Monday, December 23, 2024
Andaman and Nicobar
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Mount Harriet

Mount Harriet lies on the other side of Ross Island, north of Port Blair.

It is the highest hill around South Andaman and is about 365m (1200feet). Formerly it was the headquarters of the Chief Commissioner. The hill top provides an excellent view of Port Blair city and the environs with the outline of Havelock Islands and Ross Island. Open to tourists during the day, permission of the warden at Port Blair has to be taken to stay overnight in the forest rest house.

The summer headquarters of the Chief Commissioner during British Raj, this place is an ideal for a nice and fascinating over view of the outer islands and the sea. It is the highest peak in the South Andamans (365 metres high). One can trek upto Madhuban through a nature trail and can find rare endemic birds, animals and butterflies. Conducted tours to Mt. Harriet, 55 Kms by road/ 15 Kms by ferry from Port Blair are available from Andaman Teal House.

Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu, 35 Km South of Port Blair is also known as Birds Island because of plentiful winged denizens. The place is at the southern most tip of South Andaman. The scenic beauty and a fine beach at Chota Balu makes this place  a major tourist attraction as picnic spot and line fishing. The lush green mangroves with ocean around present a breath taking sight. Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, Chidiya Tapu Beach, and the Sylvan Sands and Munda Pahar beaches are the prime attractions. The beaches are a paradise for collectors of sea shells because different varieties of colorful shells lie strewn all around. The picturesque beach Munda Pahar is a preferred swimming destination.

On top of a hillock is a guest house commanding spectacular panorama of isolated islands and submerged corals. Frequent bus services are available from Port Blair bus terminus to Chidiyatappu.

Rutland Island

Rutland Island is a big Island in area (137.17 sq.km) with four villages, all inhabited, located across the Macpherson Strait from South Andaman island. In the past, war tribes like Jarawas inhabited the area. But now they have been segregated in other areas. 

Prominent tourist spots on the island include Jahaji Beach, Bada Balu, Manner Strait, Photo Nallah and Dani Nallah. Game Fishing trip to Rutland island, along the south west corner of Andaman archipelago is an amazing experience. You could expect to catch Tuna, barracuda, Red Snapper and more species. Ferries are available from Chidiya Tapu dock.