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.
The Flag Point (Tiranga Point) in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is another feather decorating the proud head of the islands and its residents. This Indian union territory is witness to a rich history about the freedom fighters and the era of pre-independent India. A number of historical events took place in the Andamans that are still remembered and treasured. One such event and the place where it occurred is Flag Point and if you are someone who is a history buff, then including this in your travel itinerary would be a great idea.
Overview
Having great historical importance, the Flag Point is the exact spot where the Indian flag was hoisted by Netaji Subash Chandra Bose for the first time on Indian soil on December 30, 1943. At present, a flag pole stands at an altitude of 150 feet in the south point area in the capital town that can be seen from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. A statue of Netaji is also visible from there. The Indian flag flutters gracefully on this flag pole that stands tall and proud. The Indian flag on the Flag Point was unfurled by the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on its inaugural day, December 30, 2018, in order to mark the75th anniversary of Azad Hind Government as well as the first flag hoisting in Indian soil.
Highlight
The ambiance surrounding the Flag Point is lovely with the open seascape on one side and smooth roads having lush greenery on the other. It is surely a wonderful place to be around. A small amphitheater kind of structure surrounds the Flag Point. There are also petite stairs like seating with lights. From this point, one can have an incredible view of Ross and North Bay islands. There are stone structures dedicated in memory of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, our brave freedom fighters, and other martyrs who fought and laid down their lives for India’s freedom. Walk around the Flag Point to have a look at the stone-carved memorials and learn about significant historical events that took place here.
Nearby hotels
Some of the best properties in Port Blair nearby Flag Point are as follows:
You can choose to stay at Fortune Resort Bay Inslad that was designed by the famous architect Charles Correa and is built in a series of levels, split against a sloping hill side. There is an abundance of lush green nature overlooking the pristine blue water of Bay of Bengal. The best located resort in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is for those guests who seek luxury and comfort while vacationing. The resort offers the 180-degree breath taking emerald sea view. Breathtaking views are the USP of the resort which also makes it the first choice for the tourists. You are sure to experience the Andaman’s tropical vibes at their best there.
Fortune Resort Bay Island has as many as 44 standard rooms and two suites that are built in a series of levels. Some of these rooms overlook the sea. All the rooms are equipped with CCTV, direct dial STD telephones. These are aesthetically designed and offer glorious view, fresh air and natural light in all its glory. All this will help guests in unwinding after a long day of exploration.
The resort’s deck restaurant, Mandalay Open, offers a lovely sea-view. It serves the island’s specialties, exotic sea food along with Indian, Chinese and Continental favorites. The Nico bar is a quiet lounge when one can hum along with the rhythms of the ocean. Don’t forget to try the specialty- tall fruity concoctions served in coconut shells.
Some of the offered facilities include the following:
Nearby places to eat
The names of the best restaurants and food outlets in Port Blair are mentioned below:
These eateries are not so far from Flag Point and are known for serving scrumptious meals.
How to reach
The Flag Point is in proximity to the city center. It takes only ten to fifteen minutes on foot from the tourist attraction- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex. You can simply take a walk to the Flag point from the water sports complex. You can also take a cab but taking a walk is recommended. From the entrance of the Marina Park, you can take a nature walk in the park to reach its exit gate towards the backside. Take the red-stoned curvy footpath from here on and walk towards the Flag Point. This walk is quite interesting and liked by nature lovers as there is a huge open sea on one side and government administrational and educational buildings on the other. All this makes the whole route very beautiful. It would be great if you invest some of your time here.
Happy travelling!
