Abhishek’s Perfect Start: Love, Laughter, and Andaman’s Wonders
"Under the moonlit mangroves, with a paddle in hand and the stars guiding our way, I realized that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that take you into the unknown."
When my wife and I first decided on Andaman for our honeymoon, it felt like the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. But as a software engineer with a love for planning, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t skeptical when our trip stretched from 5 to 7 days. More time, more places, more variables! Yet, as it turned out, those extra days gave us stories we’d retell for years to come.
Love, Laughter, and the Mangroves
The adventure kicked off in Port Blair with a surprisingly emotional start at the Cellular Jail. The light and sound show brought history to life in a way we hadn’t expected. Sitting beside my wife under a starlit sky, listening to tales of bravery, made me grateful for the freedom to explore together. It was the perfect segue into the deeper adventures awaiting us.
Baratang was next—a journey that felt like stepping into a Jurassic Park movie. The road to the limestone caves, with dense mangroves on either side and the occasional glimpse of the elusive Jarawa tribes, had us on the edge of our seats. At one point, our guide joked about spotting a crocodile. I laughed nervously, clutching my wife’s hand a little tighter.
The caves themselves were stunning—stalactites and stalagmites intertwined like nature’s grand cathedral. I caught my wife marvelling at them, her face lit with a mix of wonder and curiosity. It was one of those small moments that stayed with me—a reminder of how travel lets you see new sides of the people you love.
But the highlight? Moonlight kayaking. This wasn’t even part of the package; I booked it on a whim. Imagine gliding through mangrove tunnels under a glowing moon, the water shimmering like liquid silver. Every paddle felt like magic, as bioluminescent plankton lit up with every stroke. It was surreal—just the two of us, the silence of the night, and nature putting on a private show.
Beach Days, Coconut Tales, and Local Flavors
Havelock Island welcomed us with its postcard-perfect Radhanagar Beach. The soft golden sands and the azure waters looked almost unreal. My wife, a self-proclaimed beach lover, couldn’t stop grinning. We spent hours lounging, swimming, and trying to catch crabs (spoiler: they’re faster than you’d think!).
Elephant Beach was where things got hilariously competitive. My wife decided to try snorkelling for the first time.
After several attempts—and a lot of splashing—she finally mastered it, coming up excitedly to show me a photo of a clownfish she’d captured. Not to be outdone, I signed up for sea walking. Let’s just say walking underwater is harder than it looks, but the vibrant corals and swarms of fish made it worth every clumsy step.
Our evenings were reserved for exploring local food. The Andamans aren’t just about seafood (though the grilled lobsters are heavenly). We discovered a tiny café near Havelock serving fresh coconut pancakes. The owner, an elderly man with a knack for storytelling, regaled us with tales of shipwrecks and pearl diving. It was fascinating—and a reminder of how every corner of the world holds stories waiting to be heard.
Hidden Gems and Lessons Learned
Neil Island was the underdog of our trip. Smaller, quieter, and brimming with charm, it stole our hearts. Kalapathar Beach, with its turquoise waters and black rocks, was the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon. We also stumbled upon the Natural Bridge formation—a stunning geological wonder that seemed to defy gravity.
But the real treasure of Neil Island was its people. We met a local family who invited us to their home for tea. Over steaming cups of spiced chai, we learned about their customs and daily life. My wife even tried her hand at weaving a coconut leaf mat, much to everyone’s amusement. It was a humbling experience—proof that the best connections often happen far from tourist attractions.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As we packed our bags on the final day, I couldn’t help but reflect on how seamlessly everything had fallen into place. From the comfortable hotels to the smooth ferry rides (ITT Majestic was a treat!), Thrillophilia had planned every detail with care. My only regret? Not booking a beachfront property. Watching the waves from our balcony would’ve been the cherry on top.
If I could recommend one thing to anyone visiting Andaman, it would be to embrace the slower pace of life there. Take the time to kayak under the moonlight—it’s a magical experience unlike any other. Dive into the local flavours, from fresh seafood to unique coconut desserts, and don’t shy away from striking up conversations with locals—they have the most incredible stories to share. Most importantly, savour every moment.
The Andamans are not just a destination to tick off your bucket list; they’re a place that quietly leaves a mark on your soul. As the plane took off from Port Blair, I looked over at my wife, her face glowing with happiness, and knew that this trip had been the perfect start to our forever.
Read more: Thrillophilia Andaman Reviews