Island Stays & Humble Hearts We experienced the best of island hospitality, splitting our time between the luxurious Silver Sand properties—Silver Sand Beach Resort, Havelock and Silver Sand Sea Princess, Port Blair—and the elegant Sea Shell. Each stay was defined by the humility and helpfulness of the locals, whose warmth truly made the islands feel like home. The good thing was that the price of every activity or even a cab drive is fixed, so there's no need to hagle. The Highlight: Jolly Buoy Island A standout memory was our excursion to Jolly Buoy Island, a protected gem within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The Experience: Reaching it involves a drive to Wandoor Jetty, followed by a luxurious cruise ride that leads to crystal-clear waters. Exclusivity: It is open for only 6 months a year (typically November to April) to protect the corals, with a strict limit of 60 people per day via prior permit. The View: We witnessed the spectacular reefs through a glass-bottom boat, providing an incredible "coral viewing" experience before taking a serene dip in the untouched ocean. Work & Underwater Exploration We eventually headed back to Port Blair to accommodate my husband’s WFH schedule. While he was busy working, I took the opportunity to go for my third dive—a meditative and breathtaking experience beneath the waves. Closing Thoughts: Though we missed the tribal areas and Elephant Beach this time, we’ve happily saved those for our next visit. This trip was a powerful reminder that our India is extremely beautiful. From the emerald waters to the kind souls we met, it was a journey that made us incredibly proud to be Indian.