ANDAMAN TOUR PACKAGE

Just pay 25% of the package cost inclusive of taxes. You will get a booking confirmation voucher within 240 minutes of the payment receipt and your booking status will be "BOOKING HOLD - CONFIRMED".
Pay the balance amount 7 days prior check-in
Please do not forget to send one email to info@meilleurholidays.com marking a copy to accounts@meilleurholidays.com
post payment mentioning your reference number. If you do not get a voucher on-time you may call us toll-free: 18001214500 / +91-9836117777.

Sagarika Government Emporium. Sagarika Government Emporium. Walking into Sagarika Government emporium resembles entering a paradise of handicrafts in Port Blair, Andaman.

Aberdeen Bazaar

Queen Sea Shell Craft

MG Road

Market 3 Havelock Island

Anup Eco Arts

Ratnam Market

Sunday Market, Junglighat Jetty

Mubarak Supermarket

1. Do I need a passport/visa to go to Andaman?

For Indians:No passport/visa/permission is required. They can stay in permitted areas for as long as they want.
For Foreigners:A passport is required with an Indian Visa to enter India. This is also applicable to foreigners entering Andaman and Nicobar Islands directly from a charter/private yachts. Additionally, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is also required which can be availed on arrival to Port Blair from the Immigration counter at the airport or, embarkation of ships at the sea-port. RAP is issued for a 30 day visit to the islands, and is extendable up to 15 more days. Tickets can be rescheduled in Port Blair itself from the respective airline offices.

2. What is a RAP?

Under the Foreigners (Restricted) Areas Order, 1963, the entire union territory of Andaman and Nicobar has been declared as a 'restricted area'. Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in a Protected or Restricted Area, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority, known as RAP or Restricted area permit.The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes, is free of cost and is available to all foreign nationals.
It has recently been brought to our notice that some Indian Visas issued carry a stamp that reads "Entry to restricted areas NOT permitted". Should your Visa carry such a stamp, please contact the embassy and have the visa re-issued as you will not be allowed to enter the Andaman Islands.

3. How do I extend my visa in Andaman?

Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 30 day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can be done either at the police station on Havelock or at the Immigration Office in Port Blair, and you will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for the journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension. Please note that it may not always be possible to get this extension in a few hours and you may need to stay overnight to obtain the extension if you are applying in Port Blair.
It is rare that tourists are given less than 30 days on the permit. However it does happen to a few and it is recommended that you check the expiry of the RAP when the official hands it to you just in case it has been given only for a few days.Diplomats are usually not given the full 30 days and usually get between a week and 15 days.

4. Where are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands located in the Bay of Bengal. It is around 1000 miles away from the Indian subcontinent down South-East.

5. How do I get to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Two ways - either take a flight to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai or Delhi or take a ship to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag.

6. How long does it take to reach Andaman?

A flight from Kolkata/Chennai takes two hours, while the one from Delhi takes about five hours. Ships take as long as 50 hours (3-4 days roughly).

7. What is the best time to holiday in the Andaman Islands?

We believe holidaying in Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be done throughout the year - in summers/monsoon (no winter season there). However, tourist inflow is maximum during October to May.

8. Can I visit any island of my choice?

There are only 32 inhabited islands in a total of 572 islands. Tourists are permitted only in a list of islands. You can see the list here.

9. It is an Indian territory. So do I use Indian Currency?

Yes. Indian Rupee is used in the Andaman Islands. You can exchange currency at the airport, from the banks or currency dealers. Also, you can withdraw Indian Rupees from the ATMs there.

10. Is is safe/secure to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The quantum of tourist inflow to the islands is a testimony of how safe tourists feel in the islands. These islands are one of the safest places to live/travel in the country.

11. Will I find vegetarian food in Andaman?

Andaman is not known for its vegetarian cuisine but with the inflow of tourists, vegetarian food has become easily available. So YES, if you are a vegetarian travelling to the island, you need not worry. In fact, there are a few vegetarian restaurants we recommend. You can see one of the most famous vegetarian restaurants in Port Blair here.

12. Can I make international calls and access the internet?

International dialing is available from most major hotels and ISTD booths in the markets. To make an international call, dial 00 followed by the Country Code followed by the Area Code followed by the Phone Number. Services tend to be reliable.
Internet is available, though not as widely as in many other tourist areas and the connection is reputed to be very slow, but there is hope that things will improve in the next season. Roaming mobile signal is available in Port Blair but may be erratic on other islands. If you are planning to buy a new SIM card, we suggest you opt for BSNL as it has the best connectivity on the islands.

13. What type of behaviour & etiquette can I expect from the locals on the main Islands?

The Andaman Islands is a very relaxed place so the rules are simple as well. Act with respect and decorum, dress appropriately (especially away from the beach), and as anywhere, always ask permission before taking photographs of the local population. A beach destination does not mean that the locals are used to seeing women in revealing A beach destination does not mean that the locals are used to seeing women in revealing swimwear. Please be sensitive to the traditions of the locals and cover up when in areas where locals are present like jetty areas and village markets.
Having said that, we would like to stress that the Andamans is a remote place and although the people are casual, one should not expect the kind of comfort or the level of service that is expected of a hotel/resortin mainland India.

14. What is the electricity supply in the Andaman Islands?

All of India has standard 220 Volts with sockets mixed between 3 round pins. While some sockets also take the two round pin plugs, to avoid confusion or disappointment, we suggest guests bring at least one travel adapter.

15.What is the religious stance in the Andamans?

One should keep in mind that the sun sets by 5 30 pm at the Andaman islands. Thus, it is advised to wake up early to make the most of your day.

While travelling to Andaman one should definitely pack sunscreen as the skin gets direct exposure from the sun and one can get really bad sunburn. Other items are insect repellent, swimsuit, flip flops, digital camera etc.

There a lot of shopping places in Andaman. Some of the best shopping places are Sagarika Govt.Emporium, Aberdeen Bazaar, Queen Sea Shell Craft. In all of these places one can find crafty traditional handmade items like jewelery, bangles, flower vase, earrings etc.

 Visit Historic Cellular Jail National Memorial.
 Attend the Light & Sound Show at Cellular Jail.
 Experience Scuba Diving in Havelock Island.
 Enjoy Snorkeling in Jolly Buoy Island / North Bay & Elephant Beach.
 Explore beautiful Coral Kingdom with Glass Bottom Boat in Jolly Buoy Island.
 Indulge in various Water Sports and activities.
 Give your taste bud local delicacy.
 Hire a Scooty and get lost amidst the local places.
 Circle the island with a sea plane.
 Frame the sunrises and sunsets in your DSLR.
 Tour the Volcano in Barren Island.

 Always wear a Mask if your visiting the public place.
 Owing to the zigzagging hilly roads, motion sickness is another challenge. Keep the necessary medication along with you.
 Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
 Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.
 Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.
 It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
 Avoid loud music and noise.
 Always keep your Identity Card / Passport Copies to avoid hasslement in hotels.
 Do Use dustbin in public places as you are also responsible for clean environment.
 Don't take a lot of cash with you, there are many ATM's of almost all major banks in the major towns of the region.
 Do not encourage beggars and always beware of strangers.
 Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
 In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
 Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails.
 While traveling to high Hills always carry Camera, Goggles, Sun screen lotion and Sports Shoes in case you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).
 If you’re planning to visit the market please visit in between 1000am- 1900pm only as most of the place will get closed by 2000hrs –
 Make sure you are well aware of Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit before visiting Sikkim.
 Drink sufficient amount of water to avoid dehydration while trekking.
 Remember to register at the forest or wildlife check posts before entering for your safety.
 While hiking, wear comfortable shoes since the trails can get rough at places.
 Always travel with a local guide ( Trekking trip ). Look for genuine travel guides who knows everything about the state.
 While trekking, always follow the designed path, do not interrupt the fragile vegetation.
 Applying of sunscreen is a necessity to avoid sunburns and always carry sunglasses and hats while touring.

 Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.
 Don't play loud music inside the forested areas.
 Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.
 Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.
 Don’t pluck plants or flowers.
 Don’t use Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as plastic does NOT decay itself & harms the natural environment. If you do use plastic kindly don't throw in the forest and carry back.
 Don’t throw cigarette buts on leaf litter as they are an important cause for forest fires
 Do not leave any non-biodegradable items.
 Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings.
 Do not destroy any type of vegetation or plants during your visit here.
 Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
 Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
 Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
 Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
 Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
 Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.
 Avoid entering the temple premises if you are on your menstrual cycle. It is followed by all locals and expected from tourists as well.
 The left hand is considered to be somewhat polluted. Avoid handing money or tapping anyone with the left hand.
 In hills - locals are conservative and do not appreciate the public display of affection. Keep a check on your body language and choice of words as well.
 It is not allowed to swim in the rivers, lakes or glaciers in the protected areas.
 Buying or dealing in products made from the skins of endangered species or of any another animal is strictly prohibited. Buying and selling of antiques are also illegal as per the government norms in Sikkim.