440. Adventures in Andaman Part 5

Today was the last day of adventures as the next day we were flying back to our destinations. With discussions between Mr Pankaj and us, we drew the following itinerary.  First stop would be the Ross Island or the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, followed by a visit to the Anthropology Museum. Then lunch at a chaat place, the ad of which we had seen during the boat ride aboard the Nautika. Then onwards to Chidiya tapu and a visit to a ship finishing with dinner at our friend’s place.

Mr Pankaj came to pick us up in a car.  We went to a small jetty from where a small boat took us to a big boat.  We went on this boat to the Ross Island. This island was occupied by the British Colony during the pre-independence era and it was their Administrative Head Quarter until an earthquake rocked the islands in 1941, after which the British moved to Port Blair for settlement abandoning the Ross Island. The Japanese also had occupied Andamans in 1942 during World War II. The Japanese war bunkers and cannons still stand as a memorial on the island.

There were several deer here. Mr Pankaj had brought a bread packet with him for this purpose. He gave it to us to feed the deer.  We took a small buggy to travel to the end of the island.  There was a statue there and a lighthouse tower.  We were able to see ruins of different office spaces.  While coming back, we stopped to feed the deer there.  We then came back by the boat to the jetty and from there we went on the car to the anthropology museum.

Anthropological Museum highlights the informative and profound portrait of the island’s local community of tribes. These tribes are counted among one of the oldest in the world.  It is surely a delight to explore the life of Paleolithic Islanders there. Jarawa chest guard, shamanic sculptures, etc. are the major exhibits of the Anthropological Museum. Here, you can gain so much knowledge about the primordial eras of Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens, the Andamanese, and the Nicobarese.  There is also a special documentary screened there on the tribe and their way of life.

After visiting here, we went off to the chaat place for lunch. Had a nice lunch there.  Then we went off to Chidiya tapu. Chidiya Tapu, also known as the "Bird Island", is one of the most serene and scenic spots in the Andaman Islands. Located around 25 km from Port Blair, this peaceful destination is best known for its lush green mangroves, rich biodiversity, and stunning sunsets. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, sunset chasers, and anyone looking to spend some quiet time surrounded by natural beauty.

Chidiya Tapu, as the name suggests, is home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds. If you love birdwatching, you’ll enjoy spotting species like parakeets, drongos, sea eagles, and many more, chirping in their natural habitat. The calm and peaceful environment, with green hills in the background and the blue sea in front, creates a perfect setting for nature photography and relaxing walks.

There was a board here mentioning that crocodiles were sighted in the area and it was “recommended” that no one goes inside the water😊! We were able to see two crocs at a far distance away.  As the sea was calm, we were able to see that the object was not a log but only crocs.

One of the main highlights of Chidiya Tapu is the Sunset Point. During the evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple—making it one of the most breathtaking sunset views in the Andaman Islands.

While exploring the place, we got a call from our friend that the dinner at his house has now been preponed to 630pm from 730pm. We then left the place and headed to our guest house.  After a dress change, we then went to see a coast guard ship.  We had a full tour of the ship. From here we went to our friend’s place.  We were college mates and were in regular touch with each other.  Had a nice dinner there and spent time listening to his career exploits😊!  It was very enthralling! 

Same pose, no change in 37 years😊

We then came back to our guest house.  Next day, Sunil had an earlier flight, so he headed to airport earlier.  We had lunch in the guest house and then headed to the airport as our flight was in the afternoon.

Thus ended our adventures on Andaman.  Next time, a blog on my Hampi trip😊!

Adios till then!

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