Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a hill station in north Bengal known for its scenic beauty and wonderful weather. It is a perfect honeymoon destination. The mall, local tea shops and tea gardens are major tourist attractions.

Mall Road

The view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the mall is a visual delight. People throng to the view points to take pictures of this view.

View of Mt. Kanchenjungha from the Mall Road

Tea garden on our way

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways provide a toy train ride from Kurseong to Darjeeling and other joy rides are also available.

Diamond Harbour

Diamond Harbour is a small riverside town in south 24 parganas of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is located on the banks of river Hooghly just before it ends its journey in the Bay of Bengal. 

There are no ports here as a result you get to see an unending banks. 

Previously the place was called Hajipur and was a stronghold for portugese pirates. The ruins of a Puarana Kella or Old fort can be found here which the locals believe were the proof of earlier settlements of East India Company before they ventured deep into the mainland Kolkata.

There are many resorts and hotels available near the river which offers many recreational activities. Perfect time to visit the place is winter , that is from November to January. You would not want to miss the local fish fries and juggery which are super tasty and super cheap!

More Pictures from my archive

I've not revealed how I look like . So, here in this post I decided that I'd be sharing some of my pictures and some more from my archive.

That's taken on my route to the Elephant Beach

The basic idea of is dress according to the place you're visiting. When I went to Andaman in the month of April, it was hot and humid. So lots of cotton I would suggest and light materials. But, don't take dull whites and blues as then all your photographs are bound to look so blah! So wear light materials but not light colours!

Basking in the sun in Radhanagar Beach

Also I would like to add, take few pictures of the hotel, resort in which you are staying. They would make nice memories.

Our resort in Havelock Islands

In Havelock Island Resort

Incase if you've missed my travel diary here's the link to Havelock and Neil Islands and Andaman and Port Blair itinerary. Do visit them to get more pictures of these wonderful places.

That's taken on the roof of Cellular jail

Andaman ~ Havelock and Neil islands Itinerary

I hope all of you, my lovely readers, have gone through my previous post on Andaman Port Blair Itinerary.
I started my journey from Port Blair. Once you reach Port Blair, book a cruise to go to the lovely Havelock Island. Bookings can be done from the local offices for the different cruise operators. Grab a window seat if you can get one. You will discover some of the most wonderful of scenic beauty while you are on this journey. The dark blue water of the Bay of Bengal , the light azure sky and the floating white foamy clouds will take your breath away. You will find yourself spoilt for choice as to what to click with your camera!

On our my way to Havelock , Picture taken from the cruise

Yaa! That's the colour of the water and you can see through it !

Our beautiful Resort in Havelock

Once you reach Havelock you will find many resorts that you have to pre-book. But while booking, make sure that the resorts are located beside the sea. The sea at Havelock is of a mild green hue which changes its color depending on the time of the day. The white coral beach , the green sea and the blue sky - it's a riot of colors here. You will find yourself engrossed in this magical land where you can sit for hours without having any sense of time. Time glides smoothly and so slowly here in Havelock that you can relax to your heart's desire.

Radhanagar Beach

In the evening, plan for a trip to Radhanagar beach which is famous for its beautiful sunset. As you watch the sun going behind the horizon you will get to see a play of magenta, purple, orange, yellow, red , pink and blue in the sky. As the darkness slowly creeps in; the yellow street lights turn on and bathes the beach and the local market in an amber color.

Sunset at Radhanagar Beach

Next day plan for a trip to Elephant Beach - Asia's most beautiful beach. Once you reach there you will know why it is called so .  The crystal clear water, the white beach with a blue sky and large logs of wood lying carelessly here and there is bound to mesmerize you with its beauty. We took the trekking route to reach here to get an adrenaline rush! However you can reach there by road as well. Here you can have many water sports and rides. Snorkeling, sea diving, sea walking, banana boat ride, speed boat ride, glass bottom boat ride - there are plenty of options available. It's a wonderful idea to go for a glass bottom boat ride if you are less adventurous - as you wouldn't like to miss the group of beautifully colored fishes and numerous corals, sea cucumbers, star fish, tortoise and aquatic vegetation . You will discover a whole new world that exists under water and you would feel glad that you gathered the courage to see them live if you go there while snorkeling or deep sea diving. Thank me later!

Our trek route to Elephant Beach

Elephant Beach

Elephant Beach

Next day we went to Neil Island -  the most exotic place in India. Here the water color will change to a pale green and you can see jelly fishes roaming around in the sea! Havelock to Neil is just an hour journey by any cruise and you can again pre-book any resort located near the sea. You can spend time under a tree doing nothing as the view in front of your eyes would rejuvenate you with its therapeutic value. At night if you sit on the sea shore you can hear the murmur of different live shells passing and walking on the coral shores!

Neil Island

Sunrise in Neil 

One of the numerous jelly fishes in Neil Sea

Keep another day for paying a visit to the natural bridge, Sitapur beach do not forget to watch the sunset at the Sunset Point. The next day you can return to Port Blair.

Natural Bridge

Andaman ~ Port Blair Itinerary

As I am from Kolkata, I took a Jet flight to Port Blair to reach this amazing place called The Andamans. You can book your hotel from the mainland and trust me, there are ample options available here. Once you reach Port Blair pay a visit to the Zoological Museum and the Cellular Jail. Zoological museum gives you knowledge about the tribal people, their lifestyle, food and way of living along with models of their huts. Here I would like to mention, as you can take your cameras inside for a small amount you must take as many pictures and selfies you like!

Cellular Jail at night

The long corridors inside the jail

In the evening, from 6'o clock do not miss the light and sound show at the Cellular Jail. History would come alive and you will get to know the different stories of our freedom fighters. I would recommend, be at the Cellular Jail all the afternoon to soak in the surrounding beauty and also explore the different sections of the cells including the overwhelming light tower.
Next day plan for a trip to the nearby Ross Island and Vipers' Island . At the Ross Island you will get to see deers and peacocks in all glory. There is an ancient church, old houses and military bases of East India Company. The dense forest and azure sea provide a delightful setting for taking photographs. There is also a scope of watching light and sound show at the Ross Island. You can book for glass-bottom boat ride, snorkeling, scuba diving or simply go shopping at the local beachside markets.

The Zoological Museum

Cellular Jail

The top of the tower in the Cellular Jail

With the help of the local tour operators next day plan for a trip to Baratang, Limestone Cave and Mud volcano. We , a group of friends went with the 4 a.m convoy to pass through the jungle . While passing through this stretch make sure you remain alert as you will get to spot the tribal Jaroa people from your vehicle. You are not allowed to their photographs or interact with them in anyway. If triggered slightly they may just attack with their cross bows and arrows!

Vipers' Island

Different kinds of formations in the Limestone cave

Ross Island

A beautiful small village encountered while going to the Limestone caves

The limestone cave is situated a bit far to go where you have to cross a local village.  You will find yourself engrossed in studying the different structures and formations of stalactites, stalagmites and pillars as you hear the local guide explain it to you.
The mud volcano is a site where you will get to see semi-solid mud bubbling out of the few nozzles of a barren rocky mountain. It's not a massive one but a pleasurable sight nontheless.
The next day you keep for shopping and  and visit the only sea beach of Port Blair - Corbyn's cove. Its located in an idyllic curve of a mountain where you can relax or just chill out with options of speed boat rides, banana boat tides and other water sports.

Corbyn's Cove

Once you are in the Andaman don't forget to buy the local wooden handicrafts. They are excuisite and can be brought as beautiful showpieces for your house. Also, don't forget to have coconut water from any roadside vendor. They are enormous !!
Have a wonderful trip to soak in the blue sky and green seas.
Happy travelling !

Next : itenerary for Havelok and Neil Island 

Andaman

Andaman

It's best to stop talking and concentrate more on the majestic views that this place provides.
Will put up the whole itinerary and details in the coming post.

Our resort in Havelock

The wonder Beach of Neil

For taking the full advantage of the beautiful place book any resort that offers a sea side view. There are ample options available.

Sunrise at Neil Island

You get to see such transparent Jelly Fish throughout the sea beach

You are lucky if you stay at the Neil Island on a full moon night. I assure you, this would be the night that you will remember for the rest of your life. Best for honeymoon trips!!

The most beautiful night ever spent by me in Neil

Andaman

Andaman

In the month of April, I managed to squeeze out time to visit Andaman. Once, you visit  Andaman you are bound to get a new form of zeal and consciousness in your life. 

The Clock Tower in Port Blaire

The Corals as seen from above the sea

The breathtaking nature has endowed this islets with surplus of beauty. The azure sky, the crystal green water , white breezy beaches, the emerald green forests are a paradise for nature lovers.

The majestic Elephant Beach

On way to Limestone Cave in Baratang

Once you are in Andaman you'll be re-energised . The photographer in you is bound to go crazy with the amount of subjects found here.

The Sunset Point - Govindapur Beach

It's not possible to complete the blog about this trip at one single go. So, keep tuned.. more majestic pictures are coming ! 

Happy travelling ..