The fifth edition of the Tour of Andaman (ToA), the islands’ premier adventure and eco-tourism cycling event, was formally flagged off this morning from the National Memorial Cellular Jail. The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the event as chief guest and urged participants to uphold the spirit of endurance while spreading the message of sustainable tourism.
The opening ceremony was attended by Secretary (IP&T) Jyoti Kumari, IAS, and Director (IP&T) Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, along with officials, cycling enthusiasts, and members of the public. The Chief Secretary praised the initiative for blending sport, adventure, and conservation values, highlighting its role in promoting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on both the national and international tourism stage.
Over the past years, the Tour of Andaman has grown into a flagship event that attracts adventure seekers while spotlighting the islands’ unique ecology and landscapes. Known for combining athletic challenge with eco-conscious messaging, the event underscores the region’s focus on developing tourism that preserves natural resources while boosting the local economy.
This year’s edition spans a distance of over 315 kilometres, covering diverse and demanding routes over seven days. The cyclists will traverse some of the archipelago’s most captivating terrains, including Chidiyatapu, Mount Manipur, Shoal Bay, Jirkatang, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Ross & Smith Islands, and finally Diglipur. The itinerary is designed to showcase both the lush forests and pristine beaches of the islands, offering riders a test of stamina as well as a chance to experience unspoiled natural beauty.
A total of 33 participants have joined the event, representing cycling communities from cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa, along with local riders from the Andamans. Their presence reflects growing national interest in adventure cycling and eco-tourism circuits beyond the mainland. The mix of experienced cyclists and newcomers also highlights the inclusivity and appeal of the event as a platform to promote wellness, exploration, and community spirit.
The Tour of Andaman 2025 is being organized by Team Parikrama in collaboration with the Hoteliers Association of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The event is supported by the Department of Tourism, A&N Administration, with logistics facilitated by the Transport Corporation of India (TCI). Organizers emphasized that the event is not merely a cycling competition but a cultural exchange, where visitors interact with island communities while discovering local traditions and cuisines.
Over the course of the week, riders will pedal through remote stretches, coastal roads, and forested routes, encountering varying terrains that test their physical endurance and cycling skills. Each leg of the journey also serves to highlight specific aspects of the islands’ geography and ecology—from mangroves and limestone caves to coral-fringed beaches and tropical rainforests.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the Tour of Andaman serves a broader purpose: raising awareness about the fragile island ecosystem and the importance of conserving it while encouraging adventure tourism. The eco-tourism model embedded in the event ensures that tourism growth aligns with sustainability goals, a vision echoed by officials during the flag-off ceremony.
As the cyclists embark on their journey across the archipelago, the event once again reinforces the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ position as a unique destination where sport, nature, and conservation converge. For participants, the coming days promise a memorable blend of endurance and exploration, set against the backdrop of one of India’s most biodiverse regions.
