Table of Contents
- Introduction: North Andaman for MICE
- Why North Andaman Works for MICE
- Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits for MICE and Leisure
- Activities and Team-Building
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- MICE Venues, Capacities and Setup Ideas
- Itineraries
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Local Food, Shopping and Culture
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- Practical Travel Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: North Andaman for MICE
North Andaman—home to Diglipur, Mayabunder, and pristine stretches like Ross & Smith Islands—offers a fresh canvas for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). It blends untouched landscapes with intimate venues, ideal for small to mid-sized incentive groups and leadership offsites seeking privacy, adventure, and sustainability-forward programs.
Expect white-sand sandbars, tropical forests, and the Andaman Sea’s blues, alongside meaningful team-building, community engagement, and slow-travel experiences that balance business with purposeful leisure.
Why North Andaman Works for MICE
Snapshot of the Region
- Location: Northern end of the Andaman archipelago; key hub is Diglipur.
- Vibe: Low-key, nature-forward, less commercial than Port Blair or Havelock.
- Season: Best from November to April; calmer seas, clear skies.
Event Styles Possible
- Leadership retreats and strategy offsites (20–80 pax).
- Incentive programs with soft adventure: treks, snorkelling, beach Olympiads.
- Eco-conscious meets with CSR: mangrove planting, beach clean-ups.
- Outdoor galas and awards on resort lawns or permitted beaches.
Top Cities and Places in North Andaman
Diglipur & Aerial Bay
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands joined by a postcard-perfect sandbar; day visits by permitted boat from Aerial Bay.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (approx. 732 m); rewarding forest trek with coastal views.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Known for turtle nesting (seasonal, guided, low-light protocols).
Mayabunder & Karmatang
- Karmatang Beach: Long, quiet arc for sunrise yoga sessions and team walks.
- Mangrove creeks: Short paddle routes suited to small-group nature experiences.
Rangat (en route)
- Useful mid-way halt on the Andaman Trunk Road with mangrove boardwalks and restful stopovers.
Tourist Circuits for MICE and Leisure
3-Day Diglipur Focused Circuit
- Day 1: Arrive Diglipur; sunset briefing on the beach; local seafood dinner.
- Day 2: Morning Ross & Smith excursion; afternoon plenary; evening cultural showcase.
- Day 3: Saddle Peak trek in split groups; wrap-up and awards.
5-Day North & Middle Andaman Circuit
- Day 1: Port Blair to Mayabunder; creeks and culture.
- Day 2: Mayabunder to Diglipur; beach activities.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith + snorkelling; sunset dinner.
- Day 4: Alfred Caves or Kalipur (seasonal); half-day meetings.
- Day 5: Return via Rangat; mangrove walk; head to Port Blair.
Activities and Team-Building
Water-Based
- Snorkelling at Ross & Smith (calm days); use certified guides, reef-safe practices.
- Kayaking in mangrove creeks (tides and permits apply).
- Beach Olympiads: Tug-of-war, relay races on permitted stretches.
Land-Based
- Saddle Peak trek: 6–8 hours round trip; forest dept permit; split by fitness levels.
- Nature scavenger hunts: Low-impact, interpretive, with local naturalists.
- Sunrise yoga and wellness sessions on resort lawns or quiet beaches.
CSR & Sustainability
- Mangrove sapling planting with local bodies.
- Beach and trail clean-ups with waste segregation briefings.
- Community-led craft or culinary demos, ensuring fair compensation.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan, mainly Port Blair): Programming can be combined pre/post event.
- Turtle nesting (Nov–Mar, Kalipur/Ramnagar): Guided night walks; strict no-flash and distance rules.
- Local melas and school fairs: Occur seasonally; confirm dates with the district administration.
MICE Venues, Capacities and Setup Ideas
Venues & Capacities
- Resort conference rooms (Diglipur/Mayabunder): Typically 30–80 pax theatre; 20–40 pax classroom.
- Lawn and beachside setups: 50–120 pax for dinners (subject to tides, wind, and permits).
- Temporary structures: Pagoda/tensile tents for plenaries up to ~120 pax; advisable in dry season.
AV & Production Logistics
- Most professional AV, stage, and lighting are mobilized from Port Blair; plan extra lead time and transport costs.
- Power backup (gensets) recommended for outdoor events; check decibel caps and timings.
- Network for hybrid/streaming is limited; pre-download content and use offline backup workflows.
Permissions & Compliance
- Beach use: Forest Dept/Gram Panchayat permits; no permanent structures; leave-no-trace mandatory.
- Ross & Smith: Day visits only; plastic restrictions; alcohol often disallowed; group size controls may apply.
- Drones: Prior approvals required; no-fly near defense/coastal surveillance zones.
Itineraries
Sample 3-Day Incentive Program
- Day 1: Arrival briefing, icebreakers, Sundowner with acoustic music.
- Day 2: Morning plenary (90 mins), Ross & Smith sandbar games, chef’s grill night with awards.
- Day 3: Choice track—Saddle Peak mini-trek or wellness circuit; closing brunch; depart.
Leisure Add-On (2 Days)
- Day 4: Alfred Caves (seasonal, guided) or mangrove kayaking.
- Day 5: Kalipur turtle watch (in season) and cultural workshop with local artisans.
How to Reach North Andaman
By Air (to Port Blair)
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) from major Indian cities.
By Road (Port Blair to Diglipur/Mayabunder)
- Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) via Baratang–Rangat–Mayabunder to Diglipur: ~8–10 hours to Diglipur, depending on ferries and road conditions.
- Vehicle ferries connect road segments; check timings in advance. Private charters must follow local rules.
By Sea/Helicopter
- Inter-island government ferries operate on select days to Mayabunder/Rangat/Diglipur; schedules change seasonally.
- Helicopter seats are limited, with priority for residents/emergency; not reliable for groups.
Accommodation Options
Categories
- Mid-range beach resorts (Diglipur/Kalipur/Aerial Bay): Best for incentives; limited inventory, book early.
- Government tourist lodges and simple hotels (Mayabunder/Rangat/Diglipur): Functional for crews and overflow.
- Eco-stays: Small capacities; good for leadership pods or breakout experiences.
Where to Base Your Group
- Diglipur: Primary base for Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak activities.
- Mayabunder: Quieter base for small retreats; access to mangrove creeks and Karmatang Beach.
- Rangat: Practical transit halt with limited event infrastructure.
Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
Indicative Per-Person/Group Costs (INR)
- Rooms: Budget 1,200–2,500; Mid-range 3,000–7,000; Upper mid 7,000–12,000 per room/night (limited upper inventory).
- Conference space: 10,000–40,000 per day (resort hall/tented setup), subject to size and power needs.
- Catering: 700–1,500 (veg) / 900–1,800 (non-veg) per person for buffet meals.
- Transport: Port Blair–Diglipur one-way—12–17 seater 16,000–28,000; 20–45 seater coach 28,000–55,000, excluding permits/tolls.
- Ross & Smith boat + entry: ~2,000–3,500 per boat return (capacity dependent) + 50–200 per person entry.
- Saddle Peak permits/guide: ~200–500 per person + guide fee.
- AV & production: Basic PA/projector 8,000–20,000/day; larger stage/light packages 40,000–100,000+, often mobilized from Port Blair.
Prices are indicative and vary by season, availability, and group size.
Ways to Save
- Travel Nov–mid-Dec or Feb–Apr for rates and weather balance.
- Consolidate AV rentals with one vendor from Port Blair to reduce multiple mobilization charges.
- Use resort lawns for evening functions to avoid heavy decor and lighting costs.
- Plan split-boat shuttles to Ross & Smith to match capacities and tide windows.
Local Food, Shopping and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Lobster, crab, tuna, snapper; request sustainable catches.
- Regional staples: Coconut-based curries, lentils, rice, and fresh tropical fruit.
- Special setups: Beach grills and live counters (where permitted), focus on low-waste service.
Shopping
- Handmade shell/wood souvenirs (avoid coral or protected species).
- Spices, coconut products, artisanal condiments from local markets.
Culture & Etiquette
- Respect no-go zones and tribal reserves; no interaction or photography.
- Dress modestly in villages; keep noise low after sunset.
- Carry back all waste; single-use plastic is restricted in many areas.
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose resorts with lawns and shallow beach entries; keep snorkel sessions short.
- Carry sun protection, hats, and kid-safe insect repellent.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for sunrise picnics on quieter beaches and private candlelit dinners on lawns.
- Book a guided, easy-grade nature walk or kayak at golden hour.
Friends/Corporate Teams
- Mix half-day meetings with half-day activities; avoid over-programming.
- Use colour-coded teams and light gamification for beach Olympiads.
Practical Travel Tips
- Connectivity: Data can be patchy; BSNL works in more pockets than others. Download materials offline.
- Money: ATMs are limited; carry sufficient cash and UPI backups. Card acceptance varies.
- Health & Safety: Basic hospitals in Diglipur/Mayabunder; serious cases refer to Port Blair. Carry personal meds and motion-sickness tablets.
- Weather: Nov–Apr is best; seas are rougher May–Sep. Keep buffer time for ferries/roads.
- Packing: Light cottons, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, dry bags, insect repellent, headlamps for early starts, and reusable bottles.
FAQs
Q: What group size is ideal for a MICE event in North Andaman?
A: The region suits 20–80 delegates comfortably, given venue sizes, room inventory, and logistics. Larger groups are possible with split stays and tented setups but need more lead time.
Q: When is the best time to plan an event?
A: November to April offers calmer seas and clearer weather. Avoid peak monsoon (May–September) for outdoor setups and boat activities.
Q: Can we host a gala dinner on Ross & Smith Islands?
A: No. Ross & Smith is for day visits with strict conservation rules. Consider resort lawns or permitted beach stretches on the mainland side for evening functions.
Q: Do foreign nationals need special permits?
A: Foreign visitors can travel to permitted areas in the Andamans with valid travel documents; certain zones remain restricted. Always carry passports and check the latest local guidelines, especially for treks and island visits.
Q: Is professional AV easily available in Diglipur?
A: Advanced AV/staging is usually mobilized from Port Blair. Book early and include transport, power backup, and technical crew in the budget.
Conclusion
North Andaman combines quiet beaches, forested hills, and intimate venues, creating an inspiring stage for small to mid-sized MICE programs. With thoughtful planning around logistics, permits, and seasonality, teams can blend effective meetings with meaningful, low-impact adventures—delivering experiences that feel exclusive, restorative, and memorable.
