As island hopping is emerging as a new trend among travellers, what other place can one turn to in India if not the Andamans? Comprising over 300 islands, this archipelago boasts of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life. Having said that, decades of poaching and a rapid population increase have left the islands fragile — a reason why sustainability is a crucial aspect in tourism. This is where Tilar Siro, a property by CGH Earth set on Havelock island, stands out.
After a two-hour ferry ride from Port Blair, I checked into the property on a pleasant afternoon. Taking its eco-commitment seriously, Tilar Siro — meaning the land near the open sea, according to the Great Andamanese Tribe who named it ‘Thi-Lar-Siro’ — does not use single-use plastics, prepares food on order to avoid wastage, and ensures a significant green cover to minimise the environmental footprint on its surroundings. Diving in the Andamans| Photo Credit:Special Arrangement Anil Kumar, general manager of Tilar Siro, describes the property — which has 16 sea-facing rooms and eight garden cabins — as “functional” and “aesthetically good”.
“The place is not overly luxurious. Any other resort would have made this place a bustling cash cow with one bar counter here, a snack unit over here,” he says, pointing around the grove. Amidst the bustling tourist activity that characterises Havelock, finding solace in the serenity of a sunrise or sunset can sometimes prove chal.