This article is written by Meenakshi Bhalla, a Businesswoman  and a travel writer, based in Mumbai, India.

A person gets used to being alone but break it just for a day and you have to get used to it again, all over from the beginning ~ R Bach

The Andamans

Isolated, untouched and far from the madding crowd…the beaches is where we spent our max time, clearly looking to escape the world- couldn’t have asked for a better haven. Beach view villas, sun shimmering off the waters, coconut trees swaying in the breeze. An eternal love affair with nature, where harmony was alive in larger than life size.

Radhanagar Beach

Laid back, not partying (other than  some few spontaneous one’s we chanced upon) Andaman n Nicobars are a world class eco friendly destination. Spread across 500 some islands dotted like a pearl neckpiece in the Bay of Bengal, showing off hilly green topography, crystal clear water and silvery sand beaches. Our flight reached us to Port Blair a cosmopolitan harbor town, where, we snorkeled and spotted coral reefs of Wandoor. The magic of nature is so alive and dancing in this part of the world, that it lures you, to come discover it more.

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This article is written by Tania Roy Chowdhury

My heart was full of joy when my husband Tanmoy told me that our package tour had been finalised. We were 40 members and our vacation was planned from May 10 to 24.

During the pre-trip preparation, for passport verification etc the authority had taken fingerprints of my three-year old daughter Pori on the relevant papers.

My daughter was surprised with this and used a nail polish remover to remove the finger spot. Seeing her innocence we all had a good laugh.

Our tour programme was divided into three days at Thailand, four days at Malaysia, four days at Singapore and one day at Port Blair on the way back to India. I want to share some colourful memories of the holiday from my diary.

Pattaya Coastline

On May 10, from Delhi our journey began for Bangkok- Pattaya. From Bangkok airport a luxury coach took us to Pattaya.

At Pattaya, Non Chung village, dolphin lagoon and elephant mela were the main attractions and children enjoyed thoroughly. Decorated elephants played football, drew, took banana from the kids and made a bow.

The dolphin lagoon was also a funny circus for the kids.

We also visited Corolla Island, a tourist spot. We enjoyed the famous Thai body massage, which is done in a scientific manner.

The KL twin tower, Malaysia

In Malaysia, we visited the KL twin tower, which is 250 ft high. The KL city was like a dreamland. In the evening we went to the shopping mall and bought many gifts and mementos including a typical Malaysian umbrella.

In Singapore, Universal Studio under the sea was a remarkable spot.

The historic Cellular Jail, Port Blair

On our way back we arrived at Port Blair and saw the historic Cellular Jail.

We enjoyed a lot everywhere because we had good hotel accommodations and everything was well planned by our tour operator. We came back with memories to cherish.

Tania Roy Chowdhury

18 Oct 2010

http://travel.hindustantimes.com/travelogues/memorable-trip-to-southeast-asia.php

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