A Travel Guide to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Golden beaches, sunny and bright skies, turquoise waters, unfiltered and untouched landscape - that is what Andaman and Nicobar Islands are all about. One of the most romantic and popular holiday destinations in India, it is a haven for beach lovers.  

It is not just the beaches that make this place a tourist magnet; there are tons of other wonderful attractions, and places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.  

So, if you are planning a holiday to these islands, here is a complete guide that will help you get all the important information you need. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on that sunscreen, and let's dive into the pristine beaches, snorkel with vibrant marine life, and bask in the island vibes. It's time to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and create unforgettable memories along these breath-taking shores. 

Best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

1. Cellular Jail National Memorial

If you are wondering what is there in a Jail? Don’t let the name fool you. You won’t regret a single moment you spend here. In fact, you would love it, we bet!  

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Cellular Jail, also commonly known as Kaala Paani was once used by the Britishers to house some of the eminent political figures during the freedom struggle era. One of the most notable names to serve time here is Mahatma Gandhi.  

Today, even though the jail is in ruins as it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II, it still stands tall and proud to remind us about our gallant heroes.  

• Havelock Island 

Havelock Island, aka, Swaraj Island is one of the most popular Andaman Nicobar tourist places. It is a natural paradise, replete with pristine beaches, lush green forests, stunning marine life, and exotic coral reefs. 

The island is also home to arguably the three most beautiful beaches in the entire Andaman Islands – Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Vijayanagar Beach. The cool, blue, and azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the white sun-kissed sand that shimmers, and the lush tropical greenery make these beaches seem like they come straight from a fairy tale land.  

• North Bay Beach

Make sure to include North Bay Beach in your itinerary, one of the best Andaman Nicobar places to visit. It is one of the best places to go sea walking. Yes! You read it right, here you can walk on the sea-bed and be fully submerged under water.  

You can walk around the school of fishes, see the colourful coral reefs, octopus, and range of other marine animals and plants. Also, it is not necessary to know how to swim to participate in the activity.  

You just have to breathe under the glass helmet and walk on the se-abed. It is safe and is suitable for people of all age groups; the little to no air pressure and the mild current make it a pleasant activity.  

• Chidiya Tapu

Located about 25 km from the main city of Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is home to several hundred species of birds, including sea eagles, emerald doves, parakeets and many more. A tranquil place, it is a haven for bird watchers and peace seekers.  

The sunsets here are also quite mesmerising, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar. Make sure to carry a good camera with you to capture the sight of the beautiful birds and the lush greenery around.   

• Limestone Caves

One of the most unique caves in the world, these naturally formed caves on the Baratang Island are made of limestones. They present a beautiful sight that is a treat to the eyes.  

Just being present around this natural wonder will surely fill your heart with immense peace and happiness and make you forget all the worries in life. While you go inside, make sure that you carry a good torch with you as some patches of the caves are pitch dark.  

• Mud Volcanoes

The best Andaman Nicobar places to visit are a long list, and if you look beyond its pristine beaches, there are other gems waiting to be explored. One such true gem, and one of the less-explored places in Andamans is the mud volcano.  

Located in Diglipur, here you can see thick mounds of mud and marvellous craters that are formed by the natural gas emitted from the decayed substances underground.  

• Barren Island Volcano 

It is the sight of the only active volcano in India. Located about 35 kilometres from the main Port Blair city, the island gets its name because it is barren and there are no human inhabitants here.  

This makes it a Mecca for all the diving lovers. It is considered to be one of the best spots in the entire island for seeing underwater life. There are tons of beautiful fishes and other marine species that thrive here both under the water and on the surface of the island. So, make sure that you add this place to your itinerary.  

• Parrot Island

Comfortably perched on the Southern part of the Andamans, Parrot Island is a paradise on earth and it is home to some of the most eye-pleasing natural landscapes. The island is full of mangroves that are perfectly arranged and are a cynosure to the eye.  

No extra points for guessing why this island gets its name as there are hundreds and thousands of parrots residing here. These colourful birds make the place a haven for all nature lovers. You can spend a few hours just watching these birds and their gimmicks and the lush green forest around is sure to rejuvenate your senses. 

Things to do in Andaman Nicobar Islands 

Let us look at some of the best experiences you must have on your next trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  

• Visit the Mahatma Gandhi National Park. It is a wonderful spot to spend a peaceful evening with your loved ones or go for a picnic in the park. 
• Go back in history and reminisce the struggles and the hardships faced by the freedom fighters at the Cellular Jail or the Kaala Paani.
• Marvel at the beauty of the naturally formed limestone caves.
• When you talk about best things to do in Andaman Nicobar Island, you cannot miss out on snorkelling or scuba diving. You can enjoy this activity at various beaches. 
• If you are afraid of diving in the water, you can try sea walking.
• Enjoy a fun boat ride with a glass bottom and discover the stunning underwater life as you cruise along.
• Go on an excursion to Parrot Island and enjoy watching these beautiful birds. It is a haven for all avifauna lovers. 
• Witness bioluminescence on the beach at Havelock Islands. It is a natural wonder caused by phytoplankton in the sea that make the water appear to be glowing. 
• Enjoy sailing in the air by parasailing at the Havelock Island beach. From above, you get the most spectacular view of the sea, beach, and the city beyond. Keep an eye on the waters below, you may spot a few Dolphins. 
• Take a ride on the sea plane; it is a unique experience.  

How to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands? 

Since Andaman and Nicobar are islands, there is no road connectivity and the only way to travel here is by air or sea.  

Travelling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Air 

There are direct flights operating from Kolkata and Chennai to the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. And the flights are quite frequent too; several airlines operate multiple flights to Andaman Islands from these 2 cities.  

Travelling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Sea 

There are many passenger ships operating from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ships operate a few times a month, so make sure that you do your research well about the ship timings before you arrive in these cities.  

The journey to Andaman by ship may take about three days. And you get to enjoy being on the sea and cruise your way to Port Blair. If the weather and the sea is good, the journey becomes even more pleasant and comfortable, and you may see a variety of fishes and other marine creatures along the way.  

Travelling within Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

You can rent a cab to travel to different places, however, cabs are more expensive.  

For a cheaper alternative, you can take an auto or the local bus to get around different places. Also, if you want to go from one island to another, there are regular ferry services operating throughout the day. Another effective way to travel within Andaman and Nicobar Islands is to hire a motorcycle or bicycle. Like Goa, you can hire these vehicles on a daily rental basis and go anywhere you want.  

What is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands? 

Like most islands on the Indian subcontinent, Andaman and Nicobar Islands have very tropical climatic conditions. If you are a first-time visitor to the Andaman Islands, you may want to get the best holiday experience, right? So, make sure that you plan your vacation at the right time of the year.  

The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between November and February. During this time of the year, the days are pleasantly sunny and bright, yet it is not too hot. It is also the perfect time for just lazing around on the gorgeous beaches and to indulge in water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, etc. The temperature here during these months hover around 25-30 degrees Celsius providing an ambient condition to explore the beautiful attractions.  

The monsoon in Andaman Islands begins from mid-June to early July, and it may not be the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the weather gets unpredictable here. Due to the heavy downpour, the waves in certain specific regions get high and diving schedules getting cancelled.  

Where to stay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands? 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a popular tourist destination in India. With a reputation of being one of the best places in the world to see marine life and indulge in water sports, many people from all over the world flock into the Andaman Islands every year. It is also deemed one of the most romantic destinations in India and attracts many honeymooners. 

With so many tourists from all over India and overseas, over the years, the infrastructure facilities, like good places to stay have developed in the region. If you are looking to have a premium holiday experience, you can book your stay at one of the resorts offered by Club Mahindra, such as:

• Symphony Palms, Havelock Island Resort
• Symphony Summer Sands Neil Island Resort
• Symphony Samudra Port Blair Resort 

These resorts in Andaman are rated among the best couple-friendly and family resorts, and have a reputation for offering the most premium amenities that makes the guests’ stay comfortable and relaxing beyond their imagination. 

These resorts are located close to the beach and offer you an uninterrupted view of the sea and the gorgeous landscape. You get a chance to indulge in a variety of experiences at these resorts that ensure that you have an enriching holiday!  

Now that you have a full guide on how to travel, things to do, places to see, and where to stay in Andaman, what are you waiting for? Get you bookings done, pack your bags, and get set going! A beautiful tropical holiday awaits you!