It was our second day @ Havelock, Andamans. We have heard about Elephant Beach. There were two options, either we go by boat or we do trek ( which is supposed to be 3-4 KMs one side). We chose the second option obviously thinking that we would see the Elephants and Monitor lizards in the jungle and it would be a kind of Nature walk too.
Then started our Journey @ 8 AM. We were equipped with snorkeling gear, fins, Camera, Water bottles, bag containing some fruit, towels, etc.. We were accompanied by an Eco Tour Guide.. Sakshi and another fellow (Kokan) who knew the Jungle..
Initially it was fun as usual, going through the Jungle, seeing the greenery all around, seeing traces of elephant dungs, traces of Monitor Lizards, sounds of wood pecker.. Just sheer fun.
After walking around 2-3 KMs there was no sign of Elephant beach, we were in midst of Jungle and were not able to hear any voices from sea. We asked Kokan, Hey.. How much more? He said wait for some time.. Elephants have destroyed the trek path and He needs to find a new way and after 10-15 minutes he came back and said.. Sir I have found the new way. We were elated..
We stated walking on this new path, all covered by thick thorns and trees eaten by Red Ants. We walked for some 30 minutes and then I realized that we are doing circles on the same way and after 30 minutes we were back to place from where we stared. Now, It felt horrible. I strongly asked, Kokan Do you know the way? and again a confident voice, "Yes, I do. Elephants have destroyed the original way. Let me see where we are going wrong." We were relaxed by the confident voice. This was the time when we first sighted the Monitor Lizard. We were now worried. My wife asked me, " Are you sure that we are on Honeymoon?" I had no answers. :-(
Started on a new path and after a hour long walk we were no where near the Elephant Beach. We were tired, thirsty, bitten by Red Ants all over. We pleaded please land us outside this Jungle, somewhere near any damn shore. Its not like we were not able to walk but we were frustrated first not reaching the place where we wanted and these Red Ants were all over us.
We again started in the direction of Sun and reached a beach. I can not describe the feeling of reaching outside the Jungle after 4 long hours. Such was the beauty of the place that all our tiredness, soreness (of being bitten by Red Ants). I answered my wife, Welcome back to Honeymoon. We relaxed at this place for some 3-4 hours. This was a magnificent place, green blue waters, fallen trees and totally unexplored. Perfect for a romantic date for a honeymooner couple, Kokan and Sakshi have gone away to give us some private moments to cherish and share.
We started our Journey back and waded through knee deep Sea waters, Jungle, saw Rubber Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Neil's cove and finally back to barefoot in flat 2 hours.
That was a day that we talked about during our entire trip and way back and we still talk about it. It was beautiful, romantic and mesmerizing. Will always cherish this experience. :-)
Driving at an altitude of 18,380 feet can be really challenging, which one can never think of. My trip to Nubra Valley was disturbed by heavy snowfall and turbulent winds and it wasn't possible if our ever trained driver Tashi was not there. He was so trained, equipped and determined that one can ever imagine. So, We started our day around 8 AM and it was raining in Leh and as usual Tashi was on gate at time. He informed us that we should wait for another 30 mins and he will get the chains for tyres because he thought it might snow today at Khardungla top. We reached South Pullu in no time and drops were rain were converted to snow and the only one's enjoyinng out there were these yaks. Amidst all the snowfall and freezing breeze, these were the creatures standing as if its 20 degrees above zero. Now, We cleared the check post and saw a lot of people returning back because the drivers were not able to drive in snow. I myself saw the tyres skidding and the vehicle turning 90 degrees right. It was scary. Tashi got into the action and tied these huge chains on to the tyres and in no time we were moving up to a dream spot. The mighty Khardungla... We reached Khardungla in no time but alas!!! couldn't click over there due to heavy storm and snowfall. Indian Army didn't allow us to come out side of the car and they just shooed us away, ofcourse for our safety but we wanted to get down there. I requested and they agreed after much ado and we just enjoyed being on top and I didn't click just to enjoy the feeling and the moment. 
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