MOUNT HARRIET

MOUNT HARRIET – ANDAMAN & NICOBAR TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Mount Harriet is the highest peak in the South Andaman archipelago and is named after Harriet Tytler, the second wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, a British soldier, naturalist and photographer, who was appointed officiating Superintendent of the Convict Settlement at Port Blair in the Andamans from April 1862 to February 1864. Mount Harriet, stationed at 55 km by road and 15 km by ferry from Port Blair. Its natural charm and beauty attracts a lot of visitors. The natural flora and fauna could not be matched. The greenery everywhere provides you immense feel that you are in a deep forest. One can have a glimpse of different kinds of birds from this point. From the top of the peak, one can get a magnificent view of the Port Blair city, the Ross Island and the Havelock 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.

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Ferry or taxi service is available from Chatham wharf to Bamboo flat. From here vehicles can be taken to reach Mt. Harriet.

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 :

At Mount Harriet, there is a Forest Guest House where tourists can take rest and refresh themselves.

One can visit Madhuban from Mount Harriet by trekking through the jungle approximately covering 16 Kms. Exotic endemic birds, butterflies are interesting sights of this wilderness trek. Incidentally, the three points i.e. Mount Harriet and North Bay on the north of Port Blair and Ross Island on the east of Port Blair is the natural gateway for ships entering to berth at the Haddo and Chatham Wharf and Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Fact : The image behind the INR 20 note was taken from Mount Harriet. The image contains picture of Light House located at North Bay Island.