Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
North Passage Island is situated between Strait Island immediately to its south (home to the last remnants of the Great Andamanese tribe), Guitar Island and Long Island immediately to the north. John Lawrence Island in Ritchie’s archipelago lies to its east across the channel and the expanse of Middle Andaman lies to the west. It has a very little history of habitation apart from random visits from different sects of the Great Andamanese Tribe. The Agriculture Department of Andaman Islands was given nearly 100 acres of land for the establishment of a coconut plantation. As much as 95 per cent of the landmass of North Passage Island is designated Reserve Forest.
There is a lovely beach called Merk Bay that fronts the coconut plantation and looks out towards Ritchie’s Archipelago. There are calm and sheltered waters between North Passage and Middle Andaman Islands. It is a pristine beach accessible from Long Island and is located on North Passage Island. The North Passage Island is very close to Strait Island that hosts the primitive Ongi tribe people. The dense mangrove forest covers one side of North Passage Island. Your boat stops at this part of the island. Here, it anchors itself near a wooden jetty. You are required to walk through this narrow wooden jetty and walk for a few kilometers through the mangrove forest. This path opens up to the beautiful Merk Bay Beach.
The water of Merk Bay Beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you are interested in doing snorkeling there, then make sure that you carry your own snorkeling gear. You can experience the rich underwater life here. It will not be wrong to say that Merk Bay offers an experience very similar or even better than Radhanagar Beach, which is located in Havelock Island. The major reason behind this is that Merk Bay Beach is visited by less than one per cent of the tourists who visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a result, pollution is very much controlled here. It is one of the most secluded beaches and popular for its untouched natural splendor. You are sure to get engulfed by its charm and its aura. ‘Extraordinary’ is the word for Merk Bay. For those who wish to take the route less travelled, we highly recommend you to visit North Passage Island.
What to expect while visiting North Passage Island?
Situated at a distance of 80 kilometers from the northern side of the Port Blair (the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands), North Passage Island stuns everyone with its incomparable beauty of scenic nature. The island is administered by the northern and middle Andaman. It is considered to uninhabited even with the frequent visit of adventurous people but that too in day time. While exploring the neighboring island such as North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman Islands, most of the travellers make a visit to North Passage Island as well. Moreover, you can also see workers in the forest department there. If you are in want of green carpet, then you will have to move a short distance to view the majestic coconut plantations situated at the backside of the Merk Bay Beach.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Merk Bay Beach is situated in the midst of the North Passage Island. The crystal clear water of the beach will tempt you to go for swimming. The soft sand beds will make you forget any other sun-kissed beaches that you may have seen. However, the beach is located in one of the least visited islands of the Andamans, but still, tourists visit there owing to an array of captivating adventurous activities. People from all across the world love to go for snorkeling and swimming in the shimmering cold waters of North Passage Island. Some of them try a hand in angling as well. Even though the island is uninhabited but still you will not feel bored as you can spot dolphins in large numbers. Such an experience is sure to marvel your heart and awake the curious child in you. You can have the best photographs here since the combination of sapphire and emerald environment turns out to be the best backdrop for capturing alluring images. Thus, carrying a camera while visiting North Passage Island is a must. Merk Bay Beach is located in this secluded island and therefore, only a few travel operators like Andaman Island Travels include the least visited places in their tour packages.
If you are a true nature lover and want the much-needed ‘me-time’ surrounded by nature out there, then there is a long list of things that you can do and see. Trust us, the list is more than just lazing around in the beaches, soaking in their natural beauty and appreciate the greenery. You can spend your day sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach is not less than a tiny piece of heaven. You can swim here and get a perfect tan along with complete peace of mind. It is a lovely place to sit and unwind on a bright sunny day.
Things to keep in mind while visiting North Passage Island
North Passage Island does not shelter a huge population. Therefore, there are no proper facilities for satiating hunger or relaxation. Carry as many snacks and water with you when you plan a trip to Merk Bay Beach. Also, there are no hotels or resorts on North Passage Island, hence you will be required to stay either in Port Blair or Havelock Island. There is no good mobile connectivity on the island and you will have to wait till you reach your hotel for surfing the internet. Littering plastic on the premises is strictly prohibited. The island is regarded as one of the cleanest places for spending holidays.
Nearby attractions
North Passage Island does not have a number of tourist spots. Thus, visitors have the choice of visiting the most famous Havelock Island as well. The island is known for its stupendous beauty as well as enthralling activities. There are a lot of water activities that travellers can try such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and also underwater sea walking for which the island is famous. You can also swim with elephants! You can move to Port Blair, the capital city, from Swaraj Dweep to unveil the historic reminiscences. Visiting the national monument, Cellular Jail (also known as Kala Pani) is highly recommended. Visit Diglipur Island if you want to capture the awesome image of turtles nesting. The island is the best place to view nesting of turtles. If you are a bird lover, then travel to Chidiya Tapu, which is known as a haven for bird watchers.
When to visit North Passage Island?
Irrespective of the season, the island is always oozing with its scintillating beauty. It enriches each and every traveller and tickles them with the soothing climate. However, visiting the island in the monsoon season is considered to be unfavourable for tourists. The winter and summer season would be the most perfect if you want to witness the enchanting beauty of the mesmerising island.
How to reach North Passage Island?
North Passage Island is 30 kilometers northeast of Havelock Island. You have to hire a private chartered boat from the Long Island jetty to reach the Merk Bay Beach. On a clear day, it takes an hour to reach there.
North Passage Island is situated at a short distance from the governing city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thus, frequent ferries are available. If you love travelling via water, then you can travel on the ferry from Port Blair to Long Island and from there to the North Passage Island. You can also reach the island via the bus plying from the capital city to Rangat Island and from there to Long Island. You should pick this option if you want to enjoy the beauty of the villages.
Are there any accommodations in North Passage Island?
There are no stay options on the island. You have to spend the night in Long Island. Merk Bay Beach and the island is for a day visit only.
If you crave sunny skies, white silky sand beaches, azure waters and swaying trees, then the Andaman Islands is the best travel destination for you in India. This full-fledges guide will help you in enjoying your tropical vacation to the country’s best-kept secret in the best way.
Situated on the shores of Bay Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their alluring charm and stupendous beauty of untouched nature that attract millions of tourists from all over the world. The remote island is famous among nature lovers as well as adrenaline junkies. The captivating aqua venture activities propel people to avail of tickets to the amusing island and explore its beauty. Home to various endangered species, the most fascinating factor about the Andaman Island is its clean surroundings and serene nature. It encompasses over 500 islands out of which only two per cent is considered to be inhabited. Most of the islands are uninhabited due to geographical conditions. Travel enthusiasts embark on their journey to the unexplored and uninhabited islands to appreciate the amusing beauty. One such island which is not explored by many is the North Passage Island.
Go for pre-wedding shoot in North Passage Island
A perfect blend of crystal clear water, scenic beach beauty, and awesome breathtaking views, North Passage Island offers the best location for an amazing photoshoot. No one can resist its dreamy backdrop displaying the beauty of silky white sand and azure waters. This union territory of India is a couple-friendly and honeymoon destination that is visited by newlyweds before and after getting married to share their love with each other and strengthen the bond even more.
Capturing memories with their soulmate when they are starting a new journey of their life is what every couple desires to do. But if you want to make this an incredible and once in a lifetime experience for both of you, then you can definitely go for a pre-wedding shoot in North Passage Island. Can anything ever beat the natural splendor of this island that comprises white land and blue water backdrop? Plan your pre-wedding shoot in this exotic island of Andamans to have the most fun-filled time of your life.
Oh God, this island is a paradise! It is beautiful beyond any words. It is like a huge, endless blanket of different shades of blue. The silence of the island will help you in concentrating on your inner voice. Such a secluded destination always makes up for a perfect place to rejuvenate and relax. The place can be visited by anyone- families, honeymoon couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Counted among the most intriguing places to explore you can ever find in India, the Andaman Islands are surrounded by miles and miles of sea. It is one of the best places in the country to perform a number of water sports and activities. Its clear blue waters are popular for unparalleled and awe-inspiring underwater diversity. However, the major part of the sea and habitats fall under the forest reserve, but still, there are a lot of locations available for adrenaline junkies like you who want to explore the deep depths of Bay of Bengal. Ranging from scuba diving to sailing, you can try a diverse range of water activities across its beaches. Its rich marine heritage is something that you should not miss at any cost during your visit to this lovely heaven on earth. The untouched Indian union territory is a storehouse of adventure sports for adventure lovers from all over the world. It offers different kinds of water activities that can be enjoyed by swimmers as well as non-swimmers. Famous among explorers owing to the multitude of water sports one can experience here, no one can get bored in the Andaman Islands.
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