The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a lovely Union Territory located by the southern tip of the main landmass of India. However, with the passage of time, the biggest drawback, that is, being surrounded by water was turned to the biggest advantage by organizing one of the best waterway transport system in the country. Thus, with the onset of the water transport system, each and every island of the archipelago of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands was linked via ports. These ports have sustained the life of the residents in that region for almost a century by running jetties and ferries on a daily basis. Thus, be it helping the residents to locomote in the shortest possible way or be it enabling the business in tourism in the region, the ferry services have gained utmost significance because of which it is noteworthy to mention at least the top 5 Ferry Services that have kept the archipelago alive and connected amidst each other and also with the main landmass of India.
1. Makruzz Gold
The Makruzz Gold is a high-speed craft that was built in 1996 and belongs to the MAK Logistics Pvt. Ltd. at present. It has the capacity to carry 330 passengers at one go and is one of the fastest passenger ferries operating daily in the islands of Andaman. The Makruzz Gold, as the name suggests by itself, is not just an ordinary ferry. In fact, it is quite luxurious compared to the other vessels at service. The ticket price for the adults and the children above 2 years of age ranges from 1000 INR to 2000 INR while the children below 2 years of age are required to pay 105 INR only. As of recently, that is, in the early February in 2017, the Makruzz Gold has been especially converted to a tourist vessel and is buoying to help the tourists get an enriching experience during their stay in Andaman. Overall, the thrilling speed accompanied with the luxurious environment offered to the tourists has made the Makruzz Gold a grand success and, hence, it is recommended that every tourist who can afford to travel by the Makruzz Gold must try out the exotic experience when visiting Andaman.
2. Makruzz
The Makruzz, a Catamaran Passenger Ferry, is also a venture of the MAK Logistics Pvt. Ltd. This too is a luxurious ferry that is fully air-conditioned and fully automated. The engine also is automated providing a comfortable and rich experience on the face of the sea. The ticket price for the adults and the children above 2 years of age ranges from 1000 INR to 2000 INR while the children below 2 years of age are required to pay 105 INR only. This ferry too is mostly boarded by the tourists who can offer a luxurious or a comfortable experience during their visit to the islands of Andaman.
3. Coastal Cruise
With four decks and a seating capacity of 218 passengers at a go, this venture of the MAK Logistics Pvt. Ltd. was built in Singapore. This ferry is adorned with safety measures and automation of the international standard. The ticket price for the adults and the children above 2 years of age ranges from 600 INR to 1000 INR while the children below 2 years of age are required to pay 105 INR only. Compared to Makruzz and Makruzz Gold, the Coastal Cruise is much more affordable by the commoners and, hence, is one of the most travelled on ferries by the both the residents and the tourists visiting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
4. Green Ocean
The Green Ocean was recently launched in the mid 2015 to ease the rush and crowded environment of the Government Ferry. Thus, the Green Ocean is much similar to the slower Government Ferry than the Coastal Cruise, the Makruzz and the Macruzz Gold that boast of their speed and luxury. The ticket price for the adults and the children above 2 years of age ranges from 900 INR to 1250 INR while the children below 2 years of age are required to pay 105 INR only. Despite these cons, the Green Ocean has its own benefits especially for the lovers of nature. Unlike the three mentioned luxurious ferries, the Green Ocean is much more spacious and allows the passengers to experience the beauty of nature by standing by the railing on the deck. Thus, for the nature lovers and the photography enthusiasts, the Green Ocean is always the primary choice.
5. Government Ferry
The Government Ferry is the oldest ferry that plays a huge role in connecting the different islands in Andaman. Though it is not fast as the cruises, yet it is the strongest, the most punctual and the most affordable mode of transportation by water. The ticket price for the adults and the children above 2 years of age is 500 INR while the children below 2 years of age are required to pay 100 INR only. The Government Ferry also allows the passengers to walk around the deck in order to grasp the beauty of nature all around. Thus, due to its affordable price and a homely atmosphere, the Government Ferry is loved by the residents and the tourists in Andaman.
Thus, it is evident that the Union Territory of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is fabulously well-connected by the waterways. Because of the less consumption of time as well as the opportunity offered to enjoy the panoramic beauty of the rising and the setting sun against the backdrop of the clear, blue sea and the clear, blue sky which are fading and meeting at the distant horizon, both the residents and the tourists who visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands prefer travelling by the abundant and comfortable ferry services. Hence, it is advisable that everyone who is fortunate enough to set foot upon the adorable Andamans must take a ride on a ferry at least once to gain a divine travel experience.
