It is an Island group that is sure to give tourists a magical taste of the turquoise water, colorful marine life, untouched beauty, and mysterious Jungles. The Flora and Fauna of Andaman are very rare. Apart from the natural beauty that attracts millions of tourists to this wonderland, the great grand history of the place is sure to entice you as well. If you are planning to visit this peaceful abode, this one-stop guide will make your vacation a perfect one.
All you need to know (Andaman & Nicobar)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India consisting of a total of 572 Islands. While most of the Islands are unoccupied, some remain habituated. It comprises two Island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide ten-degree channel. Surprisingly, all of this is a submerged extension of the Arakan Mountains, which lay hidden underwater.
Best time to visit (Andaman & Nicobar)
The best season to visit the Island group is from October to April. That's when the temperature is pleasant and ranges from 23 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celcius.
If you want to experience local Andaman culture like tribal dance, art forms, and enjoy magic shows, then you must visit the Island during the annual Island tourism festival. Which is mainly organized in January for 10 days.
Top Attractions (Andaman & Nicobar)
Ocean lovers, gear up. This blissful place is home to the world's most beautiful Islands and sightseeing locations. From one angle, it basks in history, and from another, it is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. There's an infinite list to see and experience in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But, if you are tight on schedule or seeking a list, you must not miss these things at any cost.
Havelock Island
There are several picturesque and popular Islands near Port Blair that can leave you speechless. However, few can match the quaint and soothing charm of Havelock Island. Visitors prefer this Island for its stunning biodiversity, white sandy beaches, unspoiled and pretty coral reefs, and tropical woodlands. Away from the noisy humdrum, Havelock Island can serve as the perfect weekend getaway.
Ross Island
The history of Ross Island during the British era and runis during World War 2 are worth visiting. Also known as the 'Paris of the East', the Island was named after British marine surveyor Daniel Ross. It is home to the remnants of a former British settlement. A tour of this Island takes you down the road of nostalgia.
Elephanta Beach
Elephanta Beach is one of the attractions located on Havelock Island. It is famous for its bright coral reefs and underwater marine sports. It takes around twenty minutes to get to the beach on a speed boat, and the sight of the shore alone will leave you fascinated.
Adventure sports to try (Andaman & Nicobar)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are famous for their adventure activities and you should certainly add a few of them to your itinerary.
Scuba diving
Many people come to Andaman for the sheer delight of water sports. If you want to feel and touch the unique and colorful marine life, Andaman offers you many affordable options. Havelock and Neil Islands are specifically flocked by scuba diving enthusiasts. Havelock Island is highly recommended to experience the best scuba diving in Andaman.
Once you are inside the water, the weight of your body fades away, and you find yourself in a completely new world. Hoards of fish and sea creatures will surround you as you move underwater.
Trekking
The trekking trails of Andaman are equally beautiful. You're surely going to fall in love with the forests of Andaman. Chidiya Tapu and Kala Pahaad are a few trekking destinations that would make you fall in love with the woods and trails of Andaman on foot. The sense of tranquillity that the Islands shower is perfect for recharging one's body and mind.
Mount Harriet National Park is the tropical evergreen forest in Port Blair, which was initially a reserve. It is home to seven endangered species. The Parrot Island near Baratang is famous for endemics birds, especially parrots.
Sippi Ghat, Chidiya Tapu, Farar Ganj, and Havelock Island are also places where you can copiously listen to and spot sights of birds in equal variation.
Snorkeling
The enchanting marine world full of magnificent corals and diverse aquatic animals will instantly transport you as you dip your head for snorkeling. Elephanta Beach, Turtle Beach, south Button, Tamrind Camp, Neil Island, and North Bay Island are some of the famous locations to try the best snorkeling in Andaman. You can choose one according to your convenience.
Sightseeing (Andaman & Nicobar)
There are multiple incredible sightseeing locations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well.
Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail is one of the best places to visit in Andaman. The jail gives a clear picture of our days under British Rule. Britishers used this jail to imprison the political prisoners of India and Africa.
Historically, the cellular jail is known as Kaala Paani, which translates to Blackwater, pertaining to the fact that the ocean was the only way to get out of the Jail, which was nearly impossible.
Baratang
Baratang is a small Island located between the south and middle Andaman and is home to several natural wonders in more ways than one. Mangrove creeks, beautiful beaches, limestone caves, and mud volcanoes adorn the landscape of this scenic Island.
How to Reach (Andaman & Nicobar)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be easily accessed either by air or boat. Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is connected to Kolkata and Chennai very frequently. Waterways are another convenient option to Reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Tourists can pre-book regular ships operating from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, and the one-way journey might take around 50-60 hours.
Budget options in Andaman & Nicobar
Budget Travellers
There are all kinds of options available for different travelers. The cost including food and travel, would be somewhere around 2000 per day for budget Travellers. Eco and concrete huts are examples of budget accommodation.
Mid-range Travellers
For mid-range travelers, who are comfortable in large decent rooms, eat in local hotels, and commute on public taxis, the cost can go up to INR 3500-6000 per day.
Luxury Travellers
For luxury travelers, who book rooms in five-star hotels and top-of-the-line resorts, eat in fine cafes and restaurants, and commute on privately hired vehicles, the cost would be above INR 8000 per day.
If you are in for adventure sports, then it will cost you extra, with the following distribution:
Sea walk will cost you about INR 3500/person
Scuba diving will cost about INR 3500-6500/person
Snorkelling will cost INR 800-2500/person
Kayaking will cost INR 2500/person
Banana boat ride will cost INR 600/person
Jet ski ride will cost INR 600/person
Semi-submarine ride will cost INR 1850/person
Glass bottom boat ride will cost INR 700/person
Hostels (Andaman & Nicobar)
Some of the best hostels are Kanchan's Nest, Blue Bridge Homes, and Andaman Sports Hostel. You can choose to share a room with someone or book a separate room for yourself.
Hotels (Andaman & Nicobar)
Some highly recommended hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Hotel de Pebbles, Havelock Farms Resorts, Sea Shell Havelock, Reef Atlantis, and Symphony Palms.
Luxury Hotels and resorts (Andaman & Nicobar)
The best luxury properties in Andaman and Nicobar Islands include the Havelock Holiday Beach Resort, Lush Green Retreat, Acqyas Hotel and Resorts, Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa, SeaShell Neil, and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.
What to Eat (Andaman & Nicobar)
The staple diet of Andaman includes rice, coconut, spices, and lots of seafood. Being a group of Islands, Andaman is a zion for seafood lovers. You will be in for a real treat from cuttlefish, crabs, lobsters, and prawns to all-time favorite red snapper. It is also the perfect place to relish multi-cuisines. And yes, don't forget to quench your thirst with a refreshing dose of coconut water from time to time.
How long should a trip be to Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
It would be great to plan a 5-night and 6-day trip to cover all the main sightseeing activities. A 9-night and 10-day trip will give you time to explore all Islands and activities at leisure. If you are also interested in diving courses, you will need to plan at least a 2-week stay.
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