Anchored in Adventure: Abhilash's Thrillophilia Review of an Andaman Escape
In the heart of conversation lies the blueprint for adventure.
That's exactly what happened during a dinner party we attended at a friend's place. I don't remember how, but the conversation turned to travel, and everyone started sharing their stories. One couple started talking about their recent trip to the Andaman Islands.
“You guys should plan a trip! The views are dreamy,” they said, showing us the scenic photos of beaches and coral reefs, each image outshined the one before it.
“Why not?” he replied. “We’ve been so caught up with work; an escape to the Andaman Islands sounds perfect.”
"We'd recommend booking with Thrillophilia, we booked our trip from them and our experience was unforgettable!" a friend suggested.
That night, upon reaching home, we started discussing the possibilities of our trip. Typically, we could have shelved the idea for a vacation, but the possibility of finishing our projects ahead of time changed our minds.
And just like that, our well-deserved vacation was no longer just a dream—it was a plan waiting to unfold.
Echoes of the Past
We didn't want to start our tour with a visit to a place that was crowded with tourists. So, I asked Deepika to include an activity that would allow us the time to sink into the ambiance of the destination.
She arranged a scenic paddle boat tour for us in the calm waters where we got a chance to admire the natural beauty of the island.
Once we had settled in, and absorbed enough of the stunning views around us...Who am I kidding? Nobody can have enough of the views at the Andaman Islands, it's just not possible.
Embracing the reality, we prepared ourselves for our next stop - The Cellular Jail.
“Look at how grand the architecture is! It looks incredible,” I said to my partner, who was in as much awe as I was.
“It feels as if I've been sent back to historic times,” she replied, with a serious expression on her face.
As we explored through the shadowy corridors of the prison, we found ourselves enveloped in its rich history. Each cell that we visited held a story of courage, and to be at the same place where once freedom fighters were held - felt unreal.
“I can't even imagine the sacrifices our heroes made for our independence,” I said, looking at a display that showcased information about their lives.
“It’s inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time,” she replied, nodding thoughtfully.
The Light and Sound Show in the evening was even better, as it narrated severe stories of struggle and resilience. The whole experience felt more emotional than we anticipated, and we left the place with a deeper sense of appreciation for the freedom we enjoyed.
Where Time Stands Still
At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move from hour to hour but from mood to moment - Sandy Gingras
I couldn't stop thinking about the quote when we visited Havelock Island. As we explored the crystal clear waters, we felt a unique blend of emotions - excitement and relaxation. That's the thing about such places, they make you feel things that you've never felt before.
When we reached Radhanagar Beach - my heart skipped a beat, its turquoise waters and golden sands were just perfect. It seemed as if it were a vacation scene from a movie.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this!” my partner exclaimed, looking at the view.
“Let’s go for a swim! What do you say?” I suggested getting rid of my shoes. We dove into the calm ocean, and the cool water felt super refreshing against the warm sun.
“Is this real? We’re really here!” I shouted, laughing as a wave knocked me off my feet.
“Only took us a few extra hours every day and a dinner party with friends!” she grinned.
After swimming for a while, we managed to find a quiet spot on the beach. Watching the sunset, I sighed in satisfaction, “I wish we could freeze this moment.”
“It'll always stay frozen in our memories,” she said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “And the photos we clicked, will always bring us back!”
From Coral Reefs to Kayak Races
During my conversation with Deepika, I felt the most excited about visiting Elephant Beach. She told us how the beach was extremely popular among travelers across the world for its water sports and marine life.
“This is going to be an epic adventure!” I announced while putting on my snorkeling gear.
“Don't even get me started about the aquatic life that we'll witness!” she replied, her eyes dazzling with excitement.
The moment we dived into the calm waters, a colorful world unfolded before our eyes - vibrant fish and stunning coral reefs were all around us.
“It’s like we’ve entered a huge aquarium!” she laughed, swimming closer to examine a Skipjack Tuna.
After snorkeling, we took a break, and sat on the beach for a while, with our hearts still racing.
“Let’s try exploring Andaman in a kayak next!” I suggested, and she nodded in agreement.
“I can easily beat you in a race to that tiny island!” She challenged me.
The competition was intense, and we splashed and laughed while paddling our way through the waves, rejoicing every moment.
Sunsets and Sentiments
We spent the last day of our vacation at Kalapathar Beach. I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery looked that day - the sun shining, the shimmering waters, and a flock of birds gliding across the horizon.
“Can we stay just a bit longer?” I asked my partner, dreamily admiring the views.
“I wish we could, but we have our whole lives to explore,” she said, with a hint of sadness in her voice.
“This trip will forever stay in my memories,” I said softly, leaning against her as we glided across the calm waters.
Read More: Thrillophilia Andaman Reviews