of our trip. To anyone going to Andaman, trust me, don’t miss this experience!
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The representatives were supportive throughout, the hotels were comfortable, and the ferry rides were smooth—especially the ITT Majestic, which gave us a truly pleasant experience.
If there was one small regret, it was not booking a beachfront property. But hey, now we have an excuse to come back!
Read more: Thrillophilia Andaman Reviews