After really a hectic schedule of exams and rounds of clinical visits, we decided we needed a break . A long discussion and thorough research later, we zeroed in on the Andaman islands. It turned out to be a good decision and the trip was absolutely delightful.
Andaman retains the old world charm and is very beautiful. The ocean is blue and people are environmentally conscious. Unlike here in the mainland, shopkeepers are strict about not using plastic bags and littering is not the way of life. The lifestyle remains simple and we didn't see too many high-rise structures.
The best part of the trip was seeing the coral reefs and encountering the tribes.
The trip to the tribal area, by itself was an adventure. The vehicles are allowed into the highly guarded area only at specific timings and in a specific order. Not more than ten vehicles including three buses are allowed inside the area at any given time. The vehicles are escorted by police vehicles and tourists are strictly prohibited from handing over anything to the tribals. But as usual, we could see miscreants in other vehicles throw things out and disregard the rules.
The best part of the trip was seeing the coral reefs and encountering the tribes.
The trip to the tribal area, by itself was an adventure. The vehicles are allowed into the highly guarded area only at specific timings and in a specific order. Not more than ten vehicles including three buses are allowed inside the area at any given time. The vehicles are escorted by police vehicles and tourists are strictly prohibited from handing over anything to the tribals. But as usual, we could see miscreants in other vehicles throw things out and disregard the rules.
Andaman is proof of a place that is governed well in the absence of political parties and leaders. The surprising part was that people are fluent in more than one local language. We came across a Tamil Nadar (shop keeper) who spoke fluent Bengali and also a few Bengalis who were very fluent in Tamil.
The local tourist guides , in contrast to the film-struck guides of North India, were very passionate about the historical importance of Andaman Islands and gave heart-rending accounts of the sacrifices made by our leaders for our independence, especially about the hardships they faced in the Cellular Jail . We also heard from the locals that there is no theft in the island. It must be a heaven to live in such a place!
I thought it would be a blessing to settle down in such a beautiful, unspoilt island. My children agreed that they too, would like to dump me on an island! This is one punishment I won't mind going through.
