Excursions in Port Blair
MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK, WANDOOR (29 KMS, FROM PORT BLAIR)
This
Park is made up of open sea, creeks and fifteen small and large islands covering
an area of 28.15 Sq. Kms. One can see mangrove forests along the creeks and
magnificent tropical forest, fascinating coral reefs and rare under-water marine
life. The Park is the base to visit islands like Jolly Buoy, Red Skin and Cinque
famous fore exotic marine life, rare colourful under-water corals and mangrove
creeks. Glass bottom boats help to take a close look of the coral colonies,
a memorable experience. Snorkeling equipment is available on hire. Conducted
tours are available from Andaman Teal House. Port Blair Te: 34060/32642, Boats
are available from Wandoor for the coral islands of Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.
CINQUE ISLANDS (26 KMS, FROM PORT BLAIR)
Declared as a sanctuary these are enchanting islands with rare corals and under
water marine life and tropical rain forest. The inost fascinating part is a
rare sandy beach with a sand joining the islands, the North and South Cinque.
Chartered boats of permitted category are allowed which are available from Port
Blair, Chidiya Tapu and Wandoor.
CHIDIYA TAPU (25 KMS, FROM PORT BLAIR)
Generally known as Bird Island, at the southern most tip of South Andaman, the
lush green mangroves and the beach make it an ideal picnic site. The forest
guest house situated on top of ahillock provides a fabulous view of isolated
islands, submerged corals and the breath taking sunset. Conducted tours are
available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair.
MADHUBAN (75 KMS, BY ROAD 20 KMS BY FERRY AND ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
Trekking area north east of South Andaman. Exotic flora and fauna, endemic birds,
animals and butterflies and elephant lumbering are the most interesting part
of the trek.
MOUNT HARRIET (55 KM, BY ROAD 15 KM BY FERRY AND ROAD FROM PORT BLAIR)
The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, it is
an ideal place for a nice and fascinating view of the sun, sea and sand. It
is 365 metres high, the highest peak in the South Andamans. One can trek upto
Madhuban through a nature trail and can find rare flora and fauna, endemic birds,
animals and butterflies. Conducted tours to Mt. Harriet are available from Andaman
Teal House.
SIPPIGHAT FARM (14 KMS)
Sprawling over an area of 80 acres is a Government farm. Research and development
programmes for cultivation of spicies like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut
and pepper are conducted.
Research and Demonstration farm of the Central Agricultural Research Institute
(CARI) is nearby.
ROSS ISLAND
A short boat ride from Phoenix Bay Jetty. Ross Island, was the seat of the British
Administration. Important ruins include a Church, Cemetry, Swimming Pool and
Chief Commmissioner's residence. A small museum of Indian Navy, Smritika, has
a good collection of old records. Boats are available from Phoenix Bay Jetty,
Port Blair daily except Wednesday.
VIPER ISLAND HARBOUR CRUISE
Viper Island is very near to Port Blair and was the old Jail were Britishers
used to harbour convicts. It has ruins of gallows atop a hillock. The Jail was
abandoned when Cellular Jail was constructed in 1906. The Harbour cruise available
daily from Phoenix Bay Jetty provides a panoramic view of severn points from
the sea, Harbour, Chatham Island, etc. and includes a trip to Viper Island.
NEIL ISLAND (36 KMS FROM PORT BLAIR.)
The beautiful island with lush green forest and sandy beaches is connected by
boat from Port Blair four days a week. It provides an ideal holiday for eco-friendly
tourists. Hawabill Nest guest house of the Directorate of Tourism ins situated
here.
HAVELOCK ISLAND (54 KMS FROM PORT BLAIR)
This island offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest. Island camping
at Radha Nagar beach is a real exposure to the unpolluted nature for an environment
lover. Connected by boat from Port Blair six times a week. Dolphin Yatri Niwas
Guest House of the Directorate of Tourism provides cosy accommodation. (Tel
82411, 82444), Private sector accommodation includes M.S. Guest House, Seaview
Tourist Complex and Jungle Resort.
LONG ISLAND (82 KMS FROM PORT BLAIR)
Connected by boat thrice a week from Phoenix Bay Jetty, offers and excellent
sandy beach at Lalaji Bay, unpolluted environment and evergreen forests.
RANGAT (170 KMS BY ROAD AND 90 KMS BY SEA)
Rangat provides a real attraction for an ecologically conscious tourist, who
can enjoy the virgin nature and breathe unpolluted air, a rare commodity for
the city dweller. Curbert Bay beach, 15 kms. Away is also a turtle nesting ground,
Accommodation: Hawksill Nest of the Directorate of Tourism, APWD Guest House,
and Chander Mohan Lodge.
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