How To Reach Northbay Island
How to reach Northbay Island
North Bay Island, a jewel in the crown of the Andaman Islands, beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and exciting water sports. To set foot on this idyllic island paradise, here’s a comprehensive guide that outlines everything you need to know, from choosing the right route and travel mode to essential tips for a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Understanding Your Starting Point
Reaching North Bay Island primarily involves reaching Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here’s how to get to Port Blair:
Air:
Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) is the well-connected gateway to the Andamans. Several domestic airlines operate flights from major cities in India.
Sea:
If you enjoy a leisurely journey, consider taking a ferry from mainland India to Port Blair. Government-operated ferries depart from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Reaching North Bay Island: The Final Leg
North Bay Island lies approximately 4-5 kilometers off the coast of Port Blair. The only way to reach the island is by ferry. Here are your options:
From Andaman Water Sports Complex:
This complex, situated on the east coast of Port Blair, is the most popular departure point for ferries to North Bay Island.
- Distance: 4-5 kilometers
- Travel Time: 30-45 minutes
- Large ferries with capacities of around 100-200 passengers. These offer a budget-friendly option and often combine a visit to Ross Island with North Bay Island in a single trip (total trip duration: 4-5 hours)
- Medium-sized ferries with capacities of around 20 passengers. These provide a more comfortable experience and may offer a slightly faster journey.
- Private speedboats with capacities of around 10 passengers. These offer the fastest travel time and the most personalized experience, but come at a premium cost.
From Junglighat Jetty:
This jetty, located in the heart of Port Blair city, also offers occasional ferry services to North Bay Island. However, the Andaman Water Sports Complex is the more preferred departure point due to the higher frequency of ferries.
Booking Your Ferry Tickets
- Advance booking, especially during peak season (October to March), is highly recommended.
- Tickets can be booked online through government websites or travel portals.
- Booking counters are also available at the jetties.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Plan your trip: Decide on the type of ferry (large, medium, or private) based on your budget and preference for speed and privacy.
- Carry essentials: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing, and a refillable water bottle.
- Motion sickness: If prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand.
- Carry cash: While some ferries may accept online payments, it’s always wise to have cash handy for any onboard purchases or local transportation upon arrival.
- Respect the environment: North Bay Island is a pristine ecosystem. Be responsible by avoiding plastic, not littering, and respecting the coral reefs.
Exploring North Bay Island: What Awaits You
Beaches:
Bask in the sun on the island’s immaculate beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Popular beaches include Coral Beach and North Bay Beach.
Water Sports:
North Bay Island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From thrilling jet ski rides and parasailing to snorkeling and sea walking, there’s something for every adrenaline junkie.
Glass Bottom Boat Rides: Embark on a unique underwater adventure by exploring the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
Scuba Diving:
For certified divers, the underwater world around North Bay Island offers a mesmerizing experience.
Relaxation:
Simply unwind on the beach, soak up the sun, and listen to the gentle sounds
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- Manali, the princely state of Himachal Pradesh is well connected with most of the neighboring cities like Shimla, Kullu, Delhi, Dehradun, and Mussoorie. Following are the ways by which you can reach Manali.
- By Air: The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar situated approximately fifty kilometers from the city. Various domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Chandigarh and Delhi. Once on reaching the airport, the traveler can take the prepaid taxi from Manali. Owing to the weather conditions, the most reliable option for getting to Manali is by flight.
- By Bus: Manali is connected to the essential tourist destinations like Leh, Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu and New Delhi. The journey by bus from Delhi to Manali is five hundred and fifty kilometers. Generally, it is advisable to book tickets via AC Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than the local ones.
- Road/Self Drive: A car drive to Manali is exuberantly a breathtaking one! The travelers can view scenic glimpses of the valleys and mountains from almost all direction while on a road trip. Though most of the tourist prefer a self-drive to Manali, it is generally advisable to hire a taxi in case the traveler is not comfortable driving its way to the mountainous region.
- Offering distinct charms in all seasons, Manali is a captivating destination. Summers observe Manali turning into an escape from blistering heat plain while winters embellish the town in a graceful turnout of white snow. Have a look at the breakup representing Manali’s climatic conditions:
- September to February: The monsoons stretch to an end in September while winter makes its entry from October. The temperature during winter can go as down to minus one degree Celsius, therefore make sure to carry warm clothes to keep yourself warm in this weather. The time when you can enjoy the spectacular scene and snowfall is in between December to January, making this month span the most cherishable between the honeymooners. This time marks an ideal time for adventure enthusiasts who relish skiing.
Popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, Spiti Valley, Kasol, McLeod Ganj, Kasauli, and Dalhousie.
The best way to reach Himachal Pradesh is by air to Shimla or Dharamshala, or via road or train routes.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh offers excellent trekking opportunities with diverse trails, beautiful landscapes, and varying difficulty levels for adventurers.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh has direct flights to Kangra Airport and Bhuntar Airport, connecting to major Indian cities like Delhi.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh offers affordable accommodations, local cuisine, and budget-friendly activities, making it a great destination for budget travelers.
Adventurous activities have always been a fancy against which one can challenge and put to test one’s caliber. While we talk about numerous adventure destinations in India, a multitude of names pop up, yet nothing matches the wide variety of adventure activities that are associated with Manali. Therefore, if you are still in the phase to decide upon which adventurous sports to do in Manali, then take a back seat and simply go through the below adventurous activities.
- River Rafting
- Paragliding
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Mountaineering
- Zorbing
- Jeep Safari
- Camping
- River Crossing
- Angling
- Rock Climbing
- Rappelling
- Snow Scooter
- Cable Car Ropeway
- Kayaking