Antarctica is one of the least visited continents of the world. According to the Antarctic Southern Ocean Coalition, aka ASOC, only 80,000 people visit the continent.
Antarctica is witnessing more visitors every couple of years. The growing interest of the visitors is undoubtedly an excellent sign for the tourism industry for the continent.
But how to reach the Antarctic from India? Is there any direct commercial flight to the continent, or will you have to travel across different continents to reach the most untraveled area on the planet earth? Let’s find out.
Before getting on to the important part, did you know that the USA registers the most visitors to Antarctica? Interestingly, Canada isn’t in second place; it’s China.
Antarctica registered a whopping 7000% growth in Chinese tourists in the last ten years. This indeed conveys that off-beat tourist destinations like Antarctica can be the next tourist’s spot for you.
How to reach Antarctica from India?
Well, there are only two ways to reach Antarctica from India. Those are via Airways or cruise ships.
Travelling to Antarctica via aeroplane is not the most suitable way as it can be cancelled at any time due to the harsh weather.
Because there are only a limited number of aeroplanes going to Antarctica, it’s costly to afford one, especially from India.
So, for all polar enthusiasts, Cruising is the only feasible option.
More detail about How to Reach Antarctica from India
Following are the three ways to reach Antarctica from India:
- India to Argentina to Antarctica
- India to Australia to Antarctica
- India to New Zealand to Antarctica
The most affordable way is to go to Argentina via Airplane and take a ship to Antarctica.
85% of visitors to Antarctica use this option as it is easier to reach Antarctica from South American countries.
Antarctica doesn’t have any government of its own. So, you don’t need a visa to reach the Antarctic from India.
But you’ll have to apply for a visa for the buffer country you’re planning to choose.
What’s the budget to reach Antarctica from India?
Cruise:
Now, as we know, a cruise is the best way to reach the most inaccessible continent of the world. So now, let’s have a look at the budget for a tour of Antarctica from India.
The cruise can cost you around Rs 6,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000. This may cover facilities like rooms with double or triple sharing.
More luxurious cruises can charge around Rs 18,00,000 or more to take you to Antarctica.
Flights:
If you have planned your trip pretty well, you may get your seat on one of the exclusive flights from Mumbai at the cost of a mere Rs 2,00,000. That to a round trip.
Others:
Other expenses depend entirely on personal choices. For example, you can spend around Rs 21,000 to Rs 45,000, depending on how you’re trying to spend your funds.
What to do in Antarctica after coming from India?
After reaching Antarctica from India, it’ll take quite some time to settle in the weather.
From a crowded place to a place with a limited number of people, you may feel pretty weird in the beginning.
Travelling in Antarctica is not just roaming around and having fun; it’s more of an expedition.
You’ll be surrounded by scientists and geographers helping you learn more about the continent and the history of the place.
You’ll be witnessing some of the most beautiful mountains and glaciers that you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
If you’re thinking about seeing polar bears, you’re on the wrong side of the earth. The north pole is home to polar bears, and you may find some penguins in the southern pole.
It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure. Antarctica will change your perspective of seeing the world and the other six continents.
