| Port Blair - Havelock Island - Neil Island - Baratang Island - Portblair | | |
Destination DetailsAndamanAndaman & Nicobar Islands is a little slice of paradise tucked around 1,400 km away from the east coast of India. The union territory comprises a total of 572 islands, only 37 of which are inhabited and a few are open to the tourists.Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is the gateway to the archipelago and is connected with various islands via multiple daily ferries. Havelock and Neil Island are some of the most famous islands among tourists and is known for pearly white sands, palm-lined shores and offer some of the best snorkelling and diving options in India.Once known for its Cellular Jail- 'Kaala Paani' in Port Blair which primarily imprisoned the freedom fighters who were exiled from the mainland of India during the British Era, the graph of the Andaman and Nicobar islands have lately changed drastically and it is now known for its flourishing tourism industry which especially attracts honeymooners, families and adventure enthusiasts.You can either laze around on the sandy shores and enjoy the mesmerising sunsets or try your hand at scuba diving and explore the vibrant coral reefs. Besides, it also has virgin immaculate backwaters for those seeking solitude and ataraxy.Havelock Island is one of the largest and the most popular attraction of all of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Blessed with pristine beaches and coconut groves, this one offers myriad adventure sports opportunities to its guests. From snorkelling to parasailing, scuba diving and kayaking etc., there is no dearth of thrilling activities here, for that much-needed adrenaline rush, on an otherwise tranquil leisure vacay.In addition to this, you can visit the bustling city of Port Blair to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle. Steeped in colonial history and boasting of striking architectural monuments, you can also browse the local markets and savour the traditional cuisine.
Port BlairNestled away from Mainland India, Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is also the headquarters of South Andaman and is a major Indian naval base. It is well known for its INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy, the first tri-command of the armed forces of India. The city is also home to the historic Cellular Jail, and tons of quaint islands nearby like Corbyn's Cove, Neil Island, Ross Island, Rutland Island, Viper Island, Jolly Buoy Island, and Barren Island (known for the only active volcano on the Indian Subcontinent).The mainland of Port Blair connects to local attractions such as the scenic Wandoor Beach (famous for swimming and coral sighting) and Chidiya Tapu (small beach popular for bird watching and catching the sunset). Port Blair also has several museums the most famous of them being, the Anthropological Museum which sheds light protection of the local tribes of the Andamans and the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum which aims to promote marine conservation. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is situated to the west of Port Blair and is the oldest national park in the Andaman islands. It aims to protect marine life, corals and nesting sea turtles and is revered among nature lovers and conservationists across India.Port Blair is also the point of entry into Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The city is well connected with mainland India by both air and sea. While it is still not possible to fly to Port Blair from outside India, there are many direct flights connecting Port Blair to all major cities in India and the quickest of them being from Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar and Vishakhapatnam. Port Blair is also connected by sea to Kolkata, Chennai or Vishakhapatnam although the travel time is 3-4 days.
Havelock IslandHavelock Island is one of the largest and most popular islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Officially named Swaraj island, the island is spread over a massive area of 113.93 square kilometres and is situated 57 km north-east of the capital city Port Blair. Havelock Island is a paradise of silky white sand beaches, crystal blue water, rich corals and verdant forests. There is no dearth of beauty on this little island as the reputed and much-loved Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beaches are also right on its southern shores. Havelock Island is also a favourite amongst those who want to engage in scuba diving, snorkelling, and deep sea diving. The pristine shores and the aquamarine waters of the island stretch right across its expanses! Elephant beach and Kalapathar beach are the two most popular beaches on the island and are particularly for the views of the sunrise and sunsets. The narrowed roads of the island winding alongside the coastline or through dense tropical jungles offer great rides on rental scooters. The island was named after a British General and comprises of Ritchie's Archipelago and a collection of five villages.
Neil IslandNeill Island is a part of the South Andaman Administrative District and belongs to Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. A part of the massive ocean separates it from Ross Island and Havelock Island, Tourists visiting Havelock often make a day-long trip to Neill Island. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this island is its three sandy beaches, namely Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and the Lakshmanpur Beach. The forest cover has reduced considerably due to the cultivation of rice but a section in the north-west of the island is being preserved actively.The regions where the forest cover is lost has a couple of degrees or so higher temperature than the region with enough flora. Nonetheless, Neill Island is the major supplier of vegetables to most regions of the Andaman Islands.Due to its limited area, Neill Island can be covered with a simple walk. TAll three beaches are exquisite and extraordinarily clean and are well-connected to the mainland as well.
Radhanagar BeachAwarded with the title of 'Asia's Best Beach' by the TIMES magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands lives up to the moniker. Its vast shores of endless white grains stretch across 2 kilometres, making it a prime attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located at a distance of a mere 7 kilometres from the much-adored Vijaynagar Beach and approximately 10 kms from the Havelock Jetty, this beach is the prime attraction of Havelock Island. Swimming is a popular activity here. Neil's cove on one side of the beach offers a fantastic snorkelling experience in its freshwater streams.Apart from enjoying the spectacle of the beach and the melange of colours, visitors can also enjoy water sports like boating, parasailing, and scuba diving. Food stalls and vendors can be seen on the fringes of the shore, keeping travellers refreshed with the provision of fresh and delicious seafood as well as beverages. You can also book beach beds, parasols, and umbrellas while they spend hours merely lounging at this exquisite wonderland.
Baratang IslandBaratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located between the Middle and South Andaman Islands. Approximately, 110 km from Port Blair, Baratang Island is another major attraction for most of the tourist visiting the islands. The Baratang Island trip is considered to be an adventurous trip due to its long distance from the capital town of Port Blair and the journey that starts at 3 Hours pass 1200 Hours.
While Andamans being a beach destination brings thought of Blues and sands coming in your album with your trip memories, here adding Baratang to the travel itinerary can come out to be very fascinating for travelers who want to see the greener version of Andamans. Baratang is the home to the Jarawa tribes who are the major inhabitants of this island following the few Ranchi settlers.
The major attractions at Baratang are The Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano. There is another delightful place to see in Baratang that is Parrot Island. But one has to stay back for the night at Baratang to visit Parrot Island.
Ross IslandLocated just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair is the Ross Island; an island which was once the administrative headquarters of the British, but today is only an uninhabited island that is recognised solely for its beauty and scenic views. Following an earthquake that hit Ross Island in the year 1941, the British left the island and shifted their settlement to Port Blair. The island was not able to overcome the grief of this sudden withdrawal, and decay and neglect ultimately set in. One can see traces of a prosperous past in the rubbles of the church, swimming pool and the chief commissioner's home with its extensive gardens and magnificent ballrooms. There is also a cemetery and a small museum managed by the Indian Navy. As in the case of its sister-islands, Ross Island also has thick forests. At first sight of the island, it is tough to believe that this abandoned place was once the seat of British power and housed everything from a bazaar, a church, stores, bakery, a water treatment plant, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery and other vital institutions. Today, everything has disappeared except a few buildings, which housed some of these landmarks. Large banyan trees have engulfed the other buildings and have successfully managed to replace the grand structures built by man. The island is enveloped with a sense of nostalgia and takes the visitor back in time. The Indian Navy has managed to rebuild some old buildings, such as the local stores and the bakery, to provide the visitors with a feel of the bygone era. Souvenirs can also be purchased from these shops.
| TENTATIVE ITINERARY | | Day 01: Arrival - Cellular Jail + Light & Sound Show | | Arrival at Port Blair in the afternoon and transfer to respective Hotel. Proceed to visit the National Memorial - Cellular Jail, Designed especially for solitary confinement it earned the Islands the dreaded name of Kala Pani. The Cellular Jail has a pride of place in India's freedom struggle. Many a stalwart were imprisoned here. Declared a national memorial, this three storey prison constructed by Britishers in 1906, is a pilgrimage destination for freedom fighters. This colossal edifice has mutely witnessed the most treacherous of inhumane atrocities borne by the convicts, who were mostly freedom fighters. In the evening witness the enthralling Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail - where the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive. The Light and Sound Show provides you with a vivid experience of its strong association with the freedom fighters and their struggle for independence. Stay Overnight at Port Blair. | | Day 02: Ross Island + North Bay (Closed on Wednesday) | | After breakfast we will set out on a Sea Safari, we will reach the water sports complex from here we will take a luxury motor sail and explore the famous islands of North Bay coral island & the historic Ross Island, experience the fun of cruising and feel the joy of sailing through small big Island and discover the blue ocean and with the on board crew and activity experts who will there to assist you. Upon arrival back to the Port our escorts will arrange necessary transfers back to the respective hotel. | | Day 03: Port Blair to Havelock Island (Departure Time: 0600 Hrs) - Radhanagar Beach | | We start the day a bit early today as we need to embark for Havelock Island , the cruise depart at around 0630 - 0830 hours so we have to report an hour early . Take a quick breakfast and head to Havelock Island the total journey time is around 1 and 1/2 hour by sea. Again once to reach in the island meet our escorts who will be standing outside the harbor restricted area with a name tag. Along with them proceed to your respective hotel and then plan you day, probably post lunch for Radhanagar beach. You can enjoy the beach as well as the sun set, which we guess is the best you can see. (Boat transfers are subjected to change as per the availability of tickets and weather conditions). | | Day 04: Havelock Island - Elephant beach | | After Breakfast visit to Elephant Beach by Motor Boat for Mesmerizing View of Corals and Enjoy Snorkeling (Boat will be on sharing basis).Overnight stay at Resort in Havelock. | | Day 05: Havelock Island to Neil Island | | We will check-out the resort as per the schedule timing which is generally in the morning 0900 hours. And then proceed to board the cruise back to Neil Island. Once you arrive in Neil you will meet our escorts outside the exit area, check-in to hotel, finish lunch and then proceed to an excursion to Island visit all the beaches around the Island, night stay in Neil Island. (While leaving from Port Blair to Havelock island probably you can leave your bigger luggage in port Blair , hotels in Port Blair provide clock room and take only two days cloths and necessary materials to Havelock island, by this way you can avoid the hassle of carrying it inside the harbor area , which is restricted place like the airport and do not have trolley facility) | | Day 06: Neil Island to Port Blair (57 Kms) | | After breakfast proceed to visit Sitapur Beach – One finest beach in this island , there after visit Lakhimpur beach , next to visit Beautiful Bharatpur beach – the ideal place for swimming , After visit drop at Jetty to catch the return boat for Port Blair , on Return to Port Blair back to your hotel evening free for own activity, Overnight stay at hotel. | | Day 07: Day Trip to Baratang Island | | Departure to Baratang Island a bit early in the morning. It is about 110kms by road that is blessed with ample of natural beauty. During the road journey from Port Blair to Baratang, we will be crossing through coves and dense equatorial forest. Also, we will take a creek journey in small boats and thereafter, trek through a small village to reach the caves. In the evening, return back to the hotel in Port Blair for an overnight stay | | Day 08: Departure from Port Blair | | Morning free for packing & personal activities, on time 08:00am check out from the hotel & on time transfer to Airport. Tour Ends |
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