Scuba Diving-An Experience of a Lifetime

During our recent trip to Andaman, I was most looking forward to my first scuba diving experience.  Having never gone scuba diving before, we wondered if we would get nervous or claustrophobic 40-50 feet under water; but we wouldn’t know until we tried it.

On the day of the dive, we woke up early in the morning and headed over to the Havelock Island byn a Private Ferry from Port Blair. There were several people sitting out front chatting with each other & waiting for the Ferry to depart.The Ferry took 1.5 Hrs to reach havelock.After reaching We were greeted with a big smile and from Sam,A PADI Certified Instructor.He welcomed us into his scuba shop and gave us the run-down of what to expect for our first time scuba diving.  He partnered us up with two experienced divers to learn the basics & safety maneuvers in the shallow water before heading out to the nearby reef.

He Then accompanied us to Beach No. 2 which is approximately 10 min by boat from our dive centre At the dive site the  instructor allowed us to get comfortable while breathing with Scuba and then taught basic exercises in shallow water which will be used during our dive.

I Loved the Calmness of being Submerged,the Hypnotic Sound of my Breath and the Quiet Clicks of Fish Eating Coral.

TRIP TO ANDAMAN

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are unique. It is unlike any other place in India. The Islands are shrouded in the mystery for centuries because of their inaccessability. A paragon of beauty, these islands present a landscape of scenic and picturesque extravaganza, shimmering like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal
Long fabled among travellers for its legendary beaches, world-class diving and far-flung location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman Islands are still the ideal place to get away from it all.lovely opaque emerald waters are surrounded by primeval jungle and mangrove forest, and snow-white beaches that melt under flame-and-purple sunsets.The best season to visit these beautiful islands is from November to March.

Cellular Jail

Also known as Kaala Paani (black waters), the cellular jail is perhaps one of the most infamous remnants of India’s struggle for independence.The building comprised of 7 wings which were designed in a criss-cross pattern with its center being a tower used by the guards to keep a close watch on the prisoners.Andaman had been the location, where the convicts charged against the British regime were kept behind the bars. Therefore, Cellular Jail enfolds a great past under its realms. As a result, tourists, as well as enthusiasts, come to the Cellular Jail to witness the suffering that the freedom fighters had gone through.

The most famous prisoner to be held at the Cellular Jail was "Veer Savarkar". The Cellular jail was known for its infamous cruelty meted out to prisoners, made to toil under the extreme vagaries of nature without food and water alike, death for the prisoners was an easier option rather than a release or escape.
Torture was meted out to the Prisoners both physically and mentally, by making them to work for long hours on a hand driven oil extractor made of iron to extract coconut and mustard oil and mentally by meeting the prisoners with lashings and left in the open grounds of the prison and forcing the prisoners to watch the executions of their fellow mates.

CHIDIYATAPU

Chidiya Tapu, also known as "Sunset Point" and "Bird Island," is one of the best places to see the sunset in Port Blair, the main hub of the Andaman Islands.Chidiyatapu is a tiny fishing village situated at the southern most tip of South Andaman Island. It is about 25 km from Port Blair in Andaman District. The place is also famous for its 46 varieties of endemic birds, white spotted deer and seasonal orchids. This village has earned the name, Bird Island.

Chidiya Tapu has a trek of 2.5kms which leads to Munda Pathar. The view point is to die for. You have to climb the mountain and the view that opens up is surreal. It is also called "Suicide Point". There is a stand alone huge boulder which is joined by a very thin bridge from the mountain. Needless to say, it is barricaded and nobody should get into the act of a "Stuntman". The repercussions will be very serious - meeting with the Almighty !

The only beach near by the city, corbyn's cove gets its name due to its unique shape, being one of its kind in the country and is named after Corbyn Chaplain of Port Blair. The beach is flanked at the edges by Japanese Bunkers to remind visitors of the days of Japanese occupation of the island. The pristine sands and water make it an experience to remember for any visitor.

At a distance or 30 Kms form Port Blair is Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi National Park, the sanctuary of restricted Islands. The region is controlled by the Forest Department to protect the Marine Flora and Fauna from frequent human interference.A few of the Islands are open for visitors and entry for the same is regulated and requires prior permission from the forest department.

Best Places of Korea

Gyeongju is one of the most Popular Coastal City Situated in South Eastern Part of Korea.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a number of Sites and Monuments  of Exceptional Significance in the Development of Buddhist and Secular Architecture in Korea.

Anapji Pond in Gyeongju

King Munmu built Anapji Pond in 674 A.D. as a pleasure garden. He designed the pond so that one cannot view the entire pond at once. Only a small portion of the original palace remains. In 1975 when the pond was drained for repairs, workers found a wealth of treasures that had been underwater. The relics have been restored and many are on display at the National Museum, a short walk away. 

Bulguksa Temple near Gyeongju

Originally built in 528, Bulguksa Temple provides an excellent example of architecture from the Shilla Dynasty. Literally meaning Buddha Land, Bulguk-sa is set among the foothills of Toham Mountain, offering gorgeous views of fertile plains and the mythical mountain Namsan. The elevated compound is reached by climbing thirty-three stone stairs adorned with elaborate railings. Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, the temple compound houses a number of national treasures. It also contains a gift shop with many books in English and Japanese. Hours are: 7:00-18:30.

Bunhwang Temple in Gyeongju

This 3-story stone pagoda was built in 634 during the reign of Queen Seondok. Considering the total number of brick-shaped stones that have been recovered, scholars believe this pagoda must have originally been a seven or nine-story pagoda. Stone lions guard the pagoda which contained various beads, scissors, gold, silver needles, and a silver bowl with a lid.

Golgul Temple in Gyeongju

Golgul-sa (Rock Cave Temple) is a Buddhist compound built around the 6th century. The compound has twelve caves and remains Korea's only cave temple. A large Buddha and a series of narrow paths and tunnels are carved into the mountain, connecting the various caves and grottos. Although the paths have railings, people who suffer from vertigo or fear heights should not attempt to go to some areas.

In addition to the monks who live here, a large colony of chipmunks have also taken up residence. The temple is also famous for training in Sonmudo, a Zen martial art.

Gyeongju National Museum

Gyeongju National Museum is a short walk from Anapji Pond and houses over 80,000 relics from the Shilla Dynasty period. At any time 2,500 of them are on display. Spaced around the museum grounds are various relics recovered from excavations around the country. Pieces of statues, temple ornaments, bridges, stupas, and other monuments line the walkways. The trees along the walkways burst with cherry blossoms in the Spring and drop multicoloured leaves in the Fall.

Tumuli Park in Gyeongju

This park (known as Daeneungwon in Korean) has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period. The tombs are presumed to be those of kings and court officials. The dimensions of the tombs range in heights from less than 1 meter to 23 meters. Most of them are grass-covered earthen mounds, creating a spectacular scene which resembles a small mountain range. In spring and summer, the grass is vibrant green, and then turns golden in the fall and winter.

One notable tomb within Tumili Park is Cheonmachong tomb meaning "Heavenly Horse Tomb". Contrary to the impression the name gives, the tomb did not contain a horse. The name comes from a painting of a heavenly horse that was found during the tomb's excavation. This burial mound is 12.7 meters high and 47 meters in diameter. It is the only tomb which you can enter and appreciate the painting on the wall. Some of the artefacts found during the excavation are displayed here, although most are replicas of the original pieces that are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum

Underwater Tomb of King Munmu in Gyeongju

The Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.) is located off Bonggil Beach on a tiny rocky islet in East Sea. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect the Shilla Kingdom. The rocky island, about 200 meters in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the centre. At the bottom of the pool is a granite rock under which the cremated remains of King Munmu are supposedly buried. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in the autumn. The bus from Gyeongju city takes about 50 minutes. It is one of the only free attractions of Gyeongju and is open all year, 24 hours

This Blog has been Written for Korea Tourism Organisation.

Dare to travel with the Daredevils Contest

Skyscanner is giving a Chance to all Bloggers to Participate in "Dare to travel with the Daredevils Contest"  and win a Chance to Fly with the players of the Daredevils Team or get an opportunity to meet and greet the players at an exclusive event.

Everyone loves Travelling.Travelling is a beautiful mix of Adventure,relaxation,learning and Lots of Fun.Its a way to unwind from Hectic Schedule.But If it is not Planned properly,It can turn into nightmare specially for players when they travel away from home.They must feel comfortable and Happy when they get ready for the Big test.

Travel tips

 1)Planning Should be done in Advance.
2)Proper Sleep 

 It is important to take care of our Health when we are Travelling.

 1)Proper Diet Should be taken.
2)Alcohol Intake Should be limited
3)When we Fly across different time Zones ,the Differing amounts of light can change our Internal body clock which may cause Upset Stomach,Insomnia or Tiredness.So players must keep their body hydrated. 
4)Cabin air is extremely Dry sometimes reaching 5% humidity instead of the optimum level comfort of 5o percent.
5)Use and intensive hydrated face cream on the day of departure and moisturise your body thoroughly.

 During the Flight 

 1)Drink lots of Water.
2)Avoid Alcohol.

 Post Travel 

1)Take a longer Shower than Usual Just to feel more refreshed.

2)Don't eat Spicy or Oily Food.
3)Use Face Hydrating Mask

If Players follow all these tips,they will Surely not face any problem when they get ready for the big test against the Opposition on the Field.

 A true #DelhiDaredevil Fan # Delhite #ApneMundeRocks Skyscanner