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.
Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park was established in 1969. It is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The photo on the back side of INR 20 note is taken from Mount Harriet National Park. One can spot a number of faunal species here such as Andaman wild pigs (an endangered species), saltwater crocodiles, turtles, robber crabs. The park is also a great spot for witnessing butterflies.
The national park is home to rich fauna and flora. There are so many species of exotic birds wherein eleven are endemic and being recognized by the government as Important Birds Areas of the island. There are a number of reptiles and amphibians as well. Moreover, new species of frog has also been recently added to the list. One can also spot green marine turtles, mammals, and different species of moths. The abundance of trees and plants make the Mount Harriet National Park a perfect place for birds, animals, and other creatures.
Location: Hope Town, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107
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Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per child (Indian), INR 25 per adult, and INR 250 per person for foreigners
Highlights
Mount Harriet National Park is one of the major attractions and the highest peaks in the Archipelago of South Andaman. The most amazing features of this national park are its flora and fauna that are rare to be found anywhere else. It is covered with lush greenery like a forest. One can see Port Blair from the top of the mount’s peak.
If you want to spend some quality with your friends or family, then Mount Harriet National Park is an ideal spot. A day with them in a natural setting doing the things that you enjoy is priceless and memorable. The park is a must-visit when you are in Port Blair, the capital city. You can enjoy nature tripping and fresh air along with a number of exciting activities there. The horizon is just a stone-throw’s away from Mount Harriet. You will be left in awe by its splendor.
Overview
Mount Harriet National Park is a different kind of park as it is not just a park but a reserved area that is taken care of by the Forest Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To enter the park, you need a pass first. The beauty of the park is extraordinary as it is covered with evergreen forests. The curvy mountains here are perfect for those who love hiking.
Are you a nature lover who is always looking to spend time in the lap of nature amidst picturesque views? If yes, then this nation park is your best bet to enjoy quality time. You can appreciate the views of the North Bay Island’s Light House from here which is also found at the back of INR 20 bill. It was taken from the top of Mount Harriet.
There are a number of facilities and activities available at this national park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There is a children park, watchtowers, tourist sheds, and eco hut. If you want to spend the night there, then you can rent the forest guesthouse for your comfort and relaxation. Earlier a training camp for elephants, you can also enjoy at the Madhuban Beach. You have to trek from Mount Harriet to go to the beach.
Nearby hotels
If you want complete comfort and luxury, then it is recommended that you stay in Port Blair. The capital town has a number of hotels and resorts that are as per your requirements. Some of the best accommodations there are as follows:
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1-Star
2-Star
3-Star
4-Star
Located in Port Blair, the hotels offer neat and clean and comfortable rooms that are equipped with the latest amenities. Visitors appreciate these properties for excellent services and warm hospitality. These are not so much far from Veer Savarkar Airport as well. Thus, maximum convenience for their guests is ensured. The properties in Port Blair feature restaurants and bars that are highly sought-after among travellers. Some of them also offer banquet facilities. The staff is multi-lingual and very cooperative. Whether you are staying with your partner or with whole family, these hotels and resorts promise safe and cosy stay in Port Blair.
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The hotels are equipped with several spacious and nicely designed rooms. There are different categories of rooms such as executive, deluxe, and suite. You can easily choose one that is most appropriate as per your budget. All rooms include room service, electric kettle, Wifi. These ensure a pleasant stay while you are in the capital city.
Most of the properties have on-site restaurants that are a multi-cuisine as well. They serve various delectable dishes. After a long and tiring day, guests can also choose to unwind at the bar that offers fantastic cocktails.
Some of the commonly available facilities at these properties are mentioned below:
How to reach
From Port Blair, Mount Harriet National Park is 55 kilometers by road and fifteen kilometers via ferry and trek. Ferry service is available from Chatham wharf to Bambooflat. Take a vehicle from there to reach Mount Harriet.
If you are planning to visit Mount Harriet National Park, then contact Andaman Island Travels (AIT) for making all your bookings. Along with this spot, this reliable tour and travel company located in Port Blair will design the entire holiday package for you at the most economical prices.
