Island : India Travel Guide

Category : Island

Green Island – Havelock Andaman & Nicobar

April 28th 2010 Posted at Andaman & Nicobar, Havelock, Island, Seabeach
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Andaman island looks like a kohinoor in the sea from the sky.It is the most beautiful honeymoon destination in the world.North to South these undulating Islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of indigenous and exotic flowers and birds, These, along with silvery-sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastlines, and the excellent scope of water sports, diving, carefree relaxation etc, make the Islands a unique tourist destination.Havelock is the most attractive destination for tourist.Havelock Island is famous for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and for a relaxing holiday.Havelock waters offer a fascinating world of underwater marine life. All these can be explored through SCUBA diving.

The boat leaves from phoenix jeti of portblair at 6a.m. daily and reaches havelock at 9:30a.m.The journey is very attractive and full of excitement.You can see dolphins or fishes during the boating.The whole atmosphere make u feel that u r enjoying an aquarium.

Dolphin resort is very nice place to stay at havelock.It is very near to seabeach at havelock island. You can enjoy the whole environment from the bed of this resort.The best thing is to eat is the locally caught fresh seafood.Here available amazing sea food at cheap prices, coconuts not to be missed. After getting some rest and take some food ,start journey to go Radhanagar beach.The distance of radhanagar beach is 12km,time required 1/2hour. Radhanagar Beach is the most beautiful on the island.This beach was rated best in asia on 2004.One side of beach is jungle,this beach becomes attractive for the combination of sea,jungle and beach.A man with an elephant walks through the forest, offering rides for a fee.Another famous beach is elephant beach.Boats leaves from the havelock jeti to go elephant beach.The elephant beach is an excellent spot for snorkeling.

Getting There:

By air/ship u can go from kolkata to port blair.The distance from port blair to havelock is 50km.In the morning 6a.m. ship started to reach havelock from the phoenix jeti of port blair.You can go by a.c. speedboat also.Time required to reach 3 to 4 hour.

Where to stay:

Dolphin resort of Andaman & Nicobar tourism is the best place to stay there.Address of kolkata office: Andaman Bhavan,phone:2289-4899.There are also so many places to stay,like,coconut grove eco friendly hut, wild orchid resort or jungle resort of radhanagar beach near of dolphin resort. Price as customer requirement.

Best Season: October to may is tourist season.

Tour Plan: 7-8 days

Remember: Boat prices are 700 to 1000 for snorkeling.This price is valid for 10 people to go and snorkeling. You can also drive scuba, package price between 2000 to 16000.

Entry Formalities:

Foreigners: Foreigners require a permit to stay in the Islands, which can now easily be obtained on arrival at Port Blair (either by air or sea) from the immigration authorities for 30 days. in addition, permits can also be obtained from:

a) Indian Mission Overseas,

b) Foreigners Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,

Kolkata.

c) The Immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

The Places covered by this permit for night halt:

1. South Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).2. Middle Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).

3. Little Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).

4. Neil Island

5. Havelock Island

6. Long Island

7. Diglipur

8. Baratang

9. Islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding Islands – Boat, Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) (Night halt with permission).

10. North Passage.

For Day Halt:

1. Ross Island

2. Narcondum Island

3. Interview Island

4. Brother Island

5. Sister Island

6. Barren Island – can be visited on board vessels only.

Indians:

Indian Nationals need no permits to visit Andaman. However, visiting tribal areas of Andaman and Nicobar District is prohibited and permits can be granted by the Deputy Commissioner Andamans District Port Blair in special cases, on receipt of application in prescribed form.

Map Of Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar :

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Hope Island

October 8th 2009 Posted at Andhra Pradesh, Hope Island, Island
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Hope Island is a small island of about 1000 hectares, 5 km off the Kakinada coast. It was small sand spit in the 18th century. The continuous flow of eroded soil in Godavari distributaries and its interaction with the sea has resulted in the formation of the island. The island is 17 km in length, with a head of about 5 km and a very narrow tail of about 2 km. There is sea on one side and backwater son the other side of the island. The water gap between the island and Marinade coast acts as a passage for ships to enter the Kakinada port. There are two villages on the island, one each at the head and tail of the island. It takes about 45 minutes in a motorized boat to reach Hope Island from Kakinada port.

Tourist Attraction:

Kakinada-Uppada Road Beach: The beach on Uppada Road is located about 5 km from Kakinada town and is well connected by bus. Like any other beaches, most people visit it on Sundays and holidays. In addition, this beach also attracts residents of Kakinada every evening due to its proximity to the town. The beach and shore waters are clean. The slope is gradual and the shore is wide. There is a beach park.

Map:

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Lakshadweep

September 13th 2009 Posted at Island, Lakshadweep
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General Information Of Lakshadweep:

Area : 32 sq km.

Capital : Kavaratti

Location : 8° & 12° 30’ North latitude 71° & 74° East longitude

Total Island : 36

Temperature : Max. 32° C and Min 28° C.

Rainfall : 24.18 cms.

Introduction Of Lakshadweep:

One of world’s most spectacular tropical Island systems, Lakshadweep is tucked away 220-440 kms off the Malabar Coast. The Islands offer a precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the Islands is its coral reef, making it a pristine leisure spot to come back to 4220 sq. km. Of lagoon, rich in marine wealth is spread over 36 Islands in an area of 32 sq. kms. The underwater view at Lakshadweep is Kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for swimming, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking making it India’s one of its kind “Adventure Sport-Nature Tourism” location. You can indulge in any of these sports or just laze around and unwind in the tranquil atmosphere. The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life-watch it for yourself. Against the vast expanse of the blue sea the Islands look like emeralds. Lakshadweep means a hundred thousand Islands and it’s the tiniest union territory of India. Snow-white coral sands fringe each Island. These are marked by a huge shallow, calm lagoon on one side which separates it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-like reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals. Lakshadweep was given national Eco-Tourism award in 1997. What meets the eye at first glance is the lush green colour that gracious tall palm trees paint. There are no dogs and snakes on the Island only a few Islands have crows. Common sea birds are Tratashi and Karifetu. Most of them nest on Island called Pitti – a bird sanctuary. Strikingly the colourful fishes draw one’s attention by their interesting behaviour, peculiar forms and captivating movement. A variety of crabs, lobsters and shrimps inhabit the crevices of corals.

How To Go Lakshadweep :

The Lakshadweep group of Island is well connected both by air and ship. While Island like Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by air, the other Island can be reached by ship by Cochin. The ship offers different class of accommodations. A/C first class with two/four birth cabin and tourist class with A/C sitting. The vessels has all the facilities that go with a passenger vessel, namely video shows, cafeteria and snack bar, upper-deck airing space, entertainment lounge, Doctor on call, etc.

Tourist Attraction Of Lakshadweep:

Minicoy

Agatti

Minicoy, The Majesic Marvel: Minicony, The “majestic” in the regional dialect. As you enter this unique ecosystem, exciting possibilities open up. A Eureka sort of feel engulfs you. Starting with its crescent shape and the lingering romantic beauty, the largest lagoon in Minicly, slowly makes you aware how different it is from the other islands. There is more to Minicoy than meet the eye. Its charm will descend on you, as people and places unfold before you. A long leisurely walk through the coconut groves and village pathways will enliven your spirits.

More….

Agatti: Agatti is situated 459 km from Cochin. The 6 km long and 1000mts. wide in area. Here corals growths and multi coloured coral fishes abound in its lagoons. Agatti is the airport stopover from Cochin and Goa on the way to Bamgaram, which ca be seen on the northern horizon. Agatti offers fully furnished resorts. The main attraction of this resort here is the water sports facilities.

Andrott: Andrott is located 293 km from Cochin. Andrott is the nearest Island to the mainland. It is the largest Island in Lakshadweep. Thick vegetation, mainly coconut groves, adds to the beauty of the Island. It was the first Island to embraced Islam.

Amini: Amini is located 407 km from Cochin. It is 3 km long 1.5 km wide with oblong shape. Amini is famous for stone engravers and has a rich tradition of folk songs. Talented craftsmen living here are famous for making walking sticks with tortoise shells and coconut shells. The Island got its name from the Arabic word ‘Amini’ meaning “Faithful”.

Bangaram

Bitra

Bangaram: Bangaram is located 459 km from Cochin. Warm round the year. Rainfall is limited and the temperature during monsoon is 25° – 27° C. A bewitchingly beautiful and breath taking Island in the Lakshadweep.

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Bitra: Bitra is located 483 km from Cochin. Bitra is the smallest inhabited Island in the territory. There is a small shrine of Malik Mulla, an old Arab Saint. The shrine is the place of pilgrimage.

Chetlat: Chetlat is located 432 km from Cochin. Chetlat is the northern most inhabited Island. Coir twisting is the chief occupation of the people here. Manufactures of the mat and weaving of coconut are spare time industries here.

Kadmat

Chetlat

Kadmat: Kadmat is located 407 km from Cochin. It is 8 km long and 550 mts. wide at the broadest point. It has very large lagoon with abundant coral growth. Long sandy beaches and excellent water sport facilities are the stellar attractions here. It is famous for its lime stones used for building purposes.

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Kalpeni: Kalpeni is located 287 km from Cochin. It is known for its scenic beauty and the small Islets called Tilakkam and Pitti and an uninhabited Island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south eastern shore lines. Here, one can Swim, Reef-Walk or Water Sport on Kayakas, Sailboat and Pedal Boat. Water Sport Crafts are given on hire. Two bathing ghats with change-rooms are available at Koomel Beach Resort. A visit to the Baniyan Factory and the Light House is also included in the day’s programs. Four tourist cottages are also available for staying tourists.

Kalpeni Beach

Kavaratti Beach

Kiltan

Kavaratti: Kavaratti is located 404 km from Cochin. Tourists have enough time to explore the Island. The beauty calm lagoon forms an ideal spot for Water Sports, Swimming and Basking on warm sandy beaches. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the New Marine Aquarium, which are excellent collection of specimens. Tourists can be viewed the exotic under water world easier through Glass Bottom Boats. Kayakas and Sailing Yachts are available for hire. The Dolphin Dive Centre is another attractions for Water Sports enthusiast. One can visit Kavaratti in Coral Reef and Taratashi packages. Tourists availing ‘Taratashi’ package to Kavaratti stay in the tourist huts at the tourist complex.

Kiltan: Kiltan is located 393 km from Cochin. The Island is only 3 km long. On the northern end and southern ends of the Island there is a high storm beach. The Island thick in flora and is fertile. The summer night in Kiltan is warmer and it is usual for the people to sleep outside their home on the beaches. Kiltan has a rich tradition of the folk dances.

Map Of Lakshadweep :

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Andaman & Nicobar Islands

September 10th 2009 Posted at Andaman & Nicobar, Island
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General Information:

Area : 8,248 sq. km.

Capital : Port Blair

Altitude : Varies from sea level to 732 meters.

Languages : Nicobari, Bengali, Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam, Hindi & English.

Monsoon : July to August.

Temperature : Max. 30° C & Min. 23° C.

Rainfall : 300 cm.

Clothing : Cotton round the year.

Best Season : September to June.

Forest cover : 92%

Introduction:

Beach

Floating in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal is the archipelago of over 572 Islands, known as Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Stretched over an area of more than 700 km, with 36 inhibited Islands. North to South these undulating Islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of indigenous and exotic flowers and birds, These, along with silvery-sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastlines, and the excellent scope of water sports, diving, carefree relaxation etc, make the Islands a unique tourist destination. Andaman waters offer a fascinating world of underwater marine life. All these can be explored through SCUBA diving. Andaman is certainly the right choice for a tourist next holiday and the best destination for honeymooners, business executives on incentives or small conference groups, senior officers of banks and also corporate houses. One can enjoy the under water marine life and view the rarest varieties of corals by snorkeling near the Andaman Water Sports Complex, Corbyn’s Cove, M.G. National Park, Havelock, Neil, Ranghat and other Island places. One can go trekking through the nature trail from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban and enjoy the rare forest life watching wonderful flora and fauna. One can visit some notable museums at Port Blair, the capital of Andaman Islands. These are Anthropological Museum depicting the life of the Paleolithic Islanders, Fisheries Museum that exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the Islands, Samudrika which is set up to create awareness on oceanic environment and ZSI Museum which exhibits a good variety of Sponges, Corals, Butterflies centipedes etc, and Forest Museum which offers an insight into forestry activities. Other places of interest in Port Blair are Amusement Park, Children’s Traffic Park, Mini Zoo, Rajiv Gandhi Velodrome, and Physical Fitness Center etc. All foreign nationals require a permit to stay in the Islands for 30 days, which can easily be obtained on arrival at Port Blair either by air or sea from the immigration authorities.

Entry Formalities:

Foreigners:Foreigners require a permit to stay in the Islands, which can now easily be obtained on arrival at Port Blair (either by air or sea) from the immigration authorities for 30 days. in addition, permits can also be obtained from:

a) Indian Mission Overseas,

b) Foreigners Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,

Kolkata.

c) The Immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

The Places covered by this permit for night halt:

1. South Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).2. Middle Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).

3. Little Andaman Island (except Jarwa Reserve).

4. Neil Island

5. Havelock Island

6. Long Island

7. Diglipur

8. Baratang

9. Islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding Islands – Boat, Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) (Night halt with permission).

10. North Passage.

For Day Halt:

1. Ross Island2. Narcondum Island

3. Interview Island

4. Brother Island

5. Sister Island

6. Barren Island – can be visited on board vessels only.

Indians:

Getting There:

Air: Port Blair is connected with Madras and Calcutta by air.

Sea: Passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Madras, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

Tourist Attraction:

Cellular Jail:Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair is closely associated with freedom struggle and now a place of pilgrimage. The saga of this heroic freedom struggle is now brought alive in a moving Son-at-Lumiere.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: This Marine Park, located 29 km from Port Blair, comprising of open sea, creeks and 13 small and large Islands, is one of the best found anywhere in the world. The park provides viewing of rare corals and underwater marine life through glass bottom boats, scuba diving, snorkeling etc. and also an awe-inspiring habitat for marine animals. Boat trips to Coral Islands like Jolly Buoy, Red Skin, Cinque Island are memorable experience.

Andaman Water Sports Complex: This unique sports complex in India in its own kind, there is facilities for safe water sports, and adventure water sports. This is also a Saline Water Swimming Pool, Nature-walk etc.

Gandhi Park: This beautiful park at Port Blair has facilities like Children Park. Amusement Park, Entertainment Park, Water Sports, Nature trail, Lake, Garden etc. and a Japanese temple as well as bunker.

Corbyn’s Cove: Located short distance from the town, its coconut palm fringed beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and sun basking.

Madhuban: Trekking area with exotic flora and fauna, endemic birds, animals, butterflies and elephant lumbering.

Ross Island: It has important ruins like Church Cemetry, Swimming Pool and Chief Commissioner’s residence.

Viper Island: Viper Island housed a prison before the Cellular Jail was constructed.

Excursion:

Sippighat Farm: Sippighat Farm is located 14 km from Port Blair, which is a government farm for cultivation of spices.

Chidiya Tapu: Chidiya Tapu is located 25 km from Port Blair known as Bird Island. The lush green mangroves and the beach make it an ideal picnic site.

Cinque Island: Cinque Island is situated 26 km from Port Blair. This Island is declared as a sanctuary. This is an enchanting island with rare corals and under-water marine life.

Neil Island: Neil Island is located 32 km from Port Blair. With its lush green forest and sandy beaches it offers an ideal eco-friendly holidays for tourists.

Havelock Island: Havelock Island is situated 38 km from Port Blair. This Island offers beautiful sandy beaches and lush green forest.

Mount Harriet: Mount Harriet is situated 55 km by road / 15 km by Ferry / Road from Port Blair. An ideal place for trekking, it is 365 mts. high, here one can find rare flora and fauna, endemic birds, animals and butterflies.

Long Island: Long Island is located 82 km from Port Blair. Offers an excellent sandy beach at Lalaji Bay.

Little Andaman: About 100 km South to Port Blair, Little Andaman is another tourist destination where Andaman Forest & Plantation Development Corporation provides excellent hospitality in its eco-friendly resort.

Ranghat: Ranghat is located 170 km by Road and 90 km by Sea from Port Blair. Ranghat provides a real attraction for an ecologically conscious tourist, who can enjoy the virgin nature and breathe unpolluted air.

Diglipur: Diglipur is located 180 km by Sea from Port Blair. It provides a rare eco-friendly experience of sea, sun and fun for tourists.

Mayabunder: Mayabunder is located 240 km by Road and 136 km by Sea from Port Blair. It has an excellent scenic beauty and good beaches.

Map:

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India Travel Guide

Places to Visit In India

Category : Island

Green Island – Havelock Andaman & Nicobar

Hope Island

Lakshadweep

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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