Are you considering traveling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the upcoming months? Hold onto your sun hat because we have thrilling news for you. Recently, the officials of Andaman and Nicobar have made a decision to attract more tourists to this archipelago (an extensive group of islands). It will include access to uninhabited islands and beaches till late at night.
Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a paradise for travelers. This picture-perfect destination perfectly blends sun, sea, and serenity, creating an idyllic setting on every shoreline.
So, how will you spend your days in the Andaman and Nicobar holidays? Read further and know how exciting your travel days in these coral islands will be.
General Information About Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Situated to the east of mainland India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are like a hidden gem in the vastness of the Bay of Bengal. Imagine them as a group of beautiful islands, once part of a hill range stretching from Myanmar to Indonesia. About 836 of these islands, with lush rain-fed forests and diverse flora and fauna, create a picturesque landscape.
The majority of these islands, around 550, belong to the Andaman Group, with 28 inhabited. On the other hand, the smaller Nicobar Islands consist of about 22 main islands, of which 10 are inhabited. The Ten Degree Channel, a 150 km stretch of water, separates the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Best Time To Visit Andaman And Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are year-round destinations. However, the best time to visit this archipelago is between October and May. The weather at this time is very pleasant, and the tourists can go sightseeing, water sports, and beach tours perfectly.
Try to avoid monsoon months from July to September because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains, and strong winds.
Places That You Must Not Miss In Andaman and Nicobar Trip
Cellular Jail
It is a three-storeyed prison (constructed in 1906) and witnessed the most treacherous of inhumane atrocities borne by the convicts, mostly freedom fighters. The epic tale of the freedom fight is shown in a touching Son-et-Lumiere daily within the prison premises (6:00 PM - Hindi & 7:15 PM - English).
Additionally, the Museum’s Art and Photo gallery is accessible to tourists from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (on all days except Monday operating).
How To Reach: The Cellular Jail (also known as “Kalapani”) is located at Atlanta Point of Port Blair city. Frequent public and private transportation is available to reach the location.
Samudrika Marine Museum
It has the richest collection of rare species of fish, other animals, plants, corals, etc. This museum creates an awareness of oceanic life and its importance to our ecosystem.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday [09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm]
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for Children. You have to pay an extra INR 20 for the camera and INR 50 for taking video inside.
Location: Port Blair
Havelock Islands (Swaraj Dweep)
It is a paradise island tucked away from the crowds in the warm waters of the Andaman Ocean. Mostly covered in dense jungle and fringed with white sandy beaches shaded by tall green trees, this island offers a turquoise-blue experience to everyone.
Havelock has some beautiful beaches like Radhanagar, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are extremely popular on the island.
Mount Harriet National Park
As a top-notch tourist attraction in Andaman, Mount Harriet National Park mesmerizes with its awe-inspiring natural allure - the diverse locales within promise to create enduring memories of your Andaman getaway.
Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 for adults and INR 10 for children
Location: 48km from Port Blair bus stand
Diglipur
It is the largest peak in the archipelago of Andaman Islands and offers a wonderful sight of its unique wildlife. This island is well-known for some prominent beaches like Ross and Smith Islands, Kalipur Beach, Ramnagar Beach, and Pathi Level Beach.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
It is a unique idea and execution in India to preserve sensitive and endangered marine species. There are 15 mangrove creeks islands, rainforests, splendid coral reefs, which have around 50 types and a huge collection of rare but colorful fish, etc.
Location: Located in Wandoor, around 29 kilometers away from Port Blair. The park is easily reached by ferry, departing every 30 minutes from Port Blair boat jetty.
Limestone Caves
This is one of the awesome spots with thick mangrove forests, forest canopy, rivers, and mud volcanoes. Tourists love to visit Baratang during their tour of Andaman, especially for the glowing structures made of limestone found in the caves, which are years old.
Location: Baratang Island, 100 km from Port Blair
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Its famous beachfront and crystal-clear waters offer a very special appeal to tourists. Neil Island resonates with millions of swarming wildlife and beautiful corals. Apart from snorkeling and scuba diving, this place also offers glass-bottom boat rides to those who are not so adventurous to enter the waters but would still like to join the visually euphoric world of corals and fishes.
Location: Ritchie’s Archipelago
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
This island is renamed as Netaji Subhash Bose Island and it was once the British administrative headquarters. Exploring Ross Island becomes truly captivating as you traverse through the remnants of the British era, including a Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool, Troop Barracks, Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House, and Government House.
Location: 2 km from the capital city, Port Blair
Howrah Bridge, Andaman
The Howrah Bridge, also called the Natural Bridge, is a unique structure located in Andaman's famous 'vegetable bowl,' specifically on Neil Island. Neil Island is a small and charming place, about 40 kilometers south of the main Andaman Islands. This lovely island is well-known for its small size and beautiful beaches, each named after mythical creatures from the epic Ramayana. Some of these beaches include Sitapur, Bharatpur, Ramnagar, and Laxmanpur.
Location: Laxmanpur Beach of Neil Island
Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walkway/Walk
This pathway directly guides you to the enchanting Dhaninallah Beach, renowned as a nesting ground for turtles. The pathway boasts exceptional beauty, matching the allure of the beach. Spanning approximately 715 meters, it winds through mangroves, crossing creeks to reach the beachfront.
Location: 20 km from Rangat
Apart from these tourist locations, there are also some other places you must not miss, including:
North Bay Island
Baratang Island
Viper Island
Ross & Smith Island
Cinque Island
Rutland Island
Chidiya Tapu
Mayabunter
Panchavati Waterfalls
Button Islands
North Passage Islands
Kalapathar and many more
How To Reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to various cities in India, including Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Daily flights are available for various reputed airlines such as Vistara, Indigo, Spicejet, and Air India.
You can also reach Andaman by cargo ship from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakapatnam, reaching Port Blair’s Haddo Jetty. Return tickets are also available at Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay Jetty.
Availability Of Staying Options
For your stay in Andaman, there's a plethora of hotels and resorts to choose from. Consider exploring the convenience of online package tours offered by third-party agencies like Make My Trip and Booking.com.
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