Port Blair to Teressa Island Travel – Ferry & Helicopter Schedule, Fares & Others
Plan your trip to Teressa Island (Hidden New Zealand of India) with a complete guide from Port Blair.
Learn how to reach by ferry or helicopter, check schedules, fares, permits and essential travel details before you go.
Teressa Island feels like one of those places you only hear about in stories. Remote, peaceful and wrapped in untouched Nicobarese culture, it sits in the heart of the Nicobar group with long stretches of silver sand and quiet forested interiors. Locally known as Luroo, this crescent-shaped island covers about 101 square kilometres and is home to Nicobarese communities living in small settlements like Bengali, Kalasi and Minyuk. Life here moves gently. You’ll notice coconut groves, meadow-like grasslands, and beaches like Safed Balu that look almost unreal .
Reaching Teressa isn’t like planning a typical island trip. It is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Reserve and travel requires permission. Travellers who do make the journey from Port Blair usually come for its quiet beauty, rich birdlife, and the feeling of stepping into a world shaped by nature rather than noise.
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).
Port Blair to Teressa Island At A Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Port Blair | About 381 km by sea |
| Helicopter Travel Time | Around 4 hrs 30 mins (via Car Nicobar) |
| Helicopter Fare (Tourists) | ₹9,500 one way |
| Helicopter Fare (Islanders) | ₹3,800 one way |
| Ship Travel Time | Varies by route and weather; no direct single timing listed |
| Ship Service | Operated by DSS as part of inter-Nicobar routes |
| Ship Ticket Price | Non-Islander: Seat ₹ 995, Deluxe ₹ 3530, Islander: Seat ₹ 470, Deluxe ₹ 2040 |
| Best Time to Visit | October to January |
| Special Permit Required | Yes, entry restricted under Tribal Reserve rules |
| Main Attractions | Safed Balu Beach, village meadows, birdlife, Nicobarese culture |
| Key Facilities | Helipad, jetty, health centre, bank, post office, school, police station |
Ferry for Teressa Island from Port Blair
Government ferries operated by DSS connect Teressa as part of the inter-Nicobar route. Sailings depend heavily on weather and schedule availability, and travellers must have the required tribal-area permits before boarding. It’s a slower journey but the only regular sea link for residents and essential travel needs.
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.
| Route | Vessel | Time (Dep → Arr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vijayapuram → Teressa | MV Kalighat | 07:00 → 07:00 | 48 hr (2 Days) |
| Little Andaman → Teressa | MV Kalighat | 20:00 → 07:00 | 35 hr |
| Car Nicobar → Teressa | MV Kalighat | 16:00 → 07:00 | 15 hr |
| Chowra → Teressa | MV Kalighat | 06:00 → 07:00 | 1 hr |
Teressa Island to Port Blair Ferry Schedule
| Vessel | Route | Time (Dep → Arr) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Kalighat | Teressa → Sri Vijayapuram | 11:00 → 14:00 | 3 hr |
Port Blair to Teressa Island Govt. Ferry Ticket Price
| Route → Teressa | Class | Islander Fare | Non-Islander Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Vijayapuram → Teressa | Deluxe | ₹ 2040 | ₹ 3530 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 1495 | ₹ 2975 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 680 | ₹ 2685 | |
| Seat | ₹ 470 | ₹ 995 | |
| Little Andaman → Teressa | Bunk | ₹ 545 | ₹ 2260 |
| Seat | ₹ 310 | ₹ 930 | |
| Car Nicobar → Teressa | Deluxe | ₹ 945 | ₹ 2535 |
| Ordinary Cabin | ₹ 725 | ₹ 1980 | |
| Bunk | ₹ 400 | ₹ 1700 | |
| Seat | ₹ 240 | ₹ 860 |
Charter Boat to Teressa from Port Blair, Havelock & Neil
Let’s be honest, planning a private boat trip to Teressa sounds exciting, but it isn’t possible under current regulations. No private charter vessels are allowed to sail to Teressa from Port Blair, Havelock or Neil because the island lies within the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Reserve, where access is heavily restricted to protect Nicobarese communities and their environment.
Non-tribal visitors can only travel with official permission, and private operators are not authorised to enter these waters.
Charter boats may take travellers to popular open destinations closer to Port Blair, but they cannot operate in restricted Nicobar sectors. For Teressa, the only lawful travel options remain government-operated DSS ships and the scheduled Pawan Hans helicopter services.
Seaplane Service in Teressa Island
There was a time when the administration experimented with seaplanes to link the islands more efficiently, and Teressa was included in that early network. But that chapter has ended, and the service is no longer in operation.
At present, there are no active seaplane routes to Teressa. Travellers and residents depend entirely on Pawan Hans helicopter services and government passenger ships, which remain the only approved ways to reach this restricted Nicobar island.
Port Blair to Teressa By Helicopter
Travelers can reach Teressa Island from Port Blair through the scheduled Pawan Hans helicopter service. Flights operate on select PH-III days and typically route via Car Nicobar before landing at Teressa. Seats are limited, fares differ for islanders and tourists, and excess baggage is chargeable. A valid Tribal Reserve permit is required before travel.
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 | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | Pawan Hans (A&N Administration) |
| Aircraft Type | Government passenger helicopter |
| Operating Days | Runs on scheduled PH-III days |
| Weekly Frequency | Several flights weekly (Tue, Wed, Fri in schedule) |
| Departure Schedule | Example: PB 08:15 → Teressa around 10:20–10:55 |
| Fare for Islanders / Medical / Govt. Officials | ₹3,800 one way |
| Fare for Tourists / Non-Islanders | ₹9,500 one way |
| Excess Baggage Charge | ₹150 per kg |
| Charter Rates | ₹1,45,100 per flying hour; ₹10,000 halting hour |
| Booking Location | Bookings handled at Admin-designated counters |
| Booking Priority | Priority for islanders, medical cases, officials |
| Special Notes | Entry requires Tribal Reserve permit; weather may affect schedules |
Port Blair to Teressa Island Helicopter Schedule
| Day | Route Segment | Time (Departure → Arrival) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Kamorta → Teressa (Arrival at Teressa) | 10:35 → 10:55 | 0:20 | |
| Wednesday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Teressa (Direct arrival) | 09:45 → 10:20 | 0:35 | |
| Thursday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Kamorta → Katchal | 10:35 → 10:50 | 0:15 | |
| Katchal → Teressa (Arrival) | 10:55 → 11:15 | 0:20 | |
| Friday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Teressa (Direct arrival) | 09:45 → 10:20 | 0:35 | |
| Saturday | Port Blair → Carnic | 08:15 → 09:35 | 1:20 |
| Carnic → Kamorta | 09:45 → 10:30 | 0:45 | |
| Kamorta → Katchal | 10:35 → 10:50 | 0:15 | |
| Katchal → Teressa (Arrival) | 10:55 → 11:15 | 0:20 |
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 Teressa
Permits
Teressa is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Reserve, so visitors must obtain special permission before planning any trip. Entry without authorization is not allowed under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation.
Accommodations
The island has basic public facilities like a health centre, post office and schools, but no dedicated tourist resorts. Travellers should be prepared for simple stays arranged through administrative channels rather than commercial hotels.
Tribal Culture and Customs
The Nicobarese community lives across villages such as Bengali, Kalasi and Minyuk. Life here is close to nature, and respecting local customs, privacy and cultural boundaries is essential for any visitor.
Cash and ATM
While facilities like a bank are present, services may be limited. Carrying adequate cash is practical because small islands often have minimal access to on-demand banking.
Connectivity
Telephone systems exist, but connectivity can be inconsistent across the island. Expect limited mobile networks and plan communication needs in advance.
Best Season
Weather is most favourable from October to January when seas are calmer and travel is easier. This period offers safer access and more pleasant conditions for exploring the island.
Ship Travel Requirements
Government ferries serve Teressa through inter-Nicobar routes, but schedules depend heavily on sea conditions. Travellers should check ferry timings regularly and be prepared for delays or cancellations during rough weather.
Food and Supplies
Teressa is primarily an agricultural island with coconuts, areca nut, tubers and vegetables grown locally. Pack essential snacks or items you rely on, as there are no tourist-focused markets.
Tourist Destinations
Safed Balu Beach is the main attraction with bright white sands and calm waters. The island’s meadows, coral-rich coastline and quiet Nicobarese villages offer a peaceful, slow-travel experience.
Population and Language
The island houses around 1,934 residents, mainly Nicobarese and Hindu communities. Hindi and English are spoken, but the regional Teressa language is common in villages.
Health and Safety
A hospital and dispensary are available, but medical facilities are basic. It’s wise to carry personal medicines and be cautious during sea travel, as the island lies in a high seismic and cyclone-prone zone.
Respect for Environment
Teressa has sensitive ecosystems with coral reefs, mangroves and nesting areas for sea turtles. Staying mindful of waste, avoiding reef damage and keeping beaches clean helps protect this fragile environment.
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