OPEN SKY CIRCLES
ANDAMANS
NOV 22 - NOV 27 2024 (6 Days, 5 NIGHTS)
Mixed Gender
An educational, immersive, and adventurous retreat to offbeat Andamans
This retreat is for all misfits and rebels who want to experience the magic of Indian islands. Join us on a 6-day adventure retreat to Andaman islands with an intimate group of 8-12 people where unforgettable memories and bucket list experiences await.
Picture this scene..
You dive beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of coral reefs. The silence of the ocean envelops you, broken only by the rhythmic sound of your breathing. As you glide through the water, schools of colorful fish dart around you, and a graceful sea turtle swims by, its presence serene and timeless.
You stand barefoot on the soft sands of Neil island stretching your arms and legs as you warm up for beach yoga. The scent of the ocean mixes with the warm salt air, and you breathe deeply, feeling a sense of calm wash over you.
As night falls, you find yourself seated under the open sky at the historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair. The air is still, heavy with the weight of history, as the lights dim around you. Suddenly, the darkness is pierced by a beam of light, and the walls of the prison come alive with stories from the past. The voice of the narrator echoes through the silence, weaving tales of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience. The light and sound show transports you back in time, immersing you in the emotions of those who fought for freedom. Each flash of light and each haunting note leaves an indelible mark, making you a silent witness to the history that shaped a nation.
You sit under the shade of a palm tree, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Andaman Islands. The sound of the waves in the distance is a gentle reminder of the world outside, but here, in this moment, your focus is entirely on the blank canvas before you. The creative energy of the workshop flows through you, sparking ideas and insights that had been lying dormant, waiting for this moment to come alive.
You trek through the dense forests of Baratang Island, each step taking you deeper into the heart of the Andamans. As you approach the mud volcano, the ground beneath you begins to shift, the bubbling pools of mud coming into view. The sight is both eerie and fascinating, a reminder of the raw, untamed power of the earth.
You find yourself in a quiet room, surrounded by artifacts and maps of the Andaman Islands. But you are transported to the mysterious shores of North Sentinel Island, where the Sentinelese tribe has lived in isolation for thousands of years. The stories of their resilience, their deep connection to their land, and their fierce protection of their way of life stir a sense of awe within you.
Welcome to Andamans - and this is ONLY the beginning!
Your spirit soars with newfound freedom, then finds solace in the ocean. Days brim with adventure, pushing your limits and igniting your creativity. Evenings whisper secrets under a canopy of stars, fostering a deep connection with nature and newfound friends.
This isn't just a retreat, it's a rediscovery of your wild, vibrant self.
Tentative Itinerary
DAY 01: TRAVEL DAY
You arrive at Port Blair airport. We’ll arrange fixed-time transfers from the airport to the hotel. Rest and catch up on sleep. Check-in to a hotel near the airport.
Lunch on your own (as arrival timings might differ)
We’ll have a welcome session and small group activity in the evening once all the guests arrive.
Introductory session about Andamans and the remote tribes that live here.
Dinner
DAY 02: Explore OFFBEAT island paradise
Today, we explore an offbeat gem in the Andamans - Neil Island. From the moment you step onto its shores, you might feel like time itself has slowed down in this little paradise. This peaceful island is home to turquoise waters & powdery white sand beaches.
Breakfast at stay. Check-out from the hotel.
Ferry from Port Blair to Neil island including transfers to and from the hotel.
Check-in and lunch at the stay.
Mindfulness activity to be fully present in the moment and develop a deeper connection with your surroundings.
We go beach hopping in the Andamans and we watch the sunset from of these beautiful beaches.
Surprise Activity (We have an exciting surprise activity in every retreat). Each one is tailored to the location we are visiting and something special for our lovely guests.
Group activity & session on scuba diving by host to prepare yourself for the big day tomorrow.
Dinner
DAY 03: BUCKETLIST - CHECK
Today, we explore the underwater world teemed with corals and marine life. Whether you are trying out scuba diving for the first time or you want to explore more - Andamans offers some of the best diving sites in India with a visibility of 25m (which is INSANE!). It’s time to push yourself out of your comfort zone!
Breakfast at stay
Scuba diving close to Neil Island. Your Zindagi na milegi dubaara moment ;) This is suitable for both beginner and certified divers. You have to experience the underwater world for yourself to understand what it’s like. No amount of pictures, videos, or text will do justice to sense of awe you feel underwater!
Discover Scuba Diving or fun diving can be arranged. Scuba diving gear will be provided.
Lunch
Get your creative juices flowing at the Creativity workshop. We’ll provide all the art supplies required to make it happen. We always have a creative workshop in each of our retreats & it’s themed on the destination. it could be a painting workshop or something else that could help you tap into your creative side. But we promise, it’s going to be fun!
Session on marine animals
Group Activity followed by dinner
Get ready for a surge of adrenaline as you emerge to the surface after the dive
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying looking at the surface of the ocean itself, except that when you finally see what goes on underwater, you realize that you’ve been missing the whole point of the ocean.
- Dave Berry
DAY 04: A WALK BACK IN TIME
The capital of the Andamans isn’t just a vibrant getaway to the archipelago, it is home to Cellular Jail, a poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence. Today, we step back in time into the tales of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience.
Breakfast at stay
We head back in a ferry from Neil island to Port Blair. Transfers to and from the hotel included
Lunch
We go on a heritage walk in Port Blair and learn about the different facets of history linked to this capital town.
We visit Cellular Jail and wrap up the day with the amazing light and sound show that is truly a must for every Indian. It transports you back in time, immersing you in the emotions of our freedom fighters. Each flash of light and each haunting note leaves an indelible mark, making you a silent witness to the history that shaped a nation.
Dinner
DAY 05: DIFFERENT WORLDS
Today is all about exploring the different worlds through nature and within yourself.
Breakfast
We visit Baratang Island from Port Blair through a combination of land and water transfers (ferry). You might get a chance to encounter tribal people along the way.
Baratang island is home to mud volcano. As you approach the mud volcano, ground beneath you begins to shift, the bubbling pools of mud coming into view. The sight is both eerie and fascinating, a reminder of the raw, untamed power of the earth
Lunch
Head back to Port Blair from Baratang island
Before we wrap up all the activities, we pay homage to our mind, body, and spirit through evening Yoga Session followed by a mindfulness activity.
Farewell dinner to wrap the wonderful retreat and sum up all the beautiful experiences of the last 5 days
DAY 06: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
We bid farewell and go back to our respective cities
Breakfast
Check-out from stay and catch your flight back home
"We had brought in gifts of pots and pans, large quantities of coconuts, iron tools like hammers and long knives. We had also taken along with us three Onge men (another local tribe) to help us 'interpret' the Sentinelese speech and behavior.
T. N. Pandit
Indian anthropologist who made contact with the Sentinelese
Your Stay
We’ll be staying in premium 4-star and 3-star accommodations in Port Blair and Neil Island. The stays will be comfortable with AC, spacious rooms, and various amenities.
The stay will be arranged on a 2-sharing basis. We’ll assign roommates but feel free to let us know if you have any issues or need any changes. If you are traveling with friends, of course, you’ll be assigned a room with your friend :)
If you are looking for a single-occupancy stay, feel free to check with us.
What’s Included
Stay: 5 nights accommodation in 4-star and 3-star accommodations
Meals: 4 lunch and 5 dinners are included in the retreat costs. Only Day 1 lunch is not included.
Transport:
- All land transportation including airport transfers, hotel transfers, and harbor transfers are covered.
- Ferry transfers between Port Blair and Neil island, Port Blair and Baratang island are covered.
- Transport for beach hopping around Neil island
- Please note that all transfers are group transfers, not private transfers.
Activities:
- Scuba diving - 1 dive for beginners & 2 dives for certified divers
- Mud Volcano Trekking
- Creative Workshop
- Yoga session
- Mindfulness activity
- Knowledge sessions
- Ticket to Cellular Jail Light & sound show
- All entry tickets
All Port Fees and local guides are also covered.
Tips to local staff (at hotels, diving centers, boat staff, etc) are included as we want to make sure that the local people are compensated fairly.
All supplies related to scuba diving, creative workshops, yoga, and mindfulness exercises will be provided to you at appropriate times.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Visa Expenses (for non-Indians)
- Personal expenses like shopping, laundry, etc
- 1 lunch on the 1st day is not included in the retreat. Rest of the breakfasts, lunch, and dinner from Day 1 to Day 5 are included. Plus Day 6 breakfast.
- Any additional meals/snacks ordered at the stay. We request you to clear it directly with the hotel staff
- Any optional activities
- If you choose to opt for photos and videos during scuba diving, that needs to be paid separately to the dive center.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Beverages are not included in the meals.
- Any additional meals/snacks not mentioned above
- Any medical expenses
- Additional transfer required due to any emergency or arriving by flight that does not match with the majority of the group.
- Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as roadblocks, accidents & any medical evacuations
- Anything we haven’t mentioned above is not included in this retreat
✍️ Please Note
- The scuba diving activity mentioned above may be subject to change based on availability or things outside of our control like weather, ocean currents, etc. We’ll keep you informed about any changes that may arise.
- Since this is an adventure and experience-based retreat, we expect our participants to have a basic level of fitness to be able to enjoy the activities on offer.
- We’ll provide you with a medical form during the time of registration. We expect you to fill out the form honestly so that we can be better prepared in case of any emergencies. Please note that all the details will be confidential.
Early Bird (Till SEPTEMBER 30TH)
TYPE | COST | Deposit Amount | Balance Amount |
Full Retreat (5 nights, 6 days) for 1 person | Rs. 62,999/- Rs. 70,999/- | Rs. 31,499/- | Rs. 31,500/- |
Standard Retreat Cost (from 1st OCTOBER)
type | COST | Deposit Amount | Balance Amount |
Full Retreat (5 nights, 6 days) for 1 person | Rs. 64,999/- Rs. 70,999/- | Rs. 32,499/- | Rs. 32,500/- |
The above prices are for double occupancy. If you want a single occupancy, it would cost Rs. 15,700/- extra. Please let us know so that we can arrange for the same.
- Deposit Amount: We request you to pay 50% of the package cost as a deposit amount to confirm the booking.
- Balance amount: The remainder of package amount (50%) needs to be paid before the due date (22nd October 2024).
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your holiday anytime provided you notify Open Sky Circles in writing. The Deposit Amount is non-refundable. The balance amount is subject to refund. The following amount will be refunded on any cancellation:
- 15 days or more: 25% of the balance amount
- 1 - 14 days or no-show: 0% of the balance amount
And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, in dimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end
Pico Iyer
About Open Sky Circles
Our mission is to empower misfits to push their limits and deeply experience a place while giving back to the community with a group of amazing people.
Our vision is to build a world where everyone can embrace adventure and transform their lives through meaningful experiences, personal growth, and a deep connection with nature and cultures.
Your Hosts
Two woman travelers who live life on their terms despite what the society dictates.
They have a LOT more in common than their name so they came together to build a community for all the misfits who crave an open-minded community to foster deep and meaningful connections.
They are expert solo travelers and scuba divers who are well-versed in planning long complicated trips from end to end. They have been traveling for over 9 years each and explored 84 countries combined.
Raksha & Raksha
Raksha Rao
A Software Engineer who discovered a traveling heart in her 20s. She is a self-taught marketer and a brand builder. She considers herself a lifelong learner and hates small talk!
Raksha is a big fan of slow travel where you experience a new place like a local. She slow traveled in Europe for 3 months and Central Asia for 2.5 months.
Happily married to a rebel!
Countries Visited: 34 Countries
Raksha Nagaraj
A Product Manager, travel blogger, and entrepreneur based out of Sydney and Bengaluru. Raksha is an animal lover and dreams of owning an animal sanctuary one day.
She has visited all 7 continents, including Antarctica, the Southernmost continent. She has scuba dived in over 10 countries including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and between two continents in Iceland.
Countries Visited: 53
What Others Say About Us
I really loved the retreat and everything about it - the meticulous planning, dedicated involvement and supreme professionalism of the two Super-girls, the exclusive experiences that we got - river-rafting with the Kali river all to ourselves, the therapeutic painting session, yoga by the river, room with a beautiful view, mindfulness exercises in nature, sessions by experts on the species they have dedicated their lives to - hornbills and bees! Plus the nature walk and treks involved some physical activity that is the need of everyone, but seldom got in cities.
Avichal
There’s something so authentic and heartwarming about the way Raksha travels and shares her experience with others. Highly recommend.
Full credit to both the Raksha for introducing me to scuba diving. I am not into adventure - I might not trek but genuinely think I’ll come back and do scuba diving. It was nothing like I've seen before, and you have to see it to believe it. I don't think that photos would also do justice to it. The preparation before going underwater, and when you do - everything just goes in the background and it's just so much more calmer and peaceful. At the same time, there’s so much to see and experience. It didn’t feel like I spent 40 minutes underwater. The entire experience was special.
Ratna
If I have to describe my retreat in just two words, I would say it's soul satisfying. Every single thing that I did here - scuba diving, yoga sessions, the wellness journaling, everything was very well curated, very well thought of. And generally when we go on curated trips, it's all about like going to sightseeing places. This was more than that. We had different activities, but at the same time we had enough time to just relax, soak in the vibes of that place and just be ourselves. So I'm very thankful for that. I highly recommend Open Sky Circles and their amazing retreats!
Vandana
general faq’s
Why are the prices expensive?
Haha! We don’t think the prices are expensive. As per the package cost, you will be spending less than Rs. 12,000 per day per person. Most of the other travel companies to Andamans has a lot of exclusions including meals, transfers, water activities, etc which adds to the cost. This retreat is inclusive of activities like scuba diving which are not cheap. This is an all-inclusive retreat - stay, activities, and most meals are covered. Besides, retreats this kind are at least 2-3x the cost.
Which airport do I fly into?
You’ll most likely land at Veer Savarkar International Airport - the main international aiport in Andamans.
Can I arrive early? If yes, where do I stay before the tour starts?
Yes of course, you are welcome to arrive early before retreat starts or stay back after our retreat ends so that you can extend your personal travels. You can check with us regarding stay options and we can certainly provide you suggestions.
How many people are in the group?
We always host our retreats to an intimate group of 8-12 people so that we can help foster deep and meaningful connections. The group size is intentionally small and far more peaceful than the overcrowded 40-people group trips ;)
Can you book flights for us?
No, unfortunately, we won’t be able to accommodate it at the moment. We can certainly suggest flight timings so that it aligns with the rest of the group.
What locations are included in this Andamans retreat
We cover Port Blair and offbeat Neil island as part of this retreat.
Why isn’t Havelock included? I wanted to visit Radhanagar beach
We have intentionally not included Havelock islands as it’s always so crowded and it takes away from the magical experience that we have designed for this retreat. Radhanagar beach is also quite crowded and dirty - it’s just heartbreaking to see the fate of one of the most popular beaches of India. Don’t worry, we have some offbeat & pristine beaches in Neil island that you will LOVE!
What if I don’t want to participate in some of the activities mentioned above?
Of course! You are welcome to not take part in any of the above-mentioned activities if you choose not to. Unfortunately, we may not be able to provide compensation as it’s pre-booked.
What kind of meals are available?
We have an option for both meals - vegetarian and non-vegetarian food will be available. However, variety and flavours might vary - so be mentally prepared for it. We’ll check with you regarding your dietary preferences so that we can serve you better! Usually, it might be a combination of Indian and/or continental cuisine.
Are the turtle or shark sightings guaranteed?
We’ll be diving and snorkeling in the WILD OCEAN, it’s NOT a zoo. As with any wild animal, sighting can never be guaranteed.
What can I expect from this retreat?
This is NOT your run-of-the-mill Andamans sightseeing that any online tour operator provides. This is a premium retreat-style experience that’s thoughtfully designed to make sure you experience the best of what Andamans has to offer.
Can I choose single occupancy?
Yes, of course! We can arrange it if you don’t want to share a room with anyone. You can check with us regarding the cost.
Will Raksha & Raksha be present in the retreat?
Yes, all our retreats are personally hosted by us and both of us will be physically present. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.
Can I get my friend on this trip?
Yes, of course. You can ask your friend to join as well. But we don’t encourage big groups as this retreat is designed to meet new people.
Can I choose who my roommates are?
Same gender roommates will be assigned. If you are traveling with a friend, we’ll ensure that you get assigned the same room. Otherwise, we will be assigning the rooms as we see fit. If you are not happy with it, you are welcome to inform us.
What will be the weather like in Andamans
In November, rainfall recedes and the temperatures are quite pleasant - between 24°C and 30°C. December & January are the main tourist season in the Andamans. So we are hosting this retreat just before the peak season so that you can experience the magic of Andamans without the maddening crowd!
How much money do I need to carry for personal expenses?
Well, that totally depends on your personal preferences. Since this is an all-inclusive retreat we cover most of the expenses. You will need to take care of Day 1 lunch, extra meals or snacks, any drinks, personal shopping, and extra days if you are extending your stay. I
How much should I pack?
We always suggest to pack light - only what you can carry. Since it’s a tropical destination, pack light and airy clothes. Carry swimsuit which we need during scuba diving.
What type of bedding is available?
It could be either twin beds or double beds depending on the availability in the hotels. We will try to assign rooms based on your preferences but it might not always be possible. We hope you understand.
scuba diving faq’s
What is Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)?
The PADI DSD is a chance to try diving without committing to a full certification course. It’s an opportunity to try scuba diving to see if you enjoy it – or simply to tick it off your bucket list. Many divers start with the Discover Scuba Diving experience, fall in love with the underwater world, and go on to become certified divers!
Can I signup for scuba diving if I haven’t done it before?
Yes of course. We have first-timers diving with us on our retreats and we sign them up for DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) which is suited for first-time divers. We are not joking when we say that it’s an experience of a lifetime - you have to try it once to know what its like.
Will I be in a pool or diving in the ocean?
Yes, you will be diving in the ocean and witnessing the marine life and corals underwater. Don’t worry - you will be briefed about the entire process and you might even have a pool session before depending on the dive center.
Can I go scuba diving even if I don’t know how to swim?
You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer to take a DSD; however, you should feel comfortable in the water and be able to maintain yourself at the surface.
Can certified divers join the retreat?
Yes, of course. We can offer 2 dives instead of 1 if you are a PADI certified diver.
How long will I dive for?
This varies from person to person and depends on how quickly (or slowly) you breathe the air in your tank. It could be anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes.
Who will teach my DSD?
DSD experiences are conducted by PADI Instructors, PADI Pros undergo rigorous training and exams to ensure that they can safely accompany and teach those who are new to diving.
I have a pre-existing medical condition, can I still take part?
This depends on the nature of your condition. If you have a medical condition, or think that you may perhaps have one, you will need a doctor’s statement confirming you are medically fit to dive. You will fill out a medical questionnaire before the experience and, once completed, you will either be able to take part immediately or you may be required to provide a doctor’s statement based on your answers. You can check out the medical questionnaire in advance here.
Do I need to be physically fit to do a DSD?
You do not need to have an extreme level of fitness; however, you should have at least an average level of fitness and be physically capable.
Can a female who is menstruating take a DSD?
There is no physical reason why women who are menstruating can’t go scuba diving. We suggest you to use menstrual cups which is a secure and leak-free option.
How to Apply for the Retreat
In order to curate a like-minded group, we only accept applications on an invite-only basis.
2.
We’ll reach out to you to determine if it’s the right fit for our group.
3.
If yes, you pay the deposit amount to confirm your seat
Address
Headquarters: Bangalore, India
Contact
Phone: +919880993583, +916361169361
openskycircles@gmail.com
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Thank You
We are elated that you have shown interest in our unique retreat. Looks like you have good taste ;) We can’t wait to take you on our trips and show you the world! 🌎
