Port Blair to Katchal Island Travel – Ferry & Helicopter Schedule, Fares & Others
Find A Detailed Travel Guide To Katchal Island From Port Blair.
Get Ferry, Helicopter, Schedules, Ticket Prices, & Other Detailed Information Before You Travel.
Katchal Island is one of those rare places most travelers never get to see. Located about 305 kilometers south of Port Blair in the Central Nicobar group, this remote island remains off the beaten path for a simple reason, it’s incredibly difficult to reach compared to other Andaman destinations.
Getting to Katchal takes serious effort. You’ll need special tribal permits just to enter, and the journey involves either a long ship ride or limited helicopter services. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly why Katchal has stayed so beautifully untouched.
The island covers 174 square kilometers and is known for its stunning natural beauty. Kapanga Beach is the main attraction here, with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The island made history as one of the locations to witness the first sunrise of the new millennium on January 1, 2000.
Beyond beaches, Katchal is home to the indigenous Nicobarese community and features tropical forests with unique wildlife. The surrounding waters have rich coral reefs, though they were severely affected by the 2004 tsunami.
If you’re looking for a destination beyond the usual tourist circuit, Katchal offers true solitude and untouched island beauty, but you’ll need patience and proper permits to experience it.
IMPORTANT: The Nicobar district is accessible from Port Blair by sea as well as by air. Car Nicobar, which serves as the district headquarters, lies approximately 250 km away from Port Blair. Except for Campbell Bay, the entire Nicobar district is a restricted area, and visitors are required to obtain a Landing Permit from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District (Contact: 03192-237825, 03192-232763, 03192 233 089).
Katchal Island Beach
Katchal Island Seashore
katchal Island Jhoola Beach
Port Blair to Katchal Island At A Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Port Blair | 305 km |
| Helicopter Travel Time | Not officially given; only short sector timings available |
| Helicopter Fare (Tourists) | ₹10,800 |
| Helicopter Fare (Islanders) | ₹4,350 |
| Ship Travel Time | 24.5 hrs (MV Sindhu) to 52 hrs (MV Kalighat) |
| Ship Service | DSS ferries via multiple Nicobar islands |
| Ship Ticket Price | ₹860 to ₹5,935 depending on class/sector |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov–May (Note: region is restricted) |
| Special Permit Required | Yes — Tribal Pass mandatory; foreigners not allowed |
| Main Attractions | First sunrise of 2000, pristine forests (no tourism allowed) |
| Key Facilities | Health centre, school, jetty, weak mobile network |
Port Blair to Katchal Island Govt. Ferry Schedule
Government ferries to Katchal operate on long multi-island routes with limited frequency, connecting via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra and Teressa. Travel time ranges from 24.5 to 52 hours depending on the vessel. Always check updated DSS schedules before planning.
NOTE: The government ferry schedule and fares are subject to change. Always check the official DSS (Directorate of Shipping Services) website before planning your trip.
| Vessel | Route | Time (Dep → Arr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Kalighat | Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra) | 07:00 → 11:00 | 52 hours |
| MV Sindhu | Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via Nancowry) | 09:00 → 09:30 | 24.5 hours |
Katchal Island to Port Blair Govt. Ferry Schedule
| Vessel | Route | Time (Dep → Arr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Kalighat | Katchal → Sri Vijayapuram | 07:00 → 14:00 | 31 hrs |
Port Blair to Katchal Island Govt. Ferry Ticket Price
| Route | Class | Islander Fare | Non-Islander Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via Little Andaman → Car Nicobar → Chowra → Teressa) | Deluxe | ₹1485, ₹3420 | ₹3110, ₹5935 |
| Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via LA → CN → Chowra → Teressa) | Ordinary Cabin | ₹1140, ₹725 | ₹2535, ₹1980 |
| Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via LA → CN → Chowra → Teressa) | Bunk | ₹605, ₹400, ₹1375 | ₹2260, ₹1700, ₹4110 |
| Sri Vijayapuram → Katchal (via LA → CN → Chowra → Teressa) | Seat | ₹350, ₹240, ₹690 | ₹930, ₹860, ₹1490 |
| Little Andaman → Katchal | Bunk | ₹545 | ₹2260 |
| Little Andaman → Katchal | Seat | ₹310 | ₹930 |
| Car Nicobar → Katchal | Deluxe | ₹945 | ₹2535 |
| Car Nicobar → Katchal | Ordinary Cabin | ₹725 | ₹1980 |
| Car Nicobar → Katchal | Bunk | ₹400 | ₹1700 |
| Car Nicobar → Katchal | Seat | ₹240 | ₹860 |
| Chowra → Katchal | Deluxe | ₹945 | ₹2535 |
| Chowra → Katchal | Ordinary Cabin | ₹725 | ₹1980 |
| Chowra → Katchal | Bunk | ₹400 | ₹1700 |
| Chowra → Katchal | Seat | ₹240 | ₹860 |
| Teressa → Katchal | Deluxe | ₹945 | ₹2535 |
| Teressa → Katchal | Ordinary Cabin | ₹725 | ₹1980 |
| Teressa → Katchal | Bunk | ₹400 | ₹1700 |
| Teressa → Katchal | Seat | ₹240 | ₹860 |
Charter Boat to Katchal from Port Blair, Havelock & Neil
As of now, no private charter boats operate to Katchal Island. Charter vessels are not permitted to travel to distant islands from Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil. Katchal lies within the Nicobar Tribal Reserve, where non-native visitors require a special Tribal Pass, and access is strictly regulated to protect indigenous communities and the island’s fragile ecosystem.
While private charters can be hired for nearby tourist spots like Ross Island, North Bay, and Havelock, they cannot enter restricted tribal territories such as Katchal. The only authorized means of reaching this remote Nicobar island are government-operated DSS passenger ships and Pawan Hans helicopter services, subject to availability and administrative permissions.
Seaplane Service in Katchal Island
There is no seaplane service to Katchal Island. As a protected part of the Nicobar Tribal Reserve, Katchal allows only limited, government-regulated access. Travel is restricted to DSS government ships and Pawan Hans helicopter services, which operate on select multi-stop routes with strict permit requirements for non-islanders.
Port Blair to Katchal By Helicopter
Port Blair to Katchal is connected by a government-operated Pawan Hans helicopter service, available only on select days with very limited seats. The route operates under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, primarily serving islanders, officials, and medical cases, with a few seats occasionally released for tourists.
The one-way fare is ₹10,800 for tourists and ₹4,350 for islanders. Flight timings vary and are not published regularly. Booking must be done through designated government aviation counters in Port Blair, and priority is strictly followed.
No helicopter services operate to Katchal from Havelock or Neil Island.
PAWAN HANS Helicopter Limited began operating inter-island helicopter services in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from 2 June 2003. Ticket reservations for PAWAN HANS helicopters are made through the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (Contact: 03192-230480). Helicopter services from Port Blair to the Nicobar district run as per the schedule mentioned below.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Pawan Hans (A&N Administration) |
| Aircraft Type | Small 8–10 seat helicopters (Dauphin-type) |
| Operating Days | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday |
| Weekly Frequency | Operates 5 days a week (no service on Sunday & public holidays due to ATS unavailability at Car Nicobar) |
| Departure Schedule | Indirect multi-stop route via Car Nicobar/Kamorta: |
| Port Blair → Car Nicobar: 08:15 → 09:35 | |
| Car Nicobar → Kamorta: 09:45 → 10:30 | |
| Kamorta → Katchal: 10:35 → 10:50 (15 mins) | |
| (Alternate days reverse order: Teressa → Katchal → Kamorta) | |
| Fare for Islanders / Medical / Govt Officials | ₹4,350 |
| Fare for Tourists / Non-Islanders | ₹10,800 |
| Excess Baggage Charge | ₹150 per kg |
| Charter Rates | ₹1,45,100 per flying hour + ₹10,000 halting |
| Booking Location | Government aviation booking counters, Port Blair |
| Booking Priority | Islanders → medical cases → government officials → tourists |
| Special Notes | Route always operated as a multi-hop flight, not a direct PB→Katchal sector. |
| Services stop on Sundays & public holidays. | |
| Travel requires Nicobar Tribal Pass. |
The Charges for excess baggage in helicopter would be as under:-
1. Excess Baggage :@Rs.150/-per kg.
The chartering charges of Helicopter would be as under:-
1. Per hour of flying @ 145100/-
2. Per hour of halting @ 10000/-
Useful Tips for Tourists Visiting Katchal
Restricted Tribal Reserve
Katchal lies inside the Nicobar Tribal Reserve, requiring a Tribal Pass for entry; foreign nationals are not permitted beyond Little Andaman.
Limited Access for Tourists
The island is not open for regular tourism, and visitors are allowed only under strict administrative permission due to its protected tribal population.
Multi-Stop Helicopter Travel
Helicopter flights to Katchal operate through multi-hop routes via Car Nicobar and Kamorta, available only on select days and subject to weather and operational constraints.
Long Ship Travel Times
Government ferries to Katchal take 24.5 to 52 hours, depending on the vessel and route, so travelers must prepare for long sea journeys.
Weak Mobile Connectivity
The island has very weak mobile signals and relies mainly on VSAT links; travelers should expect near-zero internet connectivity.
Minimal Tourism Infrastructure
There are no tourist facilities like resorts or activity centers. Basic amenities include a health center, jetty, power station, and limited roads.
Environmentally Sensitive Region
Katchal features mangroves, coral reefs, turtle nesting sites, and remains vulnerable to erosion and seismic activity, so eco-sensitive travel is essential.
Tsunami-Affected Area
The 2004 tsunami caused severe devastation, land subsidence, and loss of life—travelers should be aware of the region’s fragile recovery.
Best Season to Visit
The preferred season is November to May, when weather and sea conditions are more stable.
Villages of Katchal Island
(as per official settlement list)
Beaches in Katchal
Jhoola Beach
A scenic beach featured in local school activities and day trips; showcased internationally for its natural beauty.
Temples in Katchal
Ayyappa Temple
A local Hindu temple located within the island’s settlements.
Murgan (Murugan) Temple
Another important Hindu temple serving the non-tribal population.
Carry Essentials
Due to limited shops and services, visitors should carry medicines, essentials, snacks, and emergency items. (Derived from infrastructure limitations.)
Expect Administrative Checks
Travel to Katchal requires identity verification and special permits; DSS ferries and helicopter services strictly follow documentation rules.
Photography Highlights
Sunrise views are famous, Katchal witnessed one of the first sunrises of the millennium (2000), making it a historically significant viewing point.
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