AMAZING ANDAMAN -Andaman Travel Guide Part 1
AMAZING ANDAMAN
Andaman Travel Guide Part
1
If you are one of them who love peace, breathtaking seashore views, heavenly crystal blue-white Beaches, most unhabituated tribes, Coral reef, Volcanic Caves and beautiful Islands everywhere, deep covering, sea walking along with other numerous experiences by living few days of life with the tribes, must-visit Andaman Nicobar Island. Looking at Waves for hours and hours is what a hustle and bustle life needs for rejuvenation. Every Island of Andaman speaks is different in its origin, culture and nature with fascinating creatures and human beings. Andaman and Nicobar are the cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean to experience the real natural beauty. The place is a significant attraction to tourists not only for its exotic coastal beaches but also for the rich Flora and Fauna.
What are the top places that come to your mind when we talk about the Andaman Islands? I am guessing, most likely – Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. And why not! They form the most visited route for a vacation in Andaman and Havelock and Neil Islands are truly beautiful. But do you know that the Andaman Islands comprises of about 300 islands with palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests, and about 10% of these islands are inhabited by humans. That means there are definitely more than two islands that you can explore and enjoy…..
A full proof Andaman travel guide is very essential to understand these splendid islands that have been inhabited for several thousand years now. The great Andamanese people have maintained their separate existence through the vast majority of this time, diversifying into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups. However, the islands welcome tourists every year who visit it from across the globe. The islands have a tropical climate.
If you are planning your Andaman Nicobar trip and searching which is the best way of traveling to Andaman and Nicobar Island then here, we bring you all the information required.
By Air
There are every day and week after week flights to Andaman Veer Savarkar International Airport which is on time. The closest and the main air terminal in Andaman and Nicobar Island are in Port Blair.
By Water
If you are planning to travel by sea then there are three ports in India where you can sail to Andaman: Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam / Vizag. Each of these ports has different timing and durations. If you are coming from a different place rather than this places than it will be a factor in cost. You can choose Chennai, Vishakhapatnam or Kolkata for your sea journey.
Essential Info about Andaman
Mobile Connectivity
BSNL, Vodafone, and Airtel are the only networks that work, BSNL taking the first place. Jio networks do not work at all. To be on the safer you can also buy an extra SIM. The places including Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach at Havelock, and Jolly Bouy at Port Blair have zero signal connectivity no matter whichever SIM you use.
Medical Facilities
Worry not, for Andaman has totally free and efficient health care facilities all over the islands. The prompt aids are available with speed boats to your rescue at any time of the emergency. Health care facilities include doctor’s assistance, medication from the pharmacy, hospitalizations, operation, and nursing.
ATM’s
Though there are a lot of ATMs available in Andaman, still keeping cash in hand is advisable. The network disturbance does not make the ATM too reliable to go cashless.
Best Time to Visit
When going for a trip to Andaman most of you might love to travel during the Peak season rather than the offseason. Here is the best Andaman tour guide that shall help you chose the best season to visit Andaman. Well to be true Andaman and Nicobar Island is all year round tourist destination where people can enjoy to their fullest. There are fluctuations in temperature and the climate might change at times. But if you still wish to know the best time then it’s during the month of Mid-September to March. Monsoons might be a little disappointing for you as there will be high tidal waves, incessant rainfalls, and strong winds. So it is always advisable to avoid the monsoon time while visiting Andaman.
Summers April to June: 24°c – 37°c
Monsoon May to September: 22°c – 35°c
Winter December to February: 20°c – 30°c
Languages
With rich topography and culture Andaman and Nicobar is home to a lot of tribes as well as a vast population. According to the Census of 2011 the total population was 379,944. The official language which is spoken in Andaman and Nicobar Island is Hindi and English. The dominant language is Bengali which is the most spoken language. Other languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Nicobarese are also spoken here.
Places to Visit in Port Blair
Cellular Jail:
Cellular Jail, the most prolific memory of Andaman for many, is the sole thing that comes to mind when most Indians hear the word ‘Andaman’. So, a visit to the cellular jail often happens to be the first and foremost agenda of people on these Islands.
The Cellular Jail does not need an introduction as it stays in all of our hearts as a national memorial. It remains as a silent witness of how the freedom fighters were imprisoned and tortured by the British. The Andaman Islands were used by the British to exile notorious criminals immediately after the First War of Independence. Earlier known as ‘Kalapani’, the Cellular Jail is located in the capital city of Port Blair. The jail was called Kalapani because all around the jail was the sea and hence no prisoner could ever hope to escape. The people in mainland India feared the Andaman Islands because once the people were shipped to the islands as prisoners they could never return to their homes, they were either killed or imprisoned for life. Hundreds of people were shipped to the island as prisoners and were tortured to death.
The construction of cellular jail began in the year 1896 and was completed in the year 1906. The bricks to build the jail were transported from Burma now renamed as Myanmar. It took a decade to complete the construction of this jail. The jail is very huge and intricately built with numerous cells. The prison initially had seven wings that spread out from the central watchtower, in seven different directions like that of a bicycle wheel. The watchtower housed the alarm bell and guardsmen kept a watch on the prisoners. After the many damages that occurred, there are just three wings that are intact at present. Each of the seven wings has three stories upon completion. There were a total of 696 cells in the jail with no dormitories; each cell was measured at 15×8 in size with a ventilator located at a height of 3 meters. The Jail was constructed in such a manner that the front of one wing faced the back of the other, hence, stopping any communications between the convicts.
There were several famous educated freedom fighters and political activists were retained as prisoners here. Few of them were Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi and Yogendra Shukla, etc. The people who were brought to the islands as prisoners were termed rebellious or notorious for fighting for their rights. They were imprisoned in this inhospitable jail that was close to the sea and the inmates had no chance for communication. The food served to the prisoners, contained bread filled with worms and the water served full of insects. There were no toilets and lights in the jail. The prisoners just received unbearable pain and physical torture. They were made to run oil mills if they failed to abide, merciless guards put them through great cruelty. The martyrs who were killed did not have proper burials or any final rites/rituals that could be done; they would just slide their corpse into the damp and dark trap room that connected to the sea.
Light & Sound Show in Cellular Jail
The Cellular Jail hosts a light and sound show in the evenings after the Jail tour. As the word goes – The Light and Sound Show here is a vocal and enlightening presentation of the heroic freedom struggle of India. You must not miss this amazing program that depicts the valiant struggles our freedom activists had gone through during the fight for independence. The program is beautifully displayed to the audience with great lighting and sounds. The chronicles of events that occurred in the islands are shown and are brought to you alive under the old peepal tree in the jail premises.
The Bollywood actor Late Shri Om Puri has voiced for this show. You will be left with the spirit and sense of patriotism after the show that will take you back to the past. Add this program to your list while you are at Port Blair as this show will tell you why this incredible island was once called Kalapani (black waters). It is a dark piece of the past that reminds us of the tortures and the agony faced by our freedom fighters. The light and sound show is something that shouldn’t be missed as it is amazing and gives you clarity of the events that happened here. Do visit this show in the evenings and indulge in the presentation of the heroic struggles of our freedom activists. We are sure you will get rooted a lot more to the patriotic part of yourself and learn more about the history of this Jail. The Cellular Jail is very popular and a must-visit destination at the islands. Movies were shot in this jail depicting the struggle of the freedom fighters. People are allowed to shoot short films in this jail after receiving proper permission.
A few things to know before visiting Cellular Jail:
- The entry fee for each Indian visitor is INR 30.
- Entry fee for each foreigner is INR 100.
- Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Light and Sound Show timing 6:00 p.m. (Hindi). Fares for Adults INR 150/- per head.
- Light and Sound Show timing 8:00 p.m. (English). Fares for Adults INR 100/- per head.
Online Light and Sound Show booking link:
SAMUDRIKA NAVAL MARINE MUSEUM
This museum has a wide collection of shells, fossils, corals and a few species of colorful fishes of the sea around the islands. It is run by the Indian Navy and has five galleries concerning the history, geography, marine life and the anthropology of the Andaman Island. The museum is open from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM and the entry closes at 04:00 PM, the museum is closed on Mondays and is located in Haddo.
FISHERIES MUSEUM
The fisheries museum hosts 350 species of marine life. It showcases specimens of various aquatic creatures from small fishes to big sharks and whales. A variety of shells, corals and skeletal remains of marine creatures are displayed at the museum. The remains and samples are preserved in glass and chemicals and it is advisable not to touch any of the items displayed in the museum. The museum is open from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM to 04:45 PM and the entry closes at 04:00 PM It is closed on all Mondays and is located near the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
ZONAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM
This anthropological center was established in the year 1975, it all about the life and culture and of the native Andaman tribes. The museum showcases the tools, clothes, handicrafts, art & crafts, pictures, and the other tribal items on display for the tourists. It gives the information about all the 6 tribes who have inhabited this island ages ago and how they still live with little or no contact with the rest of the world. Since there is not much exposure to the tribal areas of Andamans and if you want to know more about the Andaman tribes this is the perfect place to know about their lives and history. The museum timings are from 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 01:30 PM to 04:30 PM and the (entry closes at 04:00 PM) and it is kept closed on Mondays & Government holidays.
We strongly recommend you to visit these museums before exploring Andaman. These museums will help you a lot to understand heritage of Andaman and Nicobar Island, its rich marine biodiversity, flora and fauna. Usually tourists visit these museums after all the Andaman tour, and regret why I didn’t come here first.
CHIDIATAPU
Chidiyatapu is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Port Blair. This attraction is located in the southernmost tip of the South Andaman region. As the name itself states, Chidya-Tapu (meaning Bird Island) this place is home to a bunch of birds of different species and is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot migratory birds and the native birds of Andamans flying about in the skies beautifully.
Chidiyatapu is not only famous for the beautiful birds but also for the amazing trekking trail and the magnificent sunset view as well. The prime attractions here are the Chidiyatapu Biological Park, Mundapahad, and Chidiyatapu Beach. You will cross the Chidiyatapu Sunset views point first to reach the Chidiyatapu Biological Park and then finally reach the beautifully set up beach ideal for picnics and spending good cool time even during the sun is overhead. The trek to Mundapahad begins from the shore of Chidiyatapu beach. The trekking trail passes through the thick forest and a beautiful coastline to reach Mundapahad, explore and enjoy the wilderness of the jungle. You can spot different kinds of flora and fauna, scenic views do not miss out on all these details. Upon reaching Mundapahad, you will spot an elongated black cliff at the edge of Chidiyatapu and an open seascape on the other side. It is a spectacular view and this area is locally known as “the suicide point”.
How to reach Chidiyatapu from Port Blair?
Chidiyatapu is located 32 km away from the city and can be accessed via road by hiring a cab or a taxi. The tourists are advised to wear comfortable clothing and proper footwear for trekking and do not forget to carry sunscreens and insect repellent creams. Pack some snacks and drinking water in plenty along with you as there are no food stalls or hotels in this area. There is a small food stall near the entrance you can pick some refreshments from there if you prefer.
CORBYNS COVE
Corbyn’s Cove is a splendid beach embedded with beautiful palm trees along the shoreline. This is one of the most occupied beaches in Andamans and is located around 8 km away from the heart of Port Blair city. Being the closest beach to the city, Corbyn’s Cove attracts a huge crowd most of the time. This beautiful beach is a charmer irrespective of being crowded, the amazing blue waters on one side and the palm trees on the other is a visual treat! The drive to this beach is amazing as it offers a stunning view of the coastline and the greenery that surrounds it. The roads swirling through the mountainous landscape on one side and the combination of vast open sea seemingly touching the sky and an amazing touch of green thrown by the coconut trees on the other side makes it a very hard for the travelers to stop themselves from taking a pit stop on the way and getting out of the car to catch hold of some beautiful pictures of this place.
FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT CORBYN’S COVE BEACH
The beach has washrooms and changing room facilities for the visitors which are cleaned and maintained from time to time. Do not forget to carry your beach essentials such as sunscreens, shades, extra clothing, and swimsuits, etc. so that you can have a comfortable day at the beach.
HOW TO REACH CORBYNS COVE BEACH
Since Corbyn’s Cove Beach is not too far from the city it is easily accessible, you can rent a car to the beach and it takes about 20 minutes for you to reach the place. If you are looking for a romantic escape or seclusion then it is perfect to pay a visit to the Corbyn’s Cove. The whole experience on this beach occurs to be mesmerizing and beautiful. During weekends, musical shows are held by the local musicians who attract and engage the crowd.
RAJIV GANDHI WATER SPORTS COMPLEX
The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is located in the city of Port Blair and is the closest area for water sport activities in the city. This complex is approximately 2 km in size and it has a park as well for relaxation and other health/wellness activities such as jogging and yoga etc. The complex has two entrances one is the main entrance to the jetty and the other is in Marina Park. This place is suitable for all age groups and is ideal for families as it has a combination of various options such as water sports suitable for kids and adults play area for children, space for relaxing and jogging.
This complex holds the monument of the Battle of Aberdeen which was fought between the British and the people of Andamans in 1859. Also, there is a statue of Rajiv Gandhi in the middle of the two pathways. This complex is the ferry point to head towards North Bay Coral Island and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (Ross) Island. You can enter through the main gate and take a walk to the jetty for boarding the boats. The Ross Island can be sighted from the complex as it is pretty close by.
The manner in which the complex is constructed is great for taking casual walks or jogging. The view of the open sea space is amazing while relaxing or taking a walk and do not mistake it for a beach. Visitors can grab some snacks from the small shops around and spend some quality time with their family in this seaside park surrounded by lush greenery. The best time to visit this complex cum park is after 3 PM when the sun hides away and the weather is cool for the visitors to go around and enjoy the place.
WATER ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BE DONE AT THIS COMPLEX
JET SKI
It is an adventurous water ride that is done with a mini jet-like vehicle that gives the rider a feeling of riding a bike on water. Go and experience jet skiing among the waves as it is an amazing activity that must be tried. Tourists aged 10 to 55 can take this ride.
- SPEED BOAT RIDE
These speed boat rides offer the most thrilling experiences of all time. These adventurous rides take on the fierce waters on a super-fast speed which is awesome and feel the sea breeze on your face as you enjoy this amazing ride. Tourists aged 10 to 55 can take this ride.
- BANANA BOAT RIDES
These rides are taken on a banana-shaped air-inflated boat that is tied to a speed boat. Six people can take this ride at once; the riders will be seated on the boats with the lifejackets on. Once the ride starts and the speed boat starts moving across the sea, the boat flips and throws the riders into the water and the rides try to get on to the boat again and this continues till the end of the trip. Tourists aged 10 to 55 can take this ride.
- SEMI SUBMARINE CORAL SAFARI
The Semi Submarine Coral Safari is one of a kind and is available only the North Bay Island. It is designed in such a way that the tourists can get to experience the underwater wonders through the glass fitted windows and it can hold up to 100 passengers on a single trip. This semi-submarine moves into the deep sea areas that are untouched and undisturbed which displays the most beautiful corals and diverse marine species. This ride is suitable for children and senior citizens as it is safe and comfortable.
PLACES THAT CAN BE SEEN ON A DAY TRIP FROM PORT BLAIR
ROSS ISLAND
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island- popularly and formerly known as Ross Island is situated in the South Andamans. The Island is just a few miles away from Port Blair and can be accessed by boats from Port Blair.
This island was occupied by the British Colony during the pre-independence era and it was their Administrative Head Quarter until an earthquake rocked the islands in 1941, after which the British moved to Port Blair for settlement abandoning the Ross Island. The Japanese also had occupied Andamans in 1942 during World War II. The Japanese war bunkers and cannons still stand as a memorial on the island.
This elegant island which was deserted let nature take its toll slowly but steadily as banyan trees engulfed the buildings thus replacing the structures created by man. The Indian Navy has rebuilt some of the buildings like the bakery and local stores, where souvenirs are sold. At present, the Ross Island stands as a place of historical ruins and importance.
The British had built various structures back then which were rebuilt and are open for tourists. The island is well organized with barricades, pathways and proper signboards for directions. This charming little island gives you a feeling of nostalgia as you enter and it takes you back in time. The island is sure to get its visitors spellbound by its incredible ruins and work of nature on these abandoned buildings is remarkable and is a pleasure to history and nature buffs. Do not miss a visit to this quaint island as it is a different experience on the whole.
Ross Island has very few amenities to offer the tourists. Drinking water and other refreshments are to be bought by the tourists as there is just one shop operated by the government and it only provides lunch. The tourists always have the option of taking lunch from North Bay Island which is the next destination they will visit after completing this trip. Plenty of coconut water is available on the island and it is advisable to carry water bottles always.
The island has a good population of deer, who are accustomed to seeing humans. Please avoid feeding the deer let nature grow and live on its own without human intervention as this is a policy followed in the Andaman Island. You can click some wonderful pictures of the historical places, birds and the beautiful scenery the island has to offer. Accommodation is not available on the island as night stay is prohibited here. The visitors are to exit the island on completing the trip and stay at Port Blair.
NORTH BAY ISLAND
The North Bay Island also known as the Coral Island is a beautiful beach island not far from Port Blair; it is surrounded by a wonderful beach known for its underwater coral reserves and a variety of fishes which makes it an essence of natural marine beauty and a perfect spot for underwater activities.
Today, there is hardly any traveler who doesn’t include North Bay is their itinerary.
The bright and colorful coral reef is indeed a great sight! It has one of the most widespread collections of coral stretches in the sea. The Island is mostly famous for the activities that are conducted there. The island is also one of the most visited places in the Andaman.
The North Bay Island is the hotspot for water sports in the entire Andaman Islands. The North Bay Island is just an hour away from Port Blair. North Bay can be visited from the Rajiv Gandhi Water sports complex. This Island is preferred by tourists of all kinds for taking the water sports and activities. Proper changing rooms and washrooms are available here. Food stalls are also present at North Bay where one can eat during the day. For any of the activities that you avail, you will be instructed about various safety aspects before starting the activity. Make sure you pay attention to the instructor. While staying underwater do not touch the corals or the fishes around you and always follow what your instructor has to say. What makes this island an ideal spot for all groups of travelers is the versatility it offers to people looking for some relaxation or an adventure junkie who wants to try the thrilling activities or someone who just wants to admire nature North Bay Island is the perfect spot for them! It gives its visitors a bit of both adventure and leisure which will not bore them.
There are no accommodations at North Bay Islands. There are shacks & food joints here that provide decent food/ snacks & beverages. Changing and washroom facilities are also available here. After completing all the activities and the visit, the tourists are supposed to exit the island latest by 3 PM and stay the night at Port Blair.
HOW TO BOOK TICKETS FOR NORTH BAY ISLAND
The tickets to North Bay Island can be purchased directly at the Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex by standing in a queue or your Island expert can book it on your behalf.
People planning to visit North Bay generally cover it as “a day-long Island Hopping trip” that covers two most popular islands- North Bay Coral Island together with Ross Island.
For pre-booking, you have to ask your tour operator to book the tickets for you. If you plan to book a ticket after reaching Andaman then there is a possibility of the tickets getting sold out. If all the tickets for that day are already booked, you’ll have to either arrange a chartered boat or wait for the next day.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THESE THINGS WHEN TRAVELLING TO NORTH BAY
- If the weather at the island is not pleasant scuba diving and snorkeling can be avoided because the visibility of the reef will not be at its best during such conditions.
- In case of bad weather, the trip might get canceled.
- Moderate rains will not hamper the trip; well, the island looks much more beautiful when it drizzles.
- In the case of rains, necessary arrangements for shelter are provided.
- Elders and children who are not comfortable with the underwater activities can avail the Andaman Dolphin Glass Boat or The Coral Safari Semi Submarine ride, Which enables you to see all that lies beneath the vast open sea without getting into your fear of water.
JOLLY BUOY ISLAND
Jolly Bouy Island is one among the most visited destinations in the Andaman Islands. Jolly Bouy Island offers amazing coral reef. The reef at Jolly Bouy Island is something that you will not easily experience in any other parts of the islands. The reef and the coral life are amazing in Jolly Bouy. Jolly Bouy Island comes under the Mahatma Gandhi marine national park. You will need permit and tickets to visit this island. Prior booking is a must for Jolly Bouy Island trip.
HOW TO REACH JOLLY BOUY ISLAND
To reach Jolly Bouy first you need to reach Wandoor jetty which is 30 Km from Port Blair. From Wandoor jetty, the boat leaves to Jolly Bouy. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Jolly Bouy from Wandoor Jetty in a boat. Once you are in Jolly Bouy Island you must avail Glass Bottom boat ride by paying extra. This is usually not included in the ticket cost; however, you need to avail this once you reach Jolly Bouy. The cost of the boat ride varies on time. Some rides are for 15 minutes, some for 30 minutes, and some for 1 Hour. We personally recommend you to go with the longest duration one.
TIMINGS TO VISIT JOLLY BOUY
The route to Jolly Bouy is the same for visiting Red Skin Island also. Both Jolly buoy and Red skin are located at Mahatma Gandhi National park. The normal time leaving for Jolly Buoy Island at Wandoor beach is between 8 AM to 9.00 AM. Make sure to reach Wandoor beach by 8.00 am. All the ships leave at the same time and come back together. Jollybuoy is a No Plastic zone. Before leaving for Jolly buoy Island, people have to submit all plastic items at Wandoor beach jetty just before the entrance. You are not allowed to carry any plastic bottles to Jolly Bouy Island.
Visitors can enjoy the underwater coral view through a glass-bottom boat. As a standard trip, while getting down from the ship and transferring to the island through small boats, visitors will be taken through a ride and will be shown these underwater corals through glass bottom, snorkeling is usually included in this trip, though this is only for a very short duration (1 to 2 minutes). People willing to see more of these can hire a boat independently and enjoy. Additional amount has to be paid for each ride for 30 to 60 minutes.
Visitors can enjoy the Island up to 2.00pm and the return journey starts around 2.00 or 2.30pm. Jolly buoy and Red Skin Island are opened for 6 months alternatively in a year to protect live corals. Before planning your Andaman & Nicobar trip, make sure that Jolly buoy island is open for visitors (if you are planning to see this island). When the Jolly buoy island is closed for visitors, usually Red Skin Island will be opened for visitors.
1 Comment
Dipmala Das · at
Informative writeup. Thanks a lot. I am planning my Andaman trip. Is Andaman open for tourists ? Any new rules and regulation regarding covid 19 ?