Port Blair, Sept. 22: The 4^th Edition of ‘Tour of Andaman’ (ToA) showcasing Andaman & Nicobar Islands as Premier Cycling Destinations is all set to commence from today 23^rd Sept. 2023. The 4^th edition aims of promoting eco-friendly tourism in the breathtaking Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

This annual cycling event, which commenced in 2019 to promote Andaman & Nicobar Island as Cycling Destinations and to attract cyclist from all around the world in association with the A&N Islands Tourism Department. The event is organized by Team Parikrama in association with Hoteliers Association of A & N Islands and the A & N Islands Tourism Department. The tour covers a distance of 300+Kms stretching through all the Islands of Andaman’s from Port Blair in the South Andaman, Mayabunder in the Middle Andaman and Diglipur in North Andaman.

ToA is inspired by international events such as Tour of Nilgiris, Tour de France, Cycle Kerala & Tropical India, Cycle Rajasthan etc. being organized by various state and countries to promote tourism. The riders get some of the most astounding terrains to experience which is to test their endurance, temperament, physical and mental limits. The organizer Team Parikrama is a group of volunteers/members who organize tour treks/hikes, cycling and adventure sports for the youth to explore the world and discover themselves.  This event is promoted in the Utsav Portal, a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism, GoI, which aims to showcase all the events across India to promote different regions of the country as popular tourist destinations worldwide. The link to access the details of the event is www.utsav.gov.in

This year “Tour of Andaman” Edition-4, organized by Team Parikrama with support from the Tourism Department of A&N Administration, Hospitality Partner - Hoteliers Association of A & N Islands and Logistic partner - Transport Corporation of India (TCI) is scheduled from 23^rd September to 01^st October, 2023. The route for Edition 4 will commence with a flag-off from Cellular Jail, Port Blair - Chidiyatapu - Mount Harriet - Shoal Bay - Jirkatang - Baratang - Rangat - Long Island - Mayabunder - Diglipur - Ross & Smith - Port Blair.

Approximately 25 cyclists from various parts of India and 10 locals from the islands are participating in the 9 days cycling tour from 23^rd September to 01^st October, 2023.  The team will conduct a beach cleaning drive at Long Island, alongwith PRI members of Long Islands on 27^th September 2023 to mark “World Tourism Day”. The team will also be interacting with the villagers, PRI Members and spreading the message and importance of making the island plastic free.