ANDAMAN – A heaven for all
The mesmerizing beach at Andaman Source: Deepak Kumar, Unsplash Andaman is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is particularly known for its diverse and mesmerizing beauty of the beaches and marine life it holds. It certainly has the most stunning beaches and rich diversity of flora and fauna, but the thing which is lesser known is that the Andaman group of islands have various types of activities. These activities range from water sports, jungle trekking to museums, historical places to even some amazing nightlife activities. With its major focus on natural and retreat locations, with certain locations providing high adrenaline rush activities, Andaman also has a soft side for historic and cultural relevances, due to its past. Here are certain categories of things to do in Andaman, out of which one of them is certain to fit into your preferences and taste. THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE A woman moving over beautiful corals Source: Notto Suthipat, Unsplash Notto Suthipat on Unsplash Once in a while, we all like to push our boundaries. Here at Andaman, there are various such activities that allow you to push your limits and get out there and pump yourself with energy. A part of why this is so sought after is because the reward of these activities is truly mesmerizing and always leaves one awestruck. If you prefer underwater adrenaline activities, there’s plenty of them here. Starting from the top of the surface of the water, we have stand-up paddleboarding. Paddleboarding is Like surfing which allows you to explore the sea and its parts in a more unique way at your own individual pace. As we go deeper, there is snorkeling. This activity allows for so much insight into the ecosystem and the habitat of marine life. You can enjoy like almost as if you were a part of the water body itself. Now that is an experience that will leave you without any words in your mouth. Yes! That beautiful! Scuba Diving is an experience on a whole another level, as we dive into the depths of the sea and get closer to the habitat which stays under the deeper surfaces of the ocean. With proper gear on you, you are certain to have the time of your time, as long as you wish to experience the marine life in its totality. Similar to scuba diving, we have sea walking. Now we walk on land all the time but walking on land at the bed of the sea, that counts to be a part of your bucket list. This is an experience that makes you feel almost like a dream, with all the fishes swimming through you and you touching the corals and experiencing them alive. These are the underwater activities, the best part is, there are activities from above the land as well. The balloon rides are at various locations in Andaman. They allow you to float on air like a bird and in the serenity, grab a stunning view of the beauty below. The comfort of feeling the air on your face as the balloon moves is so soothing and relaxing, that you feel like you’re on clouds. Which you almost are! Take a trip from a helicopter and have a look at the stunning views of beaches and forests from the top of the islands. As we see the smaller islands in a whole circle, we get an urge to stay there. The views and the whole combination of nature in perfect harmony are what Andaman is all about. The mesmerizing blue waters and the stark contrast of the green forests are a treat for the eyes. You can also dive through the vast expanse of the atmosphere and land on earth. Yes! That is skydiving. You will get such a beautiful view from up the sky as you are rapidly getting attracted to the ground. Your heart is sure to go racing while you’re at it. But, totally worth it. Also read about some adventure getaways near Mumbai. THE NATURE LOVER Since this is an island, it is no surprise what kind of beautiful eye treats wait for us at this location. From a range of beautiful beaches and jungles, we can explore such a diversity of flora, fauna, and marine life thriving in these locations, that it is mind-blowing. There are so many ways in Andaman that make one feel close to nature and a part of it too. With these activities, one can become a part of an ecosystem and absolutely feel the beauty of it there. The limestone caves, to begin with, are a natural deposition of limestone in a flowing form. Nature is magnificent, isn’t it? Not yet. There are treks and jungle trails. There is a mount Harriett trek. These treks are so soothing, with the calm environment, the soothing noise of the birds, and a known peace. A lot of people prefer these trails for bird watching and photography. With such a huge variety of birds in the habitat, everyone has their eyes on the newer and rarer ones. Elephant beach trekking is one of the favorites among the visitors. There are tours like semi-submarine tours and whale and dolphin watching ones, which allow you to have a look at the beautiful marine life from a distance, so as to be a part of such an experience. Also read about another heavenly abode, Kashmir. THE ONE COMFORTABLY ALONE Andaman has so much beauty in its treasure that one would doubt there are hidden spaces here. But the truth is, there are way too many undiscovered and secluded places, which allow you to silently get away from the mess, to give yourself the break you need. If you are looking to isolate yourself, get kayaking and go your own way at the mangrove plantations and find some untouched places in the midst of nature. THE ONE READY TO LEARN There are so many activities here that one
EXPLORING PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry is a union territory and beach-side union territory situated in the boundaries of Tamil Nadu, famous for its fusion of Indian and French culture, this place is bound to give you a colorful and unforgettable travel experience. Until, 1950’s Pondicherry was under French influence comprising of a large French population with French-style architecture, shops, cafes, and churches. Also known as the French capital of India, Pondicherry is definitely going to give you a vacation experience abroad. Every spot at this place with adorned with elegance and fusion of different cultures, architecture, cuisines, beaches, and meditation hubs. The place is also quite famous for its colorful beaches and awesome nightlife with exotic vibes and magnificent history. Here is a list of places you surely do not want to miss out on during your trip to Pondicherry. Colorful Pondicherry with French-style architecture. Paradise Beach- 1) Visit this beach located at Chunnambar, which is going to amuse with its crystal blue waters and golden and white sands. 2) To enjoy the exotic and picturesque view, there are shacks built on the beach for a lounge-like experience and changing rooms for your convenience. Booze and swimming are not allowed at the beach, while the place has arrangements for fishing. 3) You can reach there through Cuddalore Road and it opens at 9 AM. Weekends are very crowded and packed at the beach. Golden sand at Paradise Beach. Sir Aurobindo Ashram- 1) This Ashram was founded by Sir Aurobindo in 1926 and is a popular tourist spot for visitors who seek to achieve peace and tranquility. 2) The Ashram is also famous for its giant library in various subjects like strength training, asanas, swimming, and sports. If you are a fan of spirituality and meditation, this place is perfect for attaining solitude. 3)The place is located at Marine Street and opens at 8 AM. Peaceful Ashram of Sir Aurobindo. Serenity Beach- 1)For a day full of sightseeing, Serenity Beach is a place full of aesthetics and refreshments. 2) Serenity Beach is a perfect place for your family or couple to picnic with soft sunlight and rejuvenating air. This beach is also surrounded by blue waters and golden sand. 3) It is located at Kottakuppam and is open throughout the day. Eye-catching views of Serenity Beach. Arikamedu- 1) Arikamedu is an important archaeological site, said to have been built in the 19th century with the Roman essence of history. 2) Glassware, beads, red and black ceramic statues, lamps, and stones present here will take you back to ancient roman history. 3) Arikamedu is a very underrated spot of historical and archaeological importance for our country. Magnificent archaeological site of Arikamedu. Promenade- 1)This place is a walking arena with rocky terrain and a shore of blue waters. 2) A heaven for photographers and long walks and eating haul, this place is popular for evening walks, sprawling cafes and restaurants around with a refreshing atmosphere of sea breeze and stalls for cotton candies. 3) Walk around the place and you are bound to have a great eating and gala time. Beautiful walking arena of Promenade. Auroville- 1)Auroville is a spiritual Ashram working with an aim of uniting humans of all walks of life irrespective of their status, caste, creed, or religion and to ignite the spirit of unity and harmony. Also known as the ‘City of Dawn’, the place serves as a meditation hub where one can achieve peace with his/her inner self. 2) The architecture of Auroville comprises a golden globe-like structure and many people all over the world come here for spirituality. 3) The place is located in the Viluppuram district. Divine Ashram of Auroville. Auroville Beach- 1)Auroville Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Pondicherry with a wonderful sea view and forest view. 2)Surfing is a common adventure sport here and a perfect escape from busy city life. People also come here for meditation and a tropical view. 3) The beach is open 24/7 for its visitors. Crystal clear waters of Auroville Beach. Chunnambar Boathouse- 1)Chunnambar Boathouse or ‘Plage Paradiso’, is boating plus picnic plus dining experience with sun lounge. Located at the merging point of backwaters of Chunnamber River and the Bay of Bengal, the place will provide you with an unforgettable boating experience comprising of sailboats, rowed boats, pedaled boats, jet skiing, and motorboats amidst the mangrove trees. 2) The boathouse also has many restaurants for continental food and beverages and beach sports to enjoy. 3) The boathouse is located before the national highway and you can reach there by ferry. An unforgetful place of Chunnambar Boathouse. Rock Beach- 1)Rock Beach is one of the most picturesque locations on the earth with worth witnessing landscapes and sunsets. Like other beaches of Pondicherry, Rock Beach also has sparkling blue waters, golden sands, and rocky shores. 2)You can expect crowds on weekends but the beach remains clean and fresh throughout the year also serving street food and delicious snacks. 3) The beach is situated in White Town and is open 24/7. Mesmerizing view of Rock Beach. Old Lighthouse- 1) Serving as a place for the great historical importance of 19th-century architecture, the Old Lighthouse is a magnificent milestone of engineering still navigating ships even after several years of construction. 2) Lighthouse is a perfect place for photography and learning history. 3) It is situated at Goubert Ave, White Town. The magnificent Old Lighthouse of Pondicherry. Immaculate Conception Cathedral- 1) This Cathedral is a perfect representation of Portuguese and Roman architecture like the ones situated in Goa. 2)Also known as ‘Samba Kovil’, Immaculate Cathedral is a very beautiful tourist attraction. 3) It is located at MG Road and opens at 7 AM. Breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral. Pondicherry Cuisines- This portion of the blog is for authentic Pondicherry dishes which you must try on your
Travel Beyond Beaches: How To Fully Explore the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India
Amidst the mighty waters of the Bay of Bengal lies a perfect kaleidoscope of secluded islands, crystal-clear lagoons, and picture-perfect palm trees. But beyond these natural splendors lies a beguiling world of mysterious caves, high limestone cliffs, and coastal mangroves. Andaman and Nicobar Islands conjures more than sandy beaches and lagoons. It is a green oasis not only for honeymooners but its off-beaten destinations are perfect for travelers of the gutsy kind, millennials seeking new adventures and adrenaline junkies. Andaman and Nicobar Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a stunning series of lush atolls tucked around 1,500 km away from the Indian peninsula. Due to its prime geographical location and rich resources, the archipelago fought many colonial powers until victory was won by India post Independence. Port Blair located in South Andaman is the island’s capital city and the gateway to the other neighboring islands connected via ferries and seaplanes. South Andaman Island, Havelock Island (Swaraj Deep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) are the three most popular attractions among tourists. Besides its beaches, this island paradise is full of surprises giving you the ultimate offbeat experiences. Go trekking in the virgin jungles of Mount Harriet National Park to Madhubans, drift away in the labyrinth of limestone caves in Baratang, see glowy lava against the grey ash at Barren Island, or experience a castaway life in Little Andaman. Tread off the beaten track and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this unexplored wilderness of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and find the unexplored places in Andaman. Are you checking for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ best time to visit or the best time to visit Andaman by ship?? Continue reading.. When the jungles beckon: Wilderness of the Jewels of India Forest and hill station in Andaman and Nicobar Islands The closest wilderness to Port Blair gives travelers a chance to tread away for a day from the touristic beaches to an unexplored utopia of tropical rainforest and exotic species of plants and animals. Popularly known as the ‘Trekker’s Paradise’, the nature trail from Mount Harriet National Park to Madhuban Beach is one of the most scenic treks as it passes through a stunning beach that was once a training camp for elephants. The dense jungle is surrounded by over 150 plant and tree species, butterflies, endemic animals, and birds namely the nearly threatened Andaman wood pigeon, cuckoo-dove, and woodpecker indigenous to the island. The rustling leaves, faint light filtering through the canopied trees, strange sounds of nature, ruddy pathways speckled by boulders of black stones, locally known as ‘Kala Pathar’ stretched across 16 km in distance, makes the perfect expedition for adventure buffs and adrenaline junkies. For a more unpredictable and crude experience, head over to North Andaman where sits the highest point of the archipelago. At Saddle Peak National Park, you will hike through the densest of jungles canopied by mammoth trees, crossing through knee-deep streams, and exploring unexplorable pathways with the distant roars and sounds of nature reaching the highest peak of the Andamans, the Saddle Peak. It is an ideal escapade for the physically fit and adventurous beings. Located at a distance of 300 km from Port Blair, you may have to spend a week in Diglipur, obtain permits from the forest department and arrange a local guide before beginning your trek at this mountainous region. Where fire meets water: The volcanic beauty of the islands The beautiful view of Andaman Whenever you imagine a volcano erupting, India is not the place that you would think of at first. But yes, the country does have one and is located far in the northeast of Port Blair. There is something deeply fascinating about watching a volcano erupting spewing bright orange lava against the dark grey cinder. This majestic spectacle can be witnessed in a private boat or a helicopter ride from Port Blair to Barren Island. The island is not much popular due to its remoteness and lack of measures to promote the rawness of the archipelago. You do not need to be physically fit, or wear a fire-retardant flight suit, a gas mask, and a flight helmet or save up money to watch a volcano erupting. All you have to do is, book a private catamaran with prior permits, for at least a 3-day trip to Barren Island, anchor away from the shore and watch the mountain fuming. If you are lucky enough, you may even get to watch the incandescent show of lava flowing down the slopes. For a more thrilling experience and a little heavier on the pockets is boarding a helicopter to get the best aerial views of the island. Due to its recent eruptions, which first occurred in 2019, and later witnessed mild explosive activity in February 2020, this is the best place to watch an active volcano in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Barren Island is one of the best destinations for scuba diving. Its mineral-rich ocean floor and ledges of black sand are the perfect canvas for exploring the vivid hues of the underwater world of corals, sponges, and rich marine life inhabited by manta rays, sea snakes, Barracudas, and more. Dive into the mystical expression of this hidden gem and discover the ‘Incredible India’ in its raw form. When Little Andaman is surprisingly ‘little’ known: The unexplored treasures of the Little Andaman Island A Scenic view Located in a secret corner of India, tucked away at a distance of 120 km from Port Blair and 8 hours of travel time, lies a little slice of paradise. One of the largest islands of Great Andaman, Little Andaman is lesser known due to its remoteness. The island is home to charming villages, grandly stark black limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, hidden waterfalls, and the idyllic Little Andaman Lighthouse. The most prodigious spot on the island is the Kalapathar Lagoon. Three large boulders of black limestone cliffs guarding the
Pondicherry: A French Abode in India
Sitting on the shore of a charming beach, enjoying the lovely sunset away from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful dream, isn’t it? And Pondicherry is exactly a dream and fantasy which we all want to experience. Its amazingly clean beaches, radiant streets, flamboyant roads, and French city design have earned a place in everyone’s heart. A Visit to this city would make you forget that you are still in India and not in France. If you haven’t been to this charming and serene coastal city, what are you waiting for? It will surely give you a memory for a lifetime. Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, was a French colony and later on became an Indian Union Territory. “Puddu,” as the locals call it, was not a favorite tourist spot for a long time, but it started sparkling its magic over the tourists almost a decade ago. Now it enchants tourists from all over the world to experience its lovely beaches and astounding French architecture. Boats on the shore of a beach Being a French Colony, you could easily sense a french ascendancy. You would even find the street signs in the city in both Tamil and French languages. Most of the citizens speak French, and you would also find some French natives living over here. Pondicherry provides the best experience of both worlds as it is a perfect party destination and ideal for peaceful and relaxing vibes. Apart from its scenic beauty, it also has some phenomenal places and some thrilling activities that will surely strike a chord in your heart. Let’s have a look at some exciting activities and must-visit places in Pondicherry. 1) PROMENADE BEACH The lovely view of Promenade beach. It is also known as ‘Pondicherry Beach’ and undoubtedly is the most beautiful and serene beach in the city. Located in the middle of Pondicherry, it is a 1.2 km long stretch starting from War Memorial and ending towards Goubert Avenue. Having a walk at this lovely beach is going to rejuvenate you. The place looks astonishing during sunsets and sunrise. Not to forget about the variety of sea-facing restaurants that provide you with lip-smacking food and picturesque views. Moreover, vehicle entry is banned, giving you a chance to sink in the tranquil and serene atmosphere. Pro Tip: Do give a visit to Le Cafe located near this beach. The cafe transports you back to the time when Pondicherry was a French colony. It gives you a chance to savor authentic French cuisines. The cherry on the cake represents old photographs of the city Pondicherry that are placed in the cafe. 2) FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL White memorial surrounded by green bushes One of the best memorials in the country was built in the year 1971. It is a tribute to all the residents of French India who passed away during the first world war. On July 14th(French National Day), the memorial is decorated beautifully, and people from across the city come to pay their respects. It’s a unique style of architecture that has caught the eyeball of many tourists. Surrounded by lush green gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, it is a place worth seeing. Read more fun-facts about this memorial in this informative blog. 3) SERENITY BEACH Rocky path to beach with sunset Clean shore, fresh air, and appealing palm trees have made this beach a favorite spot for tourists. The radiant sand, along with the sparkling water of Bay of Bengal, makes it a sight to cherish. It’s a calm and peaceful atmosphere that has won the hearts of the tourists. You can also spot fishing boats, a flea market, and a surf school as you explore the beach. The beach is also a hub to many marvelous cafes and restaurants. 4) AUROVILLE The lovely Auroville city. Popularly known as the ‘city of dawn,’ it was founded by Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. It is a universal town where people from all countries and caste are welcomed and live in peace and harmony. At the center of the city, you will find Matrimandir, a humongous golden sphere which stands as a symbol of divinity. Utmost silence and peace are maintained inside the premises of the temple. A visit to this temple relaxes your mind and paves a way to connect with the supreme power. Apart from this, Auroville Beach or Auro beach is another sight to behold. It is one of the finest beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is ideal for all swimming and surfing lovers. You may also be lucky to find Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on the beach. Moreover, you can also enjoy the lovely view of the lighthouse at night. In addition to that, it is one of the few beaches where you would find shacks. It is the ultimate beach to have fun and lighten up. To know more fun activities at Auroville read this lovely blog by Anna. 5) MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE The magnificent Manakula temple. It is one of the major Hindu temples in Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees come to this temple to offer their prayers and cleanse their minds and contemplate. The temple stands strong as a symbol of faith and divinity. Entering the vibrant halls of this place of devotion, you will notice a magnificent golden chariot made up of 7.5kg gold—the chariot was made from the donations given by the devotees. The spectacular architecture and the designs on the wall are surely going to impress you. You can also shop for souvenirs from the local shops located around the temple. 6) AAYI MANDAPAM The breathtaking view of Aayi Mandapam. It is a serene white monument built during the reign of Napoleon III, the great ruler of France. It is located in the middle of the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry. A glimpse of the monument is going to blow you
7 Places to visit when in Goa
Goa might be the smallest state of India, but, for a traveler, it is one of the grandest state considering its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and the continuous rave culture. The state tells a beautiful story from the times of ancient Hindu rulers to the Portuguese settlers. The amalgamation of different ideologies, customs, and traditions with the loving and welcoming nature of the Goan people, this is truly a heaven for all the travelers who are looking for the perfect meal of adventure, thrill, solace, and serenity. Read more about the travel experience from Goa in the blog written by Siddhartha!! 1. Dudhsagar Falls By Soumyajit Pramanick, Wikimedia Commons Literally meaning a sea of milk, this great waterfall is located in the tiny state of Goa. Cascading down the steep, vertical, and rocky mountains of the Western Ghats, it owes its name to the white foam it forms after its water gushes down, piercing, into the lake below. Standing at a spectacular height of 1017 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, and, being surrounded by the thick and lush green forest of the Ghats adds to its breath-taking beauty and transforms it into a surreal object of aesthetic and transcendence. Although it makes for one of South India’s most popular treks throughout the year, it exhibits unrealistic allure in the monsoon season when its pulchritudinous is at its zenith. Visiting this picturesque and awe-inspiring waterfall is something that is on the bucket list of every traveler, and a trip to goa will be incomplete without experiencing its captivating beauty. If you’re looking for the best information on anything related to Dudhsagar Falls, we would recommend you check out the blog of Sandeepa and Chetan where the extensively describe everything related to Dudhsagar Falls. 2. Sahakari Spice Farm By Michele Grif, Inspirock Located amidst the lush greenery at Curty, it has, seemingly, endless rows of India’s most cherished spices including turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as a that of fruits. The heavenly aroma emanating from the various spices in the plantation, sprawling over an impressive 130 acres of land, is divine, and, one can verily imagine savoring them in their utopian dreamland. It is a widely popular spot and one cannot hope to give this place a miss. Not only does obe learn about different spices but also get to relish some of the tastiest and luscious food from the in house restaurant located within its boundaries. You can obtain a lot of information about the culture and the overall ambiance of the farms by following the blog of Sapna, who has eloquently and beautifully written about this beautiful venture. 3. Se Cathedral By Mihir Vaidya, Wikimedia Commons Since time immemorial, Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina has been serving as a place of worship, togetherness, and love. Considered to be one of the largest catholic churches throughout Asia, this grand structure was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The off-white cathedral, which sits atop a sprawling garden had two towers when it was first constructed. One of the two towers, which survived, houses the Golden Bell which has the loudest ring in the whole world. The beautiful woodwork adds to the beauty of this elegant and marvelous piece of architecture and gives you a sense of the finesse of the craftsmen involved. Owing to its beautiful, intricate and grand design and the history of Portuguese triumph associated, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Incorporating gothic and Portugues architectural styles, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings which one cannot hope to miss when they are visiting goa. If you want a personal account of this beautiful structure we recommended you visit the blog of Manthal Bhansali, who has beautifully written a first-hand account of his visit to this church, and effectively established that Goa is not just about beaches. 4. Palolem Beach Palolem Beach By Mahabalaindia, Wikimedia Commons Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole region, this relatively virgin beach is a large stretch of white sand that attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. With a welcoming tropical climate almost throughout the year, this beach is known for several intriguing activities like the Silent Disco, which entails the people partying, wear headphones and dance. Lined with palm trees, and, the calm waters surrounding it, this place becomes a haven for all those who just want to enjoy the serene and aesthetically pleasing sunset. If you are planning to visit goa then this definitely is the place for you to enjoy, and, spend at least a minimum of two days, to settle in and absorb the aura and euphoria of this beach. If you want to, further, know more about this beautiful beach, we recommend you check out the blog of Nicole and read about her adventures in this thrilling beach. 5. Singbal’s Book House Singbal’s Bookshop By Shambhavi Karapurkar, Wikimedia Commons Located in the Church compound of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, this deceptively small blue building houses the greatest collection of books and magazines stuffed and packed into their heaving racks. A treat to the bibliophiles all around the world, this bookstore dates back to the 1930s making it one of the oldest book stores in the country. It is also known that, this store shelters some of the fabled and rare books in its tiny shelves and with some patience and a lot of browsing you could find something of real value in here. If you visit goa and even if you are not an avid reader, this place definitely warrants a visit, and without this, your travel plans are incomplete. If you thought Goa was is beaches, think again. Check out the “Goa Beyond Beaches” blog by Siddhartha Joshi where he recommends the unexplored streets and places
