A few tips for the Andamans

Shiver me Timbers

Hi, the blue lagoon at the west end of beach #7 on Havelock is a quality place.

Also in the north, Smith Island has some great spots right on the beach, if you can manage a visit.

Avis island has some off-shore, it's a bit of a swim out from the beach, but well worth it!

I'm sure there are other spots.

kalbarri

just saw you in turkey or thereabouts, having an adventure, i am sure. thanks for this info. you are mentioning islands that i haven't heard mentioned before. was it easy to get around to all those islands?
i am in chennai and met a girl who has just returned from there and she said it is raining too much, so i am debating whether to go there now or later.

Shiver me Timbers

It's easy enough to get around - you can make it from Port Blair all the way to the far north (for Smith Island) in one long day by bus, or by overnight ferry. The town and jumping-off point is called Digliapur, near which there is some decent accomodation.

For Avis Island, the jumping-off point is Mayabunder, about 3 hours south of Digliapur.

For Long Island, the jumping-off point is Rangat, further south once again, though better accessed by ferry from Port Blair or (I think) Havelock.

Here's just about the best map I could find online to give you an idea.....

kalbarri

just looking at the map inspires me to go there. all that lovely clear ocean to swim around in...thanks

amarshah

nice map... thanks for sharing it...

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Shiver me Timbers

Just one more thing, I travelled from Port Blair north all the way to Digliapur along the Grand Trunk Road, and on the way caught a glimpse of a couple of tribal people walking along the road, mostly naked and very African looking.

shahronakm

They are called Jarawas. Even I had a glimpse of them (four of them - all men - including one small boy) during our return journey to Port Blair from Baratang Island on the Grand Trunk Road.

Ronak.

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kalbarri

the weather report at the moment is thunderstorms and clouds for port blair. i like the rains in the tropics but i also want to be able to go snorkelling so i am not sure that the water clarity would be very good. 2 weeks ago a traveller told me that she had just got back from andamans and the rains had caused problems for the boat and she was lucky to get a lift with a helicopter. 800 rps. don't recall from where to where.

shahronakm

Lift with a helicopter. Must have been a memorable ride for her.
Could be from Havelock Islands to Port Blair.

Ronak.

colored feather

Neil and Havelock are the best place for snorkeling, but recently Jolly Boy and Red skin (both are near Port Blair) Islands have started operating again for the entire snorkeling enthusiast. You can go to Jolly Boy and Red Skin by ferries costing Rs 300 for both ways.

Baratant Island is also a good place to go, you can go for one day trip also, I guess it costs around RS 600 or so, the tour operator picks you up at 4 am sharp from Port Blair, shows you mud volcano, lime stone caves and a beach, breakfast is included and you back to Port Blair by 7 pm, so its a worth of go. Also there is a Bird Island in Baratang which is just spectacular around sun set, all the birds come at the same spot.....though last I heard, it was banned but you have to talk with local boatmen and they can arrange a trip for you if you are willing to fork out.

kalbarri

for jolly boy and red skin there is also an entry fee to the marine reserve, about 500rps. unfortunately i didn't go but even wandoor looked like a nice place to stay. the forest lodge on the hill had a great view. the water was not clear the day i went there. there is a budget resort with huts right on the beach and with good food. "paradise resort" i think it is called.
i thoroughly enjoyed snorkelling near the jetty at neil island and along the edge of the reef at beach no 2, havelock. both places are accessible easily from the beach.

footloose8

Hi Colored Feather,

Could you please detail the way one could get to Jolly Buoy, if I use the public conveyance that is available. There is a bus to Wandoor and then boats to Jolly Buoy is what I have heard. If you can please update me on the costs of travelling and the schedule of these transfers, would be more than glad.

Thanks in advance.

kalbarri

when i was there the boats to those islands were only going on wednesday, saturday and sunday. wandoor is only about 40ks from port blair and there were regular buses going to wandoor. fare would be minimal. sorry that i can't remember exact details.
i assume that there will be more ferries to the islands in the busy season.
azad hotel is reasonably priced, with tv and aircon if you want and is in easy acces to shopping and the bus stand at port blair.

footloose8

I have a question regarding medicines to take to the Andamans.

I am packing in meds for sea-sickness, fever, tummy upset and allergies.

Could you please tell me if I should also carry Resochin for malaria??? Since I am an Indian, so I won't be going through any routine vaccinations while travelling. But have any citizens travelling to the islands carried anti-malarial medicines?

Or will lotions to fend off mosquitoes be enough?

Thanks very much for you help.

Bests.

navinkurian2002

there were some cases of malaria at havelock .Carry everything (all meds) there is a small medical shack at village no 3 but it has limited medicines .

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