Amazing Andamans - Day 6

Ross Island, Lunch @ Fortune and Chidiya Tapoo

The day dawned and our prayers came true. The skies were the bluest seen ever and the Sun was shining – there was no sign of rain. The day was perfect for exploring and taking pictures. We soon gathered on the terrace for a breakfast and then caught up with the guys and then bid them farewell as they made their way back to civilization.

After breakfast, the gang of girls started out for our exploration. Hats donned and cameras charged we set off for our first destination, Ross Island - a tiny island off Port Blair that was a thriving town till recently. Set up by the British and then taken over by the Japanese. Remnants of the days gone by have been preserved and the island is now a tourist attraction. It’s very easy to imagine the British Saabs and Memsaabs living on this plush island. The layout is brilliant and the bakery on the island apparently made cakes and bread whose taste was to die for. Trust a foodie to find a bakery amongst ruins of a city on an island.  The pathways are well laid and give the island opulence. 

As we walk around the island, we come across the scene that is depicted on the back of a INR Twenty note. The scene has Mount Harriet in the background, the red and white lighthouse on Viper Island and the palm fronds in the background. Frantic attempts were immediately made to find a note to hold up against the image in front of us. That we were all suitably excited on finding this picture is an understatement.

The View on the Rs 20 Note

The church, though now in ruins, was beautiful with its tall steeples and huge windows. Situated on top of a hill, it gave a panoramic view of the island, with the beach in the background and the palatial bungalows in the front along with the other important buildings constructed to complete the town.

If only ruins could speak

Looking through... from ruins to towering palms and the vast expanse of the ocean beyond

As we climbed down the hill to the pristine beach, we realised the difference it was from the beaches we had encountered thus far. This one had little pools of water collected amongst the rocks that were spread across the water front. Access to the beach was only through a steep climb down. Then we walked back up and walked around the pond till we came to the saddest part of the island – the cemetery. The graves with detailed carvings that spoke of the people they sheltered when death came a calling. Mostly children and young lads, it was poignant to imagine them dying in a foreign land so far from their homes and families. What would have started as a dream adventure for most of them would have been so abruptly and rudely as a nightmare from hell.

Emerald Turquoise waters.... blue skies and palm fringed beaches... a perfect setting for our tryst with Ross Island

The Japanese bunkers though today a tourist attraction where tourists stand and pose for photographs, remind the islanders of a period of atrocities and a lot of hurt. While the British stayed on the island like the rulers they were, the Japanese carried out unnamed atrocities on the local people. While we just sat and absorbed the history the island had seen, we all had one thought – if only the ruins could speak, what stories they would have to share. Some good, some bad, some ugly – oh! But what stories they would be!

It was time to move on. We caught the ferry and made our way back to Port Blair and then went to the Fortune Hotel for some scrumptious lunch. It was heaven to eat some amazing food with a view to die for – the sea and the sky competing for increased blue quotients and streaming into the distance for as long as you could see, huge liners making their way into the harbour, tiny islands across the horizon and of course, our beloved Havelock in the distance.

The lovely view from the Fortune Resorts... our lunch escapade

Hunger sated and a huge discussion later, the four of us made our way to Chidiya Tapoo – a spot renowned for its spectacular sunsets. It’s a long drive and we made our way through some amazing landscapes – villages, dense forests, water fronts and high hills. We arrive just as the Sun began his descent into the sea and we quickly find a spot where we can see the view and let the magic take over. Unfortunately, the clouds begin to start playing spoil sport and the hide the sun from sight. We wait for a miracle but it’s just not one of those days. 

@ Chidiya Tapu.... The Sun never really obliged us.... but for a split second..... the sky did take on the most beautiful colour in the sky

Sunset done, the moon comes out to play and gives us some amazing sights it slips in and out of the clouds and the palm fronds. We start on our long trip back and then we see diamonds – the moonlight shimmering on the open sea greets us as we a turn a corner to reach the main road. The view was too beautiful to ignore and we pull up on the side of the road to just stand and admire another marvel of nature.

The Sun gave way to the Moon lit night

We reach back where a hot home cooked meal awaits and then it’s time to reminisce of the week that was. Each of us has our own special moments that have etched a niche in our minds and our memories. We soon say our good byes as the two of us prepare for our explorations for the next day when limestone caves, a mud volcano and lots more await us. The other two set off for home.

Our “Been There, Done That” Tip

·               Tour guides organize day trips to Ross & Viper islands. Tickets can be bought on the spot

·               There is very little shade cover at Ross island and only one stall that sells water, drinks and some  
         snacks. Be prepared

·               Fortune is one of the best properties on the island and the A La Carte menu is superlative.

·               Use a taxi to get around the island. Hire one for the day.