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.