Andaman Tourism

Comprehensive Tourism Guide to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, offer pristine beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and a unique blend of Indian and colonial history. This guide covers key destinations, activities, accommodations, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit while promoting sustainable tourism.

Getting There

Plane By Air

Port Blair: The capital city, Veer Savarkar International Airport, connects with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Plane By Sea

Passenger Ships: Regular ship services are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey takes about 3-4 days.

Cellular Jail

Port Blair

  • Cellular Jail National Memorial: A historical monument reflecting India's struggle for independence.
  • Ross Island: Ruins of British colonial buildings set amidst lush greenery.
  • Corbyn's Cove Beach: A picturesque beach ideal for relaxation.
  • Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Offers insights into the marine life and history of the islands.
Port Blair

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

  • Radhanagar Beach: Known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters; perfect for sunsets.
  • Elephant Beach: Popular for snorkeling and water sports.
  • Scuba Diving Sites: Numerous sites offering rich marine life and coral reefs.
Port Blair

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

  • Bharatpur Beach: Ideal for coral viewing through glass-bottom boats.
  • Laxmanpur Beach: Known for its sunset views and natural rock formations.
  • Sitapur Beach: A serene spot for sunrises and quiet reflection.
Port Blair

Baratang Island

  • Limestone Caves: Accessible by a boat ride through mangroves, offering a unique geological experience.
  • Mud Volcanoes: A rare natural phenomenon worth visiting.
Baratang Island

North and Middle Andaman

  • Rangat: Eco-friendly beaches like Amkunj and Moricedera, known for turtle nesting.
  • Mayabunder: Offers mangrove creeks and Karmatang Beach, another turtle nesting site.
  • Diglipur: Home to Ross and Smith Islands, connected by a natural sandbar, and the Saddle Peak National Park.
North and Middle Andaman

Activities And Experiences

Water Sports

  • Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world at Havelock and Neil Islands with certified dive operators.
  • Snorkeling: Popular at Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, and North Bay Island.
  • Kayaking: Paddle through mangroves and explore hidden creeks.
  • Jet Skiing and Parasailing: Available at various beaches for adventure enthusiasts.
Water Sports

Trekking and Nature Walks

Water Sports

  • Mount Harriet National Park: Offers trekking trails with panoramic views of the islands.
  • Saddle Peak Trek: The highest point in the Andamans, providing challenging yet rewarding trails.

Bird Watching

  • Chidiya Tapu: Known as the bird island, a haven for bird watchers with a variety of endemic and migratory birds.
  • Sippighat Agricultural Farm: Another spot for bird enthusiasts.

Water Sports

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Environmental Conservation

  • Waste Management: Follow strict waste disposal guidelines, reduce plastic use, and participate in clean-up drives.
  • Water Conservation: Use water sparingly and support accommodations with rainwater harvesting systems.
Environmental Conservation

Supporting Local Communities

Water Sports

  • Local Guides: Hire local guides to support the community and gain authentic insights.
  • Handicrafts: Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the islanders' economy.

Eco-Friendly Activities

  • Coral-Friendly Practices: Avoid touching or stepping on corals while diving or snorkeling.
  • Wildlife Protection: Respect wildlife habitats and follow guidelines provided by local authorities and guides.

Water Sports

Accommodation Options

Luxury Resorts

  • Symphony Palms Beach Resort: Comfortable and reasonably priced with beach access on Havelock Island.
  • SeaShell Hotel: Offers modern amenities with eco-friendly initiatives in Port Blair and Havelock.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Symphony Palms Beach Resort: Comfortable and reasonably priced with beach access on Havelock Island.
  • SeaShell Hotel: Offers modern amenities with eco-friendly initiatives in Port Blair and Havelock.

Budget Stays

  • Aashiaanaa Residency Inn: Affordable and comfortable accommodation in Port Blair.
  • Eco Villa Palm Beach Resort: Budget-friendly stay with basic amenities on Neil Island.
Accommodation

Travel Tips

  1. Permits: Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the islands. This can be obtained upon arrival at Port Blair or through Indian consulates abroad.
  2. Best Time to Visit: October to May is ideal for visiting the islands, with pleasant weather and calm seas.
  3. Health Precautions: Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit. Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.
  4. Connectivity: While major islands have decent mobile connectivity, remote areas may have limited coverage. Internet access might be slow.
  5. Local Cuisine: Try seafood delicacies and local dishes like fish curry, coconut prawn curry, and fresh tropical fruits.
Travel Tips