TRIPURA

Quietly nestled in the lush greenery of hills, verdant valleys and transparent waterscape, Tripura, a land of plentiful myths and legends, beckon tourists from across the globe. This state, home to nineteen indigenous tribal groups, Bengali speaking non-tribals and a diversity of culture, resembles a tiny dot on the peninsular India's map dangling between Northeast India and Bangladesh. But the wealth of Tripura's traditional art, culture, history and archaeology, flora and fauna, biodiversity and flushing meadows always cast a magnetic spell on casual visitors and tourists. The state's rich handicrafts, traditional music, diversity of cultural streams and faiths, co-existing down the annals of history in pristine peace constitute its irresistible charm as a tourist destination. Any visitor or tourist in Tripura can trace the state's glorious history in its archaeological remains, cultural heritage, exquisite sculpture and architecture spread across its landscape and return, richer by a finer aesthetic sense and sensibility

Given the beauty of the rest of the Andamans, Port Blair is an upcoming city no different from any other smaller Indian city, although the seaside has been tarted up a bit. It comprises of people from all over India and one can imagine it as mini India with no conflicts on region and religion. Aside from Cellular Jail, there are quite few places which include Ross Island, Barren Island (known for the only active volcano) and few others known for its historical importance. A week's trip will cover the must see places at the island's. You can however do day trip to other close by places like Wandoor, Ross Island etc.

Important: Monday is a holiday in Andamans. Most places will be closed except North Bay, Ross Island tour and Havelock.

HOW TO REACH PORT BLAIR 

Port Blair's Vir Savarkar Airport ( located about 2 km south of the city. Taxis and autorickshaws wait outside the terminal at flight times. Public buses can be flagged down on the main road just outside the airport (cross the road). A bus to Aberdeen Bazaar will cost no more than ₹7. The terminal is small and reasonably modern, with an air-conditioned departure hall, but aside for an overpriced kiosk selling chai and crisps there's not much to tide you over if your flight is delayed.

                                                       REGULAR  pax ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai. There are 3 to 4 sailings every month, The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hrs & the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about 2 to 4 days.

Schedules & tariffs can be obtained from:

• Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., Jawahar Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: 044-25231401to 9, 25225835,25231407.
• The Deputy Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, 6, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 Tel: 044-25220841, 25226873

Estimated Fares: Name of Vessel and fare per berth

• M.V.Nicobar ₹5,880
• M.V.Nancowry ₹4,860
• M.V.Swarajdweep ₹1,510 to ₹3,870
• M.V.Harshvardhana ₹1,510 to ₹5,880
• M.V.Akbar ₹1,310 to ₹5,880
• 
  

MODE OF TRANSPORT

• Port Blair Harbour ferry To provide services within the sheltered water and narrow creeks by ferry vessels. Port Blair connects Phoenix bay, Chatham, Junglighat, Bamboo flat, Hope town, Dundas point, Mithakhari, Viper Island. There are three major routes in Port Blair and an average 45 trips are operated in these routes. Ferry services are available between Long Island and Yeratta in Middle Andaman and Mayabunder and Kalighat in North Andaman.

• Walking is a good option. But expect to get lost if you go too far and it is mostly quite steep hills that all look alike, so remember some landmark. The auto-rickshaws will charge you quite high if they can see you don't know where you are going or what you are doing. One way of avoiding being fleeced by them is to just climb in the back of the auto-rickshaws and say "Aberdeen Bazaar" for example.
• Auto-rickshaws are abundant, and within town should cost ₹20-40. Auto fare from airport to Aberdeen Bazaar in the city centre is ₹30. Auto fare from Aberdeen Bazaar to Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is ₹10. From Aberdeen Bazaar to Marine jetty (from where you get ships to Havelock Islands, Long island, etc) is also ₹10 (as on March 2010) Note: Another writer would say these prices are extremely low and only a local would get them.

• Local buses are also available for inter-city and intra-city travel. Very cheap, but you'll need to ask around to figure out the routes.

• Scooters & motorcycles have been available for hire from a few shops around MA Rd. However, it seems they are no longer available for rent in Port Blair. Police have seized a lot of 2 wheelers for speeding and driving without license, so people have stopped renting out 2 wheelers. You can rent scooters and motorcycles on MG road about 2km up the hill to the west from Aberdeen Bazaar but they are ₹400 for one day which does not include an overnight as of Jan 2011. Expect to get lost.

• Private hire cars are available for local sightseeing around Port Blair and South Andaman.

• Boats are available to destinations like Ross Island. Boat fare is ₹75 for a return journey. It takes approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex jetty.

No. Type of Activity Timing Person Amount (Rs.) Duration Adventure Water Sports

1. Jet Ski 10 am to 5 pm One Person Rs.550/- 10 Minutes Two Person Rs.750/- 10 Minutes

Safe Water Sports 2. Paddle Boat 10 am to 6.30 pm 2 Seater Rs.20/- 30 Minutes

4 Seater Rs.30/- 30 Minutes 3. Bumper Boat 10 am to 6.30 pm One Person Rs.30/- 10 Minutes

4. Rowing Boat 10 am to 6.30 pm Two Person Rs.20/- 30 Minutes

• Cellular Jail. Built by the British to house political prisoners far away from the mainland. All prisoners were kept in isolation cells and subjected to a brutal work regime, with regular whippings and executions. Briefly taken over by the Japanese during WW2, who added outright torture to the palette. Today, however, the jail has been transformed into an immaculately kept national monument complete with a garden that seems very much at odds with the horror of the place.You can watch it from morning 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m. A light-and-sound show in Hindi (6 pm) and English (7 pm) available in the evenings. Some days the timings are altenated. Jail is closed on Mondays although the light and sounds is still on in the evenings. You have to stand in a long queue from 4.30 pm onwards till the ticket counter opens at 5.20 pm. TIP: Ask your hotel/agent to collect ticket or ask your wife/sis/mother to stand in the ladies' line. ₹20 per person. 

• Andaman in Rs 20 Currency Note A picture is taken from the veranda of GB Pant Hospital Port Blair, Which features on Rs.20/- note of Indian currency.

• Corbyn's Cove (beach). An ok beach, and the closest to Port Blair. Popular with locals for swimming and watching the sunset. However, part of the beach was washed away by the 2004 tsunami and currents can be very strong, so be careful if you decide to swim.  

• Mini Zoo. A medium size zoo containing some species only found on the islands. which is now shifted to its new place at Chidiya TAPOO .
• Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), (about 4km away from the airport). CARI Scientists are conducting research on different aspects of Island Agriculture. Landscaping of CARI is very beautiful and it is worth seeing. Here you can see farms of different livestocks and poultry viz. Cattle, Pig, Goat, Rabbit, Turkey, Quail, Guinea Fowl, Duck, Fisheries Ponds, Integrated Farming System model etc and fodder blocks as well. Japanese Bunkers, near Corbyn's Cove. Bunkers built by the Japanese army during World War II. There's one more right down the hill from Cellular Jail. 

• Anthropological Museum. closed Thursdays and Public Holidays.. Interesting Anthropological museum which gives the history of the various A&N tribes. 

• Chatam Saw Mill, Chatam (15 mins by bus from STS Bus terminal, private buses available ₹6 per person). A saw mill, oldest in Asia. Also the Chatam jetty is where ships from Calcutta/Chennai loaded with goods enter Port Blair. From the jetty passenger jetty is available for Bamboo flat and Dundus Point. 10 Rs/person inclusive of camera. 
• Samudrika Naval Museum. This museum has nice display of corals and live fishes. Also has a shop where you can buy local items. 20 Rs/person. Still camera - Rs 20. 
• 
  

PLACES YOU CAN SEE VIA SEA

There are 2 Jetty’s in Port Blair. Phoenix Bay Jetty to go to Havelock and other far destinations. Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to take smaller ferries to Ross Island, North Bay and Viper Island.

• Havelock Island Government ferry - Port Blair to Havelock at 6 Am. 11.30am and 2 PM. Ferry tickets ₹150 and ₹250 per person 1 way. Havelock to Port Blair 9.30 AM, 2 PM and 4 PM. Travel time 150 minutes.

Recently a private operator has started a fast catamaran day ferry M.V.Makruzz. 09.00 AM departure from Port Blair to Havelock. Departure from Havelock to Port Blair - 4:00 PM . Takes 90 minutes. Tickets ₹750, ₹850 and ₹1,100 per person 1 way. Here you can get tickets on the same day. Of course, it's always better to book the ticket a day ahead.During peak season, you need to book tickets atleast 2-3 days in advance. The inside is really good and clean. To get a window seat you must reach the ticket counter early. Always book the return ticket or chances are you may be stranded on the island. You can plan to stay on the Havelock Island, there are many hotels there, but plan in advance including hotel booking and ferry tickets.

• Ross Island - It was British administrative capital and it is beautiful to watch ruins of that set up. You’ll find lots and lots of deers on this island. There is a small canteen for some snacks and lunch. You need to walk a lot to see to cover entire place. A great 1/2 day side trip from Port Blair. Ferries daily at 8.30, 10.30, 12.00, 14.00. Buy tickets at the jetty behind the aquarium where the boat leaves from.

• North Bay Island - Nice place to do snorkeling. You won’t find any canteen here but small shacks serving Tea, biscuits, chips and coconut water. There is a stop gap arrangement for ladies changing room too. You can also see Corals in glass boat. They charge around ₹300 per head for snorkel and ₹200 per head for glass boat.

• Barren Island is a volcano island and the only volcano in India. Day trips can be arranged from Port Blair. No additional permit is required to visit the island, however it is not possible to set foot on the island, only to view it from the boat.

• Neil Island once a day, 1.5 hours. Some boats go from Havelock.
• Little Andaman. Several times weekly from Hut Bay, takes 8 hours.
• Long Island. Several times weekly and takes 8 hours. This ferry continues on to Ranghat on Middle Andaman.
• Diglipur. A few times weekly and takes 10 hours, overnight.

PORTBLAIR

Port Blair is the capital and the largest township of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The city lies on the eastern coast in the southern region of the Andaman Island. Port Blair houses many museums and serves as an important base for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy. 

Port Blair is a small quaint city that has a calm and relaxed feel to it. You can find people from all parts of India residing there. The languages widely spoken in the city are Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and Telugu. 

The Cellular Jail is a popular tourist attraction in the city. The picturesque and laid back Barren Island is the perfect place to spend a weekend. The Island also is home to the only active volcano. Places near Port Blair such as Ross Island and Wandoor are also frequently visited destinations. Corbyn’s Cove is a decent beach in the city. However, most of the beach was devastated during the 2004 Tsunami and hence be careful if you decide on swimming. A Mini Zoo is located at Chidiya Tapu, which houses species belonging to the island. 

If you visit Corbyn Cove, do not miss the Japanese Bunkers, which were built during The World War II by the Japanese army. A Chatam Saw Mill, which is the oldest of its kind in Asia and an Anthropological Museum, can also be found in the city. 

Taking boat tours from the city to the Islands nearby such as North Bay and Ross is a good option. However, if you are an adventure sports enthusiast, you can go for snorkeling at Jolly Buoy. It offers you a better view of the fishes and corals than that at the Havelock Island. 

Finding resorts or hotels to stay at the Island is not a problem as there are a range of such places which would suit your budget. Tourists can opt for accommodation options at Corbyn’s Cove, which is almost 7 km away. Peerless Resort and Hornbill Nest Guest house are two of the popular options here. Avoid entering restricted tribal areas while exploring the Island. 

You can take a flight from Chennai or Kolkota to Port Blair, which the main entry point that is located on the east coast of South Andamans. If you wish to travel by sea, then you can sail from Chennai, Kolkota or Vishakapatnam. The climate is pleasant from March to May and also the tourist season at the Andamans. It is advisable to visit this place during October to May if you are into water sport activities.

PORT BLAIR

Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and serves as the entry point to this exotic island which is blessed with some of the most alluring natural attractions and adventure activities. Be it natural marvels, unexplored terrains and enthralling adventures, Port Blair is the best place to explore. Enjoy Port Blair  packages as the place is not only suited for the active minds but are also ideal for those planning for romantic getaway. Port Blair can be easily reached by including Chennai trip and continue the further journey via flights or ships. 
                          Port Blair, the capital of Andaman is the most popular destination in Andaman Islands. It is the main city in Andaman and also serves as important junction for exploring the nearby located islands. We also provide various Andaman tour packages and individual island packages for the interested tourists.