ANDAMAN, THE HEAVEN ON THE EARTH, WITHIN INDIA’S BOUNDARY

1. ANDAMAN, THE HEAVEN ON THE EARTH, WITHIN INDIA’S BOUNDARY
Dear All,
Just back from Andaman, the heaven on the earth within India’s boundary. We
started from Mumbai on 15-11-12, reached Chennai & visited Guindy National Park,
Snake Park & Marina Beach, really worth visiting.
Early morning of 16-11-12, moved on to Port Blair. Same day visited Cellular jail &
Chidiya Tapu. Cellular Jail must be visited by every Indian to realize the value of freedom
earned at the cost of sweat, blood & life of freedom fighters. Light & sound show at this
National Monument makes you feel the same.
On 17-11-12, We reached “Havelock Island” by very neat & tidy ship called ‘MakCruze’.
We stayed on beach no. 3 & same day visited Asia’s most beautiful beach “Radhanagar
Beach” & in evening had delicious Sea Food Platter.
The most fascinating day was 18-11-12, first time in life had clear underwater view, yeah I
mean bit of snorkeling on own & exciting “Scuba Diving” with professionals. It’s important
to mention here that those 45 minutes made us feel that tremendous or vast life forms
exist under water. Off course, we all know that 71% of earth surface is covered with water
& only 29% is Land. The variety, the beauty, the complexity of life underwater is
mesmerizing. Same day visited Elephant beach for exclusive “Snorkeling”. The
experience was comparable to Scuba but cost wise much cheaper. Had once again
Seafood, specially self selected ‘Jumbo Crab’ & ‘Local varieties of beautiful & tasty fishes.
On same day returned to Port Blair by MakCruz.
On 19-11-12, We visited North Bay Island, Ross Island & Viper Island. At North Bay, once
again enjoyed beauty of underwater Marine life in different way called “Under Sea Walk”.
Touched and fed all those beautiful, multicolored fishes. It was unforgettable experience.
To pay respect & tribute to all our freedom fighters, we visited ‘Viper Island’, where
“SHER ALI” was hanged till death. This place is also known as the first open jail
established by Britishers on Indian sub-continent. We also enjoyed company of ‘Peacock,
Peahen & Deer’ at Ross Island. Same day attended Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail.
Not to mention, had Sea food again.
On 20-11-12, We visited Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park, Wandoor & Jolly Boy Island. The
Snorkeling & availability of varied Sea shell’s is exceptionally better compare to all other
places. During Snorkeling, we observed Star fish, Octopus, various Corals & fishes.
Same day visited Aquarium near Cellular jail, it’s also worth visiting.

2. On 21-11-12, we started our journey to Baratang Island at 03.30 am, passed through
“Jarawa Reserve Forest”, approximately 100 km length road through tropical rai forest,
during journey had chance to see few Jarawas. Also visited ‘Lime Stone caves’ & ‘Active
Mud Volcano’ site.
On 22-11-12, landed back to Panvel-Mumbai.
The general observations are that the complete administration of Union Territory is quite
disciplined and Systematic. People are absolutely loyal & Honest. They are tourist
friendly, most of them understand and speak Hindi & English. They respect equally to all
tourists and not only foreigner’s, though many foreign tourists can be seen around.
Weather is unpredictable and normally rain shows it’s presence, once in a day. But in
absence of rain the sky is so clear that magnitude six (mag +6) star can be easily seen.
Also it should be noted that more south sky can be seen due to it’s southern geographic
location (Latitude of Mumbai 19 deg & Port Blair 11.5 deg), whereas Pole star (Polaris) is
much closer to horizon (11.5 degrees). Meteors appear much brighter than they appear in
our sky just like fire Ball. We had chance to observe few of them. Sun rise was at 5.15 am
& sun sets at 4.45 pm.
I need not explain the beauty of Sea & Beaches over here in Andaman, the word Heaven
seems to be more appropriate. So I personally request you to visit this place by taking out
some time from your busy schedule. The place is quite neat & clean, do not litter here &
there during your visit. Promote Eco tourism. Few Photos & Video’s are available on the
link mentioned below.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TakaleSantosh?feature=mhee
Regards.
Santosh Takale,
Scientific Officer, BARC
Ph - 0-9967584554.
santoshatbarc@gmail.com
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