Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the remote islands in Indian subcontinent, have some of the most exotic beaches, rich marine biodiversity, best coral reefs and is a perfect holiday destination. These Islands comprises of 572 islands lies at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Out of these 572 islands, only about 38 are inhabited.
The Andaman group is separated from the Nicobar group by a 150 km wide channel known as the Ten Degree Channel. The Andaman group has 325 islands while the Nicobar group has only 24 islands. North, middle and South Andaman are collectively known as the Great Andaman. The islands include Landfall Island, Interview Island, the Sentinel Islands, Ritchie’s Archipelago, Rutland Island and Little Andaman in the south, which is separated from Nicobar group of islands by the Ten Degree Channel.
The main islands of the Nicobar group are Car Nicobar in the North, Camorta, Katchall and Nancowry in the centre and Great Nicobar in the south.
The islands are quite unexplored mainly due to the distance and accessibility from the mainland. And that is where the beauty of the place lies.
Pristine beaches, clear blue waters and exquisite marine life – when you think of all these the place that comes to the mind is Andaman. Andaman has the best of beaches, most virgin natural trails, mesmerising sunsets and its history; this place is favourite of many. Andaman is one of the most beautiful places in India and we strongly recommend all pay a visit to the place.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a delight for both the conventional tourists and the backpackers alike. The list is quite a long one, but the places are all worth of your time. We will start with the conventional places and then go to the offbeat ones.
1. Port Blair
Port Blair, is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Also the largest town, it is also the entry point for all the other islands. There are a few places of interest in the town like the Cellular Jail, Samudrika Marine Museum, and water sports complex among others. And if you want to visit a beach, you can head towards the Corbyn’s Cove Beach. You can also enjoy water sports here.
Things you can do in Port Blair:
– Visit the Cellular Jail to see and understand the struggle of the freedom fighters who were sent to this penal settlement for serving punishment. Do not miss the light and sound show in the evening. . It shows the story of the India freedom fighters and how India got independence through the light and sound show. – Visit the Samudrika marine museum, water sports complex to enjoy water sports. – Visit the Corbyn’s Cove to get a vibe of the beach.
You can also take a Day Trips from Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu and Wandoor Beach.
Chidiya Tapu- Chidiya Tapu is around 30 km from Port Blair and the place is famous for its sunset and bird watching. You can make a day trip from Port Blair to Chidiya Tapu.
Wandoor Beach and Jolly Buoy Island- These 2 places can also be covered on a day trip from Port Blair. Jolly Buoy Island is a part of Mahatma Gandhi National Park and the place is famous for its crystal clear water and underwater coral reefs. Boats to Jolly Buoy start at 9 am in the morning from Wandoor and come back by 3 pm. So, if you are planning to take a ride to Jolly Buoy, please reach Wandoor before 9 am.
North Bay Island- Take day trips to North Bay Island which is known for water sports. You can do scuba diving, snorkelling, jet ski, sea walk and speed boat ride here. The island is an hour ferry ride from Port Blair Jetty.
2. Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Dweep)
Ross Island is another place that will leave you spellbound. This island was the erstwhile capital of Andaman until 1941 when an earthquake destroyed the island. Ross Island was the headquarters of the Indian Penal Settlement for nearly 80 years. The island had markets, bakery, stores, workshop, water distillation plant, church, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery, open air theatre and others. Today, everything has disappeared except some old dilapidated buildings, which housed some of these landmarks.
3. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island is the most popular island and also receives the highest footfall of tourists. Havelock boasts of beautiful and pristine beaches, turquoise sea and some of the best diving sites in South Asia. In fact, Radhanagar Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Asia. You can rent a motorbike or scooty to explore the island. We recommend you to spend at least 2 nights at Havelock Island. Havelock Island is also a backpackers’ delight.
Things you can do in Havelock Island
– Visit and enjoy a great time on the beautiful beaches of Havelock Island. Visit the Radhanagar Beach during the sunset and Kalapathar beach during the sunrise. Other beaches are Vijaynagar beach and Govindnagar Beach. – Go for scuba diving. As already mentioned Havelock has some of the best diving sites in South Asia it is better to take a dive from the diving schools that are near Beach no 3 & 4. – Laze around the Elephant Beach: Elephant Beach is about 20 minutes boat ride from Havelock Island with white sand and beautiful coral reefs, the place is an absolute winner. Also, you can indulge in water sports like snorkelling, sea walk and glass-bottom boat ride here. – You can also trek to the Elephant Beach from Radhanagar village.
4. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
This beautiful island is a backpacker’s paradise. The turquoise blue sea waters and golden sandy beaches are a treat to the eyes. Apart from the pristine beaches, there is a natural bridge at Neil Island. Shaheed Dweep is a small island and you can explore the entire island in a day on a two-wheeler. Like in Havelock, you can hire a motorbike or scooty here too and explore the island.
A visit to Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep can be done in a day trip, but staying for a night is highly recommended.
Places to visit in Neil Island
– Visit the beautiful beaches of Neil – Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach and the natural Beach. – At Bharatpur Beach, you will find a diving centre. You can go for scuba diving, glass bottom boat ride and snorkelling here as well.
5. Baratang Island
Baratang Island is situated between South and Middle Island. Baratang is famous for its natural wonders; from impressive Limestone caves and dense mangrove creeks. There are tidal swamp forests and small but fascinating Mud Volcanoes . It is the first gateway up north from the capital city, located between Middle and South Andaman. Due to its distance from Port Blair (approximately 100 kms), it is a popular one-day trip destination.
Please note, that you will need a permit to visit the limestone caves.
6. Diglipur and North Andaman
This is perhaps the best-kept secret of Andaman. North Andaman is yet an unexplored region of the island. It takes almost 12 hours to reach Diglipur by road from Port Blair. But once you are there, you will be mesmerised by the virgin beauty of the place.
Places to visit in Diglipur:
– Ross and Smith Island: Ross & Smith islands are actually two islands – Ross & Smith joined together by a sand bar to make a single group of islands. The water is crystal clear and the sand bar appears during low tide. During the high tide, the sand bar disappears leaving a trail of water between the two islands. – Lamiya Bay Beach: Lamiya Bay beach marks the foothill of the Saddle Peak, the highest peak in North Andaman. – Mud Volcano at Shyamnagar & Limestone cave at Diglipur: Like in Baratang, you will see mud volcanoes in Shyamnagar in North Andaman. Limestone caves in Diglipur are also known as Alfred caves and located near Ramnagar Beach.
Being in the at Andaman, you cannot escape island hopping. There are two types of trips.
Islands for Day Trips
Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy Islands are some of these islands where you can make a day trip. These islands are nearer to Port Blair and you can make a day trip to these islands. Simply head towards the Aberdeen Jetty and pick up an operator to make your bookings instantly. Your hotels can also do the bookings for you.
Islands for Night Stay
To visit the Havelock and Neil Island, then you have to go to the Phoenix Bay Jetty. There are Government boats as well as private operators. You cannot pre-book in a government boat. You have to stand in a queue in the morning to book your tickets.
Private operators boat is faster than the government counterparts, but what you will enjoy in the government ferry is that you can simply roam about everywhere in the ferry and can enjoy on the deck watching the endless blue seas.
To get around within the islands you can hire 2 wheelers at both Havelock and Neil Island to explore the places. Also, you can get cabs if you travelling greater distances.
Below are few amazing things that you can do in Andaman
– Water Sports in Andaman
Andaman is heaven for water sports. Bestowed with beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, the archipelago boasts of the best underwater activities. You can go for scuba diving, snorkelling and sea walking. For water sports like jet ski ride, banana boat etc, North Bay Island is a good place. You can also do scuba diving and snorkelling here. But we would recommend you to do scuba either in Havelock Island or Neil Island.
– Scuba Diving in Andaman
Andaman has some of the best diving sites in the country and this we have been reiterating for long. Well, it is not without reason, because the beautiful coral reefs and marine life is simply amazing. For Scuba Diving in Andaman, we will again recommend Havelock and Neil Island.
If you are doing scuba at Havelock, don’t do it at Elephant Beach, but do it at the diving sites near Beach No. 3 & 4. There are a number of operators and you can take a pick.
Where to stay in Andaman?
Andaman has plenty of options for hotels and in all possible budgets. For your trip to Andaman, we would recommend you to stop for the night at Port Blair and Havelock Island. If time permits, spend one night at Neil Island too. Both Port Blair and Havelock has a lot of options. Diglipur and North Andaman have relatively lesser options.
Camping at the beaches is not allowed at Andaman unless the resorts arrange it with permission.
How to reach Andaman? Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India, directly under the control of the central government of India. Port Blair is the main city of this archipelago which has it’s own airport and port. There are 2 ways by which you can get to Port Blair:
By Air: There are regular flights to Andaman. There are direct flights to Andaman from Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Water: If you are planning to travel by sea then there are three ports in India from where you can sail to Andaman: Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakapatnam / Vizag and it generally takes 2-4 days to reach Port Blair.
Option for eating in Andaman
While at Andaman, it will be a sin not to try the seafood. At Havelock, you will find some great food at Barefoot Bar and Restaurant, Full Moon Café, Black Beard’s Bistro, Red Snapper and Anju-Coco Resto. Neil Island has very limited options in regards to food.
Permit requirement to visit Andaman Indian nationals do not require a permit for visit to Andaman though you will need to carry an identification proof like Voter ID card or Aadhar card will work.
All foreign nationals required a RAP (Restricted Area Permit) to visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands, which is easily available on arrival at Port Blair by flight or ship from the Immigration Authorities for 30 days subject to availability of valid visa. This is extendable for another 15 days in certain cases with permission and the delegated authority to extend permission is the Superintendent of Police, FRO/CID, Port Blair.
The Restricted Area Permit can also be obtained from the Indian Missions overseas and also from the Foreigners Registration Offices at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and from the Immigration Authorities at the Airport of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
Recently, to promote tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, foreign tourists will not require RAP for visiting the following 30 Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
(1) East Island (2) North Andaman (3) Smith Island (4) Curfew Island (5) Stewart Island (6) Landfall Island (7) Aves Island (8) Middle Andaman (9) Long Island (10) Strait Island (11) North Passage (12) Baratang (13) South Andaman (14) Havelock Island or Swaraj Dweep (15) Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep (16) Flat Bay (17) North Sentinel Island (18) Little Andaman (19) Chowra (20) Tillang Chong Island (21) Teressa (22) Katchal (23)Nancowry (24) Kamorta (25) Pulomilo (26) Great Nicobar (27) Little Nicobar(28) Narcondum Island (29) Interview Island and (30) Viper Island (Day visit only).
Visiting the tribal areas is strictly forbidden for both Indians and foreigners.
Andaman can be visited throughout the year but the best season of the island is from mid-November to early March. This is considered to be the best season to visit Andaman.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a unique place you cannot afford to miss.
ARRIVAL in Port Blair- CORBYN’S COVE- CELLULAR JAIL LIGHT & SOUND SHOW
On arrival at Port Blair in the afternoon, our team representative will be there to greet you and take you to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in at the hotel, take some rest and thereafter, drive straight to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Secluded, and unspoilt, this beach is just 8 kilometers from the City center, and a prominent sightseeing place. With pleasant blue sea water and lush green coconut palms, the beach allows visitors to relax alongside and enjoy several water sports available on the shore of the beach. It has abundance of coconut trees that provide the feel of tropical relaxation.
Further, visit the National Monument the Cellular Jail. This three-storeyed prison, constructed by Britishers in 1906, is a pilgrimage destination for freedom fighters. The saga of the heroic freedom struggle is brought alive in a moving Son-et-Lumiere, shown daily inside the jail compound at 6.00 PM (Hindi) and 7.15 PM (English).
Later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to Jetty to take the onward ferry to Havelock Island as per ferry timing. On arrival at Havelock Island, you will be transferred to your pre-booked resort/hotel.
After check-in at the hotel, we will leave for the Radhanagar Beach, one of the most scenic beach on the Islands and regarded as the best beach in India. It is a pristine stretch of sand backed by turquoise water and lush forest. Radhanagar Beach is commonly called Beach No. 7. Dotted with palm trees, the beach offers tourists a tranquil ambience to relax and unwind amidst nature. Take a walk barefoot and relish the sight of the aqua waves brushing against the feet.
You can spend some quality time and have fun alongside this naturally beautiful beach.
Later, return back to the resort/hotel for an overnight stay.
Today, we will have an early breakfast and proceed to catch the ferry to Neil Island from Jetty according to the ferry timings. On arrival at Neil Island, our representative will be there to receive you and transfer to the respective hotel. After check-in at the hotel, we will visit unspoiled white sandy beaches at Bharatpur, Sitapur and Lakshmanpur. All these beaches are worth visiting.
Neil Island is best known for its unparalleled biodiversity and unexplored span of dense tropical forests and greenery complemented by white sand beaches and rich coral reefs.
Currently known as the Shaheed Dweep, this is a small island that spans over an area of 13.7 Sq. KM. only, most of which is covered with forest.
Later, return back to the hotel at Neil Island for an overnight stay.
In morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to Jetty to take the return ferry to Port Blair according to the ferry timing. On return from Neil Island, we will transfer you at respective Hotel / Resort at Port Blair.
Later, we will proceed for a City Tour of Port Blair that includes a visit to the Fisheries Museum (Aquarium) – exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the islands, Anthropological Museum – displays tribal essential and artefacts’, Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika) – gives a good retrospect of the history, shells, Corals marine life, geography and archaeology of these islands.
After Breakfast visit the Administrative Capital Prior to Independence from where the Britishers governed the entire Andaman & Nicobar. The ruins of the old buildings made by Indian prisoners are still present at Ross, textured by thick roots of peepal and serie trees that takes us back to an era, long gone yet still remembered.
Magnificent man-caves, the old church and grim history associated with this place gives out a unique vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in Andaman and Nicobar.
The whole experience is even more mesmerizing with it’s protected forest which is a sanctuary of a variety of birds and animals including peacocks and deer, that present an amazing experience for people who love to walk around and enjoy their time in the lap of nature under the shade of tall tropical trees.
The most unique thing about the island is that civilians settlements of any kind is prohibited by the administration which means there is no place to stay at night here and therefore everyone must leave the island before night.
Return to Port Blair and enjoy the night stay.
Today, we will drop you at the airport to catch the flight for onwards destination.
White beaches with sparkling clear blue waters, majestic coconut trees swaying along the coast, amazing wildlife in the tropical rainforests, this Indian archipelago is sure to keep you mesmerized throughout your stay.
Today early morning you will start to Baratang Island. Baratang is famous for its natural wonders; from impressive Limestone caves and dense mangrove creeks. There are tidal swamp forests and small but fascinating Mud Volcanoes . It is the first gateway up north from the capital city, located between Middle and South Andaman. Due to its distance from Port Blair (approximately 100 kms), it is a popular one-day trip destination. During the road journey from Port Blair to Baratang, we will be crossing through coves and dense equatorial forest. We will take a creek journey in small boats and thereafter, trek through a small village to reach the caves.
Parrot Island, is another fine attraction worth your attention if you are fond of bird watching. Thousands of colourful parrots can be spotted (and heard) returning to their nests in the evening time, with a perfect background as the sun sets behind the island.
In the evening, return back to the hotel in Port Blair for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will start to drive towards Mount Harriett. This was the summer headquarters during the British Raj. Mount Harriet National Park, which is considered as the main attraction and highest peak in the Archipelago of South Andaman. The main feature of Mount Harriet is its fauna and natural flora, which are up to now still unmatched. Just like a forest, Mount Harriet is covered with greenery and Port Blair can be seen from the top of the mount’s peak.
With almost 90 distinct and rare bird species in the forest, Mount Harriet National Park is a bird watchers paradise. Birdlife International recognizes the park as one of the Important Bird Areas.
Mount Harriet National Park is also known as a ‘Butterfly Hotspot’. There are a lot of flowering plants in the park that attract butterflies.
Return back to Port Blair in evening. Go for some shopping and buy souvenir like Pearls, Spices, Fishbone articles, Timber crafts, Shells, coconut handicrafts, can goods, etc.
Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel/resort at Port Blair.
The holiday to Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a once in a lifetime experience. Andaman & Nicobar is full of amazing nature beauty and stunning marine life.
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, are a group of 572 islands of which 38 are inhabited at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
The territory is about 150 km north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands (partly) and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel (on the 10°N parallel).
Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India, directly under the control of the central government of India. Port Blair is the main city of this archipelago which has it’s own airport and port. There are 2 ways by which you can get to Port Blair:
The best time to visit Andaman Island is considered from November to May. Considering that Andaman is a coastal paradise, a tropical island, there are only two seasons it sees – summer and monsoon. The tropical nature of the island means there’s technically no winter season here. So, when it comes to picking the right season to visit Andaman, the summer season bags the prize. Monsoons are however recommended to be avoided for Andaman because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.
Being a union territory and tribal area, there are certain permits required for Andaman. To enter Andamans, Indians do not require any special permits. However, if you are foreign national, you need a restricted area permit. This is easily available at port Blair. Alternatively, you can also, get this permit from the Foreigner Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumba, Chennai or Kolkata.
Ideally 8 days are sufficient as for a Holiday in Andaman Islands. In about 8 days you can explore the Top Places in Andaman
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