Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AROUND PORT BLAIR & SOUTH
ANDAMAN
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Wandoor
Wandoor, a tiny speck of a village 29km southwest of Port Blair, has a nice beach (though
at the time of research, swimming was prohibited due to crocodiles), and some chilled-out
guesthouses. It's better known as a jumping-off point for
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
(Indian/foreigner ?50/500)
. Covering 280 sq km it comprises 15 islands of mangrove creeks, trop-
ical rainforest and reefs supporting 50 types of coral. Depending upon the time of year, the
marine park's snorkelling sites alternate between Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, allowing the
other to regenerate. Both are popular day trips from Wandoor Jetty (?450; Tuesday to
Sunday), That said, if Havelock or Neil Islands are on your Andamans itinerary, it's prob-
ably easier and cheaper to wait until you reach them for your underwater experience; par-
ticularly due to Red Skin and Jolly Bouy's popularity with package tourists and damage
suffered from coral bleaching.
ing out to visit more-remote areas of Mahatma Gandhi National Park.
Genuine nature lovers - the kind who like snakes and insects - will want to stay at
ANET
(Andaman & Nicobar Environmental Team; 03192-280081;
www.anetindia.org
; North Wandoor; per person incl full
board ?1100; )
. Led by an inspiring team of dynamic young Indian ecologists, this is the
place to gain a true sense of the Andamans' wilderness as you'll learn about the mangroves
and intertidal zones, snakes, birds and crocs, and go on night walks. All activities are in-
clusive, but volunteers are given priority to the bamboo-hut accomodation. Reservations
are essential.
Buses run from Port Blair to Wandoor (?18, one hour).
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