When you are in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Sippighat Agricultural Farm would be a great thing to do. It is easily accessible by road and is situated nearly fifteen kilometers from the capital town on the road to Wandoor. The farm is administered by Central Government Agricultural Research Institute that is responsible for pursuing scientific methods and studies for the improvement of spice produce and other plants cultivation. Spread over 80 acres of cultivated land, the farm grows cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. These are exported to different parts of the world. Adding to the attraction, Sippighat Agricultural Farm is a stop-over for many migratory birds. Therefore, it is a must-visit place for ornithologists or bird lovers. One can spot birds like Eurasian Curlew, Pacific Golden-Plover, Osprey or Fish Eating Eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, Andaman teal, large falcons, and narcondum hornbill on this farm.
Timings
- Everyday (except Sunday) 06:00 am to 11.00 am and 12:00 noon to 2.30 pm
- Closed on Sunday and public holiday
Overview
Visit the Sippighat Agriculture Farm if you are someone who is interested in agriculture and farming. It was established in ‘Soil Conservation and Demonstration Center’ in 1959 and was converted into a horticulture farm in 2003. The farm is spread over an area of 80 acres. It is a mass of cultivated greenery and it is engulfed by natural lush greenery and beauty as well.
The best cultivation practices that can be adopted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are demonstrated at this farm. Along with providing information on multi-cropping, this is practiced here as well. One can find a wide variety of crops from spices like black pepper and vanilla to cash crops like coffee, etc. Medicinal plants are also grown here and you can read the best properties of these plants that are displayed. It would be really surprising to see what some of the backyard plants could do. For example, Aloe Vera that is grown everywhere is the best skin doctor and it also has other medicinal values.
Highlight
Tourists may not get to look around the whole farm but there is a small demonstration plot where you can see different kinds of plants being cultivated. There is also a small pathway around it that makes it easier and more efficient for the visitors to gain all the displayed information. Apart from that, you will find a number of different species of migratory birds at the farm. People from all over the world come to see this place to spot the Pacific Golden-Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Mongolian Plover, and other such birds.
The town enjoys an almost steady climate that makes it suitable for all kinds of adventurous activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, boating, etc. round the year. All these conditions are favorable for the growth of a number of crops. Some of the medicinal plants that are grown at the farm are as follows:
- Acorus calamus
- Abrus precatorius
- Andrographis Paniculata
- Asparagus racemosus
- Vitex negundo
- Piper betle
- Stevia rebaudiana
- Mimosa pudica
- Vanilla planifolia
For some of you, Sippighat Agricultural Farm may feel like a plant nursery. Thus, include this place only if you have enough time.
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Things to do
You can take a stroll around the farm and get to look around different plants that are cultivated here. A small pathway is built around it so that you can easily roam around and gather all the information. Another attraction of Sippighat Agriculture Farm is the presence of several species of migratory birds. Thus, it is a sought-after place among ornithologists and birdwatchers. Owing to the same reason, photographers also love this place. Some of the birds that can be spotted here are Pacific Golden-Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Mongolian Plover, etc. So including this farm in your itinerary when you are in Port Blair would be a good decision.
There is a lot to do at the farm. All the activities are suitable for all age groups. Thus, whether you are travelling with family or friends, this place is a nice destination for everyone.
Nearby hotels
Port Blair has all kinds of hotels and resorts that are perfect for budget travellers as well as luxury travellers. There are a number of good accommodations nearby Sippighat Agriculture Farm where you can enjoy a comfortable stay. Some of the hotels are as follows:
- Hotel Shreesh
- Guru International Hotel
- Andaman Residency
- Anchorage Inn
- A.R Pride residency
- Classic Regency
Nearby places to eat
There are a number of eateries nearby Sippighat Agriculture Farm where you can enjoy a delicious meal along with refreshing drinks. Some of the restaurants are as follows:
- Lazeez restaurant
- Aparupa Paimana Bar
- Lazeez Restaurant
- Ammu Restaurant
- Haywizz Bar
- Haywizz Restaurant
- Afloat Floating Restaurant
Best time to visit
During the winter season in the Andaman Islands, temperatures sometimes hit a minimum of 20°C and occasionally touch 30°C too. This season is the most favorable time of the year to visit Sippighat Agriculture Farm as it offers a very pleasant feel. You can also catch up on the Island Tourism Festival and the Film Festival on your visit during this time of the year. In general also, this is the best time to explore the Andaman Islands.
How to reach
Sippighat Agriculture Farm is situated nearly fifteen kilometers from Port Blair on the road to Wandoor. It is easily accessible by road from the city. You can choose any of the following ways:
- By local bus- The central terminus is Mohanpura bus terminus. The buses operate between 4:30 am and 12 noon and are available throughout the day. There are tours and travel companies that provide private buses from Mohanpura terminus within Port Blair as well as other parts of the Andaman Islands.
- By cab- Private car hire and rentals are the most convenient ways to reach Sippighat Agriculture Farm.
- By auto- Auto rickshaws and minibuses are also available if you are on a budget trip and want to take any local transport.
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