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.
For betrothed couples, spring and summer seasons are the perfect seasons to hear the dreams of wedding bells. For those couples who are more imaginative, taking a plunge under the water to tie the knot is memorable than anything else. Underwater weddings offer couples a romantic plunge (literally) and such an innovative experience is loved my lovers from all over the world.
In the present scenario, the impetus for destination weddings has joined hands with the social media craze. That’s why underwater weddings are getting very popular nowadays. The catch of the day is something that is out of the box and straight into the deep. What’s better way to make your wedding day memorable than doing something so gorgeous and unique that is still a dream for most of the couples. If you have made up your mind, then consider the Andaman Islands as the best destination for such an unforgettable event.
One of the most exotic destinations in India, the Andamans is home to lavish beachfront resorts that feature an aqua blue panorama of the waters of the loveliest beaches. These are framed by lush green trees and silky white sand. These luxurious properties have spacious rooms, with beautiful views of poolside or the beach, restaurants, bars, indulgent spa services, and happening nightlife.
Among different kinds of destination weddings, an underwater wedding is definitely the most different. It includes getting married under the water, a symbolic ceremony (using cue cards, etc.), flowers, decoration, wedding organizers, a scuba dive trip (it is recommended that the couple learn the basics in advance or try a few fun dives), wedding cake at the resort banquet, and a lot more.
Havelock Island Beach Resort (HIBR) is a well-known property in the Andaman Islands that is an ideal choice for you if you want to dip your toes in the waters of an iconoclastic wedding. It’s an amazingly romantic property that will surely make your D-Day even more special. It is a great choice for multi-generational and immediate family fun as it offers ultra-modern amenities and facilities such as swimming pool, game areas, kayaking, sailing snorkeling, tropical vistas, cafes, restaurants, etc.
Couples can take the first step on their grand journey together after such a beautiful wedding ceremony. This type of event is one of its kind and in the rising tide of creative and unique wedding, Havelock Island Beach Resort is an idyllic place to exchange the rings in the oxygen tubes with an underwater service. If you are a non-traditional couple and looking to commence your lives with a splash, then an underwater wedding in the Andaman Islands is perfect for you.
On the splendid land of the Andamans, there are a few locations where adventurous couples can travel and experience their underwater wedding. You can dive deep donning scuba gear with veils and boutonnieres. Such a wedding event will never be forgotten by any of your guests. It is sure to leave them speechless.
Cost of an underwater wedding in the Andaman Islands
An underwater wedding in the Andaman Islands is a great experience that is completely different from a regular wedding. The parameters for deciding its cost are different as well. Among so many distinguishing factors, the biggest one is that it takes place under the cobalt waters of the Andaman Islands. The best part is that this unique wedding doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. People going underwater include the bride and the groom, family members and friends who are willing to go diving, photographers, videographers, and a priest.
You can check the detailed expenditure in the table given below:
|
S.no. |
Particulars |
Cost (Government taxes will be extra) |
|
1. |
Cost of diving per person for the first 15 divers |
INR 15,000 |
|
2. |
Charges for each additional diver |
INR 12,000 |
|
3. |
Pool party |
INR 1-1.5 lakhs |
|
4. |
Rain dance |
INR 50,000 |
|
5. |
DJ setup |
INR 40,000 |
|
6. |
Light decorations and sound |
INR 50,000 |
|
7. |
Overall expenses |
INR 7 to 9 lakhs |
For complete safety of everyone, scuba dive masters will be there with every individual. The whole ceremony will last around 30-45 minutes. It will include dive masters, dive instructors, crews, boat, boat boys, cameramen, priest, dive suits, and dive equipment. After coming out of the water, you can enjoy even more at your pool party or at a banquet in the resort. Other wedding ceremonies such as sangeet, mehendi, haldi, reception, etc. can also be hosted here on additional costs depending on the number of guests.
Additional services
There are a number of other exciting activities in which you can indulge at an additional cost. You can choose from the following and get the quotes from the resort.
Underwater weddings are considered extremely rare and unique, but the Andaman Islands in India is becoming a great destination for having such an enthralling ceremony owing to the colorful corals, rich marine life, and incredible natural beauty. If you are an ocean-lover (or not), such kind of a celebration is the wedding of the decade for sure. And to help you further with all your planning and arrangements, Havelock Island Beach Resort is always present at your service. The magic of such a wedding will be etched in everyone’s heart for always.
Best places around the world to get married underwater
In India, Andaman Island, a union territory, is a little piece of marine paradise on earth. The underwater visibility and weather conditions are very good here. Havelock Island is your one-stop destination for having an underwater wedding. Apart from that, there are various other top destinations across the globe where you can get married under the water. Some of them are follows:
Important things to know
There are certain places that require you to be a PADI certified diver first. But don’t worry in case you are not one because there are a number of other scuba diving sites that don’t need any kind of certification. The Andamans is one of them. Undoubtedly, you will have a lot more freedom underwater if you are certified. And if you are not, then the instructors will go down with you to assist you under the water.
If you choose to get married in a shallow area, then you can have all your guests around you to witness the ceremony. This could be just four-feet water. You can also choose to bring the best man and maid of honor underwater along with you.
As you can’t say your vows under the water, you can say them ahead of time. You can also choose to write them on a dry erase board or a laminated sheet, and carry it down with you. And if you don’t want to necessarily ‘say’ yes, then you can make use of sign language options. Isn’t it exciting!
A very popular and preferred beach resort located in the Havelock Island of Andamans, Havelock Island Beach Resort, is capable of making arrangements of an expert photographer and videographer so that you can capture great shots of your underwater ceremony. The most precious moments of your life deserve to get recorded, and the resort will fulfill this wish of yours.
The Andamans, which is a great ocean destination, is known for its highly delicious seafood. Luckily, the best on the whole island is served at the Havelock Island Beach Resort. So, your guests are definitely going to remember the food until so many years to come. Hands down, the catering services of the resort are excellent.
There are a number of locations in the Andaman Islands where you can get married under the water. These include Port Blair (the capital city of the islands), Neil Island (now known as Shaheed Dweep officially), and Havelock Island. Out of these, Havelock Island is the best choice for sure. Its water is turquoise and there is clarity also under the water. Therefore, you will be able to witness the marine life at its best while tying the knot with the love of your life. Such an event will be mesmerizing and no one is ever going to forget it.
Happy celebrations!
