Tushnabad, a quiet village nestled amid the lush greens of the Andaman Islands, is where Vaishali Devi’s story began. Surrounded by the sound of waves and the soft hum of island life, she grew up observing nature in its truest form, unhurried, alive, and endlessly inspiring. Those early experiences shaped her eye for detail and her desire to tell stories through images.
Today, Vaishali stands among the most recognized travel photographers from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, celebrated for her ability to capture the region’s beauty and character with honesty. Her photographs, often described as both vivid and intimate, have earned her recognition from Andaman Tourism, IPNT, PBMC, and ANTO, along with a feature on Doordarshan. Yet, for Vaishali, her journey is less about fame and more about representing the place she calls home.
“Andaman made me fall in love with nature,” she says. “I always wanted to show people how beautiful this place is.”
Her tryst with photography began in 2019, when she was living in Campbell Bay. Armed with a basic camera, she started documenting the everyday life around her, children playing near the shore, fishermen returning at dawn, and sunsets that lingered over the horizon. She began posting her work online, not realizing that these simple moments would soon resonate with hundreds of people.
The encouragement she received from the community kept her going. What began as a hobby gradually turned into something deeper, a mission to present the Andamans beyond their postcard image. “People used to tell me that my photos had a different perspective,” she says. “Their words gave me confidence to keep exploring.”
Her defining moment came from an ordinary afternoon in Campbell Bay. Vaishali was out for a walk when she saw a group of children playing hide and seek. One boy, dressed in a girl’s frock, ran across the frame laughing, a sight that instantly reminded her of her own childhood. She captured the moment instinctively. That photograph went on to receive international recognition, marking a turning point in her career.
Vaishali’s photography reflects her connection with the land and its people. Her images are not just about scenery; they carry the texture of life in the islands, the lines on a fisherman’s face, the rhythm of the tides, the stillness of the mangroves after rain. “I want my photos to feel real,” she says. “The Andamans aren’t just beautiful, they have a soul.”
Her collaborations with Andaman Tourism have taken her across the archipelago, from the coral shores of Neil Island to the serene beaches of Radhanagar. Each journey brings new challenges. Travelling to remote areas often means unpredictable weather, long boat rides, and limited connectivity. But Vaishali embraces these difficulties as part of the experience. “The islands teach you patience,” she says. “Sometimes you wait hours for the right light, but when it comes, it feels worth it.”
Her growing presence on Instagram has also played a role in her journey. Through her posts, reels, and stories, Vaishali has built a space where she shares not only images but also the emotions behind them. Her followers often reach out with questions about the best times to visit or offbeat places to explore. “It’s nice to see people take an interest in the Andamans beyond the popular spots,” she says. “If my work can inspire even a few to see the islands differently, that’s enough.”
Despite the recognition, Vaishali remains deeply rooted in her community. Locals often welcome her camera with familiarity and pride. Fishermen, artisans, and children have all become part of her stories. “They know I’m one of them,” she says. “That trust is what makes every picture special.”
For young photographers across the islands, Vaishali’s story serves as quiet encouragement. Coming from a small village with limited resources, she has built a path through persistence and self-belief. “Don’t give up when things get hard,” she says. “Every failure teaches you something. I never thought photography would take me this far, but I believed in myself, which made all the difference.”
From the green fields of Tushnabad to international exhibitions, Vaishali Devi’s journey mirrors the spirit of the Andamans, steady, grounded, and full of life. Her lens doesn’t just capture the islands; it reflects a story of resilience and belonging that continues to inspire.
