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TRAVEL POSTCARDS | NORTH ANDAMAN

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Drive through the Andaman rainforests to reach the finest beach in the country, the idyllic sandbar that connects Smith and Ross Islands

Just a sliver of white, aqua in front and turquoise behind. Can it be? This is in India and we didn’t know? Well that’s how we felt the first time we gaped at these jewels in our ocean.

Jungles – Vegetation – North Andaman

The idyllic sandbar that connects Smith and Ross Islands, North Andaman. We know you’ve heard of the Andaman Islands, but did you ever think of driving 350 kms through prehistoric jungles to get to the most exquisite sandbar India has to offer? Maybe not, so read on.

Vehicles Jetty – North Andaman Smith Island

JOURNEY | It’s definitely an unusual day. It’s a drive across the three major islands; South, Middle, and North on the Andaman Trunk Road. The trunk road is a corridor of thick untouched forests that passes through tribal reserve, and some oceanic views. Sometimes, the fascinating Jarawa elders with their gleaming bodies will be watching you from afar. Ferries take cars and people across inlets from one island to another.

STAY | ‘Uncle’, a retired police officer, runs a place called Pristine Resorts with his devout Catholic wife. And why are we recommending this? Because it’s really the only nice-ish place to stay (with a bar) and it’s away from the town, 10 minutes beyond the jetty. You’ll meet people from around the world and importantly, Uncle is a quite a cool chap. The last time there, we saw baby whales off his beach. Unfortunately, there is no place to stay on Smith Island, but fortunately, that’s what keeps it pristine. It’s a quick boat ride away and it’s nice to come back to proper showers at Uncles.

Water Bodies – Smith Island North Andaman
 
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HIGHLIGHT | About 15 minutes into the boat-ride towards Smith Island, you begin to realize that it’s better than you could ever imagine. Once you spot the sand at the bottom of the crystal waters, tie yourself to the boat, because the urge to jump with joy is so strong, you may end up diving in a good distance from the beach. Spend the day lying on one side of the sand bar and swimming and snorkelling on the other side. The adventurous can walk around Ross Island, which takes about 40 minutes. There is a hill on top with a deserted building. It’s eerily invisible till you get there. You can also walk through the enchanting jungle. Ross Island is small enough that if you do get lost, it won’t be for long. Alternatively, you can walk along the Smith beach till the very end. Between dips in the ocean and exploring the forest, it’s a magical way to spend the day.

HOW | The drive starts early morning from Port Blair, the capital of South Andaman, and ends in Diglipur, the last town on the Great Andaman Trunk Road. You can rent a taxi, hire a car or take a bus. But the true fun is in a good jeep. Don’t forget to tank up at every opportunity. Being stranded in the middle of the road in pitch darkness can be a bit unnerving. You will need permits from Port Blair. There are check-posts enroute as you are driving through forest and tribal reserves. The Smith Island permit is available at the Diglipur Jetty, from where you can catch a speedboat to the islands.

CHECK | The sun sets at 5.30 pm all-year round, so this is not a lazy morning trip. Be at the first check-post out of South Andaman called Jirka Tang by 9am (6am if you are an early bird) or you will miss the last check-post past middle Andaman and be literally stranded. Don’t forget this is tropical rainforest, so be sure you can handle sudden rain, insects, and the sun. Loose cotton clothes and flip-flops work best. If you see the Jarawa tribals, who live in pure harmony with nature, admire their stance, strength and beauty from afar, but don’t try to engage or photograph them.

Best time to visit | December-April



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