LONG ISLAND

LONG ISLAND – ANDAMAN & NICOBAR TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Long island in Andaman is one of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago. This destination is not yet discovered by many who know about the Andaman Islands. Fairly because of many reasons. The foremost reason that we see is the remote locality of Long Island and poor connectivity of this destination. In addition, limited accommodation facilities are available on Long Island. Until 2017 this destination has decent popularity among foreign nationals. However, many Indian travelers don’t plan Long island in their itinerary as a visit to Long island will require 10 or more days visit to Andaman. Now, in this article, we will address the how to reach Long island and what one can do on Long island.

How to Reach :

1.By Air :

The only commercial airport to reach Andamans is located at Port Blair, Veer Savarkar Airport, named after the famous freedom fighter Vir Savarkar who was imprisoned in this island at Cellular Jail earlier known as Kaala Paani. Direct flight to Port Blair is available from Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi. The journey usually takes around 2 Hrs 30 Mins.

2.By Sea :

The Andaman group of Islands is well connected by sea. Regular passenger services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

Chennai – Port Blair – Takes around 60 Hrs.

Kolkata – Port Blair – Takes around 66 Hrs.

Visakhapatnam – Port Blair – Takes around 56 Hrs.

From Port Blair you can reach Long Island in 4 different ways.

The first and the most economical option to reach Long island from Port is to first reach Rangat and from Rangat take a Government ferry to Long Island. You can reach Rangat by Government operated Bus from Port Blair at 4:30 AM. It takes around 8 Hours to reach Rangat from Port Blair. This bus will pass through Andaman Grand Trunk Road to reach Yeratta Jetty at Rangat. From Yeratta Jetty you will board a Government operated boat to Long Island. It usually takes one hour from Rangat to Reach Long Island in a boat. The thing to note here is that the sailing of the ferry from Rangat to Long Island is not on daily basis its on alternative days usually Monday-Wednesday-Friday. However, this time can change anytime without any notice. In addition, there is no advance booking of the ticket that can be done.
The second way is to reach Rangat in a Personal vehicle from Port Blair and the driver will help you get the ticket for Government Ferry based upon the availability.
The third way is to hire a private boat to Long Island from Port Blair. This could be fun, however, a little expensive. In case you are a group of around 8-10 people then the tour will be fun and cheap as well. You could consider this option and sail through the archipelago of the islands before reaching Long Island. For fishing enthusiast, you can consider fishing during the trip as well.
The fourth way is to take Government Ferry from Port Blair itself. This ferry will go from Port Blair to Neil Island to Havelock Island to Rangat to Long Island. This will be a whole day sailing. The catch here again is that the sailing is not done every day and the ticket opens only on the day of departure. Now, for those who come on an extended vacation to Andaman can consider this option. However, for those who visit Andaman for up to 4 – 10 days visiting Long Island could be difficult considering there are so many things to do in Andaman.

Best Time to Visit :

Andaman and Nicobar Island is a year-round tourist destination. The area receives minimum fluctuations in the temperature and is always pleasant. The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island is considered from November to mid-May. Monsoons are however recommended to be avoided because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.

Places to Visit :

In Long Island, you can go visit Lalaji Bay and can also do Scuba Diving. There is another attraction named Guitar island which can be visited by hiring a boat from Long island. You can trek the 6 Km trail from Long Island Jetty to Lalaji Bay as well.

Well, for those looking into a more private and adventurous trip can avail a private charter to Long Island from Havelock Island Or Port Blair. This boat takes you to Long Island from Havelock Island. Enroute you will see the scenic beauty of the archipelago around Havelock Island/ Port Blair Wilson Island, South Button, Tamarind Camp, Inglis Island, John Lawrence and few other islands that come on your way in a boat. For adventure lovers, a fishing trip is also organized on the way. Though you can ignore fishing as per your preference. This boat will take you to Long Island where you can stay for a day and explore long island Lalaji Bay.