Overview

One of India’s best diving experiences is scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. The activity involves swimming in completely silent seas past vibrant corals, fish with exquisite patterns, and seabed gardens. These beautiful islands are grouped together and feature silver coastlines hugged by playful ocean waves, making them ideal for divers. But if you dare to dive down in scuba diving, you’ll discover an entirely different universe that will astound and captivate you.

However, they should only be tried by certified divers, or by divers with some experience under a qualified instructor. You get the chance to investigate and uncover the enigmatic ocean environment and its colorful inhabitants while on your Andaman vacation package. Therefore, whether you are a novice, an expert, or somewhere in between, there are enough opportunities for you to practice the sport and even perfect it over time.

One of the most well-known locations for scuba diving in the Andaman is Havelock Island. With a depth range of 6 to 18 meters. 

Havelock Islands

The most popular diving location in Andaman is Havelock Island. The best diving in the Andaman Islands can be had at places like Barefoot Scuba. Your diving experience here will be the most unforgettable one, whether you are a pro or a novice. On Havelock Island, there are numerous locations that provide you with a wide range of diving sites.

These islands have diving places like the wall, Aquarium, Barracuda City, Seduction Point, Lighthouse, Turtle Bay, Pilot Reef, and more. Embark on a dive in this area to learn more about the many species and plants that live subaquatic.

Neil Island

While visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you can explore a number of attractive and well-known islands close to Port Blair. But few places compare to Neil Island’s charming, calming charm. Visitors choose this island because of its incredible biodiversity, white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, and tropical woodlands. This weekend vacation is ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of famous locations in the Andamans!

You can immediately sense this island’s laid-back charm when setting foot on it; it is located around 36 miles northeast of Port Blair. Additionally, the island is small, making a few days there the appropriate amount of time to spend there. Five kilometers or so is about how wide it is. If you start walking, it might only take you two hours or so to complete the island. It lacks tree cover because it is warmer than Havelock, a neighboring island.

This island boasts many spots where you may unwind or take it easy in the afternoon while gazing at the broad, azure sea and watching the sunset. Even if there aren’t many amenities and the beaches aren’t luxurious, this might be a joy in disguise.

Night Diving

It is true that you can explore the strange undersea world that resides below the ocean’s surface through scuba diving. Guys, now that you’ve heard of night diving, it’s time for you to enjoy the best that the Andaman Islands have to offer. A popular activity in the Andaman is night diving. Due to the darkness turning the depths into an entirely separate realm, night diving only serves to increase the mystery of this planet.

You can see some of the nicest underwater scenery at Lighthouse on Havelock Island, a sizable diving location. Observe a selection of the hard and soft coral varieties, as well as fascinating animals including lionfish, octopus, lobsters, and humpback parrotfish.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the best water sports that tourists may participate in at the Andaman Islands since they have the most diverse corals and abundant marine life. You can plunge into the shallow reef sections during this thrilling activity and take in the magnificent underwater coral structures and vibrant aquatic life. Snorkelers will find enough to explore in these islands’ underwater realm, but the greatest locations are those that are farther offshore and off the beaten path.

Among the best places to experience the best snorkeling in Andaman is Kalipur near Diglipur, North Andaman; Lalaji Beach; Long Island; Henry Lawrence; Aquarium; South Button or Swiftlet Rock; Elephant Beach; Middle Button; or Turtle Island.

Location: Elephant Island, Little Andaman, and Havelock

Cost: around INR 2,500 per person

Underwater Sea Walking

One of the most intriguing sights to see while visiting the Andaman Islands is the Underwater Sea Walk. For all non-divers, it is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To view the amazing marine life of the Andaman, visitors can take a safe and thrilling underwater stroll on the sea floor, which is around 6 to 7 meters deep.

The amazing flora, corals, and a variety of fish, all in their natural habitat. You are always accompanied by trained, experienced guides who ensure your optimum protection. A helmet with a clear visor is put on your head for this sport, and a specific device lets you to breathe normally underwater. It’s a lovely feeling to walk on the ocean floor; it’s similar to walking on the moon.

The place is Havelock Island.

Cost: around INR 1500 per person

Deep Diving

Although the majority of deep-diving excursions take place closer to 30+ meters, scuba diving is termed deep diving when the dive depth is at least 18 meters below the surface. Deep diving, in contrast to other types of diving, is focused on marine life, coral reefs, and long-lost pieces of sunken ships that are discovered deep underwater.

Discover some of the deep marine life that is not visible during a typical dive. One of the best things to do in Andaman is a deep diving, where you can go deep diving on Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Wandoor, among other places.

Bangalore to Ooty tour package

One of the most scenic locales is Ooty, one of the most stunning hill towns, with the Nilgiris as its backdrop. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the sight of lush green valleys, glittering waterfalls, and the aroma of coffee and tea create a special magic enchantment. Bangalore to Ooty Tour Package has always been a favorite location for tourists, both for photographers and for movie shooting. Local cuisine and culture are heavily influenced by the rich antique British influence as well. Make your road trip from Bangalore to Ooty a memorable one by visiting the stunning Ooty Lake and unwinding at the Rose and Botanical Garden.

Ideal Season to Visit

365 days a year. The usual summertime temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant season. Though colder than the rest of the region, the winters are incredibly lovely. The area experiences beautiful weather and new mist during the monsoon. It would be perfect to drive from Bangalore to Ooty at any time.

Getting There

Use your own vehicle or a self-driving vehicle. Online cab booking is available with a driver. You can get some truly amazing discounts and offers when you book online. Or ride a bicycle. The distance may be travelled in 6 to 7 hours and is simple to do on a bike. Buses from Bangalore are regularly offered by KSRTC and commercial bus companies. Ticket prices begin at Rs. 900. Get discounts when you purchase tickets online.

Route Choices

The Mysore-Masinagudi Route is Route 1

Bangalore, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya, Srirangapatna, Mysore, Nanjangud, Gundlupet, Masinagudi, and Ooty are among the places mentioned.

This is a well-traveled route from Bangalore to Ooty. On the NH 275 and 766, a distance of around 280 kilometres, it takes about 7 hours.

The Kanakapura-Kollegal Route is Route 2

Kanakapura, Shivanasamudra, Kollegal, Chamarajanagar, Masinagudi, and Ooty are among the cities.

This trip will cover 948 miles in 290 kilometres in around 7 hours.

The Salem-Coonoor Route is Route 3

Bangalore, Hosur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Avinashi, Coonoor, and Ooty are among the cities.

Another beautiful path to travel to Ooty is this one. Via NH 44, it takes about 8 to 9 hours longer. However, the scenery along the way is beautiful.

Activities in Ooty

Toy Train

The Nilgiri toy railway, which was made famous by the Bollywood and Tamil film industries, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On this 46 km toy train journey, take pleasure in the winding roads that pass through verdant green valleys, vast tea and coffee farms, stunning tunnels, and misty mountains. It was constructed by the British approximately a decade before Independence and runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This is a must-do if you’re planning a road journey from Bangalore to Ooty.

Botanical Gardens

The 55 hectare Ooty Botanical Garden is a huge garden with a wide variety of flora and wildlife that is a treat for visitors.

Whale’s Nose

At a height of 1550 metres, Dolphin’s Nose is located. Travelers can take a drive along winding roads, coffee and tea plantations, verdant valleys, and waterfalls to the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint. This is one of Ooty’s most distinctive vistas. Visit this location any time between 9 am and 6 pm when travelling from Bangalore to Ooty to see the picturesque views of the town.

Toda Huts

Travelers frequently arrange road trips from Bangalore to Ooty in order to see the locals’ simple way of life. One of the long-extinct native tribes of Ooty that resides in semi-barrel-shaped bamboo homes is the Todas. View these Toda cottages to get a sense of their straightforward way of life.

Doddabetta Peak

At 8606 feet, this location offers breathtaking views of the area. There is a telescope house where you may see the lush green Nilgiris from above.

Tea Museum

It should come as no surprise that a tea museum will be located in the Nilgiris, which has miles of lush valleys lined with tea plants. Take in the splendour of tea gardens while bringing some tea-related mementos home.

Places to Eat in Ooty

These eateries in Ooty substantiate George Bernard Shaw’s remark that there is no more real affection than a love of food.

You might not be able to stop at just one round of some businesses’ amazing homemade chocolates, strawberry chocolates, cakes and buns, and white chocolates.

Plantations of tea are likewise very well-known. Therefore, a hot cup of tea in the flavours of your choice can instantly revitalize your tired bones. Here is our list of some of the top eateries. Look them up!

• Italian vegetarian cafe called Sidewalk
• The South Indian, Chinese, and North Indian cuisine at Garden Restaurant
• Filtered coffee with ghee-roast dosa at Ooty Coffee House
• Cookies and chocolate Ooty from Kingstar Confectionery
• Chinese Shinkows
• Andhra Hyderabad Biryani House
• Mughlai, Continental, Italian, and Chinese kababs at Kabab Corner
• Asian, Continental, Italian, and Mughlai cuisine at Earl’s Secret

Kodachadri Trek

One of Karnataka’s most well-known trekking routes is Kodachadri, which is situated in the Shimoga district. The Kodachadri trip, located in the center of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, provides hikers with an adventure, charm, and memory that will last a lifetime.

With paddy fields, dense woodlands, gorgeous grasslands, and a waterfall that will leave you weak in the knees, Kodachadri Trek takes you through a charming village setting.

You also get to see a temple with a long history that is thought to have been constructed thousands of years ago, which adds to these experiences. Imagine going to a location that contains tales from the 7th AD in addition to the mythology! Famous theologian and philosopher Adi Shankara visited this location and meditated at the peak.

The western ghats walk in Karnataka is not one of those treks that is rich in stories and history.

Ideal Season for the Kodachadri Trek

One of the best treks in India that you must take soon is the Kodachadri Trek, which the government of Karnataka has designated a heritage monument. You must be aware of the ideal time to visit Karnataka if you want a soul-satisfying hiking trip. The optimum months to go on a trek are between September and January, say hikers who have already scaled the Kodachadr mountain top. During these months, you can experience the true grandeur of Kodachadr mountain peak, from the nice weather to the best flora and fauna.

The Kodachadri Trek itinerary

Regarding the itinerary, there are two ways to get there: one uses the trails to get to Karekatte, while the other uses the trails to go around and get to Marakuttaka. The earlier one is preferable for those who are not experienced hikers and need a simple trail to visit and explore the area.

The second one does have a few steep trails that are frequently challenging to travel. The Hidlumane falls are a part of the process, which are also incredibly beautiful but dangerous as well.

The vast majority of people advise travelling to Nagodi or Nittur and staying at one of the numerous homestay alternatives. This makes it much simpler for you to explore the area and complete the Kodachadri trek during the monsoon. Getting a guide for the journey is an excellent alternative if you’re riding the jeep and then walking the final 5 miles to get a handle on what’s going on around you. If you plan to complete the entire climb on foot, the guides are best.

What to Bring

• Soft copy of your voter ID or Aadhar (Mandatorily required for permits)
• To carry your essentials on the hike, use a small backpack.
• Energy Bank
• Cozy Layer
• 2 water bottles (1 litre each)
• Lunch To carry your packed lunch, use a Box & Spoon.
• Covers for raincoats and bags
• a cosy pair of trekking shoes with strong traction
• For lounging around the campsite, wear flip-flops.
• Portable chargers for your electronics A torch or headlamp for use at night
• a second set of clothes to change into after getting wet
• Pack your wet clothes in polybags.
• extra money for food

Information on the Kodachadri Trek

• Meal times will be precise, and the guide will notify you of them.
• To have a secure and enjoyable walk, pay attention to the instructions provided by the trek leader or teacher.
• Alcohol and other intoxicating substances cannot be consumed while on the Kodachadri trek.
• Before starting the hike, see a doctor. While trekking, have a first aid kit and some basic drugs.
• If they choose to use a jeep, participants are required to pay.
• If the walk or a specific activity cannot be completed for any reason, whether natural or personal, no refund will be handled.
• We discourage leaving trash at the nearby sites or campsites because the Kodachadri walking route passes through an environmentally friendly area.
• Trekkers must provide either a Covid negative report that isn’t more than 72 hours old OR a vaccination certificate for the Covid vaccine’s first dosage.

The Best of the Kodachadri Trek

View of Rolling Green Hills

The vastness of gorgeous, rolling hills covered in rich greenery is what makes Kodachadri Trek so famous. As far as the eye can see, the hills are clothed with a beautiful green canopy. The meadows with the Shola forest emerging, which are located at a height of 5,735 feet, are a sight you can see while on the Kodachadri hike.

Emerald green, Parakeet green, and Pine green are some of the various colours of green. The drama and theatre that cloud and mist combined with the vegetation creates is exciting to experience.

Waterfalls of Hidlumane

The Hidlumane Waterfalls are a cascade or a collection of seven waterfalls. A sight to marvel at and something you don’t get to witness on other treks is the gushing waterfall that you can view directly above your head.

You have to dip your feet or at least have your feet in the cold water that is gushing down.