Vacation is a mandatory practice to detox and distress self a year-long workload. To look for the best vacation destination thus becomes a must to enjoy the best of experience. Lust greens surroundings, tranquil water, romantic beaches, untouched environment and finger-licking yummy food are the major attraction of this archipelago. However, it is not just these factors that make the place worth visiting. But the very best and amazing outdoor activities and indoor explorations make Andaman and Nicobar islands the best for tourism.
Popular destinations of Andaman and Nicobar islands
Andaman and Nicobar Island is an archipelago situated in the Bay of Bengal. There are as many as 300 islands within the island. Of which most of them are popular Andaman Tourism destinations for the wanderlust.
- Havelock Island
- Cellular Jail
- Chidiya Tapu
- Ross Island
- Mount Harriet National Park
- Saddle Beach
- Butler Bay Beach – Perfect Family Spot
- Long Island
- Anthropological Museum
- Red Skin Island
1. Havelock Island
With more and more people visiting Havelock Island the place stands most popular destination in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is very well known for its beautiful scenery and pristine location. Even though the place is most visited, it gives out the vibe of untouched locations and other places to visit in Havelock. People love the place for its nature and the serenity.
Havelock Island is also one of the largest islands among the rest in Andaman and Nicobar Island. This beautiful island has some best of adventurer water sports available for your entertainment. Snorkeling Scuba diving and Kayaking are some of them that tourists love experiencing. There are professionals to guide you towards watersports. Hence it will be a great loss to leave the island without visiting Havelock Island.
Peak Timings: In between the month of October and May
2. Cellular Jail
For those who are looking for magnificent architecture and some historical sightseeing then the Cellular Jail is the spot for you. Well, don’t get hesitant due to the name, it is a place with immense respect due to the past reflecting the freedom struggle. This cellular jail was built by the British and was infamously known as Kalapani.
It was built in purpose to serve as confirmatory and the struggle was a part of independence. This jail later was turned into a Memorial and later into one of the main tourist attractions of Port Blair. There are notable freedom fighters who have been housed in this jail as a part of the freedom fight. Hence visiting Cellular Jail is a must! Andaman Tourism and development pay a keen intreset in developing and preserving the historical place.
3. Chidiya Tapu
The name itself says it all; Chidiya Tapu is a heaven for the bird and bird lovers alike. The nature here is at its peak with lush green. The mangroves and the dense forest are home to beautiful and exotic birds of different species. It is the best way to spend time with family especially kids.
Along with this famous activity, people love to trek through the hills and slopes. Again the amazing part of the entire Chidiya Tapu is the exotic sunset and sunrise. But you know what will steal the show and your heart alike? It is the pearl hunting that you will go crazy about. So, don’t miss the chance to collect some marvelous pearls.
4. Ross Island
Ross Island is for those who love to explore the historical aspect of a place they visit. This island was once headquartering to British Administration. With extraordinary architectural exploration, the place was once a beauty defined.
However, with an earthquake and the Japanese Invasion, the place faced a lot of destruction. The buildings that are halfway destroyed, swimming areas, other things built in the place are iconic and worth visiting. Now Ross Island is one of the main spot among the other destinations list of Andaman Tourism.
5. Mount Harriet National Park
Tourists come to Andaman and Nicobar islands to stay close to nature and relish the peacefulness. And there are quite a few gems of places for nature lovers in Andaman. Mount Harriet National Park is one of them.
Harriet is the best place for tourists seeking adventure. The best place for trekking and hiking covers a major 16 kilometers of lush green. People mostly visit the place in the month of March to October. There are exotic fauna and flora that are a part of this ecosystem.
6. Saddle Peak
How about sitting on top of a mountain top and viewing the best of scenery? Then you should visit Saddle Peak in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The entire place is surrounded by tropical forests and amazing flora and fauna. You need to trek through the forest to reach the top point of the peak.
It will be a worth remembering experience. And once you reach the top it will be nothing less than heaven! The Saddle Peak is the highest peak in the entire Andaman and Nicobar. A bonfire on the top of gthe peak looks unusaully romantic. And hence Saddle Peak is the best places to visit in Andaman for hneymoon.
7. Butler Bay Beach – Perfect Family Spot
Butler Bay Beach is yet another spot in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that is quite popular with families. The best of nature and the exotic beach is a weakness for all the wanderlust. And Butler Bay Beach is a perfect pristine yellow sand beach that attracts tourists like never before. How you want to spend the time here is all up to you. Tourists walk along the shore and feel the waves, take a nap under the sun or just sit under the tree looking at the beach and read a book maybe!
Tourists are allowed to snorkel and swim if the weather permits in this part of the region. Also, a bonfire with the family will do no harm but elevate the quality of time for the family and kids. The best time to visit the place is April to June.
8. Long Island
Andaman and Nicobar islands are without any doubt home to many other small pristine islands. Among that entire island, Long Island is one of the most visited and popular islands. With a beautiful marine ecosystem, the place has a reputation for the best exploration.
This beach is considered the best When it comes to places to visit in Andaman for a honeymoon. Tourists can hire romantic boat trips or can also go for a Cruise trip across the island. The highlight of the island is the Guitar and button Islands and Merk’s Bay. The Tidal Swamp Forests attracts tourists and photographers alike.
9. Anthropological Museum
Museums are in a literal sense face of the place. It replicates its past, history and culture. And when it is Andaman and Nicobar Islands we can assume what Anthropological Museum, our next destination will be about. This ethnographic museum implicates the lives of the tribes of the islands and their culture and way of living.
And I can vouch that you won’t be able to find such authentic info about the tribes anywhere else in the world. You can visit the museum anytime in the year and feel the same vibe every time. For every history lover, this place is like a Pandora’s Box, full of surprises.
10. Red Skin Island
Again a beautiful island that ensures tourists a beautiful experience especially for the honeymooners. This place is also a great inspiration for all artists who are seeking solace and peacefulness. This place is all about the serenity that treats the tourist with heart bounding experience. The name of the place, Red skin is due to the red coral reef that is solely available on the seaside of the island.
The only factor that you need to keep in mind is taking prior permission to receive a permit to enter the island. Also if you are looking for a night stay, this island doesn’t permit that. However activities like snorkeling, scuba diving attracts people from all over. And if you are lucky enough you will find Dolphin sightseeing.
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Best outdoor activities in Andaman and Nicobar islands
There are many things that tourists love to do when they are on the beautiful island of Andaman and Nicobar. And the best part is that this island has many things stored in for the tourists arriving. A few of the best outdoor activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are listed here for our readers. The below list is as per the rating and tourist online recommendations. There are other activities too that are available as per travelers’ demand and taste.
- Underwater Dive at Cinque Island
- Visit the Barren Island Plateau
- Enjoy the dolphin dance
- Turtle Nesting
- Glass Bottom Boat ride like never before!
- Shop In Andaman
- Enjoy the Mangrove kayaking
- Take a helicopter ride to the island
- Enjoy the Nightlife of Andaman
1. Underwater Dive at Cinque Island
The underwater dive is one of the favorite pastimes for tourists coming to Andaman and Nicobar every time. Cinque Island is one of the best when it comes to underwater dive. The emerald water and the exotic marine life give the tourist an everlasting experience. This place is just an hour’s drive from the capital.
And tourists can enjoy a boating experience to reach Cinque from the capital. However, you need a permit to enter the island which you need to seek through the forest department. this is in order to preserve the place from being misused.
2. Visit the Barren Island Plateau
Barren Island had a recent new volcanic eruption; however, the beauty that the place beholds is worth speaking about. The island is merely 3 kilometers in distance and hence you can walk around and enjoy the ambiance. You cannot look for some adventurous activities here, unlike the Cinque Island, but can enjoy a surreal sunrise and sunset. And also peaceful walk all away from the hustle and bustle of the people around.
3. Enjoy the dolphin dance
Andaman is known for waters that are clean and tranquil. When your boat through this water you can probably watch the beautiful dolphins playing and chattering happily. What can be more fun for these beautiful creatures? Tourists love to take pictures and watch the dolphin dance to create memories forever. All this makes this activity at Andaman a favorite among tourists with family and kids. Mostly the dolphin watching happens in Lalji Bay and sometimes in the North Passage. And the entire trip would cost a tourist from 600 INR to more.
4. Turtle Nesting
If you want to witness the most amazing thing about the marine life you should visit the place around during January. Turtles during this time of the year are most likely to go through the process of gestation. And this makes them roam on the shores. Tourists mostly prefer Ramnagar beach and beaches of Diglipur for this sight. The turtles here look beautiful and amazing to watch, however, don’t try to get too close to them or disturb them.
5. Glass Bottom Boat ride like never before!
For those who are not ready for Scuba Diving, Glass Bottom Boat is a wonderful substitute. You don’t have to touch the water yet can explore the corals beneath the sea and the marine life thriving underneath. Where in the world is this possible? Well in Andaman and Nicobar islands to be precise.
This facility is available in North Bay. Also, the cost of such a wonderful experience is quite feasible, with only 500 INR. This is one of the most loved activities on the entire island. And with kids, this is just an amazing opportunity.
6. Shop in Andaman streets
One of the main attractions of any vacation without a says is shopping! It would be a sin to come back without collecting souvenirs from the particular place you visit. Aberdeen Bazaar is the place for all the shopaholics. You will definitely fall in love with the art and craftwork made by the local people. This will help the local products to thrive and succeed. This bazaar is in the capital city is quite easy to reach.
7. Enjoy the Mangrove kayaking
Andaman has many things to offer, which are enthralling and astounding. Here is one more to add to your kitty. Mangrove Kayaking is very unique and different from the rest of the kayaking styles. This gives you a feel and vibe right from the Hollywood wildlife movies. Tourist loves the experience of sailing through the waters surrounded by thick lush green mango groves. The kayaking experience lasts approximately two and hours. The entire trip may cost you Rs 2500 and more, however, it will be worth an experience for sure.
8. Take a helicopter ride to the island
How about taking a ride and viewing the entire island from the top of the sky? Well, your dream can come true with a helicopter ride. This adventure expedition allows you to enjoy the heights of the panoramic and picturesque perfect views. It may be one of the costliest activities of Andaman Islands but definitely the unique things to do in Andaman. Tourists pay around 6500 for a single round. This includes the top view of island waters and forest areas.
9. Enjoy the Nightlife of Andaman
After a long tiring day tour across the island if you are looking for options to chill and relax in the night, let me tell you you won’t be disappointed. There are few pubs that will give wonderful nighttime with music and chilled beers. Apart from that, there are many cafes and Lounge Bars across the Island. The cost will be different for each pub and bar. You can find the best in Symphony beach. Or just go around the city to get the best of traditional food and relax while the breeze caresses your hair.
Also Read:Â Top 12 Adventure Activities and Spots in India
Places to visit in Port Blair
When a tourist comes to Andaman and Nicobar islands, they are bound to set their foot on the most beautiful place and the capital of the island, Port Blair. With many places to visit in Port Blair, the place becomes one of the tourist crowded places. There are many kids’ friendly places to explore, some historical explorations; nature is at its best when it comes to Port Blair and also few places in Port Blair for art and culture. People love to visit the place for shopping and water sports activities too. The beaches here are mesmerizing and beautiful. With sandy beaches and attractive water sports, Port Blair is one of the most worthy places with unique things to do in Andaman. The capital city has many spots to visit yet will not take more than three days to complete the trip.
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Places to visit Andaman in 3 days
Tourists from all over the globe visit Andaman and Nicobar Island for a long and short vacation. For a long vacation or trip, there are many things that you can probably add to the plan. But if you are looking for a short vacation there are places to visit in Andaman in 3 days. This beautiful archipelago of Andaman is a popular destination with beaches and many other activities. However, for a three days plan, there are a few places best among the tourist.
On day one you can go around visit the best island in the place, Havelock Island. Go for the small and big activities on the island. There are a few activities like surfing, snorkeling, exploring the beach, and other water activities that you can do on this island. There are also the best resorts and restaurants for those who are looking forward tonight staying in Havelock Island.
Day Two you can probably visit Baratang Island. It is a place that will give you much more adventurous opportunities all in a day’s time. It will be a break from all the major sightseeing and more like emerging with nature. This place has some beautiful limestone caves that are most visited. You can reach the caves by taking a 30 minutes boat ride through the mango grove to reach the limestone caves. When you have finished exploring the limestone caves allow yourself to get amazed by visiting Parrot Island. At the end of the day, thousands of parrots come back to the place and that view makes the stay worth remembering.
On day three you can get back to the island of Port Blair to enjoy the third day and wind up the tour with a bang. Because Port Blair is the place you would never want to visit. Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also the hub to many beautiful travel destinations and activities that attracts tourist like never before. Tourists anyways have to come to Port Blair airport if traveling by flight. Hence it will be a great option to end the third day of visit to Port Blair.
Also Read:Â Tourist Places You Should See When Visiting in India
Food and Accommodations
Andaman and Nicobar islands are home to finger-licking tasty food, particularly seafood. The food here is a bit costly affair as the cuisine serves with it the exotic spices and texture that demands the price. Some of the famous food of the island are Fish curry, Coconut prawns curry, grilled lobster. Tourists love the coconut-flavored rice cooked with spices and extra love! There are several hotels restaurants and cafes in and around the island that will serve the tourist with such exotic food and taste.
Accommodation is a royal yet simple affair when it comes to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, people prefer to stay in the beach resorts more as per the tourist survey last year. It is quite obvious as to why they opt for a resort. The beach resort provides all the facilities along with a lifetime worth remembering the experience. Beach resorts such as the Blue Island Beach and Coral Reef Beach Resort attracts people with a luxurious interior.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the most visited tourist destinations. The island is also considered the best place for creating memories for honeymooners. Andaman has some wonderful small islands within itself and that makes it amazingly approachable. Each and every island has its own uniqueness and variety. Tourists love the island for the different outdoor and indoor activities. The stay and accommodation also have a special effect on the tourist in terms of memory building.
Frequently Asked Question About Andaman and Nicobar Islands
What is the Area Geography of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The geographical area of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is approximately 8249 km² with more than 572 Islands to its credit.
Why is Andaman and Nicobar Islands so famous?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are famous among solo travelers who are looking for adventure and thrill and also among the honeymooners looking for heavenly surroundings.
What is the Best Time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands are between October and May, when the weather is surreal and pleasant.
How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Andaman is mostly connected through air and sea routes for tourist from other countries including India.
Is Andaman and Nicobar Islands best for outdoor activities?
Yes, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has the best of outdoor activities with mangrove kayaking, helicopter ride, scuba diving, sea touring and glass bottom boat ride.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Plan your visiting month to avoid climate issues. Don’t explore tribal area which are strictly prohibited. Take weather appropriate clothes with you.
What languages are spoken in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Hindi is the main spoken language. But local people speak English as well.
How safe to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a well-known tourist destination and hence its completely safe to visit. However do not explore prohibited tribal areas.
Are there any historical places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Yes, there are many historical significant places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Cellular Jail is one such fine example.
What are the authentic food of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is heaven for seafood lovers. Coconut prawn curry and lobsters are famous among tourists.
Can I get cheaper accommodation in Andaman?
Accommodation are not cheaper in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Is Andaman and Nicobar Islands a good honeymoon destination?
Yes! Andaman and Nicobar Islands is without any doubt popular among honeymooners and couples. The ambience, surroundings, nature and luxurious stay pav ways to it.
Important Phone Numbers to have while visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Police – 03192-232100
- Ambulance – 102
- Women Helpline – 181
- Tourist Information Centre – 03192-232694
- Medical Helpline – 108
- DN.D.M.A ( Control Room ) -022-22027990
- G.B Pant Hospital( Port Blair ) – 03192-233473
