The deciduous rain forests, mangroves, palm-lined pristine white beaches, the inviting clear blue water and a date with Indian history reverberating within the walls of the ill-famed Cellular Jail are the dominating attractions of any Andaman tour package. The exotic marine life and coral reef surrounding many islands are a hot attraction for scuba divers. It is a paradise for those seeking the fun and thrills of restricted adventure available from snorkeling. For those fond of seabed walking, water skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing, Andaman is the place to go on a short holiday that provides enough oxygen to carry back with you to help you in surviving the ordeals of urban living. If you are eager to plan a trip to Andaman, this article should come in handy.
Reaching Port Blair
Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is accessible by air and waterways. Even a few years ago when ships were the only transport for reaching the islands, spending anything between a week and fortnight was the usual norm. Today it takes only a few hours to fly into Port Blair from the mainland. Passenger flights from Chennai and Kolkata operate regularly, but foreign tourists would require a permit from the Deputy Commissioner in Port Blair for visiting the archipelago.
Choose an Andaman tour package or plan on your own
A trip of 3 to 7 days is ideal to cover the places of interest and tour operators can offer a variety of packages that suit your need. However, if you have some special requirements, regarding time and places you would like to visit, it is better to make your plan and arrangements. While you can complete the visit to most places within a day, some places might need to stay for a night.
The tour itinerary
Below you would find the places to cover in the tour with expected time spent at each destination so that you can plan your travel accordingly.
In Port Blair, the Cellular Jail is the central attraction with its light and sound show, and you can visit the Science Center, Anthropological Museum, Forest Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum and Fisheries Aquarium. A tour to Corbyn’s Cove, Ross Island, Viper’s Island, North Bay Island, Redskin Island and Chidiatapu would complete the stay at Port Blair. Keep two half days for the trip.
Spend a day at Wandoor beach and Jolly Buoy Island and keep on target the visits to Havelock Island, Neil Island, Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur on other days.
Transport and food
If you are touring on your own, you can choose the government operated local sightseeing tours or can hire a cab that takes you around. You can also hire two-wheelers at most places for sightseeing. Bicycles are popular for exploring the smaller islands like Neil and Havelock. There are several joints where you find vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods at reasonable price.
Planning a trip on your own gives the opportunity to explore places to meet rich men that people usually do not frequent.
