Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide: by Thrillophilia Adventure Tours PVT LTD

Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide
By Thrillophilia Adventure Tours Pvt Ltd
Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide Thrillophilia Adventure Tours Pvt Ltd (C) Copyright (09-09-2009) All Rights Reserved
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Summary
Andaman & Nicobar is a cluster of 572 small and large islands, islets and rocks lying in the South Eastern Part of the Bay of Bengal. The coastline of the islands stretches for about 100 km and dense forest stretches all across the island. Islands occupy about 8,293 square kilometers. The capital city is Port Blair. Since pre-historic times, these islands have been home to aboriginal tribes. Although the first settlement by the British took place in 1789, their rule ended in 1976. The second settlement; a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, the year after the First War of Indian Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, some criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well as exservicemen. On 26 December 2004 the coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were devastated by a 10 meter high tsunami following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Approximately 5,930 people were believed to have been killed on the Nicobar and Andaman Islands during the disaster. One of the worst affected islands was Katchal and Indira Point, the southernmost point of India, which got submerged under the ocean. The people who dwell here are descendants of the prisoners put in from other parts of India, the refugees who settled down from countries like Bangladesh, Burma and Srilanka and Government officials and army personnel. The people in the islands speak many languages. This tranquil place is famous as a tourist place due to its white sand beaches and blue waters.
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General Information:
Climate Summer - 31 C (Max) & 28 C (Min) Winter - 24 C (Max) & 21 C (Min) Monsoon - May to December; 31 C maximum temperature Clothing Cotton will be best suited for the sea side. It is also advisable to carry a raincoat. Modern clothes like jeans, tees and other casuals which are comfortable would be perfect to carry on the trip.
Permissions required Foreign nationals need prior permission to visit these islands. If required, the permit can be extended for 15 days more with permission from the immigration counter at Port Blair Airport or Harbor. Tips/Precautions/Advice Follow the Rules Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is still in development stages. So to keep the fragile eco system safe, many restrictions have been imposed in certain areas. There are mandatory rules that are to be followed by all tourists to these wonder islands. Make sure you are aware of all the rules and regulations on Andaman and Nicobar islands to ensure an enjoyable vacation.
Dos Indian nationals on the other hand need no permit to visit Andamans, if they wish to visit Nicobar islands then they need to get permissions which are sanctioned in exceptional cases. Nevertheless the procedure for obtaining permissions involves writing an application on a prescribed form addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair. Consult life guards before entering the sea. Observe decency and decorum in dress. For Scuba Diving avail the service of Scuba Dive instructions having certification of international professional organizations like PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for safe diving experience. Carry with you good number of cotton clothes because of the hot and humid climate. Keep a first aid kit handy. Carry tanning ointments, sun block ointments, a pair of sunglasses and hats.
Don't s Do not enter restricted/tribal areas and take videos photographs. Without prior permissions from the fisheries department, carrying seashells or corals is punishable.
Do not throw garbage and plastics in public places, beaches and into the sea.
Plan your trip to Andaman & Nicobar First thing first; get your air tickets booked for Port Blair. Most of the big states have flights to Port Blair. Or catch a ship from Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam or Chennai. When planning a visit keep in mind the place you would want to stay at. The website for Andaman & Nicobar Tourism has a lot of information about budget hotels which can be useful. Also make a list of essential things to carry for the trip that includes clothing, money and medicines.
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How to Reach:
How to reach By Air : The island has its domestic airports at Port Blair, which has regular flight operation from Kolkata and Chennai. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan have regular flights to and from Port Blair. By Sea : Cruising through the Bay of Bengal is a delightful experience to reach Andaman. Regular passenger ship services operate to Port Blair from Chennai(60 hours), Kolkata(66 hours) and Vishakhapatnam(56 hours).
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Places to Visit:
Islands Neil Island Beautiful beaches at Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, Sitapur and the bridge formation on the sea-shore (Howra Bridge) are the attractions. Port Blair has an airport in Andaman & Nicobar You can reach Neil Island by catching the ferry from Port Blair which leaves at 6:30 am daily.
Cinque Island This is a perfect place for scuba diving, swimming, fishing and camping. There is only one airport in the whole of Andaman and Nicobar at Port Blair. Cinque island is 3 and half hours away by boat from Wandoor. Ross Island Ross island is open for the tourists to visit during day time as the boat services are available from the Phoenix Bay jetty at 8.30 am, 10.30 am, and 12.30 pm. Navy has established a museum on the Island known as 'Smritika' depicting the history of the Island. Entry fee to that place is Rs. 20/-.
Beaches Jolly Buoy An island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is an ideal place for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach. It offers a breath taking underwater view of coral and marine life. This place is one hour journey from Wandoor beach (30km away) Barren Island Located at a distance of about 135 km from Port Blair, it is the only active volcano in India. It can be visited on board vessels. The only way to reach Barren Island is by ship that starts from Port Blair at 9.00 pm and comes back next day 11.00 am. It leaves from the Phoenix Bay Jetty every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of the week. Havelock Island This Island is located in the lap of Mother Nature surrounded by lush greenery and pollution free environment. Ferries operate between Port Blair and Havelock Island 6 times a week. The journey takes about 4 hours. Radhanagar Beach Radhanagar beach and another beach by the name of Vijaynagar are in Havelock Island and worth visiting while in Andamand. Vijaynagar beach is just in front of Dolphin Resort and Radhanagar beach is 7 km away from Dolphin Resort and 12km from the jetty. Radhanagar beach is located on Havelock Island. You can reach Havelock by a Ferry from Port Blair. Collinpur is 36 km from Port Blair and can be reached by an aerial bay jetty. The beach here is suitable for swimming, sun basking and viewing. Karmatang Beach It is situated at Mayabunder, northern part of middle andaman, 240 km by road and 136 km by boat from Port Blair. Port Blair is the nearest airport to Karmatang beach. Limited helicopter services are also available for interisland commute. Every week, three to four ships sail between Port Blair and Calcutta and between Port Blair and Chennai. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam every two months. Karmatang beach is located near Mayabunder, which is connected to Port Blair via daily ferry services. Karmatang beach can also be reached from Port Blair via the Grand Andaman Trunk Road.
Harminder Bay Beach It is situated at Hut Bay Island at a distance of 100kms from Port Blair. The nearest airport is Port Blair. From there you can either hire a road transport or take a ferry service Monuments Ross Island Ross Island, former capital of Port Blair stands guard to Port Blair harbor. The island presently has the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner's House, Govt. House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool and Troop Barracks, all in dilapidated condition, reminiscent of the old British regime. Ross Island is open for the tourists to visit during day time as the boat services are available from the Phoenix Bay jetty in the morning hours. Navy has established a museum on the Island known as 'Smritika' depicting the history of the Island. Entry Fee: Rs 20/-. Viper Island The tiny, serene, beautiful island of Viper is another place that has been witness to the sufferings of the freedom fighters. Viper Island is located at the mouth of Port Blair. It can be approached by harbor cruise originating from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. Museums National Memorial This has been a pilgrimage to the freedom fighters. It has now become a National Memorial.
Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex One of the most picturesque sea-beaches, it is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. The Waves Restaurant, The Peerless Resort nearby and the Hornbill Nest Guest House which are at a stone's throw, provide a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front. Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is accessible through Port Blair. You can get down at Port Blair airport or sea port and take the local transport to the beach. Chidiya Tapu (25 km from Port Blair) Chidiya Tapu is the southern most tip of South Andaman. The lush green mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. The forest guest house situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated islands, submerged corals and the breath-taking sunset. Conducted tours are available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair. There are buses to Chiriya Tapu from Port Blair (every 1 hours) every few hours. The last bus returns at around 7 pm. You can also reach this place by two wheelers.
Places of Interest in Nicobar Car Nicobar It is 16 hours journey by sea from Port Blair. Car Nicobar, headquarters of Nicobar District is a flat fertile island covered with coconut palms and captivating sea shores. The Nicobari huts are unique to this island. Katchal (425 kms. by sea) Katchal is a tiny island in the Nicobar group. This island has beautiful beaches at East bay, Jhula and West bay. This is the island where the first sunrise of the new millennium heralded. Great Nicobar (540 kms. by sea) This place is 50-60 hours journey by sea from Port Blair. This island has Indira Point formerly known as Pygmallion Point. The beach near Galathia is the nesting ground for Giant Leather Back Turtles. Entry fee: - Rs. 5/-, Camera - photo - Rs. 10/-, video - Rs. 50/- Light & Sound Show - Entry fee: adult Rs. 20/-, child Rs. 10/- (Above 5 & below 12yrs) Cellular Jail is located in Port Blair which is accessible by air from important Indian cities. Travelers can reach Port Blair by sea from various ports like Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam. Travelers can reach it by bus, auto-rickshaw or taxi as well. They can also take mopeds, scooters, or motorcycles on rent to visit this monument. The best time to visit is between December and April Andaman Water Sports Complex Andaman Water Sports Complex, in the northwestern part of the Port Blair is situated near the Cellular Jail and is first of its kind in India. It has all possible aqua sports facilities including safe water sports like paddle boats, row boats and water cycle, and adventure water sports like wind surfing, wind skiing, water scooter. There is also a memorial for the Battle of Aberdeen nearby, fought between the Britishers and the Andamanese aboriginals in 1859. There is an artificial waterfall as well, which is a great attraction among the visitors. A children park nearby is a place for children to enjoy the serene environment. Being in Port Blair, Andaman Water Sports Complex can be reached by road transport. Gandhi Park Laid in record time in the heart of Port Blair, it is an enticing park comprising of a children's park, amusement park, deer park, water sports facilities, Japanese temple, nature walk and a restaurant. Safe water sports are allowed in the lakes from 8 am to 8 pm. Being in Port Blair, Andaman Water Sports Complex can be reached by road transport.
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Major Attractions
Cellular Jail Cellular Jail, goes down in the pages of history as a jail that witnessed the torturous killings of the freedom fighters. The Jails gets its name owing to its cellular design. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose has hoisted the tri-color flag to proclaim Independence on 30th December 1943 at a place near this National memorial. This jail has a Light and sound show which is a tribute to the martyrs of the heroic freedom struggle. Some more sight seeing attraction at the jail is an Art gallery and a Photo gallery which are open on all days except Monday.
Corbyn's Cove Complex One of the most picturesque beaches, it is ideal for sun-bathing. It has a tourist complex which offers a range of water sports facilities. It is another in the long list of picturesque beaches in Andaman. There is only one airport in the whole of Andaman and Nicobar at Port Blair. Corbyns cove is approximately 7 km away Port Blair and it can be reached by road or ferry. Near to the beach are the Peerless Resort and the Hornbill Nest Guest House that provide panoramic view of the sea. Even the Waves Restaurant at the edge of the beach offers wonderful cuisine which is well known for its Indian, Chinese and Continental food items. The best time to visit the Corbyns Cove Tourism Complex is the months between December to the beginning of April. Andaman Homestays Homestay is a unique way of living in homes away from home. You get to live in small family owned properties where the host takes care of your personal needs. The best thing about such places is that you get to taste ethnic regional food which even hotels might fail to offer. Homestays are a best way to explore the rural surroundings, mingle with the local people and see and be a part of their culture. There are village homestays in Phuket by the name of Andaman Discoveries.
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Adventure Activitites
Andaman Water Sports Complex The complex offers every possible aqua-sport facility under one roof. Whether it is Water Skiing, Sailboats, Wind surfing or Row boats you can find all of it here. Snorkeling Snorkeling is probably one of the best ways to see marine life from the closest. Several places in Andaman such as Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Carbyn's Cove Tourism Complex, Havelock and other islands offer opportunities to snorkel.
Island Camping Coming to Andaman and not camping is like going to Italy and not seeing tower of Piza. The white sandy beaches are amazing ground to camp and enjoy the sea and nature. Tents are available on hire at all the Guest Houses at moderate rates. Scuba Diving Diving in Andaman waters offer a fascinating world of under-water marine life, varieties of colorful fishes, rarest of the coral reefs in the world, mysterious remains of sunken ships etc. All these can be explored through scuba diving.
Diving Diving in Andaman is an exhilarating experience because the joy of discovering the mysteries of underwater world is a very fulfilling experience. The rich coral reef ecosystem, unscathed by human interference makes diving a very enriching experience. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a great place for diving. Dive India and Barefoot Scuba are PADI certified dive centers, and each have a number of converted dive boats, provide good equipment and offer training up to instructor. The best season for diving is from December to April.
Andaman and Nicobar specialities Sumptuous sea food. Cellular jail. Diving in the ocean and snorkeling. Sports Complex to enjoy water sports. You can purchase popular artifacts such as Shell jewellery like earrings, bracelets and objects d'art, Mother of pearl jewellery and artifacts, Palm mats, Coconut shell lamp-shed, Woodcrafts like walking sticks, bowls and trays, ashtrays and furniture made of mostly local padauk, Bamboo cane craft and Nicobaree Mats.
Trekking The nature trail from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban, a place to enjoy rare forest life, flora and fauna are good of trekking. There are other trekking routes also at places like Chidiya Tapu. Trekking equipment and the tents are available on hire from Andaman Teal House.
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Festivals
Festivals and Fairs of the place Janamashtami Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with much verve by the people of Andaman. It falls every year in the Hindu month of Sravana (August September). Krishna worshippers decorate their houses and temples. When the clock strikes twelve Aarti is sung and Prasad is distributed among everybody. The main attraction of the night is the Raas Leelas or plays enacting the life of Lord Krishna which are organized by locales. Island Tourism Festival The festival is organized mainly during December and January by Andaman and Nicobar administration every year. This is a 10-day festival packed with colorful events ranging from dance to drama. There are many exhibitions, and art displays along with added attraction of aqua sports and parasailing. Through this festival Andaman and Nicobar Islands is greatly promoted as a tourism friendly destination. Subhash Mela Organized every year during January, this mela is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The festival lasts for a complete week which is attended by locales and artists from other countries as well.
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Place to Stay
Budget Hotels (more budget hotels in port blair) TSG Emerald View, Port Blair : Average Price is Rs.1717 Hotel Rishabh : Average Price is Rs 1415/Ripple Resort, Port Blair: Rs.708 Hotel Shompen, Port Blair : Rs.1516 Sun Sea Resort, Port Blair : AC DB Rs 1660/Hawksbill Nest, Port Blair : DB Rs 1000/-, DB Deluxe : Rs 2000/Star Rated hotel Fortune resort Bay island, Port Blair : Average price is Rs. 4547/Sea Princess Beach Resort : Average price is Rs. 4547/Dew Dale Resort, Port Blair: Rs.2351
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Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide: by Thrillophilia Adventure Tours PVT LTD

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Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide: by Thrillophilia Adventure Tours PVT LTD

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Andaman & Nicobar Travel Guide

By Thrillophilia Adventure Tours Pvt Ltd

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