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.
One of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago, Long Island in the Andaman Islands is yet not fully discovered by many who know about this union territory. There are so many reasons for that. The remote locality of Long Island and the poor connectivity of this destination is the foremost reason for many. Along with that, there are very limited accommodation facilities available on Long Island. This place had decent popularity among foreign nationals until 2019. The majority of the Indian travelers don’t include this island in their itinerary as a trip to this point of attraction requires a total of ten or more days’ stay in the Andaman Islands.
Long Island is a small rural settlement that is not connected by any road network to any of the islands. There is no blacktop road on the island. Different parts of the area are connected by a concrete footpath only. A mud road leads towards the wood. If you are a nature enthusiast, then you would love the Casuarina trees (popularly known as the Jhau tree or she-oak) alongside the footpaths that make it an adoring natural walkway. As the island is amidst the open sea, these trees also act as windbreaks for it. In Long Island, all movements are on foot.
Highlights of Long Island, Rangat Island
Long Island was a much busier beach when it was the home to Kitply Industries Limited. However, not many tourists visit this beach nowadays and thus, the natural flora and fauna are thriving on this Island. The beaches around Long Island remain unexplored and are mesmerising like a tiny piece of heaven in India. The island provides a very quiet and calm place to escape the buzz of tourists in the Andamans as it is isolated and still remain unveiled by tourists.
Until the arrival of settlers in the 1970s, the island was inhabited. A plywood factory was set up near the jetty that is closed now. There is a small village nearby the jetty which is populated by settlers and factory workers from various parts of the country.
Overview of Long Island, Rangat Island
This enchanting island is home to a stunning beach at Lalaji Bay six kilometers north from Long Island jetty. It is popular for its beautiful forest cover and coconut plantations. It can also be considered as the gateway to many hidden and unexplored spots like Guitar Island and the Merk Bay Beach at North Passage Island. Here, you can have the best of both worlds—the exotic and untouched virgin beaches as well as the lush green tropical forests. Long Island is a golden feather in the crown of the Andaman Islands. It is a paradise for bird lovers if you visit it during the right season. The island has a unique marine eco-system as well.
The tropical weather and vibes of this island make it a perfect romantic spot. You can spend quality time here amidst the splendor of this destination.
Things to do in Long Island, Rangat Island
On this island, you can spend your time experiencing its beauty and serenity. You can enjoy quality time swimming, lazing around in the beaches, island hopping in a private chartered boat, taking nature walks, trekking, viewing a splendid sunset from the island, indulging in nature photography, and a lot more. You can soak yourself in the essence of being in the lap of nature.
Also, there are diving centres of Havelock Island offering safari trips to explore the dive sites of Long Island. Snorkeling is quite popular here owing to good underwater visibility.
There is a serene trek that goes through the main village, plantations, fields, regenerated forest, and primary rainforest. If you love hiking, then you should definitely include this in your travel plans. This six-kilometer trail begins at the jetty and ends at Lalaji Bay. There is one more trail that runs north from Lalaji bay, which leads to a secret cove with calm water, corals and a white sandy beach. So if you want to snorkel or sunbathe in complete privacy, you know where to go!
Nearby Hotels in Long Island, Rangat Island
There is a government accommodation known as Surmai Resort and a private property named Blue Planet in Long Island. You can stay at any one of these properties. Surmai Resort has more facilities and is recommended for Indian travellers visiting this island or for any traveler who has planned this trip as a family holiday. On the other hand, Blue Planet is more of an eco hut of thatched roofing and walls. It has only low-lying mattresses and mosquito nets as their major amenities. Thus, backpackers can consider this option.
As online things won’t work properly for Long Island, you will be requiring assistance for local companies to get your accommodation booked. When in Long Island, do not expect any luxurious or modern accommodation. The facilities are very basic and kind of eco-stays.
How to reach Long Island, Rangat Island
Over 80 kilometers from Port Blair and 35 kilometers north of Havelock Island, Long Island is connected by ferry from Port Blair, Neil Island and Havelock Island. It is connected by road from Diglipur and Port Blair.
Have you made bookings for hotels and now looking for a reliable vehicle for harbour transfers? Be absolutely relaxed! Andaman Island Travels is the one-stop destination to book a car for your harbour transfers or sightseeing on the island. The pre-arranged transportation will be provided to you between the port and your desired destination, whether it is a hotel, cruise port, or another local point of interest. You can also book the transfer at the end of your trip when you have to head back to Port Blair to catch the flight to return home.
Long Island can be visited at any time of the year as it has a moderate climate. But the best time to plan a vacation is between October and May. During this time, the weather is extremely pleasant there thus making it the best time to enjoy water sports at the beaches. The sky is clear and the temperature is pleasing.
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