A song from the 1997 Kannada film Andaman, starring the hat-trick hero Dr. Shiva Rajkumar, first introduced me to the mystical allure of the Andaman Islands. I watched it as a kid in the early 2000s. I had no idea that one day I would experience its magic in person.
The Spark: From Mountain Escapes to Tropical Dreams
I spent all my post-pandemic vacations amid the mountains and colder regions of Europe. I was itching for a change—a beach escape or a tropical getaway. In 2024, following my unforgettable Bhutan trip and a career change, the urge to travel only grew stronger. When I discovered the perfect trip to the Andamans, I knew it was a double win: career renewal and a beach vacation rolled into one. I smirked and said, “To the Beach!…”
Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair and Exploring
As with every travel plan, I took an early morning flight—losing a few hours of sleep to land at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) before 11 am, as required by our operator. However, if you’re based in Bengaluru, there are two direct flights later in the day for a more relaxed start. After checking in and catching up on some overdue sleep, I met up with my travel gang.
That bright, humid afternoon led us to lunch, where we indulged in continental dishes that came at premium prices. The high cost is largely due to the import of all food items from mainland India, ensuring minimal impact on the local ecology. Our hotel boasted a majestic view of the Andaman Bay—an ideal backdrop before we set off to explore the historic Cellular Jail (do check out my earlier blog for more insights). We wrapped up the day with dinner and engaging ice-breaker activities that brought us all closer.
Day 2: Sailing, Sunset at Radha Nagar Beach, and Island Hopping
Day two was dedicated to exploring the Andaman Sea. We sailed towards Swaraaj Island (commonly known as Havelock Island) on a 1.5-hour ferry ride. Ferry tickets are available online, but you also have the option of government-run ferries by the Ministry of Shipping at nearly half the cost of private bookings. I’ll share links to both options at the end of this post.
Arriving at Swaraaj Island by 2 pm, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before heading to Radha Nagar Beach—a sunset beach noted as one of Asia’s cleanest. With its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings, it’s a visual treat that simply leaves you in awe. After a memorable photoshoot arranged by the operator, some of us splashed in the water while I wandered to capture the mesmerizing sunset.
Serene Radhanagar beach
Day 3: Leisure, Sea Walking, and Unforgettable Marine Encounters
The third day was unplanned—a true leisure day. While four of my companions opted for scuba diving, three of us went for an exhilarating sea walking adventure. I chose sea walking, which also allowed me to explore Elephanta Beach, a hub for water sports on the island.
Enroute Elephanta Beach
Reaching Elephanta Beach can be done in two ways: either by road followed by a 45-minute trek or by a one-hour boat ride from the main jetty. In the Andamans, local agents can help with hotel bookings, activities, and cab arrangements, often offering better deals than online alternatives. For instance, a cab from your hotel to the trek point and back costs around INR 1000, with a mandatory guide fee of INR 500, while the boat ride costs around INR 1000. Sea walking is priced at INR 3500, and scuba diving at INR 4500—which requires an early start at 6 am for preliminary training.
Sea Walking at Elephant Beach – A Beginner-Friendly Water Adventure
- No swimming experience needed
- Sea walking cost: ₹3,500
- Duration: ~20 minutes underwater
- Depth: ~10 meters
- Health restrictions: Not for people with migraines, high blood pressure, or diabetes
My sea-walking experience was nothing short of dreamy. At around 10 meters deep, walking on the sea floor with a heavy helmet connected to a compressor—and accompanied by experienced divers—was magical. I watched vibrant marine life, fed the fish, and even touched some dead corals, all while marveling at the underwater world. (Note: Sea walking requires no prior swimming skills but does have health restrictions similar to scuba diving.)
I am under the water, Hello…. 🙂
After sea walking, we killed time until our return boat, which included complimentary snorkeling—a perfect bonus! Beyond sea walking, the Elephanta beach offers other water adventures, including submarine rides and various other water sports, ensuring there’s always something exciting to try..
The Elephanta Beach
Kalapathar Beach – A Hidden Sunrise Gem
Later in the day, we visited Kalapathar Beach, a secluded sunrise spot with white sand and coral-strewn edges. It was like stepping into a postcard. As the sun began to set, the high tide crept in, gradually submerging the beach — a fascinating natural phenomenon.
We ended the day with a hearty dinner at the hotel. We prepared for our next destination: Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep).
Kalapathar Beach
Where to Stay in the Andaman Islands?
Recommended Hotels in Port Blair:
Where to Stay in Havelock Island?
Best Places to Eat
Port Blair
Swaraaj Dweep
Travel Resources for the Andamans
Book Ferries:
Activities & Travel Help:
Trusted local agents often offer better packages for hotels, water sports, and transportation than online platforms. Don’t hesitate to connect with them through your hotel or travel group.
🧭 Stay Tuned
In my next blog, I’ll share all about our time in Neil Island, a lesser-known yet equally enchanting destination in the Andamans.
A Million Moments 
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