Radha Nagar Beach

On way to Radha Nagar Beach:

The 12 KM stretch to Radha Nagar Beach was full of lush greenery. Coconut and Supari trees were in abundance. Sky was lucid blue and the noon Sun was shining.  Cool breeze was blowing giving us a refreshing feel. On the way, I observed that at many places farmers had grown vegetables. Our driver told that except potatoes and onions, which were brought to the Island from Chennai, other vegetables were grown locally there.

Radha Nagar Beach:

As we alighted at Radha Nagar Beach, we saw a number of small shops in line on both the side on way to beach. I purchased a half-pant and a T-shirt. We decided to have a cup of tea before going to beach. Here too we were served tea made with milk-powder. Our driver told us to come back before dark. It was around 3:30 pm when we saw the beach that we had heard only.

Words cannot describe the beauty of this beach. On left side, there were trees which were limiting the boundary of the sea. On right and straight, the sea was spread till horizon. Water was shallow on shore – 3 to 4 feet. Even those who did not know how to swim could enjoy swimming there. People had ventured quite a distance in the sea. Long wooden chairs were lying on the beach. “Pay and use – Rs. 20 per hour” was written on these chairs. But we did not know how to pay and to whom to pay. We placed our luggage on one of the chairs. As we had money as well as cameras   and mobiles with us, we thought it unsafe to leave the luggage without one of us keeping a watch on it. We decided to leave one person with the luggage while rest of us ventured into the sea. It was an experience worth having. Waves were coming and hitting you with a force. And if you did not jump over, they would take you to the shore or would throw you upside down if you were not holding the ground tightly. People were holding hands in groups to avoid the force. In one of the groups, one woman lost her spectacles but after some search they found it back.

Sun Set:

 People visit Radha Nagar beach to view its sun set also. Sun sets early in Andaman – as early as quarter to five. I wanted to capture this event in my camera. Therefore, I decided to have a shower and change my cloths before it started. Other people in our group including my wife were still in sea.  I came back to the chair and was taking out my kurta-payajama, then a boy with a copy in hand arrived. He asked Rs. 40 as rent for the chair we had been occupying for the last one and a half hour. I told him to take the money at the time of leaving the place. But he insisted as his duty was coming to an end.  I paid him and he left. I called back my wife and told her to keep a watch till I come back. After a distance, there were huts where one could change cloths and have a clean water shower after the sea bath at a minimum charge of Rs. 10 per person. But all the make-shift bathrooms were occupied. The sun set time was coming to close. I did not have time to waste. I saw   a shower in the open and decided to use it. I hurriedly finished the shower and changed in to kurta-payajama. As I came back to the chair, sun had already started setting. I changed my camera lens and was ready to shoot. I captured some beautiful shots of sun-set at Radha Nagar beach. These photographs, some of which I am sharing with this post, will help me keep the memories vivid forever. Finally, the big round orange colored ball sank in the sea, leaving behind reflection of its colors in the sky as well in the far sea at horizon only to emerge again tomorrow. These colors were the only reminiscent of the fire-ball that was there minutes before. As I was winding up my camera, I felt that the warmth had also gone with the sun. My wife was feeling cold. I asked her to take the shower and change cloths. By the time, they all came back; darkness had taken over the beach. There were quite a few visitors who were still in the sea. Guards were whistling at them and asking them to vacate. Waves had become stronger with the darkness. Sea which was looking beautify when we arrived, was posing scary now. We also decided to leave the beach.

Honeymooners:

Over the year, Andaman has become a hot pursuit for the honeymooners. During our visit, we also found a number of couples who had come to the Andaman on honeymoon. One of the reasons might be the cozy temperature of the Island during winter when north almost freezes. The other may be the beauty of this Island that attracts newlywed couples. At Radha Nagar beach also, we encountered a number of young couples taking bath in the sea. But their public display of love was indeed in bad taste - particularly for those who had little children with them. Public places demand decorum and that should be maintained. I remember that when I got married, how awkward I used to feel if I had to hold the hand of my wife at a public place. But now-a-days, things have changed. One may call it generation gap but to me it is the deteriorating values. Honeymoon is a strictly private affair and let it be so.

Returning to our Hotel:

We returned to our Hotel. There was no choice and we had to settle for dinner at the Hotel itself. Half of the items enlisted in menu were not available.  I ordered aloo-ghobhi that to my utter surprise was served in liquid form. That was the first time in my life when I was served aloo-ghobhi in liquid form. I thanked God that I did not order brinjal or ladyfinger.

End of the Second day:

After (sic) dinner, we took a short stroll and then retired. Next morning we were to check out at 8:00 AM to catch a ferry for NIEL  Island.