The Andamans - Preread for a smooth trip

Google will have you plan your trip to The Andamans around winter & summer months, October to May, but here’s the thing. The monsoons are no longer on a definitive cycle, thanks to the environmental state of affairs. I visited The Andamans in January, and here’s what went down. I so wish that the countless blogs I researched upon actually broke down the realities and so I’ve decided to write one instead. Weather, people, commutes, et all. The Weather While the monsoon cycle has to be factored in, October to May are considered the dry months with very less rainfall. I had a typhoon pass by on the trip so the bright skies just turned gray and the water isn’t the same without the sun hitting the white sand under its waves. Do check the weather forecast for rain, and pack plenty ( cue: raincoats, umbrellas, waterproof pouches for phones.) The trinity -- Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Islands are functional through rain so if you’ve booked water activities they will not be refunded unless the beaches close for the day.             Our auto driver said it perfectly “Island life is like this only ma’am, even with a cyclone passing we just wait it out for a while and carry on with our business. Rain is a part of nature and here, we are a part of nature and not the other way around”.

Storm-washed shores on Elephant Beach, Havelock Island

The “Crowd” Enter factor number two; everyone wants good weather so traveling in the perfect peak season is something I’d stay away from. Weekend or no weekend, you’ll see people traveling in groups and a bunch of newlyweds. If you’ve got touristy things on the list then begin early in the day, break for lunch, and finish off before the evening. If you’re booking dinners on the beach or photoshoots, check again for the availability when you’re not sharing the beach with others. They sell the ‘private’ experience but it rarely is.  Bright side: Although the islands are quite small and dense with tourists, the locals have plan for everything. They reroute traffic on roads in specific time windows, they cancel and divert ferries, increase count on small boats, all to make sure the crowd is somewhat seamlessly absorbed. Stay in touch with your accommodations and other representatives throughout your trip. The Sneaky Tides Low tide on the coral shores look nothing like the high tides on the same shallow shore. The difference can be astonishing; low tides unearth many kilometers of perfectly walkable / wadeable floors that are otherwise below shallow water. These are advisable to navigate with chappals on, as the coral can scratch and cause skin irritations. I personally loved going out during low tide, to see the rock pools and the rich life teeming in every square inch. You’ll find many critters, coral, and sea cucumbers native to The Andamans. Keep aside 2 hours to freely explore or book an inter-tidal walk so the guide can point these out for you. That said, some notes of caution: don’t leave anything on the rocky surfaces for too long, the tide will carry it far. Two, walk carefully and slowly, you might crush little creatures and their habitat or slip on kelp. Three, although it looks like a flat surface, the white sand floor has water underneath and each step isn’t always a firm one.  And lastly, don;t stray too far from the shore as the tide turns quickly!

Inter Tidal spots on Vijaynagar Beach, Havelock ISland

The Pre-bookings What do you actually need to book for a smooth trip in The Andamans? Your flight tickets, your accommodation, and the most important component - the ferries. I will be getting into the low-down of the different privately-operated ones and comparative experiences in the next blog but for now, remember that the rest can be figured out on the spot. Don’t rush to fill your days with a packed schedule. This way,  you avoid paying tax on all the variables and get the flexibility to cancel as well. From bike rentals to water sports at Elephant Beach -- all can be arranged through your hotel, your cabbie, or even a tea shop guy. Everyone’s got their business but the biggest business is the touristy one on the side for these localities!

Moved on from the thinking stage and want to start planning? Read on here.