From 3rd August 2021 Tourism activities re-open in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In view of the steady decline in cases of COVID-19 in Andaman Nicobar Islands an order has been issued by the Director of Tourism Department today regarding reopening of all Tourism activities in South Andaman and North Middle Andaman District from today.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman subject to compulsory RAT testing for Andaman Trunk Road commuters which will be carried out at Forest check post on the spot / same day on payment of applicable charges
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.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal with its white sand beaches, is known as the most eco-friendly destination in India. From mangrove sanctuaries to information centers to wildlife conservation to eco-friendly tourism, this place holds the most virgin beauty of nature. There are around 300 small islands, and Rangat is one of them. Rangat is home to about 72 small villages and is the second-largest island in the Andamans. Rangat is also famous for its largest mangrove forest walking trails in India and has several hidden beauties. Panchvati Hills is one such treasure of land surrounded by miles of waters in the heart of Rangat.
Rangat stands in the Middle and South Andaman Islands, with an area of about
1070 sq. km and is nearly 180km away via roads from the capital, Port Blair, and about 50 nautical miles via waterways. In light to medium traffic, it takes up the time of about 5 hours by car and almost 8 hours by public transport like busses.
Rangat Island is well connected with roads and waterways. There are local buses which start from 4.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a minimum amount of fare from Port Blair. Furthermore, there are plenty of pre-paid cabs and rentals with varying price ranges for a comfortable and less time taking a journey. When traveling within the island, auto-rickshaws and minibusses are also an option with minimum fare. The most interesting service is the availability to hire two-wheelers like motorcycles and bicycles to roam around and explore the inner beauty of the nearby islands on our own. Another way to reach the destination is by boats; there are government and privately operated boats and even ocean occasional ferries.
Rangat Island hosts a good amount of residents belonging from South India and Bengal. Thus, the culture we find in here is largely influenced by the western and southern states of India. The main source of income for the locals in the area is fishing and cultivation.
Rangat is famous for its interactive and eco-friendly tourism. There are several conservation and awareness centers and mangrove sanctuaries. One of the notable attractions is the Mangrove Nature Walkaway, which leads to the long and stretched beach of Dhaninallah, which is the longest walking trail among Mangrove forests in India. Apart from these, there are several opportunities for adventure seekers like scuba diving, snorkeling, turtle nesting, and trekking.
Trekking is the activity of walking in the areas of relatively unspoiled nature like hills and mountains while relishing the beauty of it. There are several types of trekking, depending on its nature or the area that is being trekked. It is usually harder than hiking and there is often a culture somewhere binded with trekking, which differs from country to country.
Trekking also helps in reducing stress, cultural understanding, adrenaline rush, wildlife experience, and improves overall fitness keeping the body, mind, and soul in perfect balance and satisfied. It is a way of exploring the true magic of nature while being surrounded in the wilderness.
Surrounded by lush green lands, Panchvati hills is a stock of multiple small hills, springs, and waterfalls. These springs are not only tourist attractions but also play a major role in supplying water to nearby living areas.
It provides an almost aerial view of low-lying areas and beaches, best for photography and calming travel experience. In addition, there are several tourist attractions nearby to this area like Cuthbert Bay Beach, Dhani Nallah, Yeretta Creek, and others that offer several adventure sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and turtle nesting with mesmerizing views.
The islands, with the influence of the sea, experience very few changes in the weather. The monsoons are heavy but can be best utilized for sightseeing; however, many adventure activities might get canceled. The best time to trek around Panchvati hills is during summers and winters, or in other words, October to May is the best time to unleash the true adventure seeker in ourselves. There is no set time for sightseeing or visiting the place and is open all day.
Trekking at Rangat Island is one of the most sought after activity for both adventure and nature lovers. There are several magnanimous and green hillocks spread all over Andamans. Rangat island hosts the most beautiful ones of them at Panchvati hills. There are three types of trekking performed: bushwalking, backpacking, and tramping. The hills here are comparatively short, trails are tricky, and trekking provides an experience that has never been felt before by the tourist. The views of the low lying agricultural lands and the waterfall never fail to mesmerize the travelers every single time.
Panchvati hills are not just a prime destination for the tourists but also work as a weekend getaway for the locals. It is a great spot for picnics and trekking and swimming and dipping into the cold clean, and soothing waters of the waterfalls and springs. For anyone looking for a calming, mesmerizing, and thrilling experience, Panchvati hills are a must when visiting Andamans. Trekking in the hills are not too easy and not too hard with a spectacular view that leaves the travelers flabbergasted.
There are no charges required to visit the place, nor is there any visiting charges. However, hiring a local guide, transportation, and eateries will be chargeable and is subject to negotiation.
Andaman and Nicobar islands have been working tirelessly and successfully to make it the most eco-friendly destination. Some of the key factors one needs to consider and follow are:
Some other tips for the first time travelers would be to carry some light clothes while visiting, the weather is humid, and some extra will also work as a backup for sudden, hard to resist swimming plans.
