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.
Is Port Blair worth visiting? If yes, then how many days should you spend there?
Travellers often think about these questions when they decide to travel to the Andaman Islands. We know that the best beaches are in Havelock Island, but Port Blair is known for its rich history. So, most of the people think should they skip it and head directly towards Havelock Island or spend some time there as well. We would recommend you to make up your mind to stay in the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for two days at least. Ultimately, apart from knowing about the historical events that this place has witnessed, you will also see a fair share of nature and beauty in Port Blair. Most importantly, you can witness an interesting phenomenon that occurs in an unusual place. You should definitely add it to your itinerary, but let us tell you in advance that it requires more time and money. But you should not miss it at any cost. It definitely deserves a place in your travel bucket list. So, what it is? Find out yourself…
Where to stay?
When in Port Blair, you would want to stay near a beach far away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Is that correct? The best part of staying in beachfront accommodations is that they are just a few minutes’ walk away from the beach that is surrounded by coconut trees. But let us tell you that such hotels are located in seclusion and also there is no market nearby in some cases.
What to see?
Cellular Jail
Port Blair is famous for the historic Cellular Jail that was built by the Britishers in ten years. It was constructed as solitary confinement for Indian political prisoners. This was the most dreaded and grueling colonial jail, which was also referred to as Kala Pani. It has witnessed the most atrocious punishments imposed on innumerable freedom fighters of India. Open to the public as a national memorial, you can see the whole place soaking in the misery and pain of the revolutionaries. You can climb the stairs, walk through the corridors, get inside the cells, and see the gallows where execution was done by hanging. You will get a glimpse of India’s struggle for freedom.
Timings and fees for Cellular Jail and Jail Museum (Open all days except national holidays)
09:00 am to 12:30 pm
01:30 pm to 04:45 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 30, Camera: Rs. 200, Video Camera: Rs. 1000, Film shooting per day with prior permission: Rs. 10000
Son-et-Lumiere (Sound and Light Show) at Cellular Jail
The show presents the saga of the heroic freedom struggle. The entry fee for kids is Rs. 25 and for adults, it is Rs. 50. You can choose any of the following timings to watch the one-hour show:
05:30 pm to 06:30 pm
06:45 pm to 07:45 pm
08:00 pm to 09:00 pm
09:15 pm to 10:15 pm
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
You can go there on the first evening of your trip. After a long day, all everyonewants is to take a leisurely stroll surrounded by peaceful beach vibes. One of the most famous beaches in Port Blair, people come here for boating, water scooters, and jet skiing as well. It is easily accessible, and you can spend hours here while relaxing, shopping and eating.
But let us tell you that this beach is nowhere near the pristine beaches of Havelock Island.
YOU CAN’T MISS THIS WHEN IN PORT BLAIR!!!
If you want to see something extraordinary, then don’t forget to include Barren Island in your travel itinerary. Located in the Andaman Sea, the Barren Volcano is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. Also, along a chain of volcanoes from Sumatra to Myanmar, this is the only active volcano. It is located nearly 138 kilometers from Port Blair. If it’s a lucky day and if you are also fortunate enough, then you can see the volcano erupting lava and ash. Its first eruption was recorded in 1787.
Getting there
If you are willing to have a sightseeing tour around the Island, then you can do so by renting boats/ferries. However, visitors are restricted to land ashore. A seaplane tour from Port Blair can also be opted to look around the island. Getting approval of the forest department and necessary permits is mandatory as this island comes under the restricted zone.
Best time to visit
Usually, November to February is considered the best time to visit this island. The weather is clear during these months giving a good possibility to see the island and the volcano.
Other places to see when in Port Blair
If you have more time, then you can visit these places as well:
If you are in the planning stage of your vacation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then contact Andaman Island Travels to make all your bookings. A well-known and trusted tour agency, it is located in Port Blair and is committed to help you in planning the holiday of your dreams as per your budget and requirements. Whether it is your accommodation, any adventure activity that you want to do, or hire a car, it will take care of all your needs in the best way possible.
Book Your Andaman Holidays With Our Travel Experts
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