TAPPING ANDAMAN’S TOURISM POTENTIAL

“I came, I saw and I was enchanted…!”

Smith Island, near Diglipur, North Andaman

“I came, I saw and I was enchanted…!” Almost every tourist who lands on the Floating Paradise on Earth in the Bay of Bengal, the serene Andaman & Nicobar Islands, invariably exclaims in delightful wonderment, on the lines of renowned novelist, Daniel Defoe’s iconic “Robinson Crusoe”. Such endearing is the tranquil and exotic beauty of these historic Indian coral islands that have been the mute witnesses of the great Indian struggle for independence.

Apart from the bountiful richness of natural beauty and freshness enveloping the entire archipelago in the form of turquoise blue waters of the Andaman Sea, the distinctive vegetation, fascinatingly hilly terrain housing the rich expanse of tropical rain forests and some of the world’s rarest and the oldest aboriginal tribes, the glorious history of the territory’s pivotal role in the great Indian struggle for Independence as a gargantuan penitentiary for the intrepid freedom fighters of Mother India, is the USP of these islands.

Evidently, Tourism has always been and continues to be the prime industry in the islands, although, still, in a budding stage. It is something that not only the islands but the entire nation can vastly benefit from, in the future too, as one of the most sought-after tourism destinations across the globe. The diverse and endemic flora and fauna of these islands add another inimitably charming dimension to the tourism prospects in the territory.

Middle Strait Jetty, South Andaman

However, if the immense tourism potential of these islands has to be tapped to the T, the local administration in absolute synchronization with the central govt., has to make lasting, concerted endevours towards making the optimum use of the resources that the archipelago generously offers. And for that to transpire, the various govt. agencies have to overcome the long-standing paucity of intent towards achieving the ambitious aim of making it a celebrated tourism destination in the world.

Meticulous planning and its dedicated implementation to develop multifarious beaches and islands in the territory other than Havelock and a couple more, exploring the splendid water sports potential and combining advanced technology with the natural resources is the leading requisite for the same. Implementation of strategy by way of public and private sector participation in a bid to bring about standard professionalism in the nascent hospitality industry, which is an elementary requirement for developing the tourism industry in the islands, can work wonders towards tapping its tourism potential.

North Bay 

In a nutshell, a sincere, eco-friendly, well- devised and well-implemented stratagem is sure to help evolve these phenomenal islands as a leading tourism destination across the globe sooner than expected and the territory can proudly revive and bask in the glorious days of the “Paris of the East”.

FLY INDIA'S FIRST SEAPLANE IN ANDAMAN

Is it a bird; Is it a plane; No, It's a Seaplane!!!

The long-awaited seaplane, that has captured the imagination of people, mainly through James Bond movies, “Jal Hans”, India’s first commercial seaplane service has, ultimately, taken off in the serene, historic islands of Andaman & Nicobar, the subcontinent’s largest and most sought-after island tourism destination.

As the “Jal Hans” - Cessna 208 A, the amphibian fitted with the modern navigation facets of a large jet, took off from the Flying Club Hanger, behind the ITF ground, VIP road at Port Blair for the hip and happening Havelock Island and flew, in splendour, over the city of Port Blair and the Ross Island, the erstwhile “Paris of the East”, so did the new-fangled anticipations of the mostly uncared for local islanders, who thrive on tourism as the only viable source of living in this vulnerable island territory.

The Islands’ Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Bhopinder Singh inaugurated the operations of the country’s first commercial seaplane service in the Islands on the 23^rd January, 2011. He traveled with his better half on the maiden trip of “Jal Hans” to Havelock along with the Chief Secretary and senior officers of the Administration.

“It was an enthralling experience for the tourists, subsequently, to behold the awesome volcanic eruptions taking place in India’s lone active volcano at the Barren Island, while enjoying the first ride in the sea plane. The amphibian hovered around the Barren Island enabling the tourists to have a glimpse of the natural phenomenon.”

“The tourists, after returning, said that flying in the seaplane helped them to see the magnificent view of the various islands covered with green forests, the volcano and vast sea stretches around it. They were also enthralled with the information coming in from the pilot about various places they were flying past,” as reported by a local daily here.

The seaplane service which has come up as a joint venture between the public sector Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) and A&N Administration will be used to connect Port Blair with Havelock, Diglipur and subsequently other parts of the islands including Southern groups of Islands.

View of the cockpit of “Jal Hans”

Until now, anyone wanting to travel between these islands had to use boats or a couple of PHHL helicopters, which were predominantly allocated for the commuting senior officials of the A & N Administration. It was awfully formidable for the general public of the islands to avail themselves of a seat on the choppers.

Markedly, now again one of the first passengers after inauguration of the “Jal Hans” was the BJP President, Nitin Gadkari, who enjoyed the seaplane flights from port Blair to various islands, while on tour here during the first week of this month.

BJP President, Nitin Gadkari with the “Jal Hans” at Port Blair

The “Jal Hans”, with a seating capacity of 2 (pilots) +8 (passengers), can fly passengers and their baggage to distances within 250 km in about an hour and can land on most calm waters. The launch of the commercial seaplane service promises to open up new vistas for tourists wanting to visit far flung islands that cannot have an airport.

To facilitate safe operations, facilities for ferrying of passengers from the shore to the pontoons, sanitization of the water-drome before take off and landing, a speed boat of 10 passenger capacity & one stand-by boat (inflatable Gemini boat) and one floating jetty (pontoon) each in the above locations have been placed.

According to my good friend Shri N Ravichandran, the Controlling Officer, Seaplane Operations (PHHL), Port Blair, seaplane schedules have been released already to ensure regular and fixed operation of seaplane to various tourist destinations in these islands. As per the schedule, seaplane will operate everyday except on Sunday which is reserved for maintenance. (Details of the schedule and bookings - andamankalash@gmail.com .)

Accordingly, Port Blair to Port Blair (joy ride), Port Blair to Barren Island aerial view and Port Blair to Havelock flight schedule has been released and the “Jal Hans” will make trips to Diglipur (North Andaman), as well.

Meanwhile, local grapevine has it that this is not the first seaplane in the country. It’s being asserted, of late, that “the first seaplane service was launched sometime during 1995 but unfortunately the seaplane during its return flight from Little Andaman plunged in the sea near Dundas Point - Kumhra-Kheti area while landing on 06-09-1995. The mishap cost life of a Senior Officer of SAI. The recovered and reconstructed seaplane (Cessna Caravan) now stands displayed in the Science Centre at Goodwill Estate, Port Blair.”

Seaplanes in front of the Ross Island during the Japanese reign

However, as I’ve written in my earlier posts, as well, seaplanes are not very new for the people of these historic Indian coral islands, at all. The Japanese occupation forces had used seaplanes in the Andamans for sometime during the Second World War, till the Allied Forces had introduced a full blockade of the islands. But the fact of the matter is that those were only used for the purpose of warfare and not for any civilian use.

As I’ve written here earlier too, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been witnessing steady increase in tourist numbers, as the rich tropical rain forests and waters of the Bay of Bengal are home to a vast species of plants, animals and marine life, most of which are endemic to these islands. Adventure tourism, including trekking, island camping, snorkeling and scuba diving are also becoming increasingly popular in the Andaman Islands. The launch of the commercial seaplane operations is expected to boost tourism infrastructure, manifold.

Much to the cheer of the tourists, a special introductory price is currently in effect for a period of 10 days from 9^th February, 2011 in the Port Blair-Havelock-Port Blair sector, offering 50% discount on the operational cost fare drawn up earlier. A passenger can now avail a trip to Havelock at a meager fare of 2000 INR one way, which otherwise would have cost 4100 INR one way.

It’s a truly worthwhile experience to fly in the seaplane, as the amphibian offers large individual windows to each and every passenger that facilitates enchanting aerial view of the peerless scenic beauty of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands; particularly the kick of flying so low above the sea level, combined with the excitement of landing and taking off in the sea, makes it a marvelous experience.

So, when are you flying the brand new “Jal Hans” at Port Blair?

TOURISM BOOMS IN THE BAY ISLANDS

Sunny Isles in the Bay

 

The allure of these islands of the marigold sun, strung along the aquamarine waters of the Bay of Bengal, weaves a magical spell, even after millennia of upheavals, both natural and man-made.

 

 

An integral part of the mountainous landmass running from Myanmar to the outer reaches of the Indonesia; they were strangely enough bypassed by the main shipping lines that plied the waters of the Bay of Bengal. This isolation only enhanced the air of mystery that enveloped this emerald archipelago of 572 islands, islets and rocks.

 

Mangrove lined creeks

 

It has, now, been a month since I last posted an article on my dear blog here, which is because of the tremendous flow of excited tourists from the mainland India and abroad alike and tourism here has been getting the factual boom, yet another season this time, that it always deserved rightfully, with even the bigwigs of the tourism industry in India like the Taj group also eventually giving a final shape to scheduling their majestic, maiden venture in the Floating Paradise on Earth.

 

 

Hence, I feel it’s befitting enough that I post some really handy prominent features of these pristine islands for the sake of the curious tourists all over the world who would love to visit these inimitable historic Indian coral islands. Hence, here we go, pals…

 

Orientation:

 

Also called the Bay Islands, both groups of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have their own distinctive identity. Port Blair is the capital as well as a bustling commercial hub.

 

Middle Point, Port Blair – the heart of the city

 

The main landmasses in the northern group – the Andamans – are North, Middle and South Andaman Islands that are separated by narrow waterways.

 

Smaller islands lie dotted around these. Further south across the Duncan Passage is Little Andaman; Northeast of Port Blair is Ritchie’s Archipelago, in which lies the now renowned Havelock Island, boasting of beaches rated amongst the best in the world.

 

Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar), Havelock Island

 

Rising from the azure waters northeast of Ritchie’s Archipelago are two islands of volcanic origin – Narcondum Island and Barren Island. The latter is India’s only active volcano.

 

Barren Island – India’s only active volcano

 

The southern group – the Nicobar Islands – is mostly inaccessible to tourists. It is separated from the Andaman group by the twitchy Ten Degree Channel. The southernmost island, Great Nicobar, is India’s largest island in this group whereas the northernmost island, Car Nicobar, is the administrative headquarters.

 

What To See And Do:

 

Hub: Port Blair – Historical Sites:

 

 

Cellular Jail: The mighty, invincible prison where countless martyrs of India’s Independence struggle laid down their lives. See a poignant Light & Sound Show.

 

Ross Island: Once an exclusive British preserve. The island served as the capital from 1858 till 1941, when it was popularly known as the “Paris of the East”. Read More

 

Viper Island: Gallows built on top of a hillock, during the British era, visible to all prisoners in the island, signified death at “Kaalapaani”. Read More

 

Gallows at the historic Viper Island

 

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Comprising of 15 enchanting islands, including Red Skin & Jolly Buoy Islands, it showcases the natural tropical wealth of the islands and the rich marine life of the azure waters here. Activities – glass-bottomed boat cruises, scuba diving and snorkeling.

 

Snorkeling amongst schools of fish

 

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: Offers thrilling aqua sports, safe water sports, adventure sports, row boats, glass-bottom boats, aqua glide, water-jet Ski, Para-sailing etc.

 

Captivating corals in the Andaman Sea

 

Mount Harriet: Highest peak in South Andaman. Ideal for trekking, picnics & bird-watching. Trek from Mount Harriet to Madhuban.

 

Chatham Island: One of the oldest and largest Saw mill in Asia, destroyed during the World War II, revived in 1950s. Read More

 

 

Chidiya Tapu Biological Park: Lush green mangroves and forests shelter numerous species of flora and fauna, many of them are rare.

 

Museums:

 

Anthropological Museum: Mesmerizing Insight into the world of pre-historic inhabitants of these islands – the Stone Age Tribes.

 

Fisheries Museum: Exhibits species of the rich marine life endemic to the islands.

 

Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum): Exhibits collection of shells and marine creatures.

 

Zoological Survey of India Museum: Exhibits varieties of sponges, corals, butterflies, and centipedes etc.

 

Beaches in & around Port Blair: Corbyn’s Cove beach, North Bay beach, Munda Pahar beach, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor beach, Collinpur beach.

 

 

Hub: Havelock & Baratang Island:

 

Havelock Island: Boasts of Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar) – ‘The Best Beach in Asia’ (TIME magazine) mangrove creeks, rainforest trails, swimming elephants, Scuba Diving and snorkeling excursions under expert supervision.

 

Neil Island: Lush green forest and sandy beaches, it s the vegetable bowl of Andamans. Visit Bharatpur beach, Lakshmanpur beach, Sitapur beach and natural bridges.

 

Baratang Island: Limestone Caves, the unique Mud Volcano and Parrot Island.

 

 

Shopping: Aberdeen Bazar and ‘Sagarika’ – the Cottage Industries Emporium.

 

Fact File:

 

Best Season: October to May. Monsoon – May end to September.

 

Access:

 

By Air: Air India & private airlines like Kingfisher, Jet Airways, and Spice Jet etc. operate daily from Chennai, Kolkata & Delhi to Port Blair.

 

By Sea: Scheduled Passenger liners cruise from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag to Port Blair harbour.

 

Getting Around: Taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses are available for transport within the islands and private cabs, luxury cars/motorcycles can also be hired/rented. Ferries ply between all inhabited islands.

 

 

Hope the information does come in handy for one and all and is put to good use while planning a tour to these exotic coral islands. Do be on the watch for the upcoming post with details about accommodation and other facilities etc. And those who are already planning or contemplating a tour this season, may contact one of the leading professional tour organizers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for competitive tour packages, and all the further details at –

 

Kalash Tours & Travels

Middle Point, Port Blair.

Email: andamankalash@gmail.com

Call: +91 9474265055

SEAPLANES READY TO TAKE OFF IN ANDAMAN

Sea Plane Starts October 1

 

 

These historic coral islands are poised to be connected by a faster and innovative mode of transport in the form of amphibian aircraft connectivity, popularly known as ‘Sea Plane’, as the Central Planning Commission has cleared its operation here from October 1, 2010 i.e. barely a month from today.

 

Instead of procurement of helicopters, the Planning Commission has given its nod for Sea Plane operation as Pilot Project on 50:50 partnership basis, the Director (Tourism), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Shri Binay Bhushan informed at Port Blair a couple of days ago.

 

According to him, the A & N Administration has signed a MoU with Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd., which will run the Pilot Project initially; as I had written in a post of mine about a month ago. As per the MoU, PHHL will operate Sea Plane from October 1, 2010, for island hopping by tourists in the breathtaking archipelago. The A & N Administration has provided an amount of Rs 146.40 Lakhs as advance to effect the operation, Binay Buhushan told the media.

 

 

Meanwhile, as per The Daily Telegrams, tenders for inducting sea planes on wet lease bases were invited and the successful bidder M/s Maritime Energy Heli Air Service Pvt. Ltd. will source the aircraft. The PHHL is currently operating chopper services connecting all the major islands in the archipelago.

 

To start with, Seaplanes will be available in the range of eight to 18 seaters. Operating the seaplane will cost about Rs 1 crore a month, including lease rental and operational expenses, that will be equally shared by the two government agencies.

 

 

This promising project, when materializes, is certainly to be greeted with warmth by the islanders and the tourists alike and the proposed operation of Sea Plane here also augurs well for the ensuing tourism and festive season.

 

As I had written earlier too, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has chosen some of the most beautiful islands for being linked by the seaplane with the capital Port Blair. These include the happening Havelock Island (rated among the best beaches globally), Barren Island (an active volcano that most recently came to life five years ago), Neil Island and Diglipur (North Andaman).

 

 

All this would mean that there’s going to be an alluring bonus for the tourists visiting the tropical paradise of Andaman & Nicobar, henceforth and that’s the enchanting, spanking new Seaplane service for matchless island hopping, which is going to be India’s very first Sea Plane service.

 

The bottom-line – ‘Air Andaman’ is gonna be livelier, come October 1^st… Hurray…!!! :-)

CHATHAM - ASIA'S BIGGEST & OLDEST SAW-MILL

Chatham Saw Mill

 

On March 10, 1858, HMS Samiramis carrying the first batch of mutineers and other convicts lead by Dr. James Patterson Walker, anchors in the strait between what would later come to be known as Hope Town and Chatham Island…

 

 

Brief History:

The historic Chatham Island has a Saw Mill by the name Chatham Saw Mill lying on the tiny island connected by a bridge over a stretch of sea-water. This Saw Mill is one of the biggest and oldest in Asia. It is still using the machinery set up initially by the British for wood processing.

 

 

This historic mill was established in 1883 with the primary objective to meet the local requirements of sawn timber for the constructional works. The machines initially installed were second hand and operated with unskilled manpower available at that time. Unfortunately during the Second World War, the mill was destroyed badly by the direct hit of bombs, paralyzing its working completely.

 

 

However, after the Second World War, the mill was revived in mid forties and fifties by salvaging the old machinery to meet the continued need of sawn timber of the islanders. So much so, this requirement of sawn timber of the Islanders further increased manifold after the settlement of people from erstwhile East Pakistan, Srilanka and Burma etc. in these islands.

 

Objectives and Activities:

 

The majority of good quality logs are consumed by the wood based industries and the remaining logs which may contain knots, shakes, splits and sponges etc. are brought to the govt. Saw Mill Chatham for production of sawn timber where utmost possible extent of good quality sawn timber is salvaged to meet the requirements of local public, furniture marts as well as govt. departments for various public works. Besides, the premier timber of Andamans “the Andaman Padauk” is handled by govt. Saw Mill only.

 

 

The initial annual log intake capacity of the mill was around 20000 cub m., but to the lesser availability of logs due to various reasons, the mill is presently consuming around 12000 –13000 cub mtr. of logs, annually. Presently, the annual production of sawn timber of Chatham saw mill ranges between 5000 to 6000 cub m. of which, more than 90% is sold locally at the price fixed by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration on year to year basis.

 

However, the balance quantity of sawn timber which is not consumed locally is shipped to Chennai and Calcutta Govt. Depots for disposal by auction. The present annual average turnover of the Chatham saw mill is around Rs. 6 crores.

 

 

Organizational Setup and Administration:

 

The Mill complex is under the charge of a Deputy Conservator of Forests assisted by one Production Manger on the production side, one Asst. Mill Manger on sales side, one Asst. Constructional engineer on civil works, one superintendent Timber Treatment Plant on the timber Treatment preservation side. One saw filer in the sawn doctoring unit, one Range Officer on the log receipts side and one Range Officer on sawn timber sale side.

 

 

Besides, there is a Security Officer assisted by Security Inspector and Watch and Ward Staff to look after the security in the respect of Chatham Saw Mill. There is a small dispensary, which is looked after by a medical officer and his paramedical staff. A labor welfare officer looks after the welfare of the workers.

 

At present around a thousand numbers of industrial ministerial and executive staffs are working in the Chatham Saw Mill and are dependent for their livelihood on this mill. Although the unit is called as ‘Chatham Saw Mill’, it actually is a Saw Mill Complex having the following branches:

 

1. Log Depot - Deals with raw material (logs)

2. Saw Mill - Deals with the conversion of logs.

3. Saw Doctoring - Deals with the maintenance of Saw Blades.

4. Timber Yard - Storing and sales of sawn timber

5. Sale counter, Vijay Baugh. - Sale of Sawn Timber on retail basis to individual consumers.

6. Mechanical Workshop - Look after all machinery and attends to mechanical work of other divisions also.

7. Electrical Unit - Looks after electrical works of the mill and maintains the electricity supply of entire Chatham Island. It also maintains the stand by generator (248 kw) of the Mill and attends to electrical works of other divisions also.

8. Marine Workshop - Maintains the marine crafts of the division.

9. Building Construction Unit - Maintains all the building and Jetties of Forest Department in Chatham.

10. Timber Treatment Unit - Treatment of timber both chemically and by Seasoning (about 600 cum each annually)

11. Wood Workshop - Makes furniture required for Forest Department and concentrates on utilizing ill waste to the possible extend.

 

 

12. Vanakriti - Sale counter for Wooden Souvenirs and Handicrafts Items made out of Padauk and other Ornamental Woods of Andamans

13. Department Canteen - Caters to Mill workers with nutritious diet at concession rates (a statutory obligation also).

14. Chatham Dispensary - Provides First aid services to Mill workers (A statutory obligation also).

15. Forest Labor Club - Gives recreational facilities to workers.

16. Security Wing - Looks after the security of the Mill Division.

 

The historic Chatham Saw Mill is open daily to tourists from 6.30 am to 2.30 pm everyday except Sunday and public holidays.

Read more: History of Civilization in Andamans - A New Human Saga Is Born

Stats courtesy: Department of Forests, A & N Administration.

BEST TOUR PACKAGES FOR ANDAMANS

Visit Andamans!!!

 

Dear friends, over the past one year or so, I’ve been receiving hosts of requests on my blog and here on Facebook too, for hands-on information about how to visit the historic emerald islands of Andaman & Nicobar, the “Floating Paradise on Earth”.

 

 

Hence, I’ve decided to post some of the most comprehensive, economic yet splendid Tour Packages out of a lot of others that are currently available for the gorgeous tourists’ destination in the Bay of Bengal.

 

Now, you can book the comfortable packages at most reasonable rates and visit the fantastic wonder of nature for an experience of a lifetime in the enviable splendor of my exemplary domicile, these historic Indian coral islands.

 

The Packages Include:

 

Ø      Pickup from Veer Savarkar Airport at Port Blair.

 

Ø      Room tariff ( A/C DBL Room)

 

Ø      Food ( Breakfast- bread toast/  idly Vada/  poori sabzi/ pongal/ dosa/ uttappam etc., + tea/ coffee,  Dinner- chapathi, plain rice, dal fry, 02 veg or 01veg + 01 n/veg, papad, pickle, salad, sweet.

 

Ø      Treat your taste buds with lip-smacking Sea-Food and your choicest drinks on extra charges.

 

Ø      Complimentary Lunch is provided for Ross Island, Viper Island, North Bay and Baratang Island only.

 

Ø      All entry Tickets, Permits & Vehicle Charges

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

Tentative Tour Itinerary:

 

2 Nights & 3 Days:

 

Ø      Pickup from Airport; after lunch, City Tour starts- museums, Fisheries Aquarium, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, the historic Cellular Jail, and Light & Sound Show.

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit the historic Ross Island (British capital of the Islands that was popularly known as “Paris of the East”), North Bay Island & Viper Island.

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

 

3 Nights & 4 Days:

 

Ø      Pickup from Airport, after lunch City Tour starts- museums, Fisheries Aquarium, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, the historic Cellular Jail, and Light & Sound Show.

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit the historic Ross Island (British capital of the Islands), North Bay Island & Viper Island.

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor Beach, by boat to Red Skin Island or Mauvadera or Jolly Buoy Island for enchanting coral viewing & snorkeling.

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

 

4 Nights & 5 Days:

 

Ø      Pickup from airport; after lunch, City Tour starts - museums, Fisheries Aquarium, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, the historic Cellular Jail, Light & Sound show.

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit the historic Ross Island (British capital of the Islands), North Bay Island & Viper Island.

 

Ø      Boat Cruise to Havelock Island (The swimming Elephant in Andaman) for exotic Beaches (Radhanagar Beach is the 7th most beautiful beach in the World According to a tourist journal Survey).

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor Beach, by boat to Red Skin Island or Mauvadera or Jolly Buoy Island for enchanting coral viewing & snorkeling.

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

 

5 Nights & 6 Days:

 

Ø      Pickup from airport; after lunch, City Tour starts - museums, Fisheries Aquarium, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, the historic Cellular Jail, Light & Sound show.

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit the historic Ross Island (British capital of the Islands), North Bay Island & Viper Island.

 

Ø      Boat cruise to Havelock Island for Beaches (Radhanagar Beach is the 7th most beautiful beach in the World, according to a tourist journal Survey).

 

Ø      Baratang Island about 110 kms by Andaman Trunk Road through Dense Tropical Rain Forest, Lime Stone caves by boat, unique Mud Volcano (on sharing basis Tata Sumo, Scorpio/ Bus)

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor Beach, by boat to Red Skin Island or Mauvadera or Jolly Buoy Island for enchanting coral viewing & snorkeling.

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

 

6 Nights & 7 Days:

 

Ø      Pickup from airport; after lunch, City Tour starts - museums, Aquarium, Corbyn’s Cove beach, the historic Cellular Jail, Light & Sound show.

 

Ø      After b/fast visit the historic Ross Island (British capital of the Islands), North Bay Island & Viper Island).

 

Ø      Boat cruise to Havelock Island for Beaches (Radhanagar Beach is the 7th most beautiful beach in the World, according to a tourist journal Survey).

 

Ø      Baratang Island about 110 kms by Andaman Trunk Road through Dense Tropical Rain Forest, Lime Stone Caves by boat, unique Mud Volcano (on sharing basis Tata Sumo, Scorpio/ Bus)

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit Mount Harriet, the second highest peak in the Islands (see on the back side of Rs. 20 note).

 

Ø      After b/fast, visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor Beach, by boat to Red Skin Island or Mauvadera or Jolly Buoy Island for enchanting coral viewing & snorkeling.

 

Ø      Drop to Airport.

 

 

 

City Tour Points:

 

Ø      Cellular Jail - National Memorial.

Ø      Light & Sound Show.

Ø      Fisheries Museum (rare species of fishes & marine life)

Ø      Anthropological Museum (Depicts the life of the aboriginal Andaman tribes (Jarawas, Onges, Sentinalese, Great Andamanese, Shompens & Nicobarese), early settlement of Andaman Islands)

Ø      Samudrika Museum (Naval marine museum)

Ø      Mini Zoo.

Ø      Water Sports Complex & Marina Park 

Ø      Chatham Saw Mill (Asia’s oldest saw mill)

Ø      Forest Museum 

Ø      Gandhi Park (small amusement park with the historic Dilthaman Lake)

Ø      Sagarika Emporium (shopping – Sea Shells, Souvenirs, local Handicrafts etc.)

Ø      Eagle view – view of the historic airport & Port Blair city from hill top.

Ø      Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Ø      Science Center.

 

 

Other Terms:

 

Ø      Children below 02 yrs - FREE.

 

 Ø      Children below 02 – 06 yrs - 50 % off.

 

 Ø      Children below 06 – 10 yrs - 25 % off.

 

Ø      Above 10 yrs - Full rate.

 

 

 

Hotels*:

 

1.  Sun Sea Resort, Middle Point, Port Blair.

2.  Blue Sea Hotel, Middle Point, Port Blair.

3.  Hotel Aparupa, Gol Ghar, Port Blair.

4.  Hotel Abhishek, Gol Ghar, Port Blair.

5.  Hotel Andaman Residency, Gol Ghar, Port Blair.

6.  Palm Grove Eco Resorts, Prothrapur, Port Blair.

 

*(Subject to availability)

 

 

For quotes of rates, bookings and any further information or queries, please feel free to contact us at –

 

Kalash Tours & Travels

“Your Travel Time Machine”

107, 2^nd Floor, Block – A, Surya Rao Apartments,

Above Hotel Blue Sea, Middle Point, Port Blair – 744101.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India).

 

Email: andamankalash@gmail.com

Mobile No.: +91 9474265055