These islands are a paradox. They are always held up as examples of places that are off the beaten track. But several islands are now squarely on the tourist circuit. Package tours can take you comfortably from point to point and there is even a water sports complex.
The beaches and islands are still not overrun with people, so even if you don’t get much further than Corbyn’s Cove in Port Blair or the resorts on Havelock Island, you will still have a spellbinding experience. Blogger and social media enthusiast Navin Kurian leads a double life, scuba di-ving and working on his dive master certificate when he gets half a chance. He spent a few months here, going where few have gone before.
“There are evergreen forests at Saddle Peak, and beaches where wild elephants splash in the surf,” he says, adding a warning: “If you want to literally have an island or beach to yourself, you need to be prepared to sacrifice some conveniences. Neil Islands are the closest to Port Blair and there is some excellent snorkelling possible off the coral reefs there.”
A day trip to the Ross and Smith islands, connected by a sandbar, brings you to a protected and uninhabited retreat, says Madhu Reddy, the itinerant photographer. “The water is as clear as a mirror and you could soak here for hours,” she sighs, “Have you ever seen live shells “walking” on the sand? You can, here.”
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