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.
The base to explore most of the exotic sites of Andamans, Port Blair offers more than your usual capital does. Port Blair, the portal to all other islands of the archipelago, is connected to mainland India by air as well as sea. While the flight takes 2-3 hours to reach the airport, a ship takes 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty.
Port Blair lies approximately 1551 miles from New Delhi, 1417 miles from Mumbai, and 778 miles from Kolkata. Flights are the best way to reach Port Blair, as they are convenient and hassle-free. Veer Savarkar International Airport dwells about 2 kilometres south of Port Blair. Ship services frequent from Chennai, sailing 3-4 times every month. Sailing cuts down the cost significantly but at the expense of the time taken.
What's Noteworthy:
Getting to Other Islands:
Andaman Trunk Road connects Port Blair to Northern Andamans. Ferries frequent between Middle and Southern Andamans. While Government buses shuttle in the former route, government ferries commute in the latter. Though locals get preference in government transport, private transit and cruises cater to the tourists. Private ferries also deliver a promise of premium travel experience and are equipped for tourism.
Port Blair -> Neil Island
In lack of connectivity via roads, Port Blair and Neil Island connect via sea route through a govt ferry or private cruise.
Port Blair -> Havelock Island
Havelock is an isolated island and therefore remains detached to Port Blair physically via any road. The only way to commute is via ferry and cruise operating through the route daily.
Port Blair -> North Andamans (Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur)
Port Blair is well connected via Andamans Trunk Road to most of the North Andaman Islands. The route encompasses a bus journey along with the vehicle ferry to cover the distance faster.
Port Blair -> Jolly Buoy Island
One can obtain boat tickets and forest permit from the IP&T office and reach Wandoor Beach where the journey originates.
Port Blair -> North Bay Island
One can firstly reach the Water Sports Complex and then hire a boat to North Bay Island.
Getting Around:
What's Noteworthy:
From providing a smooth sailing entry into Andamans to being a comfortable base to explore most of the island's exotic sites, Port Blair is more than just the capital city. It is your one-stop introduction or gateway to Andamanese culture, lifestyle and of course, beauty. Whether a backpacker or a group of thrill-seeking friends, Andamans deem to be a haven for everyone seeking to elope from the monotonous 9 to 5 life. How to Reach Port Blair? Connected to mainland India by both air and sea, it takes 2-3 hours to reach Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport via flight, and 3–4 days to arrive at the jetty via sea. The capital city provides easy access to most of the must-do things on an Andamans itinerary.
Port Blair itself holds quite a lot for travellers, who mainly come here to go down the historical lane, for museum hopping, experience the glorious beaches, or to commence their journey into the rest of the archipelago. Port Blair welcomes all sorts of vacationers be it honeymooners, food and culture partisans, nature enthusiasts, party animals or serious backpackers. Tourist Attractions in Port Blair have something for everyone. The markets and streets of Port Blair can be quite impressive with a blend of hotels, restaurants, resorts, shops and more. Port Blair is fitting to set up base and then move on to explore the other things to do and places to visit in Andamans. Places to Visit in Port Blair are -
The highest point in South Andamans, Mount Harriet stands 1200 feet tall, 15 kilometres from Port Blair. The sightseeing spots in Port Blair - From tribes and their unique lifestyle to archives of the colonial history of the island; From information on the biodiversity of the island to its marine life, the museums here are a gateway to history and culture.
Out of the three beaches that the city houses, namely Carbyn's Cove Beach, Wandoor Beach, and Mundapahar Beach, Corbyn's Cove is the only beach where swimming is permissible. Cellular Jail is a national memorial of great historical significance for India and is the most prominent tourist spot in Andamans. Once used by the British for deporting political prisoners from India, it was then known as Kaalapani. The light and sound show display after sunset is a must-watch.
Corbyn's Cove beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the Andamans and is the hub for all water activity in Port Blair. Chidiya Tapu as the name signifies is a haven for bird-watchers and finds mention in the offbeat day-trips from Port Blair. Andamans is way up on the list when it comes to thinking of dream destinations for a beach holiday - even its the name is magical.
Port Blair is a tangle of winding streets that seem to lead everywhere and nowhere. In the early morning hours, when the tourist shops are closed, life in the town remains as it has for years. It is not difficult to imagine travellers combing its streets, looking for souvenirs and eateries. Blessed with the panoramic view of the beach, blazing sun, white sand and the sea, Port Blair lies exactly where a capital city should lie - in the heart of Andamans.
Do's :
- Take a copy of your tickets and permits with you at all times.
- Check the certification of the tour operator before booking.
- Carry sunscreen because the tropical sea wind along with the sun is harmful to the skin.
- Carry a waterproof bag to keep important documents.
- Contact tourist information centers on the islands for any assistance.
- While driving, Carry legal documents like a driving license, permit, and passport, and follow traffic rules.
- Do wear a helmet while riding two-wheeler motor vehicles.
- Swim in safe areas only. Consult lifeguards at the coast before entering the sea.
- Remember to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, comfortable footwear, a camera, and sunglasses.
- If you want to capture a photo/video in any tourist attraction, then obtain permission. All the tourist attractions spots will carry notice boards about approval.
- Use the dustbins for disposing of garbage. Help keep the Andaman Islands litter-free, please do not throw waste in parks, on beaches, into the sea, or public places.
- Carry essential documents like permits and driving licenses with you at all times while traveling in the Andaman Islands.
- Get necessary permits from the authorities for visiting the National Parks of the island.
- Be sensitive to the privacy and lifestyle of the local tribes.
- Avail the service of qualified Instructors having certification from international organizations (PADI, CMAS, NAUI) for a safe scuba diving session.
- Inform authorities if you notice any illegal/undesirable activity on the island.
- Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times.
Don'ts :
- Do not smoke in public areas.
- Plastic carry bags are prohibited in the Andaman Islands, kindly consider jute/ recycled bags for your comfort.
- The island is renowned for its flora and fauna. Do not hunt birds and animals on land or in the sea.
- Traveling to tribal reserves without a special pass is prohibited.
- Overnight Stays in forest areas or beaches are not allowed. We advise you to return before the sunset.
- Unless permitted, Camping on the islands and lighting bonfires on beaches or forests is a punishable offense.
- Breaking and touching a live coral is prohibited. Visitors are advised not to collect any dead coral as well.
- Please do not take pictures of the aboriginal tribes of Andaman or record their activities. It is a punishable crime under the Indian Penal Code.
- Do not swim when drunk, it is not safe, and there are massive repercussions against the offender.
- Nudity is not acceptable on all Andaman beaches and public areas.
- Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.
- Be very careful when visiting specific beaches where the crocodile sign is up. There have been some instances of people who ignored it and ended up getting attacked by the crocodile.
- Do not ride a bike or scooter without a helmet. The authorities in Andaman are strict about Road safety - both the rider and pillion must wear a helmet.
- Do not go snorkeling by yourself, especially in prohibited areas of the beaches on Andaman Island.
This question always crops up among tourists when they decide to travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The capital of the union territory is known for its rich history along with natural beauty. We would recommend you to make up your mind to stay in Port Blair 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.
Port Blair, the capital city, is the entryway to the rich expanse of beauty and serenity that the Andaman Islands have to offer. Here, you can visit various museums, explore flora and fauna along with the rich marine life, and take a stroll at Marina Park to enjoy the tropical breeze. When in Port Blair, you can walk past the Japanese bunkers, go for exciting water sports, see the island’s high peaks, and know about its rich culture and diversity. Spending a couple of days here is the cherry on the cake of your beach vacation.
The best time to visit Port Blair is between November and March. The monsoon season falls between June and September. However, you should expect light showers even during other seasons as well since it is a tropical island.
You can reach Port Blair via two ways—by air and by sea. Veer Savarkar International Airport, the only commercial airport of the Andaman Islands, is located in Port Blair. Direct flights to/from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore are available easily. Flights are faster and more comfortable. Thus, it is a preferred option. Ships are cheaper but general passenger ships are more troublesome. However, if you want to experience a voyage on the sea, then we recommend a ship journey. It is an unusual adventure in itself.
Commuting by local transport in Port Blair is very convenient. Roads are well-built and you will not get lost as every spot is just by the road. Moreover, the locals are also very helpful. You can carry a map or an offline map here as the internet doesn’t work properly here. Some of the recommended options for getting around Port Blair are as follows:
All other islands that are open to tourists are connected to Port Blair by land and sea. Transfers between islands are possible in the following four ways:
The majority of the tourists visit Port Blair as a port of transit to other islands but the capital city has so much to offer than it has been credited for. The place has it all ranging from historical museums to water sports. Include the below-mentioned places in your travel itinerary:
Port Blair is a hub of water adventure activities in Andaman Islands. You can try jet skiing, glass-bottom boating, and seaplane ride here. If you love doing adventurous activities, then Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the perfect place for enjoying different exciting water sports. Here, you will find paddleboats, rowboats, parasailing, speed boats, banana boats, and a lot more. The best time to visit the complex would be summers so that you can enjoy being in the water even more.
If you have got more time in hand, then you can also explore the following beaches and islands around Port Blair:
Some of the best hotels and resorts in Port Blair are mentioned below:
1-Star
2-Star
3-Star
4-Star
Whether you are on a budget trip or a luxurious vacation, properties in Port Blair cater to all requirements when it comes to accommodation. Depending on the tourist seasons, tariff varies between peak and low. It is highly recommended that you make your booking in advance as the prices may shoot up during peak season and the best places will get full.
There are a number of restaurants and food outlets in the capital town that cater to all kinds of tourists. Whether you are looking for a fine dining place or a pocket-friendly outlet that serves good food, you are sure to get here what you are looking for. Some of the highly recommended food outlets and restaurants in Port Blair along with their highlighting feature are as follows:
Network is a luxury in Port Blair, especially the internet. Only the BSNL network works here, and the internet is extremely slow. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels do provide WiFi facility but that is often disrupted. If you are thinking of buying a local number in the islands, then buy a BSNL sim card that will be easily available there.
Port Blair witnesses mainly three seasons—summer, tropical winter, and monsoon. Located in the Bay of Bengal, it experiences heavy winds during the monsoon and a tropical climate otherwise. The best weather can be enjoyed in the islands from early November to mid-May. The capital city is situated in a slightly elevated area, and thus experiences a little lower temperature as compared to the other islands.
Port Blair is a blend of various religions, cultures, and linguistic groups. Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil are the most commonly spoken languages here. English is less preferred. Getting around here is very easy if you know any of these languages.
