Beneath the Blue: Shubham Tidke’s Andaman Adventure Review with Thrillophilia
For Shubham Tidke, the ocean had always stirred something deep within him. He had spent years watching travel documentaries, reading adventure books, and daydreaming about exploring the sea. But reality had always kept him anchored to the shore. However, when he and his wife embarked on their honeymoon to the Andaman Islands on January 23, 2025, he sensed that this journey would be different. It would be about embracing the unfamiliar and stepping into a world he had only imagined from afar.
As they arrived in Port Blair, the warm tropical air welcomed them. Their first stop was Corbyn’s Cove Beach, where the waves danced against the golden sand. Walking hand in hand along the shoreline, they felt the weight of the city life lifting off their shoulders. Later that evening, they visited the Cellular Jail, an experience that left them humbled and emotional. The light and sound show painted a vivid picture of the sacrifices made for India’s freedom, making them appreciate their own journey even more.
But while these experiences were remarkable, Shubham knew the real adventure awaited him beneath the ocean.
A Step Closer to the Unknown
The following morning, they set sail for Havelock Island. The ferry ride was a mesmerizing journey in itself, with the vast expanse of the sea stretching in every direction. His wife leaned against the railing and her hair was flowing with the wind. "This place already feels magical," she said in a voice barely above the sound of the waves.
After checking into their beachside resort, they headed straight for Radhanagar Beach, often ranked among the best in the world. The soft and powdery sand felt luxurious beneath their feet, and the clear waters invited them in. They spent hours swimming and taking in the beauty of the place, but in the back of Shubham’s mind, there was an anticipation building up - the next day was going to be something entirely different.
Their First Scuba Diving Experience
January 25, 2025, would be a day Shubham would never forget. As the morning sun cast a golden glow over Havelock, he and his wife made their way to Elephant Beach, known for its coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Today, he was going to experience scuba diving for the first time.
The diving instructor greeted them with an encouraging smile. "Are you ready to explore a world unlike anything you have ever seen?" he asked. Shubham nodded in excitement and nervousness within him.
After a brief training session on breathing techniques and hand signals, they suited up. The oxygen tank felt heavier than expected, and the mask pressed tightly against his face. "Just breathe naturally," the instructor reassured him. "The moment you go under, everything changes."
And he was right.
As Shubham descended beneath the water, the surface world faded away. The first thing he noticed was the silence - an all-encompassing, almost sacred stillness that was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Schools of fish moved in synchronized patterns, and their scales shimmered in the filtered sunlight. A clownfish peeked out from its anemone home, seemingly unbothered by the presence of humans. Brightly coloured corals stretched out like underwater gardens, with each one a different shade of red, orange, and purple.
His wife swam beside him, pointing excitedly at a sea turtle gliding effortlessly through the water. Shubham reached out, almost as if to touch it, but stopped himself. This was their world, and he was merely a visitor.
As they ventured further, they came across a vast reef filled with life. A school of barracudas passed overhead, and it was surprising to see that their sleek bodies moved in perfect unison. Tiny and electric-blue damselfish moved between coral crevices while a moray eel peeked out from its hiding place. It was a world so alien yet so breathtakingly beautiful.
The most memorable moment came when a manta ray appeared in the distance with its massive wings gliding through the water. For a moment, time stood still. Shubham felt a deep sense of connection with the ocean and a realization that there was so much more to the world than what met the eye.
When they finally surfaced, gasping with exhilaration, his wife pulled off her mask, her face glowing with excitement. "That was the most incredible thing I have ever seen!" she exclaimed.
Shubham could not agree more. He had always loved the sea, but today, he had truly fallen in love with it.
A Quiet Farewell in Kalapathar
The next day, they visited Kalapathar Beach, a place known for its striking black rocks and serene atmosphere. The contrast between the dark stones and the turquoise waves made for a breathtaking view. Unlike the lively Radhanagar or the adventurous Elephant Beach, Kalapathar was quiet and almost meditative.
As they sat on a secluded spot and watched the waves crash against the shore, Shubham reflected on the past few days. "I feel like I have discovered a new side of myself here," he admitted. "I never thought I would be the kind of person to go diving, but now I cannot imagine not doing it again."
His wife smiled. "That is the magic of travel. It pushes us beyond what we think we are capable of."
With that thought lingering in their minds, they took one last walk along the beach and their footprints faded with the tide.
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