Andaman & Nicobar Islands :India’s exquisite emeralds!

One a dreaded place where even the most hardened prisoner would break out into a sweat at the very mention, now is a dream come true for tourists!
572 pristine islands covering a total area of 8,249 square kilometers of sheer beauty! Think you deserve to enjoy nature at its very best? Then here’s a dream destination that’s said to ‘shimmer like exquisite emeralds’… thus earning the name ‘Emerald Islands’! A destination known for its dense forests all around, exotic wildlife, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, turquoise waters & amazing adventure! Can you ask for a better place to holiday?

A nature lover’s haven, located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands delight you with their exquisite coral reefs, tropical forests and mangroves, but its pristine natural beauty is not the only reason behind so many tourists flocking here! From scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, para-sailing, water skiing and boating, here’s a destination that offers you some of the very best adventure and water sports! Can’t wait to head there? Then read up on these beautiful islands!

Delighting you with their natural beauty, the Andamans, are known for their vast stretches of pristine and golden sands, that has the power to rejuvenate your soul and mind, with some of the most prominent beaches being Radhanagar, Karmatang, Ramnagar, Harminder Bay and Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex. Not only does the beauty of the turquoise blue waters delight tourists, these beaches support a diverse range of marine life and water sports and are ideal for sun bathing.

Just 7 kilometers away from the capital city of Port Blair, the Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is very beautiful and perfect location. A place ideal for small vacations or picnics it is surrounded with trees and coconut palms and is the finest locale for one to relax. The place which is bounded by natural fauna and flora is a traveler’s delight.

Surrounded by natural beauty from all sides, the Karmatang Beach is known for its calm and quiet environment and turtle nesting ground. A perfect retreat, the most prominent of all because of its charming beauty it is surrounded by green coastal vegetation. While one must not miss the ride on a steamer through the mangrove brooks from Mayabunder, the Karmatang Beach is the perfect place for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is a treat for nature enthusiasts and zoologists who specialize in marine life Another must for adventure sport lovers is the trek around Mount Harriet and Madhuban. Explore the forests and the wildlife within it.

Radhanagar Beach is one of the two popular beaches located at Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The other one is Vijaynagar Island. A favorite hangout of love birds as the place has nothing to hinder their privacy, besides its scenic beauty, one should also try one’s luck in fishing as the sea water is an abode of various species of fish. Last but not the least is the Ramnagar Beach an abode of the turtles, a beach also known for its varied fauna. While the place is known for its scuba diving or snorkeling, one can enjoy some wonderful trekking trails here!

But its scenic beauty and amazing adventure sports is not the only attraction these Islands have to offer! Other places of interest include Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu, Water Sports Complex, Chatham Saw Mill, the largest saw mill of Asia, Mount Harriet- the highest point near Port Blair and Barren Island – the only active volcano in India.

Museums and monuments have also contributed a great deal to the state tourism at Andaman and Nicobar islands. Renowned museums include Forest Museum, Fisheries Museum, Samudrika of Naval Marine Museum, National Museum and Anthropological Museum. Museums here display to the world a part of Indian history which was left untouched and unexplored. Not only do the museums display facts on Indian freedom fighters but also bring to light the early local tribes whose offspring can still be traced deep into the jungles of the island groups. From marine life to local tribes, forests, vegetation, fauna, etc these museums have a lot to offer!

Another must visit is The Cellular Jail, the National Memorial in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a jail that depicts the agonies of the Indian freedom fighters who were ill-treated by the British, where convicts were transported to serve the sentence of “Kaala Pani” or solitary confinement. Situated at the Viper Island in Port Blair and built in the year 1906, the jail is named so because it comprises of single cells where the convicts were kept in darkness and not allowed to meet the other prisoners. Today it is like a pilgrim centre for all who visit feel the pain that their forefathers had to undergo to get freedom for future generations.

Named after Daniel Ross, is Ross Islands where the vegetation so thick that from a distance it gives the impression of lifelessness, of no human inhabitants on the island. A place of ruins of churches, bungalows, cemetery, bunkers made by the Japanese in the IInd World War, ballrooms and a dismal dungeon. At one time, the place had everything needed for survival: hospital, bazaar, church, printing press, water treatment plant, and cemetery. But today, Ross Island lives only with the memories of those facilities in a museum named “SMITIKA” presenting tourists with various antiques and photographs to reminisce the bygone days.

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park stationed at Wandoor, is another marvel made up of the open sea and creeks, as well as 15 islands. Tourists come here to see the beauty of the rare corals and the exotic life of the marine animals in the Andamans. With the provision for scuba diving and snorkeling, the national park seems to be the indelible part of sightseeing in the Andamans. Delighting tourists with its eco-tourism is

Diglipur in North Andaman Island, the right place to experience the virgin beauty of nature. A place known to hold an endless variety of flora and fauna; the exotic variety of birds found here is something to experience.
Ranking fourth amongst all the islands in Andaman and Nicobar with respect to area as it stretches across a sprawling landscape. Little Andaman Islands are an exotic blend of scenic grandeur and mind-boggling fauna which will surely take your breath away.

While much can be written about these beautiful islands that attract tourists from across the globe, to experience the grandeur of mother natural at her very finest, a visit to these islands will be one to cherish and a memorable lifetime experience.

Visit Port Blair

 

Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (a group of islands). Port Blair is also call the Emerald Islands, because of its lush greenery. The pristine beauty of Port Blair has seen many a historic moments. The sea-sides are enjoyable. There are two modes of travel to Port Blair from India. You can travel to this place directly from Chennai, Vishakhapatnam as well as Kolkata by ship. The Kolkata and Chennai airports have flights connecting Port Blair. However, only one flight is available from both the cities to and fro Port Blair in a day (in the morning hours). The Vir Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is only 2 kilometres from the heart of the city. There are taxis and auto-rickshaws outside the terminus of the airport at the time of arrival of the flights. There are many public buses available near the airport or the jetty.

Port Blair is named after Archibald Blair who was a lieutenant in the British Era. He tried to set up a colony in the region in the year 1789. Port Blair was also the place chosen by the eminent freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to carry out his activities temporarily. The famous song ‘Holes to Heaven’ composed by Jack Johnson, a Hawaii born musician and film-maker has made this island famous.

The Cellular Jail of Port Blair is very infamous for the torture meted out to the prisoners. This was the place where the revolutionaries of the Indian Freedom Movement were sent. Some were hanged here. You can get immersed in the spirit of the struggle for freedom of India through the light and sound shows in the evening hours. These shows depict the sufferings of the freedom fighter kept or hanged here. The nearby places are Wandoor, Ross Inland, North Bay and so on.

How to Get Around?

You can explore the islands by simply walking, but you should be along-with a local. Other-wise you will get lost because most of the places may look similar with steep high grounds. There are abundant auto-rickshaws in Port Blair. The minimum fare is 10 rupees. You have to pay the fare according to the distance. You may get up into any auto-rickshaw, and ask them to take you to Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair. This is an important land-mark. Local buses facilitate travel inter and intra-city. Scooters, motorcycles and private cars are available for hire to be used for inland tours. You have to go to other islands by ferries. Boats, steamers and a type of canoes are available to take you to your place of interest. It is advisable to be aware of the places before you embark on your voyage.

Port Blair Tourist Highlights:

• Gandhi Park- This is a small park with facilities such as amusement rides, nature train, safe aqua sports and historic remains in the garden. There is a Japanese temple and a bunker. Initially the Dilthaman tank was the sole source of drinking water to the people of Port Blair. This tank is located in the park. This is a great destination to visit with kids. The Gandhi Park was built in an amazingly short period of 13 days.
• Mini Zoo- This is in the Haddo area on the Delanipur- Chatham Road. Many rare species of birds and animals are found in this zoo. Well, the number of birds and animals are quite less (around 15). This zoo is too small and hence called Mini Zoo.
• Wandoor- This is a beautiful beach located 29 kilometres from Port-Blair. The water is shallow green.
• Mahatma Gandhi Park- This is at a distance of 29 kilometres from Port Blair at Wandoor. It covers an area of 281.5 square kilometer. The marine park is made up of open sea and creeks. You can view the marine habitat and rocks from the glass floor of the boats. Thrilling activities like scuba diving and snorkeling can be carried out here.
• Sippighat Farm- This is 14 kilometres from Port Blair. The farm has an area of 80 acres or 3,20,000 square metres. It is a government farm. Research and development for cultivations of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and coconut are carried out here. The Central Agricultural Research Institute or CARI is located in the area.
• Chidiya Tapu- It is 25 kilometres from Port Blair in the southern end of South Andaman. The lush mangroves and the greenery of the forests render peace to mind. The chirpings of the birds are worth enjoying. The hillocks in the area give a majestic view of the Islands. Conducted tour commence from the area.
• Collinpur- Collinpur is located next to Tirur. This is 36 kilometres from Port Blair. This place has an enchanting beach (of sand). This place is very apt for swimming, sunbathing, as well as viewing the sunset. Many people select this location for picnics.
• Madhuban- This area is suitable for trekking. It is in South Andaman (north-east area). Tourists can trek to this place and see rare species of butterflies, birds, elephants, as well as flora.
• Mount Harriet- If you travel to this place by road you have to cover a distance of 55 kilometres, whereas it is only 15 kilometres via the waterways. On the top of the mountain you will get an enchanting view of the surroundings. The height of Mount Harriet is 365 metres approximately. Conducted tours are available to this place commencing at the Teal House in Andaman.
• Ross Island- The area of the Ross Island is 6 square kilometers. Once upon a time this was the place from where the British administered the surrounding islands. There are defunct club houses, granaries, theatre halls, church, graveyard, residential complexes, tennis courts. The earthquake of 1941 ended the craze for the Englishmen to reside in this island. Now people ferry to this place by boat and steamers for a short trip. Boats depart from the Pheonix Bay jetty for the Ross Island in the morning hours between 8.30 am and 12.30 pm.

Valentine’s Day Getaways in India!

Love is in the air because Valentine’s Day is nearing! Though for the couples in true love, romance is just not restricted to the Valentine’s Day, yet this is a special day to make your loved ones feel even more special.

With Valentine’s Day only few days away, you also must be thinking or busy planning ho to spend the day in the most beautiful and unique way! You can plan out so many different things to make your Valentine’s Day just perfect. You can go for romantic dinners, engage in fun activities, take out that special person for a shopping spree or gift your loved one something special and unique. But have your ever thought of doing these same things, but in a different place, away from your home, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? How about gifting a rose or just exchanging a loving hug not at your home but amidst the snowcapped mountains? How about going out for dinner not in the same old restaurants but by the beaches, in a tent that you can put up? How about whispering those special words in the ears of your partner not at the pubs or night clubs but in a serene, tranquil atmosphere? Isn’t that even more interesting and romantic?

With beaches, forests, mountains etc, India has always been a leading tourist location of the world. The country is the ideal place to spend your Valentine’s Day. The different states in India have something different and unique in store for you!

Whether you want to spend a day near the pristine sea or the serene mountains, romantic destinations are numerous when it comes to selecting a destination for a memorable getaway! Pack your bags and indulge in a memorable getaway to any one of the romantic hot spots listed below.

To help you in search for the most romantic Valentine’s Day Getaways in India, this year, here are some of the popular ones. Pack your bags, leave all your tensions behind and head of to any of these romantic places to make your Valentine’s Day, this year, an experience of a life time.

Manali

Manali, popularly known as the “Switzerland of India” is situated in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. Famous for its amazing beauty and romantic ambiance, Manali is a wonderful place to be in with your loved ones. Go for ballooning on the Solang Valley, have a look at the picturesque meadow or trek down through the scenic trails in Manali. You may also try your hand out in some of the winter sports such as ice-skating and skiing. It would surely be a romantic experience for you to cherish for ever.

Shimla

Shimla, an amazingly beautiful hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. A romantic and beautiful holiday spent in Shimla is always a unique experience of a lifetime. Shimla is a must visit for the couples in love. Nestled within the thick forests of pine, fir, oak, rhododendron, etc and the captivating hills, Shimla is the perfect escape for you, this Valentine’s Day. Temples, ancient cottages, colonial houses, Jakhoo Temple, the Mall, etc are the popular attractions in Shimla.

Goa

If Goa is referred as a ‘paradise’ for the holiday makers or the loving couples, this wont be an exaggeration and you all would agree to this! It is among the sought after tourist locations in India. The perfect blend of the sun-kissed beaches and the revered temples or ancient churches, the rocking parties and the lip-smacking cuisines- where else would you find such a combination to take pleasure in?   The major places that you can pay a visit on this Valentine’s Day are Calangute, Vagator, Colva, Baga, Harmal etc. Relax on the exotic beaches or feel the peace and serenity at the Goan churches such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral; whatever you do, you just cannot afford to miss Goa as one of the Valentine’s Day Getaways in India.

Puducherry

Characterized by a temperate climate and clear blue waters, Puducherry has been the French Riviera of the East. Previously a French colony, it has till date retained the distinct flavour of the European architecture, attitude and people.

The 4 beaches at Pondicherry, the Promenade Beach, Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach, and Serenity Beach would make your Valentine’s Day just perfect. You can go for a evening walk along the promenade running parallel to the Promenade beach or spend a quiet, romantic outing at the Paradise and Serenity beaches which are popular for its are serene; and if you are looking forward towards spending a lazy day, then Virgin beaches are the places for you!

Another very popular spot is Chunnambar that is located at a distance of 8 km from Pondicherry, near the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical delight is bordered by a beach on one side and the quiet creek on the other. You can put up a tent on the sands, by the seaside, just for two of you, or stay in the tree houses to connect with the beautiful nature.

Arikamedu, located at a distance of 4 km to the south of Puducherry on the banks of Ariyankuppam River, is a town more popular among the lovers. How about spending a day with your partner amidst the rich history of the region dating back to hundreds of years?

Kerala

Also called as the Spice Coast of India, Kerala in the earlier times played the host to many readers and travelers from across the world. Whether you look for pristine beaches or tall mountains, magical backwaters or the deep valleys and river rides, you would get it all in Kerala.

Kerala has always been a popular and favorite destination in India, especially among the couples. Whether you are a newly married couple looking to go for a honeymoon tour or simply a couple in love, looking forward to celebrate the Valentine’s Day, Kerala is the place for you! There are so many techniques and options in Kerala to make that special person in your life, feel even more special. Go for a romantic boat ride along the magical backwaters or take your better half for a relaxing massage experience at the Ayurvedic parlors;

Andaman Islands

Definitely a tropical paradise, Andaman is surely about white sands and blue, clear waters. The swaying palm trees and the romantic sea breeze will take you to a completely different world!

While in Andaman and Nicobar, there are so many activities that would delight you. Go for island-hopping that is considered as one of the popular a sought after activities in the region. Enjoy a boat ride near the archipelago or beach bumming on Jolly Buoy, Havelock, Viper, Cinque, Ross and Chatham Island. You also get the opportunity to have a look from a boat, at the only live volcano on the Barren Island. The famous and romantic beaches in the region are Vijaynagar, Radhanagar beaches in Havelock. Great Valentine getaways for the lovers consist of Neil Island where one can travel around the lush jungle walk down the pristine beaches such as Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and Sitapur. The sandy beach located at Lalaji Bay comes with a unpolluted and excellent environment along with the evergreen forests. The sea around this island is home to many dolphins. You can have fun at the sight of the frolic activities of the dolphins that can be seen by taking a small boat ride. Those who love water sports such as jet-skiing, speed-boating and skurfing etc, Diglipur beach is the place for you! The main feature of this beach that is responsible for its popularity is the high breakers. Lovers with a fondness for fitness might think for going on a hiking trip to the Saddle Peak characterized by trekking paths and nature trails.

Mussoorie

Located at an altitude of 2003 m above sea level Mussoorie is in the Garhwal region in Uttaranchal. The hill station has derived its name from ‘Mansoor’, the local plant, which grows in abundance, in the region. Mussoorie has been the all time favourite destination for the holiday makers, honeymoon couples or leisure travelers. Clean roads, pleasant and comfortable weather conditions, beautiful sights, colonial structures and ‘love in the air’- these characterizes this captivating hill station in India.

While in Mussoorie with that special person in your life, you can enjoy a visit at the Mall, Landour, Bhadraj Temple, Clouds End, Happy Valley, Childer’s Lodge, Gun Hill, Municipal Garden, Jharipani Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Mossey Falls, Bhatta Falls and Kempty Falls. You can also take delight of the nearby places from Mussoorie such as Jwalaji Temple, Dhanaulti, Mussoorie Lake, Nag Devta Temple, Surkanda Devi Temple, Nag Tibba andVan Chetna Kendra.

There are ample opportunities for the couples to take pleasure in the adventure sports such as hiking, trekking and rock climbing. Go out shopping for the beautiful handicraft items like the hand-knit cardigans, cane objects and walking sticks that would remind you of the time spent with your dear one.

Ooty

Ooty is a beautiful place to be in! Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty is located at an elevation of about 2240 m from above the sea level. Pristine beauty, clear skies, lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and curvy hill trails, options of getting captivated in Ooty is numerous.

This Valentine, come and explore Ooty, to feel the amazing beauty of this wonderful hill station in India. Visit places such as the Botanical Lake, Deer Park, Dodabetta Peak, Charring Cross, Kodanadu’s View Point, Government Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Mini Garden, Ootacumund Club, Lamb’s Rock, Ooty Lake and Rose Garden, Coonoor, Dolphin’s Nose, Avalanche, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Mukerti Lake, Mukkurthi Peak, Kotagiri, Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Pykara, Sim’s Park and Tiger Hill.

If this isn’t enough for you, then you have more. Indulge with your loved ones in adventurous and fun sports such as Hang-Gliding, Angling and Trekking etc. You can also go for shopping whereby you can check out the natural products such as the Nilgiri tea, Toda embroideries, natural oils, local fruits and saplings of plants. Some of the popular markets in Ooty are the Municipal Market Kairali, Co-operative Super Market and Poompuhar located on the Charring Street.

Dehradun

Serving as a gateway to many popular destinations in India such as Haridwar, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc, Dehradun itself is also a dream destination for many. Located amidst the majestic Himalayas, the Shivaliks, Yamuna and the Ganges, Dehradun is indeed a beautiful place to be in!

Dalhousie

Carrying a sense of enchantment with it, Dalhousie has been a quiet town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful hill station is spread across 5 low-level hills near the western edge of the Dhauladhars, in the east of River Ravi. The slopes in the region are covered with pines and intersected treks and paths that are just perfect for an undemanding walk. Low roofed hotels and stalls and colonial era buildings find place here at Dalhousie.

Serving as the gateway to the famous Chamba Valley, this popular hill station and colonial town in Himachal Pradesh was brought to existence in the year 1854 by Lord Dalhousie, the British governor-general. Sprawling over an area of about 14 square km and covered with alpine vegetation, Dalhausie comes with a charming architecture and mesmerizing views of both the snowcapped mountains as well the beautiful plains. Jandhri Ghat, Satdhara, Subhash Baoli, The Catholic Church Of St. Francis etc are among the popular places of visit in the region.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg can be yet another beautiful Valentine’s Day getaway in India characterized by cup shaped meadows and lush slopes drawn into immense silence and serenity! Standing at an elevation of about 2730 meters and located 56km in the southwest of Srinagar, the Gulmarg Valley is flanked with gorgeous colorful flowers such as Bluebells, Forget Me Not’s, Daisies and Buttercups. You can either go for a day trip to Gulmarg from Srinagar or use it as a base if you want to go for trekking.

Feel the Magic at Andaman and Nicobar Islands!

Map of Andaman and Nicobar

 

Once masked in the mystery for many centuries, due to inaccessibility, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is now shrouded in scenic beauty and picturesque landscape. Shimmering on the Bay of Bengal like emeralds, the dense forests, beautiful birds, exotic flowers of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands welcome you to this romantic land. Its amazing to see how the Palm trees abounding the meandering coastline of the Islands sway with the waves in the sea, how the sounds of the tribal drums starts haunting the silence of the islands, how the colorful fishes moves around in joy amidst the crystal clean water. The beauty and panoramic view of the islands would instill in you a sense of dissatisfaction and you would immediately want to rebel against the harsh realities of life. A tempting desire to stay back in the heavenly Andaman and Nicobar Islands would fill your mind and soul!

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands, some of which are small and big, inhabited and uninhabited. The islands stretch across 800km of distance, like a broken chain. About 36 islands at the Andaman and Nicobar re inhabited. They were once hill ranges, which extended from Burma to Indonesia. Now these islands are shrouded with lush dense forests and a rich variety of birds and flowers exits here.

The sea presents outstanding scope for exciting water sports. The corals and marine life of the underwater, the atypical flora and fauna of the islands, mangrove-lined streams, the clean water and the fresh air and many more gives you a view of the exclusive facets of nature that we must have only dreamt off. Among the sought after and interesting attractions of the region are the various adventurous activities like island camping, snorkeling, trekking, scuba diving etc.

Scuba Diving at Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to a fascinating variety of underwater species and marine life, like rare coral reefs, colorful fishes, remains of mysterious sunken ships, and many more. Come and feel the magic at Andaman and Nicobar Islands by engaging yourself in scuba diving. All these can be explored through Scuba diving. There is no better escapade than diving. Whether you are new or have been into diving for a long time, doesn’t really matter because you would always come across something new, challenging and captivating about diving, about the underwater life. Stay mesmerized at the sight of the underwater colorful fishes, remain curious at the view of the parts of sunken ships or awaken your creativity by having a look at the underwater photography. Take scuba diving as a casual vacation activity or as a lifetime passion or may be as a career option, but whatever be it, try scuba diving at least once in your life. We bet, you would have a fascinating experience.

Scuba Diving facilities are provided by the Andaman & Nicobar Scuba Diving Society. You would also get private divers. The ideal time to engage in diving is during the months of December to April.

Snorkeling at Andaman and Nicobar

Yet another fascinating way to enjoy the underwater life at Andaman and Nicobar is by involving in snorkeling at Andaman Water Sports Complex, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex, Havelock and several other islands.

Trekking at Andaman and Nicobar

While at Andaman and Nicobar, go out for trekking amidst nature, in the various trekking routes such as from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban etc. Explore the unique variety of flora and fauna and the forest life. Trekking tents and equipments can be hired from the Andaman Teal House.

Island Camping at Andaman and Nicobar

If you are a lover and admirer of Nature, then Island camping is just perfect for you. Take pleasure in the sun, serene beaches, crystal clear seas and the pristine beauty of the region. The best time for Island camps are from the months of October to May.  Put up your own tent, available on hire and enjoy your vacation.

Sport Fishing at Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are just ideal for sport fishing. Fishing in the intact reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is something that we all would be tempted to be a part of. The tropical rainforest islands, the mangroves, the drop offs etc are ideal for saltwater angling.

How to Reach Anadaman and Nicobar Islands

The Indian Nationals don’t require any permission to visit Andaman and Nicobar. However, entry to the tribal regions of the Islands is restricted and requires special permission from the Deputy Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair.  Foreigners are required to have the permission for staying at the Andaman and Nicobar. The permit can be obtained from the Indian Mission Overseas, Foreigners Registration Offices at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, immigration authorities at Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai Airports.

Airways connect the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar i.e. Port Blair to the cities of Chennai and Calcutta. It takes about 2 hours to reach the destination. At present the airlines that operate flights to Port Blair are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, King Fisher and Jet Lite.

• Air India Flights: Chennai – Port Blair – Chennai, Kolkata – Port Blair – Kolkata

• King Fisher Flights: Chennai – Port Blair – Chennai

• Jet AirwaysFlights: Chennai – Port Blair – Chennai – Delhi

• Jet Lite Flights: Kolkata – Port Blair – Kolkata – Delhi

Upon the fulfillment of several formalities and guidelines by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Charter flights are permitted to land at Port Blair, by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Government of India permits foreign charter flight to land at Port Blair subject to the fulfillment of the guidelines issued by Director General, Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.

Passenger ships can also be availed to reach Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam. There are about 3 to 4 sailings every month from Chennai and Calcutta to Port Blair and one sailing from Vishakapatnam to Port Blair every month.

• The distance from Chennai to Port Blair by sea is around 1190km, which would require approximately 60 hours.

• The distance from Kolkata to Port Blair by sea is around 1255km that would take about 66 hours.

• The distance from Vishakapatnam to Port Blair by sea is 1200km taking about 56 hours to reach.

Contact Details

Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.,

Shipping House, No. 13, Strand Road, Kolkata – 700 001

Tel: (033) 22482354, 22488013

Fax: (033) 24822035, 24820377

The Directorate of Shipping Services,

A&N Administration, Phoenix Bay Jetty,

Port Blair

Tel: (03192) 232528/232742 Fax: (03192) 230480

The Assistant Director of Shipping Services,

A&N Administration, 6, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001

Tel: (044) 25220841/25226873, Fax: (044) 25226873