Pooja Hegde, popular South Indian actress, has been exploring the stunning landscapes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, recently. Known for its picturesque beauty, Andaman has captivated tourists with its diverse attractions.

Despite her travels, Pooja Hegde, who is passionate about fitness, didn't miss her workout routine. She took time, even in Andaman, to stay active, which she shared with her fans through social media. An avid lover of beaches, Pooja Hegde, often referred to as a 'beach baby', has been posting pictures from various beach destinations on Instagram, both within and outside India.

Andaman: A traveller's guide

Official information reveals that out of the 572 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, only 37 are inhabited. Within this number, only a few islands are accessible to tourists. Tribal islands are strictly off-limits. Travellers typically need about a week to explore the region, which is accessible by a two-hour flight from Chennai to Port Blair.

A visit to Kalapani, the cellular jail in Port Blair, is deeply moving. This complex, once comprising seven three-story barracks centred around a guard-room tower, now has only three barracks remaining. The prison's sharp construction enforced total isolation for its inmates, who were subjected to harsh conditions and forced labour. Visitors can learn about these grim realities through an evening audio-visual program, including a haunting glimpse of the execution room.

Formerly known as Rose Island, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island served as an administrative centre during British rule and remains preserved with historical buildings such as an old store, water plant, powerhouse, club, and church, surrounded by lush vegetation. Nearby, North Bay Island is renowned for its scuba diving opportunities.

Andaman boasts stunning beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Kala Pathar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Vijayanagar Beach, with Radhanagar Beach awarded the title of Best Beach in Asia. Bharatpur Beach offers ample shade and a cooling environment, while Laxmanpur 1Beach is famous for its sunset views and Laxmanpur 2 Beachfeatures the natural bridge visible only at low tide.

Travellers can explore the 300 km National Highway connecting Port Blair, Mayabunder, and Diglipur, with trips to Baratang involving a forest trek through Jarawa tribal lands, strictly regulated to protect both travellers and the tribe. The islands' unpredictable weather, especially during the rainy season, can affect travel, with occasional electricity and communication disruptions despite efforts to improve infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, reaching Andaman from Kolkata or Chennai by plane takes two to three hours, while sea travel from ports like Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Chennai offers a longer, four-day journey, weather permitting. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is now offering an affordable Andaman Package (SE-A12) that starts in Kochi on September 25, covering all major travel destinations in Andaman.