Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Are you planning to have a wonderful vacation in Andaman Island, which is known as the most beautiful union territory of India? It’s quite obvious for you to explore the pristine beauty of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and the rich history of Port Blair (the capital town). But if you want to do something different and rare that not many people do, then you should keep at least one day for Baratang Island.
Known for its natural wonders, the island has impressive and dense mangrove creeks that endow it with unique splendor. The most impressive feature about this island is its limestone caves, which are one of a kind natural marvel on earth. The caves feature rare stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
These limestone caves in Baratang Island are straight out of a fairytale. They have a picture-perfect look owing to their exclusiveness. These promise you a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty with fascinating views. Its uniqueness can surprise whosoever visits Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Not many people know about its splendid beauty. But those who end up here are left awestruck by its awesomeness. You can visit these special caves with your family, friends, or partner.
The first gateway up north from the capital city, Baratang Island is located between Middle and South Andaman. It is approximately 100 kilometers far from Port Blair and thus, you will need a full day to praise its beauty.
Limestone Caves, which are the most sought-after natural attractions, are nature’s own architecture as they have been formed naturally in the Andaman Islands. A treat to your eyes, you can take a walk through dense mangrove forests to reach these caves.
These have been formed over years of corrosion. Here, you will witness a marvelous texture that is sure to leave you awestruck. The limestone formations emerge from the ceiling as well as the floor. Looking at nature transforming, evolving, and creating beautiful structures would be a miraculous experience.
Baratang Island is slightly less developed, but still a wonderful natural delight. It is not a major tourist hub because not everyone knows about this hidden gem of Andaman Island. There are no tourist facilities, fancy restaurants or luxury accommodation here. The majority of the locals do not speak English. But trust us, all this further enhances the beauty and natural glow of the place. Fortunately, the island hasn’t been commercialised yet which is in some way a good thing.
Including the unique limestone caves would be an added feather to your Andaman vacation as these will leave you completely awestruck with their magnificence. A natural wonder like this is rare to be found anywhere else.
It is advisable to carry a decent amount of cash with you as you will find only a few ATMs around Baratang Island. The ATMs here are replenished with cash in four to five days. Thus, while visiting limestone caves, you should carry enough cash with you. In case you visit Port Blair on this trip, then you don’t have to worry about cash as it has various ATMs and you will not face any trouble there.
Finding a nice accommodation in Baratang Island is tricky as well as expensive. Also, the properties usually don’t welcome walk-ins. So, you have to book in advance. The best options are mentioned below:
Some of the facilities available at these properties are as follows:
Don’t expect fancy restaurants on this island, but for sure you won’t stay hungry. The Nilambur jetty is dotted with a few food outlets and small eateries that serve mainly South Indian and Bengali dishes. On almost every corner, you can find refreshments, snacks and tea.
Some of the best restaurants near the limestone caves serving yummy food are as follows:
To reach Limestone Caves in Baratang Island, first you have to reach Port Blair as it is the entry point for the Andamans. You can hire a private car or catch a private AC bus to reach Baratang Island from Port Blair. It is the best and the most convenient way.
If you are on a tight budget, then taking a government bus from Port Blair is the best option. You will have to drive via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and move in a group with one short vehicle-ferry connection. It will take a total of four hours but the lush greens and blue waters will make the whole experience unforgettable. Please note that two-wheelers are not allowed to go all the way to the island.
You can spot a few Jarawas on the way. The jungle through which the ATR cuts is home to the indigenous Jarawa tribe. You can witness many tribal people waiting on the sides of the road to cross to the other side. You cannot interact with them in any way, and also giving them food, gifts or even clicking their pictures is not permitted. You can be fined and imprisoned for the same.
To reach Limestone Caves, you have to follow a trail that in itself is very interesting. Passing through forests, you need to take a jetty ride to reach. The trail is very beautiful and you will feel as if you are in the lap of nature. You will reach these amazing caves in ten to fifteen minutes.
Contact Andaman Island Travels if you are planning to visit this splendid Indian union territory. This tour agency located in Port Blair will take care of all your bookings.
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