Seashells and Sunsets: Prashansa’s Review of a Trip to Andaman
As we sat in the living room, surrounded by several decorative items, the conversation drifted from our wedding preparations to our dream destination - the Andaman Islands.
“Remember how we dreamt of visiting the Andaman Islands someday?” I said, flipping through a jewelry brochure.
My fiance smiled, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “I can’t believe we couldn't pull off that vacation. But I've got a feeling that we will...soon.”
Little did we know, life had entirely different plans for us. Right after our wedding day, my parents approached us saying that they had arranged for us a honeymoon to the Andaman Islands as a gift from them.
“Are you kidding me? No way!” I exclaimed as I drifted in disbelief.
“Seriously? This is amazing!” my husband responded, looking at me with a surprised face.
As we hugged our parents, we couldn’t help but imagine the times when we would talk endlessly about planning our dream vacation. We would imagine coral reefs, sun-soaked beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Now, as all of it was actually happening, we could barely contain our excitement.
The Andaman Islands were waiting for us, and this time, we were not going to let them down.
From Sandy Shores to Historic Echoes
The moment we stepped foot in Port Blair, we felt a warm breeze wrapping around us - What a lovely way to welcome newlywed travelers!
The first place that we explored was Corbyn Cove Beach. If heaven were a fruit, this beach would be a large slice of it. There were coconut trees all around, swaying gently with the breeze.
“Can you believe we’re finally on our dream vacation?” I asked my husband.
Smiling with joy, I kicked off my sandals and squished the sand between my toes. Hand in hand, we walked around the coast for I don't even remember how long. It felt as if we could do it all day, and still want more of it.
As we walked, we could listen to the calming sound of waves crashing against the shore - It felt like a symphony to our souls. After taking in the stunning beauty of the beach, we were headed for a visit to the Cellular Jail.
Honestly, I was a little hesitant about exploring a jail on our honeymoon trip, but Deepika, our destination expert, insisted that we pay a visit. I'm so glad that we did because, upon our visit, my husband and I realized that we were history enthusiasts.
The Cellular Jail, as it turned out, was a place that held a lot of historical significance. It was where once many freedom fighters who fought against British colonial rule, were kept imprisoned. We explored its dark corridors, where each cell carried tales of sacrifice and courage. And as the sun set, we gathered to attend the Light and Sound Show.
We found the show to be very immersive, as it narrated the story of India’s struggle for independence. “This feels so powerful and informative,” I said to my partner, my voice hardly audible over the music.
Golden Sands and Heartfelt Promises
I was particularly excited about our Havelock Island tour since we had already seen many photos of it on our Instagram feed.
The moment we boarded the ferry, I could feel a sense of excitement wash over me. The sea breeze ruffled our hair as we sped across the clear waters, with waves splashing against our boat.
Upon reaching Havelock, our first stop was Radhanagar Beach, known for its soft and golden sands. I was blown away by the breathtaking natural landscapes that surrounded us. “Wow, look at the water!” my husband exclaimed, as he pointed towards the turquoise waves sparkling under sunlight.
We had a great time over there as we enjoyed many activities like swimming, snorkeling, and walking around the place in leisure. As the sun touched the horizon, it turned the sky orange and pink - it was a sight to remember, and both of us shared a quiet moment.
“I never want this day to end,” I told him softly, feeling the sand under my feet.
“Let’s promise to come back next year,” my husband responded, holding my hand.
Underwater Wonders
One of our favorite destinations during the trip was Elephant Beach, which was perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
After a delicious breakfast, we visited this scenic place, eager to try some of the water activities. The white sands and colorful coral reefs were just perfect for snorkeling, and I felt a rush of adrenaline at the thought of diving into the waters.
We donned our snorkeling gear and plunged into the underwater world of Andaman. It was amazing how several colorful fish swam alongside us as we admired the coral formations - each speaking of life beneath the waves.
“I can’t believe how beautiful it is down here!” my husband shouted, his eyes wide in amazement.
“Did you see the clownfish?” I asked him with curiosity, to know if he could catch a glimpse while exploring the coral gardens.
After snorkeling, we also tried other adventurous activities including kayaking, and paddling through the clear waters. All the water sports that we tried left us feeling exhilarated, so at the end of the day, we sat by the shore during the sunset, experiencing the afterglow.
I couldn’t help but think about how each day felt like a gift - every moment, whether on the beach or in the water, was an everlasting memory.
Parting with Gratitude
On the last day of our trip, I wanted to revisit some of our favorite spots near Port Blair. So we started with Ross Island, where we got a chance to admire some ruins of British colonial architecture.
“It’s amazing how much history a place can hold, and for so long..” I thought to myself, running my fingers over the old walls.
“It really changes how we look at things in life,” my partner replied, looking at the remnants thoughtfully.
The Andaman Islands gifted us so many memories of history, adventure, and romance that we would always cherish. With a heavy but happy heart, I promised ourselves that it wouldn’t be the last time that we explored its wonders.
Until we meet again!
Read More: Thrillophilia Andaman Reviews