 India : Profile
Cochin (Kochi) is conveniently placed close to the Red Sea route and as cruising along the coast offers limited attractions, those who are short of time would do better to use Cochin as a base and tour inland from there. India's first marina opened here on Bolgatty Island, April 2010. Bombay (Mumbai) is best if wishing to travel inland; plus some of the customs officials are keen and experienced sailors. The Andaman Islands are an archipelago of some 200 islands lying west of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Yachts are now welcome to stop here and the islands are becoming a popular area for boats from Phuket, especially those on their way to the Red Sea. The east coast is not normally visited by yachts, although Madras (Chennai) is a port of entry. There are small workshops capable of simple repairs, but spare parts are almost unobtainable so you should have all essentials on board. There are several boatyards with slipways, but they are not used to dealing with keeled yachts so should only be used if absolutely necessary. Cruisers report that in 2010 there appears to be a clamping down of security. Every anchorage from Mumbai to Cochin you can expect to have your paperwork checked by military or coast guard.
Note: It is essential to apply for visas in advance if planning to visit India or the Andaman Islands.
The coastal regions can be very hot and humid and the best time to visit is during the NE monsoon from November to April, when it is dry and sunny, and if cruising the SW coast the harbours are more protected. In the SW monsoon period the west coast is mostly unprotected, there being rain and heavy swell from June to October.
Mumbai (Bombay), Cochin and Mormugao (Goa) are the only recommended ports of entry for visiting yachts.
Andaman Islands
*
, Cochin (Kochi)
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, Madras (Chennai)
*
, Mangalore
, Mumbai (Bombay)
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, Nicobar Islands
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, Panaji (Goa)
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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