If you are looking to add some offbeat places to visit in Andaman for your vacation, Long Island is sure not to be missed. Located remotely and not having the best connectivity to other major places in Andaman, Long Island is sure to excite the adventure lover in you. Often hailed as a modern village with its basic amenities, Long island is a place where you can bask in the beauty of mesmerising beaches, cozy caves, rolling meadows and fascinating mangroves. The place is a must visit for nature lovers as there is no dearth of evergreen forests here.
Also, the Merk Bay Beach will leave you spellbound with its white sands and pristine blue waters and an ideal spot for bathing, watching dolphins, snorkelling and bird watching. The untouched beauty of this island is one of the great ways to have an adventurous time for backpackers exploring the tropical forests and hidden caves. The island is also known to offer some killer views of nature and allows you to indulge in some amazing water sports.
Highlights: Some of the striking features of Long Island is its marine wealth with its exotic beaches. It’s a delight for adventure lovers as they are offered an electrifying vacation consisting of lush green tropical forests, unspoilt beaches, tropical forests and beautiful coasts.
Activities: Some of the popular activities to do here except from the obvious sunbathing, is trekking, snorkelling and scuba diving. People should also undertake a boat ride to Merk and Lalaji Bay Beaches along with shopping in Rangat Bazaar when they are here. Travellers can also visit the Boat Building Yard on the island and see some locally made boats. The island is also well-known for forest camping, beach camping, nature walks, trekking and exploring the villages through the densely
Andaman cruise packages are popular among the tourists, so we recommend for a cruise tour when you are Andaman so that you can witness the beauty of Bay of Bengal.
Distance from Port Blair: The island is located about 82 kms from Port Blair. You can use the boat service available from Port Blair to Long Island thrice a week.
Check out the list of activities in Port Blair that you can take part in.
Long Island is one of the most underrated and offbeat places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar group, and that is probably why it is the perfect setting for those of you who want to get away from the crowds of tourists.
It is a quaint and beautiful village that has its own charm. The place boasts of immaculate and clean beaches with crystal clear blue waters where you can enjoy the stunning views in peace. Most of the island is covered by tropical forests, so it is easy to experience the rawness of nature in the emerald blanket that covers the entirety of the landmass.
There are also tidal swamp forests and evergreen forests if you want to go for trekking. It will be one of the most tranquil experiences of your life. Or you can try boating through the mangrove creek, which will be the highlight of your vacation here.
Long Island is also famous for water sports activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. The sea here is full of cute dolphins so you will get the unique chance of getting to know these bubbly creatures from up close.
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How to reach Long Island
- From Port Blair
There are three ways to go from Port Blair to Long Island. The first option is to take a government bus from Port Blair at 4:30 to Rangat, and from there, you can take a government ferry to Long Island. It will take you 8 hours to reach from Port Blair to Rangat. You can also take a taxi or your own car to get there.
There is also an option to rent a private boat from Port Blair to Long Island. This is an expensive option but it will allow you to explore the stunning vistas around. The last option is to take a government ferry from Port Blair that goes to Neil Island, followed by Havelock Island, then Rangat and then Long Island. But the downside is that you will spend the whole day on the sea.
Also, check out the list of activities in Port Blair that you can take part in.
- From Havelock Island
From Havelock Island, it is fairly simple to get to Long Island. Government ferries run on an alternate day basis from one Island to the other. However, you cannot book the tickets for these ferries online or well in advance.
You have to purchase the tickets from the counter two days before the fairy leaves. In peak season, it can be difficult to get the tickets, so plan your itinerary well in advance.
Best time to visit Long Island
Although the weather is quite pleasant on Long Island throughout the year, with temperature ranging between 27 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius, it is best to visit the islands during winter months, because the weather is cool and present at this time. It is neither too cold nor too hot to go sightseeing and enjoy all that the island has to offer.
Summers - summer lasts from March to May in Long Island. The weather conditions at this time are hot and humid. Although temperature does not soar to extreme levels, it can still be quite hot outside, especially on the beach. Not to mention that the humidity is extremely high, giving way to excessive sweating and an overall unpleasant feeling.
Monsoon - monsoon lasts from May to August in Long Island. The heavy rainfall at this time may result in a delay in flights, cancellation altogether, and closure of public transport. The sea can also get quite dangerous. So it is not recommended to go to the islands at this time.
Winters - winters in Long Island last from December to February. Since the temperature is a pleasant 20 to 30 degree Celsius, this is the ideal time to explore the winding roads of the island, go to the beach, and enjoy sightseeing.
Places to visit in and near Long Island
Lalaji bay beach - the West Coast of Long Island boasts of an immaculate and beautiful sandy beach encircled by mangroves and offering a spectacular view of the clear blue Sea. The place feels like it was pulled out of a painting. The serene and tranquil quality of the beach will calm your mind and reinvigorate your senses.
Merk Bay beach - located in Middle Andaman, this beach offers a truly mesmerizing experience. The crystal clear turquoise waters against the white sand of the beach present a beautiful contrast. You can also go swimming and snorkeling here. The beach is famous for sighting dolphins so you can be sure you will encounter these cuddly creatures here. You can also visit the place if you are a wildlife enthusiast who is up for a spell of bird watching.
Guitar Island - one of the most curious places to visit near Long Island, this place is named so because of the way it is shaped. The uninhabited beach is ideal for those of you who are looking away to get away from the humdrum of city life.
Things/activities to do in Long Island
Long Island is famous for its beaches and lush green vegetation. It is an attractive spot for people who want to relax on the beach and get away from their daily lives. One of the best things to do on Long Island is discovering yourself in the quaintness.
Just put up a hammock on the beach, grab your favorite book, and bask in the golden sunlight. You will feel your worries melting away and your mind and soul rejuvenating. But if you do insist on indulging in some activities, the waters here are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Long Island has a rich marine ecosystem that is ripe for exploration. Swim with the vibrant fish, explore the colorful corals, and encounter adorable dolphins. You can also indulge in short boat rides around the island to witness its majestic beauty. Or visit the boat building yard where you can learn more about how boats are made locally.
Also, check out things to do in Andaman and Nicobar.
Places to stay in Long Island
There are three options for an extended stay at Long Island. The first and foremost is to pitch a tent at a safe location and enjoy the starry night and bonfires with your friends. If you are planning to do this, make sure you carry all the supplies, because the island does not have any facilities that provide camping equipment.
You can also get a room at the government-run lodge, but if you are traveling during peak season, you may not be able to get a room because of the high demand from tourist during this season.
There is only one private hotel on Long Island called the Blue Planet. But it is not a 5 Star or a luxury hotel. You will only find basic amenities is here. So make sure you carry everything you need along with you. Do not go to Long Island expecting a variety of hotels and luxurious resorts as it offers you an offbeat experience.
Click Here to check out the best hotels in Andaman.
FAQS:
1. What is the traveling mode in the island?
Once you reach the island, there are several options for traveling. You can hire a private taxi to go from one place to another. But a much cheaper option is to just get a bike and explore the island cycling on its winding roads, exploring the spectacular beauty all around.
2. What is the condition of mobile connectivity?
Like all other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group, mobile connectivity is not excellent at Long Island. This is due to the remoteness of the island. BSNL and Airtel networks sometimes work, but no other network does. The island is completely far away from any mobile towers, but it does have its own wireless facilities.
3. What are the places to eat in the Island?
You will not find any 5-star restaurant on Long Island, but there are several places where you can get cheap and hygienically prepared food. These include GKR Restaurant and Fast Food Center, Bodhi Bengali Hotel, Sai Kripa restaurant, Hotel Priya. All these places are well rated and provide good food at economical rates.
4. What is the condition of medical facilities in the Island?
There are several Primary Health Care Centres located in Long Island and Community Health Care Centre in Rangat. All of these offer basic medical facilities and a few hospital beds. But the nearest multispeciality hospital is in Port Blair. So if you are suffering from a medical problem, consult your doctor before going here.
5. How much time duration I need to visit the whole of Long Island?
To explore Long Island and enjoy it to its maximum potential, you would need at least two days because there are several destinations for sightseeing and water sports activities to indulge in here. Lalaji Bay beach and Merk Bay beach are the two major tourist destinations. You should also explore scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking here.
6. How far is Long Island from Port Blair?
Port Blair is located nearly 90 kilometers away from Long Island. Port Blair is situated in the southern part of the Andaman Islands, close to Wandoor, while Long Island is located in the middle Andaman part of the Islands closer to Rangat and Bartang.
7. Is there any emergency help service in the Island in case of an emergency?
There is a Primary Health Centre located in Long Island that is open 24 hours and all the basic medical services are available here. But the nearest emergency services are available only in Port Blair. People who have medical health problems and are prone to other issues are advised not to travel to these places without the approval of their doctor.
8. Any travel tip before visiting Long Island?
Long Island is a serene village that does not have any luxurious or 5-star facilities. There is only one hotel here, and there are no restaurants. So people who travel here should be mentally prepared.
There is also very little availability of medical services, so it is advisable to carry your own first aid kit.
