A Helpful Guide for Travelling In Andaman

If you are travelling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is necessary to plan elaborately. Most tourists prefer to take flights from Kolkata or Chennai. You can also opt for passenger ships that are available from Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Kolkata that alight in Port Blair. Apart from flights, cruises are a major means of water transport available for Andaman and Nicobar travel. There are both local and luxury sailboat services for travelling between the islands.

In Andaman, all the ferry services are handled by the Directorate of Shipping Services. There are two kinds of ferries, small tourist ferries and larger local ferries. The fares of the tourist ferries cost around Rs. 150-200 one way from Port Blair to Havelock Island. The tourist ferries can accommodate up to 100 people at once. You can enjoy the enthralling view of the Andaman Sea from the upper decks of the ferries. The local ferries, compared to the former, are more stable in the sea and are larger. They can accommodate around 400 people on two levels: luxury seating, which is available upstairs, and the deck, downstairs.
 

The Andaman Trunk Road or NH 4 is the main highway for travelling in Andaman Island. You can opt for private jeeps or minivans for getting around the island. A cab costs around Rs. 500-800 for airport pick-up and drop services. For 1-day sightseeing, you can book a cab that costs around Rs. 1500. However, the charges increase for trips from Port Blair to Diglipur. Though it’s a bit expensive, the trip exposes you to mesmerising panoramas and fun-filled adventures during your Andaman and Nicobar travel. Visitors can also hire motorbikes or scooters worth Rs. 400 per day from Port Blair. Bus services are also available from Port Blair to Baratang, Diglipur, Rangat, and Mayabunder in the north and Wandoor in the south. The north, south, and mid-Andaman are well-connected by road, with ferry and bridge crossings. However, some restrictions are imposed in tribal regions, especially in the middle and north Andaman. The tourists are prohibited from driving.