Howrah Bridge on Laxmanpur Beach, Andaman, is a popular spot. It’s a natural bridge made of huge coral rocks. The 2004 Tsunami washed away countless corals on the island. The Rabindra Sethu, later renamed Howrah Bridge, was named after Bengali immigrants who settled the island. The bridge is only accessible during low tides, so you will be taken to this coral island before sunset.

Guides charge a set fee to show you sea creatures like sea cucumbers, starfish, crabs, and others along the shore. The bridge overlooks the Indian Ocean and the dead coral stretch, where you can see colorful fish and sea animals living on partially submerged dead corals in ankle-deep water. Nobody regrets visiting Laxmanpur beach or Howrah Bridge in Andaman.

How to reach Howrah Bridge

– From Port Blair: Port Blair is 40 kilometers from Howrah Bridge or Neil Islands. Two government boats leave for Neil Island daily: one at 6:30 am and one at 11:00 am. The trip takes 2 hours. Air-conditioned catamarans like Mackruz take 90 minutes from Phoenix Bay to Neil Kendra Jetty.

– From Havelock Island: There are 3 ferries depart daily from Havelock to Neil Island- one at 6 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM.

Essential Info:

1. Places to visit near Howrah Bridge

The places that can be toured on Neil Island beside Howrah Bridge are:

Sitapur Beach
Radhanagar Beach
Bharatpur Beach

Other nearby places which can be traveled around the island are:

Cellular Jail
Ross Island
Chidiya Tapu
Port Blair
Jolly Buoy Island
North Bay Island

2. Things/ Activities to do in and near Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge offers many activities. Your guide will show you brain and finger corals. Surfing the island isn’t limited to the Bridge tour. From walking on dead corals to filming the school of fish and sea cucumbers around the bridge, Neil Island has vibrant marine life that can be explored in many ways:

Glass bottom boat ride
Snorkeling
Sea walk
Sea fishing
Scuba Diving
Yacht sailing
Coral Safari
Underwater Photography

3. Places to eat in and near Howrah Bridge

From Chinese, Italian, Indian to marvelous seafood; you are spoilt for options in Neil Islands, especially restaurants around Howrah Bridge. Some of the renowned restaurants are listed below with the cuisine served in their menu:

Dugong: Indian, Seafood, Asian
Garden View Restaurant: Indian, Seafood, Asian
Sea Sand Restaurant: Seafood, Asian
Blue Sea: Indian
Waters-Wet Bar: Chinese, Italian, Indian

4. Places to stay near Howrah Bridge

Neil island encompasses a mix of high-end beach resorts to premium properties overlooking the sea. With amenities such as swimming pool, loungers, bar and beach view, here is a comprehensive list of uber-cool places to stay near Howrah Bridge.

Coco n huts beach
Sea Shell Neil Islands
Silver Sand Beach Resort
Pearl Park Beach Resort
Tango Beach Resort
Sea Shell Samssara
Summer Sand Beach Resort
Holiday Inn Beach Resort
Elephant and Four Wise Men Resort
TSG Aura

5. Best Time to visit Howrah Bridge

The island of Andaman and Nicobar experiences gently warm and humid weather conditions throughout the year. The average temperatures in all the three seasons that are:

Summers (April to June) ranges between 24°C to 37°C
Monsoon (May to September) ranges between 22°C to 35°C
Winter (December to February) ranges between 20°C to 30°C

Visit during the winter peak season. The Howrah Bridge can only be accessed when the ocean water level is low, so monsoon is not recommended. Go in the afternoon and return before sunset. If you can handle the heat, summers are also good.

6. Travelers’ Tip before visiting Howrah Bridge

Hire a guide to experience a detailed tour with first-hand demonstrations of sea corals, starfish, crabs, cucumbers, and many other sea creatures found in the shallow water that often looks like a natural oceanic aquarium.

Do carry an underwater camera or a waterproof case for your camera or phone to capture marine life.

Keep water bottles with you, the striking sun in the afternoon happens to drain and dehydrate a human body.

Do not leave the group or go deeper into the ocean, the Tsunami wrenched island brim with dead corals and a few sea snakes can also be seen.

The shore is fringed with wild trees, make sure you do not touch anything or eat any wild fruits. It can be dangerous.

Be a responsible traveler and kindly do not litter the island and degrade the oceans.

7. Entry Fee and Photography allowance in Howrah Bridge

Neither the use of camera costs you anything nor the entry to the shore where the rock-bridge is located. You only pay to the guide that you hire for taking you around the beach.

8. Visiting Time & Duration for Howrah Bridge

Your guide and signboards strongly recommend visiting Howrah bridge during low tides. If time is not watched, one may get stuck in knee-deep water and return on the rocks, which is dangerous. Visits last 30 minutes. A stroll around the bridge to explore the natural aquarium in the bright sun and some photos against the magnificent natural rock-bridge.

Havelock Island is one of the top attractions in the Andaman Islands due to its pristine beaches and lush vegetation. Numerous tourist destinations, resorts, hotels, attractions, and much more are providing Havelock Island with the ideal setting to accommodate as many tourists as possible. This is the largest of the Andaman Islands and consists of numerous smaller islands. Havelock’s administration promotes ecotourism on a large scale.

The 2005 addition of a lighthouse to the northern portion of the island has increased the island’s visibility. Havelock’s lodging options will allow you to be surprised. Incredible are the administrative staff’s arrangements for lodging, which range from high-end, opulent resorts to rustic camps with minimal amenities.

Highlights:

Long stretches of various types of beaches are the primary feature to emphasize. On Havelock Island, close to the island’s main boat jetty, you will find the majority of the world’s best beaches, which have been deemed the best in the world.

Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Kalapathar Beach, which are well-known for their size, are also said to attract the greatest number of tourists each year, as there are a great number of beautiful hotels in Andaman that offer the ultimate in holiday relaxation. The green-fringed shorelines, the clear sea water, the colorful marine life, the extensive coral reefs, and the wild fauna and flora render Havelock incomparably stunning.

Activities: Snorkeling and diving are the favourite activities done on the islands though other major water based activities like boating and kayaking are frequently done.

Distance from Port Blair: Havelock Island is lying 42 kms northeast of the capital city, Port Blair. There are regular boat services by the Directorate of Shipping Services which connect Phoenix Bay jetty in Port Blair to Havelock daily.

 

 

The only confirmed active volcano in all of Southern Asia is located on Barren Island in the Andaman Archipelago. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a great treasure in the form of this erupting beauty within their boundaries. Barren Island, 140 km from Port Blair, is a must-see on your Andaman Islands vacation. It is on a chain of active volcanoes from Sumatra in Indonesia to Myanmar.

Located at the intersection of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, this island is nearly 2 million years old. The first recorded eruption here occurred in the year 1787 A.D. and was caused by past volcanic activity. The last major eruption of the Barren Volcano, as it is called, occurred approximately 150 years ago. After approximately 26 years of tranquility, the most recent eruptions occurred in 2017 and 2018, making it one of the best places to visit in Andaman. People from all over the world travel to this location to witness the red lava flow from the 2 km wide caldera atop the volcano.

Barren Island is a mysterious location despite the fact that it was discovered eons ago, due to a lack of research and permissions to conduct such research. Due to the aforementioned reason and the fact that the island is uninhabited, little is known about what actually occurs on Barren Island. Few birds, a small population of goats, bats (flying foxes), and several species of rats and other rodents that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the island make up the island’s fauna.

Due to its isolation and near-zero human activity on land and in the water, the location is still in its most pristine state. In Andaman, the areas surrounding the island, particularly the waters, are renowned as excellent locations for scuba diving. You can find crystal clear visibility, Manta Rays, interesting basalt formations, lava flow topography, and rapidly growing coral gardens on one of these dives. Havelock Island-based Scuba Diving organizers will bring you out on their ships to explore what is arguably one of the world’s best diving spots.

How To Reach Barren Island

Because of the remoteness and being in the middle of the sea, the only ways to reach Barren Island is to either go by sea on a boat or by taking a seaplane. The nearest island inhabited island to Barren Island is Havelock, and that is where you can avail the service of a boat to get here. Located at a distance of about 4 to 5 hours from Havelock.

By boat, You could say that getting here is not as simple as it appears. With government ferries no longer running to the island, a few private players are taking small groups to the island on ferries, taking about three rounds of the periphery, and returning. The entire journey takes about 8 to 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the island’s beauty and inhabitants. These have set departure dates and can cost anywhere between INR 15,000 and 20,000.

By seaplane from Port Blair, you will get a 50% concession and an aerial view of the Island. If you are lucky, you might even see the mountain fuming from the top.

The best time to visit barren island is determined by the reason for your visit to this completely lifeless yet mysteriously beautiful island. For a sightseeing trip, there are ferries and boats available all year, with the exception of when the seas are rough. Because the island is separated from the main archipelago, the factor of calm or stormy seas plays a significant role.

The months of November to February are considered the best months to visit Barren Island for Scuba Diving. You can expect clear skies, excellent visibility, and plenty of sea life.

Mount Harriet National Park, the pride of Port Blair, is a collection of mountains adorned with wilderness and greenery that attracts an abundance of flora and fauna to this small paradise. The park was carved out of a nearby forest to make it easier for tourists to appreciate the magnificent beauty of nature. Mount Harriet, the highest peak in the Andaman group of islands, is covered in dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, creating breathtaking landscapes. Mount Harriet is proud to be featured on every 20 rupee note in India.

The summit provides an enviable view of the picturesque surroundings enhanced by nature’s gifts. A bird’s-eye view provides breathtaking views of the beautiful islands scattered across the ocean’s myriad shades of blue and green. From the summit, locations such as North Bay, Ross Island, Jolly Island, and Neil Island are breathtaking. Andaman Teal House generally arranges guided treks on Mount Harriet, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, upon prior reservation. While climbing to the summit of the mountain, one may encounter various species of birds, animals, and butterflies, as this region is renowned for its animal diversity. The mountain peak also features a garden with swings and rides to entertain children.

How to reach Mount Harriet National Park

From Port Blair

Mount Harriet can be reached by both road and water from Port Blair. The 55 or so kilometers can be traversed by road in one hour and twenty minutes via Ferrargunj, with the remaining 15 kilometers traversed by ferry from the Chatham jetty. From Marine Jetty to Hope Town, and then by road to Mount Harriet, is the Sea route.

From Havelock Island

The journey from Havelock Island to Mount Harriet national park normally takes a little less than 5 hours by travelling through both road and by water, the majority being by the sea.

1. Places to visit near Mount Harriet National Park

Madhuban Beach– out of the several options to explore and visit near Mount Harriet National park the first is to Madhuban beach which is a 10km long beach with flawless scenic beauty. Once an elephant training camp of the forest department is now a beautiful tourist spot which can be accessed by boat from Port Blair or in a Dinghy.

Lighthouse – A looming structure with a swirl of red and white visible from a distance is the lighthouse on North Bay Island which offers a striking view of the surrounding islands of Andaman and Nicobar.

Havelock Island – One of the most popular tourist destinations in Andaman, with silver sand and azure blue water, the Island is barely inhabited and focuses majorly on tourism.

Fisheries Museum – One can witness several exotic marine creatures including the skeleton of a sperm whale.

Rajiv Gandhi water activities centre – One of the best attractions on North Bay beach is house to a water theme park with several exciting adventure sports including Kayaking, water ski and rides. Teal Bhawan and the Zoological Survey of India for scientifically valuable marine wildlife exhibits are also worth a visit.

2. Things/ Activities to do in Mount Harriet National Park

Trekking – One can visit Madhuban from Mount Harriet by trekking through meandering paths of the jungle treading 16 Kms. A nature trail from Hope Town to the park of approximately 4 km can also be explored.

Picnic – Locals usually spend a day with friends and family having a good time at the exotic environs of the spot.

Photography – A favourite activity for professionals and amateur indulging in taking shots of the breathtaking landscape.

Bird watching – The mountain area is blessed with an abundant reservoir of exotic birds and animals which can be captured to create lifelong memories.

3. Places to eat in and near Mount Harriet National Park

After an exhausting day of hiking and adventuring in the national park, hunger pangs are inevitable. There are several places to eat near the National park, including Amaya, Icy Spicy, Lighthouse restaurant, and Annapurna restaurant, which serve decent Indian and international cuisine. The food prepared at these restaurants is typically fresh and affordable.

4. Places to stay near Mount Harriet National Park

There is no accommodation available in close proximity to Mount Harriet national park, the closest places to find decent stay options are Hope Town, Port Blair, North Bay Island and Marine Hill. Hotels and Resorts of every budget are available in these areas.

5. Medical Facilities in Mount Harriet National Park

There are a few medical facilities closeby to the national park like a Government hospital in Bamboo flat, Marm Ayurveda Hospital and a few dispensaries in and around Chatham. It is advisable to visit the GBP Government Hospital at Port Blair if time permits.

6. Best time to visit Mount Harriet National Park

The climate is Given the surrounding ocean, Andaman is typically hot and humid, but the national park is cooler than other areas. Those who enjoy the outdoors and can tolerate the heat can easily explore the National park during the summer months. The monsoon season is not the best time to visit because it becomes difficult to explore the area to its fullest potential.

As the number of leeches and other creepy-crawlies increases, trekking and other outdoor activities become more challenging.The best time to visit Mount Harriet and Andaman in general is from November to May, during the winter months.

7. Mobile Connectivity in Mount Harriet National Park

Most of the places in the Andaman group of Islands have sluggish mobile connectivity. BSNL is the only mobile network which has decent connectivity.

8. Travellers’ Tip before visiting Mount Harriet National Park

A visit to Mount Harriet differs from the rest of the Island in that it involves hiking and a nature trail. Therefore, one must wear comfortable shoes for walking and trekking, pack food for quick snacks, bring sunblock and sunglasses because it may be sunny during the day, and bring water bottles to combat the heat. Wear clothing that completely covers your skin and carry a packet of salt and antiseptic when trekking.

9. Entry Fee and Photography allowance in Mount Harriet National Park

Adult: 25/-
Children: 10/-
Foreigners: 250/-
Camera: 25/-
Vehicles: 10/-

10. Visiting Time & Duration for Mount Harriet National Park

Harriet National park can be accessed from sunrise to sunset and visitors normally spend 2-6 hours in the area depending on the kind of activity that one wants to indulge in.

Ross Island, Andaman – Everything you should know

 

Nature and marine wildlife lovers visit the Andaman Islands year-round. However, Ross Island’s peaceful and remote British settlement remnants attract visitors. British marine surveyor Daniel Ross named the island.

This island was a British colony in pre-independence India with high administrative activity. Paris of the East’s colonial remnants remain. This island tour offers a nostalgic escape from Andaman’s busy tourist spots.

This island’s flora, fauna, and peacocks, birds, and deer will amaze you. This island’s plant life is diverse. Explore the church, cellular jail, bakery, and other ruins.

The Indian Navy maintains the former British Administrative Headquarters and its many historic ruins. The well-maintained Smritika Museum (Indian Navy) has a new sound and light show. Every night except Wednesday and major holidays.

 

How to reach Ross Island from Port Blair

Ross Island is 2 km from Port Bair and easy to reach. From Port Blair, you can fly or ferry to this lovely island.

Most Port Blair tourists take boats to the island. The boat ride is cheap and quick. From Phoenix Bay or Aberdeen Jetty, several tour operators visit this island. Port Blair-Ross Island boat rides last 10–15 minutes.

Charter flights or helicopters can take wealthy people to the island. Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport receives flights. Some tour companies fly helicopters to Port Blair’s nearby islands.

Best Time to Visit

This island is tropical like most Andaman tourist destinations. Summers are hot and humid. Summer temperatures average 35–38°C.

The monsoon months cool the heat and provide a soothing breeze. Other than the rough sea, monsoon temperatures stay below 30 degrees Celsius. In the monsoon, the island is lush.

Ross Island is best explored in winter. The sea is calm and the temperature stays high. Island winters average 15–22 degrees Celsius.

 

Other Essential Info about Ross Island

1. Mobile Connectivity –

Ross Island, like most Andaman islands, has poor mobile connectivity, which still bothers tourists. Data speed will be slow, and call drops and network congestion are expected.

If staying in touch with family is important, bring three SIMs to this island. Despite all efforts, the island may have no network coverage.

2. Medical Facilities –

Because of this, there is no place to stay the night on the island, and there are no medical facilities. When you get there from Port Blair, you should bring medicines or first-aid supplies with you.

It is especially important for visitors who need to take certain medicines every day. As a safety measure, you may also want to bring sunscreen and antiseptic cream with you when you go to the island.

3. Timings to visit –

Ross Island can be seen at any time, and the first ferry leaves Port Blair at 8:30 a.m. Most tourists, though, like to go to the island in the afternoon so they can see the evening show, which is one of the island’s main draws.

The best time to visit is in the morning, since there are many places to see on the island. Even though they are in bad shape, the ruins of the British colony will take some time to look at. This will give you time to see the evening show, which starts at 5 p.m., and get back to Port Blair.

4. Places to eat near Ross Island –

Ross Island is not a place where people live, and the Indian navy takes care of it. So, there aren’t many places to eat or drink here, unlike on some of the nearby and more popular islands.

So, you should bring enough food and water with you before going to the island. There are many places in Port Blair where you can get almost any kind of food or snack. But there are a lot of people selling tender coconuts on Ross Island.

5. Activities to do –

The whole island is pretty small, and you can walk around it all in about two hours. But the old ruins are really interesting, and the Indian navy has fixed up some of them. The rest of the buildings are really in bad shape, with trees and other plants growing all over them.

Both the church and the Farzand Ali Store, which is now a museum, are worth seeing. There are the ruins of a small cemetery, a printing press, a tennis court, and a place where water used to be distilled. There are a lot of animals on the island sanctuary, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Andaman during the trip.
Most of the animals on the island, like peacocks, deer, and parrots, are very outgoing and don’t mind being around people.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I get from Port Blair to Ross Island?

It is quite easy to reach Ross Island from Port Blair and the distance is barely 2 miles. The island is connected through ferry route with the capital of the Andaman. The ferries leave mostly from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty and reach the island in 15 minutes or so. You may opt for a helicopter tour if money is not a hindrance and you want to enjoy an aerial view of the small, pretty island.

 

2. Is Ross Island the highest island?

No, it is not the highest island in the Andamans.

3. How large is Ross Island?

As a matter of fact, it is among the smaller tourist accessible islands in the Andaman. It is comprised of 31 hectares. That is why it is preferred by most tourists prefer daytime trip while others cover It while exploring nearby islands.

 

4. What water activities are available at Ross island?

While most watersports-loving tourists prefer Havelock Island, Ross Island is not exactly without any option. The water sports complex provided boat can be used for a ride. It has a glass boat and so you can watch the aquatic wildlife beneath. It is a popular spot for swimming and scuba diving in Andaman. Some tour operators also make arrangements for walking undersea and you can enjoy watching fish and colorful coral reefs from close proximity.

5. What are the timings of Light and Sound show at Ross Island?

The famous Light and Sound show are held at the Ross Island every evening, except for Wednesdays and major holidays. The 45-minute long show has been made in alliance with renowned Bollywood personalities and it begins at 5.15 pm approx.

6. Which is the best resort near Ross Island?

Ross Island is not used for any type of human inhabitation and the visitors are not allowed to stay overnight. There is no resort or hotel on the island. Most of the visitors stay in nearby Port Blair where several accommodation options are available. Some of the popular resorts in Port Blair are Palm Grove Eco Resort, Fortune Resort Bay Island, Peerless Sarovar Portico and Wild Grass Resort.

7. What places can we visit around Ross Island?

Ross island is in close proximity to Port Blair and it is not very far from popular tourist destinations like Neil island and Viper Island. In fact, most tour operators offer tours in these islands on the same day or in a couple of days.

8. What is the ticket price of the light and sound show at Ross Island?

The amazing light and sound show that is held every evening at Ross Island have an entry fee of INR 100 for adult visitors. For the kids, you need to pay one-fourth of that amount. Advance booking is required to witness the show.

9. What happens in the light and sound show in Ross Island?

Ross Island’s amazing light and sound show has brought more tourists to the remote island in the Andaman archipelago. People like Revathy, Gulzar, Shabana Azmi, and Resul Pookkutty, who are all well-known in Bollywood, helped make the show. It has Dolby Surround sound for the outdoors and shows off the Andaman’s glorious past. One of the best things to do in Andaman is to see this light show.

 

10. Do we have to pre-book boats to visit Ross Island from Havelock?

Ross Island has direct and regular ferry connectivity from Port Blair. So, it will be necessary to pre-book private ferries to visit Ross Island from Havelock. A number of companies offer private speedboats to let the tourists cover these islands and the nearby attractions. Of course, they charge higher than the govt ferries.