“Visiting at least one island destination is a common aspiration for many. Among these, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand out as a uniquely beautiful archipelago that belongs to India. Renowned as one of the most stunning island destinations globally, you might wonder why we refer to it as “mysterious.” The answer will unfold shortly.
The Andaman archipelago comprises over 300 islands, blending breathtaking beauty with intriguing secrets. Its vibrant coral reefs, exotic flora and fauna, mesmerizing beaches, swaying palm trees, and serene landscapes create an unmatched experience. Adding to its allure, this archipelago is home to India’s only active volcano, which is also the sole active volcano in South Asia, part of a volcanic range extending from Sumatra to Myanmar.
Among these 300 islands, only a select few have been developed for tourism, while many remain untouched and uninhabited. Some islands are home to indigenous tribes who live far from modern civilization and are known for being fiercely protective of their territories.
With such diverse offerings, the Andaman Islands cater to various types of travelers. They are gaining popularity for solo adventures, but they also provide excellent options for adventurous group trips, relaxing family vacations, and romantic honeymoons.
In this Andaman Tour Guide, we have gathered essential information to help you plan your vacation, starting with the necessary documentation for your trip. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring!”
How to reach Andaman?
You have two options for transit to Andaman. You can either fly or sail your way to the island nation.
By Air
Airlines like Jet Airways, Air India, Spicejet and Go Air have flights operating from
Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
Check out the cheapest airfares at Expedia (India) or compare various options by
entering the details below.
By Sea
Important tourist place like Havelock, Neil Island are connected to Port Blair by
regular intra island ferry services and also by private luxury catamarans. Private
tourist boats are also available for connecting the other tourist islands like Ross,
Viper from Port Blair.
Visit the famous Andaman Tourist
Places
Port Blair:
1. Cellular Jail:
A colonial time prison that is a solemn reminder of India’s freedom struggle. Cellular jail was used by the Britishers to imprison the Indian political prisoners and rebels who raised voice and fought for their rights against the British rule. Also known as Kala Pani or black water, it was surrounded by sea on all sides making it impossible for the prisoners to escape.
2. Chidiya Tapu: Known as the Bird Island for the abundant resident and migratory birds, Chidiya Tapu with its lush tropical forest and mangroves is one of the must-see destinations on a tourist list. Apart from bird watching you can indulge in various water sport activities such as Scuba diving, Snorkeling, pearl hunting and relax on the beach with family and absorb the stunning sunset as the orange ball dips into the ocean.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park:
Also known as the Wandoor National Park, it is one of the most famous protected Marine parks in India, which protects and conserves the fringing coral reefs and nesting sea turtles. The park covers 15 uninhabited islands out of which only 2 are open for tourists. Do not miss the glass bottom boat ride along with the mangrove islands as it gives you an opportunity to watch underwater live corals, a shoal of colorful fishes, molluscs, starfish, crocodiles, and many more.
4. Mount Harriet National Park:
Home to the 3rd highest peak in Andaman, the Mount Harriet, Mount Harriet National park created out of the lush Evergreen and deciduous forest is rich in flora and fauna. The park houses over 400 species of plant species and is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, and moths some of which are endemic such as Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman serpent eagle, Andaman Treepie, Andaman cobra, nestling green sea turtles, olive ridley turtles, Andaman wild pigs to name a few. The park is also a hotspot for butterflies due to the various plant species.
Samudrika Marine Museum
This museum run by the Indian Navy, gives an insight of the marine life found in this region. The best part about the museum is being greeted by the skeleton of a giant blue whale at the entrance. The museum is divided into 5 rooms / sections. The first room presents information about the tribes of the island. The second room showcases the underwater species. The third room depicts the colorful corals. The fourth room showcases a beautiful collection of shells. The fifth room depicts the history of the island.
Havelock Island:
Jolly Buoy Island
This island is famous with the tourists, more so its a must visit place when you are in Port Blair. This Island can be reached by a 1 hour ship ride from Wandoor beach.
Wandoor beach is 30 Kms from Port Blair. Prior permit and tickets have to be taken for the same.The ship leaves the tourists on Jolly Buoy Island and returns later for Pick up. This
island is a no plastic zone and there is nothing available here. You need to carry food,water etc with you. The wide expanse of corals can be seen here via snorkeling, scuba
diving and also by a small glass bottom boat. Normally while alighting from the ship the visitors are transferred to this small glass bottom boat, taken for a ride of 10-15
mins to see the corals and then dropped off to the beach. If you are not too much into water activities you can sit back relax and enjoy the view of the limitless sea meeting
the cool blue sky and also the thick green forests lining it. Jolly buoy is a no man’s land. It’s pristine, clean and untouched. It’s less crowded and the corals here are breathtaking.
Radhanagar Beach:
One of Asia’s cleanest beaches with pearly white sand and glass-like water. Also voted as one of the best in the world, this beach is commonly referred to as Beach No.7. Surrounded by lush greenery, it is an ideal spot to relax and have an early morning or pleasant evening stroll. This beach is also ideal for swimming and watersports activities.
2. Mesmerizing bioluminescence:
On a moonless night on the beach of Havelock island, witness the water transform into a star-filled sky. This is due to the presence of abundant phytoplankton, a microorganism that moves in the sea and emits light which makes the sea glow during the night. This phenomenon is called Bioluminescence and a boat ride at night gives you a feeling of traversing the universe. Go on a night kayaking trip for a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you will be amidst blue-tinged water that resembles a starlit sky.
Red Skin Island
Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island are both part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Both are alternatively open for tourists. Red Skin Island is open from
May to October and Jolly buoy is open from November to April. Red Skin is not as good as Jolly Buoy Island as the beach is very narrow and it gets
very crowded during peak season, in fact it can altogether be avoided if its peak season since there will be hardly any place on the beach to fit in.
Ross Island
This Island Located at a distance of 3 Kms from Port Blair has a rich heritage. It was
the base for the British Administration of the penal colony in Port Blair and also the
capital of most of the Andaman Islands, till an earthquake destroyed it in 1941. The
remnants of its prosperous past can be seen in its ruins. It’s extremely picturesque
and it reminded me of the Lost T.V. series. Many Deer can also be spotted here.
This island is managed by the Indian navy so they maintain a record of people
coming in. They have a small post INS Jawara and also operate a museum on this
island. There is a light and sound show in the evenings.
The most striking feature about Ross Island is the roots of huge trees engulfing the
ruins of the once occupied houses.
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu or Bird Point is famous for its sunsets. This island is 25 Kms from Port
Blair and is well connected by road. It’s at the southernmost tip of South Andaman.
The ride to reach it is amazing with thick green forests and glimpses of the sea in
between. It’s an ideal picnic spot, very well maintained but with no restaurants
around. It’s a bird watchers delight as many varieties of birds and also crocodiles can
be seen here.
Neil Island:
Elephant Island
Elephant Island is a part of Havelock and can be reached by a 20 min boat ride from
Havelock. What makes the ride enticing is that is passes through the light house. This
island is famous for kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving due to the presence of
coral reef here at a depth of less than 1 meter. This makes the beach popular with
tourists
1. Lakshmanpur Beach I and II:
Beach No.1, Lakshmanpur Beach at Lakshmanpur village in Neil Island is popular among tourists for its spectacular sunset views. The White sand, clear shallow water, corals, seashells, and dense forests lining the shores attract tourists to this triangular-shaped beach for a relaxed holiday. The tip of the triangle offers the best sunset view.
Beach no.2 is famous for its natural bridge which is actually a rock naturally eroded by the waves to form a huge bridge-like structure. You can reach the first bridge by walking over dead corals. There is a second natural bridge that can be approached by walking through slippery stones and water giving a feeling of walking through a natural aquarium since you can see live corals and fishes. One of the best instagrammable spots.
2. Bharatpur Beach:
One of the best beaches on Neil Island with clear shallow water, picturesque surroundings, white sand, and rich marine life. Also known as Beach no.4, Bharatpur beach is also famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. One of the most popular destinations with family and friends, the beach devoid of rock is ideal for swimming and water sports activities like banana boat rides, glass-bottom boat rides, and jet skiing.
Top 10 things to do in Andaman:
Seaplane Riding:
Soar like an eagle and feel lightweight in this tiny plane that is bound to be one of your most memorable planes rides ever. Have a bird’s eye view of all the famous landmarks such as the cellular jail, Ross Island, Mount Harriet, and many more. Experience the beauty of Andaman island like never before. This plane is so small that it can also be easily landed at any feasible point of your will. And this can carry only up to 8 to 10 passengers at a time.
Per person cost: approx INR 4,000.
Sea Walking:
This is one of the most adventurous and out-of-the-box underwater sports in Andaman. This island is a whole package in terms of tourist satisfaction. From experiencing peace and calm to having an adrenaline rush, you will be able to experience it all. You will not only be able to enjoy a walk along the shores but you will be able to experience even walking on the sea bed. Just to add some seasoning to your normal walk in the park, you can as well choose to walk in the sea alongside school fishes, turtles, and mesmerizing corals, and many more such aquatic animals. Isn’t this extremely fascinating? No wonder this is one of the best things to do in Andaman.
Per person cost: approx INR 4,000.
Glass Bottom Boating:
Boat rides in the ocean are in themselves a charmer. Splashing through waves of water, gliding your fingers through their gushing currents is a feeling of freedom in itself. In addition to this if you can also see what happiness beneath you, how would you feel?
That would make for a great and unforgettable experience. Well, in Andaman you have boats that have glass floors so that you can also get to see the movements below you. This is a vision one needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. You could even be riding over a dolphin for all you know!
Per person cost: approx INR 2,000.
Cellular Jail’s Light and Sound Show:
Being one among the best places to visit in Andaman, the Cellular Jail or also known as the Kala Pani, is a renowned historical landmark of the islands. Declared as the National Memorial, it tells the tales of the struggles and sacrifices our forefathers made in order to earn our country’s freedom and independence. One among the most notorious jails, you will be able to grasp the magnum impact by attending the splendid sound and light show that takes place post-sunset. Do not miss it!
Per person cost: approx INR 40
Snorkeling:
Synonymous with watersports activities, snorkeling is one of the best and most stress-relieving activities you can ever participate in. Andaman’s snorkeling hotspots are world-famous for their terrific and vibrant coral reefs, aquatic flora, and fauna. PADI-certified professionals will accompany you. Hence there is no cause to fret. You will be provided sufficient training and instructions will be imparted before you take up your snorkeling activity. For this activity, you need not have to be an expert at swimming as well. With just a breathing apparatus and some flappers, you are good to go. When you get some time, do make a point to try this sport.
Per person cost: approx INR 1,500.
Scuba diving:
The one sport that is a mandate on every watersport activity is scuba diving. The thrill it imbibes in you is inexplicable. Diving into the depths of the ocean is not an easy task to muster. There is no requirement for a description regarding this activity. This is the postcard activity, or you can also call it the face of the underwater sports activities. Surround yourself with some of the most beautiful creatures in the world to understand the depths of this planet’s creation. However, you don’t need to worry about your safety, you will; at all times be accompanied by a guide who will assist you with anything and everything for the whole duration of this activity.
Per person cost: approx INR 3000.
Trekking:
Experience the serenity of nature by trekking the wilderness of Andaman islands. This island is equally rich in greens and blues. Surrounded by stunning oceanic floors and sweeping panoramic views, it is not hard to find trekking routes along the jungle trails or even along the beaches. Many tourists and sports enthusiasts prefer to at least take up one trekking expedition when in Andaman. Hiking through the thick forests and camping in unruly yet tranquil places is a never to miss the opportunity. Some of the most famous trails are- Havelock to Elephant Beach, Mount Harriet to Madhuban, Chidiya Tapu to Kala Pahaad, Saddle Peak, and Diglipur Island to Raman Caves.
Per person cost: approx starts from INR 1,000(depends on the trek)
Swim with Elephants:
As soon as you read this subtitle, you will definitely have some imagination in your mind. Let us assure you, your imagination is what you are bound to experience. A definitely one of its kind experience. You will literally be swimming alongside a humongous elephant rather than the usual fishes and turtles that you are bound to see in common. The Elephant Beach of Havelock Island is one of the most visited beaches of the Andaman Islands. The crystal clear waters of the beach and the golden sand itself are enough to allure you onto its shores. Being one of the top 10 things to do in Andaman make sure you do not miss this golden opportunity. However, be mindful of checking and booking your slots well in advance as this leisure activity is high in demand.
Per person cost: Depends on the operator, elephant, and the duration of your activities.
Kayak through the Mangroves:
The most peaceful activity of all- kayaking is a wonderful activity that will take you through the waters, along the magnificent sceneries in a small boat which can take a maximum of about two people. Glide through the solitude of the enchanting mangrove forests and discover some of the most mind-blowing mazes created by the roots of these plants. Kayak is the best mode of transport in order to enjoy the true beauty of nature.
Per person cost: approx INR 2,000
Take on a Volcanic Tour:
Volcanoes always attract curiosity. It is not easy to get to see a volcano, especially in India. And India’s only active volcano is on this wonderful island. And hence this criteria definitely makes it a mandatory thing to do in Andaman. Situated in Barren Island, about 138 km northeast of Port Blair, you will get to see this fascinating phenomenon right in the middle of a no-man’s island. This will definitely be your trip-of-a-lifetime.
Per person cost: Only transportation fees(depends on the type of boat you choose)
