Andaman Travel Guide - Neil Island
Neil Island named after British Bridadier James Neil who fought for British in 1857 Sepoy Mutiny.
This tiny island have a population of 4000 most of them are Bengali - who settled here in or after 1947 and 1971 from Bangladesh during partition and during Independence war.
Neil island also called Rice Bowl of Andaman - agriculture remained main profession of the islanders till tourism boom taken place in last 15 yrs.
To reach Neil Island best options are Private Cruise run by Markuzz and Ocean Green - booking for the cruise can be online.
Cheaper option is Govt Ferry but getting tickets is always difficult for tourists as Govt ferry are mainly for the islanders. It takes 90 min to reach the island from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port blair. Cost of tickets is around Rs 1000 per head incuding taxes in Private ferry.
Places to see -
Bharat pur Beach main beach in Neil near the jetty for swimming and water sports activity - glass button ride,snorkeling, jet ski are some of water spirts available here
Sitapur Beach - another beautiful beach in Neil famous for sunrise
Natural Coral Bridge - famous and must visit in Neil in Laxmanpur Beach ...also famous for viewing sunset
Best way to do sightseeing is to book a cab from jetty once you reach Neil - non ac cab charges 800 and ac cab 1200 for sightseeing including hotel drop and next day drop to jetty from hotel for onward journey.
Accomodation - Both ac and non ac accomodations are available as per your budget. Homestays offer rooms at a cheaper rate while staying in luxury resorts attracts high prices.
Its a must visit if you visit andaman - one day stay is good enough to cover all the places.
Andaman Travel Guide - Havelock Island
Havelock island located at 38 km north east of Port Blair is one of the largest island that is open to tourists.
This place is a must visit ideally 2 nights stay is recommended here.
Best way to reach the island is by Private Cruise liners booking can be done online through the websites - cost per ticket is approx 1300 per head one way journey. Both Markuzz and Ocean Green operates cruise in this island .
Havelock is the place for all kinds of water sports activity .SCUBA diving is the best of all - multiple diving centres are available. SCUBA diving is done in Beach no 2 (Govindnagar Beach ) - best time to dive is early morning and best season is between November to April when sea is quiet and clear. If you are between 12 to 60 yrs and medically fit dont miss the rare and unforgottable experience to watch the under water marine life. Contact SCUBA operators as soon as you land in Havelock island direct or through your hotel. SCUBA dive costs 3500/4000 per head per dive for beginners - this rate is standard and fix by local authority.
For those who are not interested in SCUBA diving visit Elephanta Beach for snorkelling, sea walk, glass button ride - you can reach the beach by Boat from havelock jetty. Boat ride costs 950 per head that includes complimentary snorlling and 3 hr stay in the beach and return by same boat back to the jetty.
Best beach for swimming in Havelock is Radhanagar Beach - beach have changing room and showers so you need to carry extra clothes from your hotel. Its one of the best beach in India for swimming in my opinion - no water sports activity is available in Radhanagar beach.
Other beach is Kalapathar beach - road to the beach is like marine drive. This beach is not good for swimming but limited swimming is possible here too - dont go too deep here.
Best way to explore the island is by two wheeler which is available for rental for those who have two wheeler licences.
Other way is Taxi cabs which are availble in jetty as soon as you reach havelock - no need to book them in advance. They charge Rs. 800 per point with waiting as per your timing and for hotel transfer from jetty it costs 200/400 based on distance of the hotel - this is non ac base rate .
Hotel are available in different price zone. Non ac hotels starts from 1500 and AC cottages start from 3000 plus. Sea facing resorts have high tariffs. Choose your accomodation rationally and at per your budget.
Best time to visit the island is between Nov to April however it remains open to all year.
This travalogue is to help all my fellow travellers for self planning a memorable havelock tour in your Andaman visit based on my personal experiences.
Andaman Tour Guide Baratang
In Andaman trip Baratang trip is optional - most of us plan the trip as the road passes through Jarawa Forests and rare chance of seeing them in their homeland.
If you happen to plan Baratang trip try to get out early preferably at 3.30 am ...if you miss the time then by 6 am..its a 110 km road journey of which 50 km passes through dense Jarawa forest. It takes 90 min to reach Jirkatang outpost entry point of Jarawa forest - gate opens at 6 am and 9 am .
Once you reach the Baratang island after crossing Jarawa forest Speedboat takes tourists to Limestone cave..Speed boat passes through Mangrove forest..after visiting Limestone Cave visit Mud Volcano by Jeep...return from Baratang starts at or by 12.30 .. Forest gate opens at 12.30 pm and 3 pm during return time....return to Portblair by 4 pm if you start early or 7 pm if you start late.
All cars pass in a convoy through the Jarawa forest with police guidance .Any kind of photography or any kind of interaction with Jarawas is punishable offence.
Cost of trip - 5000 for Car ..700 per head for Boat trip to Limestone cave ( need to trek 1.5 km to visit limestone cave one way. ) and 100 per head for car to Mud volcano ( need to take separate local car to visit mud volcano )
Pictures here are taken during my of Baratang trip..
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