Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): From the historic Cellular Jail to the forests of Baratang, coastal stretches of Rangat and the famed sandbar of Ross & Smith Islands, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to become a two-wheeled adventure playground as the sixth edition of the Tour of Andaman (ToA) 2026 rolls out in two batches from September 19 to October 2.
Organised by Team Parikrama, the annual cycling expedition will bring together around 63 cyclists from different parts of India, alongside local cycling enthusiasts, for a seven-day journey covering more than 315 km across the islands. The event is being held with the Hoteliers Association of A&N Islands as Hospitality Partner and Transport Corporation of India (TCI) as Logistics Partner, with support from the Tourism Department, A&N Administration.
From Cellular Jail to Kalipur: The first batch is scheduled to be flagged off from the historic Cellular Jail, Sri Vijaya Puram, on September 20, while the second batch will begin its expedition from the same venue on September 27.
The route will take cyclists through a diverse mix of island landscapes and experiences, covering Mount Manipur (Mount Harriet), North Bay, Jirkatang, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur and Ross & Smith Islands.
The expedition will combine cycling with ferry crossings, forest trails, coastal roads and interaction with local communities, offering participants an opportunity to experience the islands beyond conventional tourist itineraries.
‘Queen Stage’ to test endurance: The Mayabunder–Diglipur stretch, billed as the “Queen Stage”, is expected to be among the most demanding sections of the tour. Cyclists will traverse forests, coconut groves and island settlements before reaching Kalipur Beach.
Other highlights include the panoramic surroundings of Mount Manipur, the forest and coastal landscapes of Baratang and Rangat, and the mangrove ecosystem at Dhaninalla.
The Ross & Smith Islands expedition will provide another memorable experience, with participants visiting the natural sandbar connecting the twin islands before undertaking an overnight ferry journey back to Sri Vijaya Puram.
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Cycling meets responsible tourism: Initiated in 2019, the Tour of Andaman is designed not as a conventional competitive race but as a journey of discovery, endurance and connection with nature.
The organisers said the event seeks to promote nature-based, experiential and responsible tourism by showcasing the islands’ scenic landscapes, local communities and adventure potential through a distinctive sporting experience.
By bringing together cyclists from across the country and local riders, the expedition is expected to strengthen the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ emerging identity as a destination for cycling, adventure and experiential tourism.
