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.
Overview
Saddle Peak, at the ascent of 732m, is the highest point in the Bay of Bengal and overlooks the glorious coasts of North and Middle Andaman. Surrounded by Saddle Peak National Park, the trail is steep and 8 kilometres long. The abode of the highest peak in Andamans, wild flora and fauna, deciduous evergreen rainforests, and natural wonders, Saddle Peak National Park lies approximately 5 kilometres from Diglipur and 300 kilometres from Port Blair. Set up in the year 1979, the national park houses Andaman wild pig, hill myna, water monitor, dolphins, imperial pigeon, the saltwater crocodile, and several more. With an area of roughly 33 square miles, the national park runs north to south along the eastern coast of the North Andaman Island, bordering the sea, adjacent to a long-drawn rocky beach. The park experiences a humid, warm and wet tropical climate, also identified as typically oceanic.
Uninhabited by humans, tourists need to take permission from the Forest Department to be able to trek through this park. Herewith ensuring the safety and preservation of wildlife and the environment. After an 8-kilometre long trail to the peak from the entry gate, trekkers arrive at a vantage spot created at the top so that they can bask in the panoramic landscape. While taking a hike to the Saddle Peak, trekkers cross several huts and benches at close intervals to take short breaks to rest. There are three viewpoints on this trek, one offers a bird's eye view of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the second peak also called, "ice degree peak" is the coldest point, and the third peak presents a phenomenal view traversing Diglipur to Mayabunder. Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the archipelago lies in close vicinity to the Kalipur beach, Lamiya Bay Beach, Ramnagar Beach and the Twin Islands.
How to reach
Saddle Peak National Park is roughly 300 kilometres from Port Blair and 5 kilometres from Diglipur. Visitors can take a bus to Kalipur which is just 18 kilometres from Diglipur. From here, it hardly takes 10 minutes to reach Lamia Bay, which is the base of the Saddle Peak. Permits are issued from the Forest Department Office which lies opposite to the park entrance at the trailhead.
Offers
One of the most desirable places for botanists, nature and bird lovers, tourists can hike in this rain forest. Only day trip visits are allowed in this National Park, and one has to pay an entry fee and explore it from morning to evening. As of now, the camping facility is not there in this National Park. Visitors can discover various rare species of plants, reptiles, and birds. Hiking is the best way to explore this park for all ages of people. It is a secure park as you can find forest guards throughout this park and it's advisable to start your visit early in the morning and carry enough snacks and water as there is nothing available in Saddle peak National Park.
Wondering what to do on Saddle Peak National Park?
1. One of the most desirable places for botanists, nature and bird lovers, tourists can hike in this rain forest. Saddle Peak National Park houses Andaman wild pig, hill myna, water monitor, dolphins, imperial pigeon, the saltwater crocodile, and several more animals, along with a landscape that offers a freshwater pool, 10 perennial streams and 132 seasonal streams inside the Park.
2. Saddle Peak, at the ascent of 732m, is the highest point in the Bay of Bengal and overlooks the glorious coasts of North and Middle Andaman. Trekking and hiking are a popular activity with tourists. After an 8-kilometre long trail to the peak from the entry gate, trekkers arrive at a vantage spot created at the top so that they can bask in the panoramic landscape.
3. There are three viewpoints on this trek, one offers a bird's eye view of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the second peak also called, "ice degree peak" is the coldest point, and the third peak presents a phenomenal view traversing Diglipur to Mayabunder.
4. Visitors can expect to pass Kalpong, the only river of Andamans that flows through the forest and offers a refreshing freshwater stream where water is drinkable. Often trekkers stop for a while to wash their faces and catch some breath before continuing their hike.
Closing statement
Saddle Peak National Park houses a freshwater pool, which supplies water to Diglipur. Other than this, there are 10 perennial streams and 132 seasonal streams inside the Park. To maintain and preserve biodiversity, activities like development, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are strictly prohibited. The forest is lush green and offers opportunities like scaling the natural steps made by the roots of old trees.
Getting There: Make your way from Diglipur to Lamiya Beach. It marks the foothill of Saddle Peak, the highest peak of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Permits are issued from the Forest Department Office which lies opposite to the park entrance at the trailhead.
What to do: Trekking, Bird Watching, and spotting rare animals.
What not to miss: After an 8-kilometre long trail to the peak, trekkers arrive at a vantage spot created at the top so that they can bask in the panoramic landscape of North and Middle Andaman Islands.
Best time to visit: Saddle Peak National Park welcomes visitors throughout the year. The best time of the year to visit is between the months of November to March. The monsoons last from June to October and the biodiversity blooms at that time as well, though monsoons in Andamans are a bit harsh.
What to carry: Carry bottled water, sunglasses, cap/hat, comfortable clothing, and hiking shoes to enjoy the exploration. A camera to capture mesmerizing moments while trekking through the rainforest, and the bird-eye view of the archipelago.
Nearby Attractions: Lamiya Bay Beach, Kalipur Beach, Alfred Caves
Essential Info:
Medical Facilities in Saddle Peak National Park- There is no medical facility near the beach, the closest community Health Centre is at Diglipur, and the closest medical facility is the G.B.P Hospital at Port Blair offering a team of super-specialized Doctors in the various departments.
Timings- Saddle Peak can be visited anytime between Sunrise to sunset, thus 4 am to 5 pm is the best time to visit the national park to explore the national park wholeheartedly.
Mobile Connectivity- Mobile connectivity in Saddle Peak might not be up to one’s expectation, thus keeping aside all the worldly attachments to overlook the magnificence of the neighbouring islands from the top.
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