THE CITY Port Blair, the capital of the 350 odd islands that comprise the Andaman and Nicobar group, has one major landmark-the Cellular Jail. A pipal tree, just outside this seven-winged national monument, can tell tales of the torture of India’s freedom fighters within its walls. In 1897, the British, who then ruled India, laid the foundation stone of the building. It had 698 solitary cells to ensure that there was no contact between prisoners. Only three of the seven octopus-like wings remain and as you walk down their corridor, you can still hear the echoes of patriots like Veer Savarker or the booming voice of jailor Berry Bellowing. | |||||||
|
Listen you Prisoners, It is here we tame lions, Remember! God does not come Within three miles of Port Blair… In the universe there is but one God who lives in the heaven above But in Port Blair, there are two. One The God of Heaven and the other the God of Earth. Indeed the God of Earth is myself. The records at the site museum and a ‘death house’ bring tears to one’s eyes. The islands were called ‘Kalapani’-islands with ‘black water’, water tinted with the blood of those who would have India free. A visit to the islands is an emotional one. As the sun rises from Bay of Bengal, the ethereal beauty of unadulterated nature engulfs one. One can spend hours just staring at the clear blue waters with not a sound to disturb you, except the twittering of a song bird or the footsteps of a wild cat or a deer. |
THE PAST
In 1789, Captain Archibald Blair of the Bombay Marine (the East India Company's Navy), acting under orders from the government of Bengal, established a penal colony on this site, naming it Port Cornwallis in honor of his commander, Admiral Sir William Cornwallis. In 1858, the first European settlement on the islands was established near the site of the old penal colony, and was named Port Blair in honor of Captain Blair.
The islands are home for some of the oldest tribal communities in the world. Six recognized tribes inhabit the several islands. The Onges, who, in more than 30 years, have progressed much-from living in the nude and visiting the civilized world to ask for chai and bidi to wearing trousers and lungis and living in disciplined wooden huts built for them in Dugong Creek. They have even learnt to ‘perform’ a tribal dance on request.
In the late sixties, the first few ‘Jarawas’ strayed into Port Blair like creatures from another world. They were sent back laden with gifts of food, clothing and colorful trinkets. Nothing more was heard of them and it was believed that the others had killed the five who had ventured into ‘hostile’ territory. They are still unfriendly. The Sentinels from North Sentinel Island are downright hostile. The Nicobarese and the Shompens are the most ‘modern’ of these primitive islanders. The others still prefer life in the raw.
IN AND AROUND
The Cellular Jail: To pay homage to the martyrs, one can visit the Cellular Jail and museum. A close look at the Death House and the instruments of torture brings to mind India’s freedom struggle and the contribution of those who gave their life for the country.
The Beaches: One can go for swimming at Corbyn’s Cove, Jolly Buoy, or one of other safe beaches. One can also swim, snorkel and visit the underwater world as long as one wants. But first, it is necessary to check on undercurrents and tide timings beforehand.
Ross Island: Ross Island was once an exclusive preserve of the British who ruled from there for over 50 years. Now, as one walks through the ruins of bungalows, churches, ballrooms, bakeries, clubs and dungeons, one can almost hear the mingling of church bells and dance music and inhale the aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes. Once a visitor stumbled and fell into what he discovered, wire tennis courts attached to the Government House or the home of the Chief Commissioner. Although haunted by ghosts from the past, Ross Island is still peopled-with herds of deer and majestic peacocks that fear no captivity.
Walking thorough the ruins of British architecture is a good experience. The buildings could be identified as most of the buildings are labeled now. They relive the glory of early 20th-century colonial life. One can swim or make friends with the deer. The island is 200 acres and a ferry from Phoenix Bay gets one there in a few minutes. Early morning, Ross is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
Viper Island: The Viper Island contains the dungeons and a natural ‘amphitheatre’. Captivities and convicts once landed at Viper Island near the mouth of Port Blair Harbor. Another picnic spot, it still has ruins of gallows as reminders of a grim past.
Havelock Island: A visit to the Havelock Island is a memorable experience. It is unspoilt and beautiful. If one is lucky enough to get a permit, a visit to the home of the Onges in Dugong Creek is necessary. Staying overnight at Havelock will take one back a hundred years to camp life and pristine beauty.
Museum and Zoo: The other places that deserve to visit are the Anthropological Museum, Marine Museum, and the Mini Zoo. One could see a panorama of the life of the Paleolithic islanders, a display of marine life with sea crocodiles, dolphins, barracuda, and pearl oysters.
Harbor Cruises: The trip to Port Blair could be rounded up with a harbor cruise that will take one round the South Andaman Island and will give a bird’s eye view of mangroves, rain forests and other delights of this living museum. With luck on one’s side, dancing dolphins will guide the ferry ride to these islands. Whether discovered through diving or just be sitting in a glass-bottomed boat, the treasures of these coral islands are unforgettable. As the underwater world comes alive, one forgets that there is a less perfect world outside, so engrossing are the vast expanses of colorful corals, fish and vegetation. A peek into this magic land leaves one in a daze for the rest of the day! One should explore it as often as he can for he will dream of it ever after.
Volcanoes: The Andamans even have their very own dormant volcano and those who have the courage and stamina to climb to tits mouth on Barren Island never forget the sight of the lava inside or the hard lava-like rocks that make the climb a near impossibility.
PICNICS AND ADVENTURES
One of the favorite pastimes of tourists in the Andamans is picnicking-at Mount Harriet, once the summer resort of British Chief Commissioners; or Chiriya Tapu with a beach littered with driftwood in amazing shapes and sizes; or at Ross, a small island girdled by tiny coves and beaches and just a stone’s throw away from the capital.
Islands like Jolly Buoy, Cinque, and Redskin have clear waters that are considered among the best snorkeling spots in the world.
But nothing that really matters has changed in these ‘fantasy’ islands-the old-world charm remains, and adds to the attractions of coral reefs, unspoilt beaches, ruins of monuments and rare flora and fauna. If one dreams of a holiday amidst nature in its original glory, and if one loves the soothing waves of the sea, the Andamans are for him. Nevertheless, those in search of the bright lights will find the islands still ‘backward’ and underdeveloped.
LOCAL DELICACIES
Every evening in Port Blair should be spent tasting its seafood-lobsters, shrimps, and a variety of fish. One should drink dhap or fresh coconut water and try tropical fruit, papayas, pineapples, sapota, and a variety of bananas.
GETTING THERE
A daily flight connects Port Blair to the rest of the world and the islanders are getting used to sharing their rations with tourists-both Indian and foreign. Few major hotels and other smaller ones vie with guesthouses and lodges for clients; and helicopters or small boats can be used for island hopping. Now the Andamans have new-look co-operative stores and facilities for water sports. One may even come across tribal folks in ‘formal’ wear.
Indian Airlines connects Port Blair with Madras, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and Calcutta.
By sea, Andaman is connected to Calcutta, Madras, and Vishakhapatnam. The crossing takes two to three days. Tourists are advised to enquire about schedule timings beforehand.
Ferries operate between Port Blair and other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar groups.
For local boat charters, contact the Marine Department or Oceanic Company, M.G. Road, Middle, Middle Point.
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Foreigners need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. This can be obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The permit is valid for about 15 days. Foreigners are not permitted to visit Nicobar and other southern islands. One can apply for a permit from overseas to the Deputy Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. The Government of India Tourist Office is at Middle Point.
The State Government Directorate of Information, Publicity, and Tourism at Port Blair can help the tourist with the relevant information.
While in the Andamans, one should first pick up souvenirs and keepsakes to take back. There is a ban on taking coral out of the islands. Their natural attractions need to be preserved. So one should not plan on a shopping spree, but on a conservationist’s holiday, savoring and experiencing its wonders and leaving them unspoiled for one’s next visit. For the discovery of the islands is a long one.
