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.
Neil Island is stroked by the constant rock and roll of waves. Adorning the most exquisite landscapes, Natural Bridge in Neil Island is testament to this. A cup of sunshine is poured all over the land – allowing it to bask and shine in the warmth. Well, Natural Bridge is, at first glance, extraordinary in its beauty. It is, as locals refer to it, the Howrah Bridge. Let’s take a walk across nature's bounty and discover what it has to offer us. The natural bridge-shaped rock formation is basically a rock jutting out composed of two living corals. Best seen during low tides, the landscape makes for rare and extraordinary photo opportunities. Enclosed in the emerald waters, with small fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish swaying along the waves, Natural Bridge is perfect for thrill seekers.
Getting There
One can reach the Natural Bridge on Neil Island after travelling 43 kilometres from Port Blair. Upon reaching the Jetty, you can hire a bike or book a taxi to reach Laxmanpur Beach, which lies close to the bridge. From here you need to take a 200 meters walk to see the bridge. Or you can board an auto-rickshaw as well. The entire journey takes nearly 30 minutes. Stroll along the craggy shore to see other corals, tide pools, and diverse marine life.
Be There Do That
The Natural Bridge is a landmark in Neil Island and a photographer's favourite. Look at the adjacent wall that bears the brunt of the 2004 Tsunami and shielded Neil Island from devastation. You can spot many starfishes, sea cucumbers visible in the shallow waters between the rocks as well as crabs, sea urchins, colourful corals, and seldom tiny octopuses. The beach accompanying the bridge is called the dead coral beach and is ideal for trekking rather than swimming. The iconic Howrah bridge got its name from its Bengali settlers, and they delight in showcasing their culture through folk dances and music. The island hosts the Island Tourism Festival and Subhash Mela in winters that you must attend if your dates match.
While You’re There
Note that you do not require any entry fee to visit the beach.
Hire a guide to understand and appreciate the natural aquarium (Read: shallow water).
Plan your visit before afternoon, to capture the landscape in the best light and when the tides are low and clear.
Please do not bring back corals as it is a punishable offence by law.
Return before it gets dark as the route is tricky.
Be careful while clicking photographs and do not step on any creature.
Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes when you visit this place because you will walk on a wet and slippery rocky path.
Closing Statement
The natural bridge is a notable highlight on Neil Island and one of the most sought after destinations on the Andamans. The trek to the natural bridge crosses a small hamlet, lined by tall mahua trees, and overlooks the grand ocean, plus the dead coral that you encounter en route. Marvel at nature's architecture, but keep the time of the day in mind, you might get stuck in knee-deep water. The island experiences mildly warm and humid weather conditions throughout the year. The ideal time to visit the bridge is during the winter season, from November to February.
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