Epilogue

After all, home is the only place in this entire world where you can get all the solace. Andaman was indeed very beautiful but yet I started missing the comfort of my home. I was so excited to return that the very thought of going back made me rise early in the morning. We packed our luggage and got ready.

At 8:00 AM, the car arrived to pick us up. We checked out of our hotel, went to a good restaurant that was owned by the tour operator and were served yummy breakfast. We knew that we were not going to get food before dinner; we ate to our heart’s content.

Though the visit was over, yet one last spot was left out of our itinerary-Chatham saw mill. As there was time in our flight, we visited the oldest saw mill. It was set up in 1883 by the British. It derived its name from the Chatham Island where it was established. It had an entry ticket of Rs. 10/- per adult. We saw how logs were transported to this mill and how these were converted into planks before sending to various destinations. It also had a forest department museum, where we saw a number of exquisite pieces of wood work. The pits created by the bombs dropped by the Japanese in 1942 could still be seen in the mill.

As we came out, it was  time now to bid adieu to this lovely place that occupied us by its virgin beauty during last 4 days. But before this, I would like to say two things about the city of Port Blair. I found the people here very simple, hospitable and far from cunningness. Unlike Delhi, you could rely on your taxi driver, leave your valuables in the taxi and roam around. Secondly, I observed that the city was very neat and clean. People did not litter here. And they expected you also not to litter.

The airport was not very far from the mill and soon we were dropped there. I had a mix feeling that words cannot describe. The Veer Savarkar Airport was hustling and bustling with the people. We collected our boarding passes and went through the security check. Contrary to our apprehension, the flight was in-time. Soon we boarded it and the plane took off. It hovered over the vegetation and sea down below before ascending to greater heights and that was the last glimpse I had of this Island. The city of Port Blair had lost sight of. And now there were clouds all over. Speed is ,in fact, a relative phenomenon. When there is no objects outside around, you do not feel the speed. In absence of clouds, at times, the plane seemed stationary - not moving at all, just hanging in space. A terrible feeling indeed. 

After a brief stopover at Kolkata, we finally headed towards Delhi. When we were about 200 km from Delhi, an announcement was made, “Passengers sitting on the right side can see the Himalayas”. Fortunately, we were sitting on the right side and I was occupying the window seat. I had been looking at these hills for quite some time without realizing that it was part of the Himalayas chain. As the announcement was made, I looked at it again. Oh my God! What a magnificent view! The entire range of snow clad mountains was shining in the sun like pure silver. I never thought even in my wildest dream that I would ever see the Himalayas. It was totally unexpected. The range was not coming to an end. I stopped the air hostess in aisle as she was passing by my row and requested her to pull out my bag from the cupboard above. She obliged willingly. I hurriedly took out my camera, changed the lens to zoom and clicked the mountains. I now have these memories to cherish forever.

Around 5:00 PM, we landed at Delhi Airport. The outside temperature was around 18 Degree Celsius. We took out our woolens that we wore last time while boarding plane from Delhi, and put on. In an hour or so we were at home laden with so many sweet memories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands - a place that one must visit once in the life time.

Last Day in the Andaman

Visit that was not to be:

This was our last day at Andaman. We all were very excited about the visit to ROSS and North Bay Islands. We were dropped at Aberdeen Jetty at 9:00 AM. Boats tickets were arranged and we were waiting for the boats to arrive. The ROSS Island was visible from where we were standing. But there   were no boats in sight. We occupied benches as these got vacated. Many people were waiting along with us and the crowd was increasing.  My colleague booked a slot for scuba diving at ROSS Island for his son, though initially he was hesitant. The sea was at its natural look with high waves. Some time, these waves were so strong that it would give a splash at the tourist making them wet. My wife was busy watching crab that were brought by the waves and left at the stairs. These tiny creatures were struggling hard to go back to their abode.

It   was 10:30 AM now and the wait was getting unbearable. Patience of the tourists was running out.   Then the news came that at 11:00 boats would be allowed to carry the tourist to ROSS and North Bay Island. Port Master was taking time in giving clearance as the sea was rough. Then after some time, one officer of the rank of Dy. Commissioner- as we were told afterwards came to inspect the sea. He was surrounded by some persons who were wearing jackets with “Life Guard” printed on it. The boats were stationed in the middle of the sea but were not coming towards the jetty. He left after inspecting the sea condition. Soon thereafter the boats retreated towards ROSS Island. It   was announced that due to rough sea, the ROSS and North Bay Islands would be closed for tourists.

The crowd left the jetty. Our tour operator met us and told that day before also these islands were closed due to rough sea conditions. We were not amused by his revelation. He told us that to handle such unforeseen events, they kept alternative plan ready for the tourists. He explained the plan to the driver and left. We decided to enjoy some water-sports before leaving the place. We did water scooter-ride and sofa-ride in sea-water. These sports which normally take place in the sea, were however, done on that day in controlled sea-water. This portion of sea which is on another side was made in such a way that high sea waves did not affect this water pool. Safety first! The little angel – my colleague’s daughter did some child-sports. And around 12:30 PM, we set out on our alternative tour.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:

The first destination was at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor. There was a Museum displaying a variety of Marine life and creatures. We saw a big swamp fig tree.   It seemed quite old. Its hanging branches had taken roots around the main trunk.

Wandoor Beach:

Nearby of this Park was the Wandoor Beach. As we came out of our car, a warning board put on a tree was staring on us. “Beware of crocodile. Be vigilant while swimming”, it said. I heard of saltwater crocodiles. But we would encounter them in this visit was never occurred to me. In any way, the beach was not good for swimming and we were in no mood to swim. But a few tourists were enjoying swimming in spite of crocodile threat. Children with us also went into water and enjoyed. Crocodiles were nowhere to be seen. Sun was hot and we were searching for a place to sit under some shade. A group of three families was sitting under a tree shade. We went there and sat. While elders were playing cards, their children were busy digging deep holes in sand. They had a compact music system with them of BOSE make. Old songs of 1970 era were being played on it. We passed some time there.  There was not much to see. After some time we left that place.

We were feeling thirsty and could not resist ourselves seeing coconuts. Before leaving the Wandoor Beach we enjoyed refreshing coconut water. Though coconuts were in abundance, yet there was no difference in rates as compared to the rates in Delhi. One coconut was being sold at Rs. 30 there.

Mongluton Rubber Plantation Pvt. Ltd.:

Our next halt was at Mongluton Rubber Plantation Pvt. Ltd. They grew raw rubber, betel nut, spices and coconut. We saw how rubber milk was collected from rubber plants. Small cups made of hard coconut shell were tied to the tree trunk. A groove was made with the help of a sharp knife on the trunk and rubber milk was collected in the shell. The milk so collected was then processed to make rubber sheets. These thick rubber sheets were spread there to dry. The plant was stinking and it was hard to stand there for long.

We were then taken to visit spices plantation. We saw trees of laung, creeper of black pepper, plants of javitry and jaiphal. There were cheeko trees also. A lot of betel nuts were also left to dry. After visiting the plantation, we purchased some spices from the outlet outside and left that place.

Nameless spot:

The next destination was a place on the roadside at a good height. The driver told that tourist came to this place to have a look at the sea down below. We saw the sea below. It was a different experience to see the waves from top of a hill. The place was not safe as one careless step could send you down in the roaring sea. The air was blowing at a very high speed and tall coconut trees were dancing with its flow. We took some photograph there and left for the city beach.

The City Beach:

By the time we reached at the city beach, sun had set. Local people were also there among the tourists. We walked at the beach bare footed. The waves as they retreated would take away sand beneath your feet giving you a strange feeling of being sagged. One boy was taking his dog in the sea to give it a bath. The condition of the poor dog was deplorable. The more it tried to run away from the waves, the more its master forced it towards them. We enjoyed this dog-bath. By this time, evening sky had turned into darkness. Lights on the beach were put on. The crowd started leaving this place. We too carried on to our next destination.

The Jogger’s Park:

The jogger’s Park was a well-laid and well-maintained park on a hill top. It was situated above the runway of the airport. The extended runway was clearly visible from the road before you entered in the park. From the park, you could see the entire Port Blair. The city was looking beautiful from this spot. It was dark and the Port Blair was illuminating with so many tiny lights. There was complete silence. I could hear the sound of the air that was blowing with moderate speed. I wanted to spend some more time there but we had one last destination to go.

The Gandhi Park:

Soon we were dropped at Gandhi Park. It had a big statue of Mahatma Gandhi where Mahatma was seen reading a book sitting on a high pedestal. It appeared that the statue was made of bronze. But it could not be confirmed. There was a small temple called the Japani Temple. Water sports facilities were also there but it was closed when we reached there.

The Sagarekha Emporium:

Last, we were taken to Sagarekha Emporium. We purchased some small gifts from this place before going for dinner. That was our last day. Next morning, we were to say goodbye to this place. The trip was coming to an end.

Back to Port Blair

We were on our way back to Port Blair form Neil Island. It was around 4:30 in the evening when our ship started. I again chose to travel on the deck. The sun was setting at far horizon. Sea breeze was blowing. Before I realized it, the sun had set. I was so engrossed in watching the sea around that I missed this event. I came to know about it only when the lights on the deck were put on. It was dark all around except on the ship. There was nothing to see around now. I was sitting on the deck silently listing to the engine noise. The diesel odour was hung in the air. The sea was looking frightening.

After around 1:45 Hrs journey, Port Blair was now visible. Illuminating lights of this small Island made it presence felt from the ship. At far end, flash light of the light house in a flip-flop mode was beaming on us, beckoning. The ship had slowed down. An announcement was made on the public address system of the ship announcing that we were reaching the Port Blair in a while.

As the ship was parked in the jetty beside another ship and came to a halt, a small bridge was made between the two ships. The passengers were made to alight through the connected ship. The height of the gate was low and one had to bow down to come out to save oneself from being hit on the head. The ship was to leave tomorrow morning on its next visit to the Havelok.

 We boarded this ship two days ago in the morning to visit Havelok. Now when we alighted, the jetty gave a completely different look. It was illuminating with so many lights. The parked ships were also decorated like a bride. The side-road in front of the office of Directorate of Shipping Services was also lit up beautifully with white lamps in a row on blue square shaped pillars. The grill was also painted in blue and white color to give it a perfect match   with the lights and pillars. Its background wall was also painted in a matching light blue shade. All this description was missing in morning when we boarded the ship.

Our tour operator was waiting outside the jetty. We boarded the car and went straight to Anapurna Cafeteria to have dinner. After two days, we had good dinner. We were dropped at hotel. Next morning we were to visit ROSS and North Bay Islands.