- 10 LS Street , Haddo, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
About Andaman
Andaman and Nicobar Islands - A Detailed Guide
Andaman Islands tourism is a perfect destination in India that covers many aspects of a travelers requirements. Be it a solo, family, adventure or a honeymoon traveler coming to the Andaman Islands, Andaman Tourism has to offer everything to each segment of travelers. The island has gained quite a lot of popularity among travelers who are looking into both leisure and adventure trips in India. The underwater experience in Andaman is quite unique and still in its pristine state. The different shades of green can actually be seen in the Andaman Islands. The tourism at the islands has seen a steep increase for the past 2 - 3 years. With the international airport expected to be operational from 2022, Andaman tourism will start getting international travelers.
Inhabited Islands in Andaman Tourism
The Andaman Archipelago has over 570 islands out of which only 36 are inhabited. Andaman Island tourism offers varied kinds of experiences for travelers on a visit to the islands. Please note that tourism is open only in the Andaman Islands and is closed for the Nicobar Islands. Nicobar Island entirely falls under the tribal restricted area and travelers are to visit Nicobar without valid and permissible reasons. Even the Andaman Islanders cannot go to the Nicobar Islands without government orders. The government employees are posted in Nicobar which is the only way they can see Nicobar in their lifetime.
However, lately, discussions are underway were some parts of Nicobar to be open for tourism purposes as well. Let's see over time if anything positive comes out from Nicobar tourism as well. We will discuss the Nicobar Islands separately.
Most visiting tourist places of Andaman & Nicobar Island
- Port Blair
- Havelock Island Swaraj Dweep
- Neil Island Shaheed Dweep
- Jolly Bouy/Red Skin Island
- Chidiyatapu Island (Bird Island) Sunset View point
- Baratang Island –Limestone Cave, Mud volcano
- Barren Island - Active Volcano
Major Island Connectivity under the Tourism
The top islands in the Andaman are Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island). All these 3 islands are well connected with Private ferries . Other islands in the Andaman archipelago can be reached via Government Ferry The major attractions are the beaches and water sport activities. Swaraj Dweep (Earlier known as Havelock Island) houses the 7th best beach in the whole of Asia that gathers tourists from around the globe every year. Lately, Radhanagar beach in Andaman was awarded the prestigious blue flag certification in 2020.
How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal about 1300 kilometers away from mainland India. In between the southern coast of India and Indonesia, even though the islands are closer to Indonesia by 150 kilometers it can be accessed via Indian carriages and cargo only.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be reached via air and sea. These are the only ways to reach the capital city (Port Blair) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are flights and ships available from different points in mainland India. Port Blair is the only entry point to the Andaman Islands, there is no other point in Andamans that you can enter it will be only through Port Blair.
Reaching Andaman By Flight
The Andaman Islands has numerous flights flying from the mainland to the islands for the transfers of passengers and necessary goods. The direct flights to Andamans are operated from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Please note the schedule may change based upon pay load. We recommend you to check the airlines website to know about the latest flight timings to Port Blair. An approximate distance of 1300 Kms from Mainland India to the island by air, in a non-stop flight, is covered in 2.5 Hrs maximum.
There is just one commercial airport in the islands, the Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair. We recommend travellers to reach by flight to Andaman as this is the most convenient way to reach the Andaman Islands.
Major Airlines that operates flight to Andaman Islands
- Air India - Goair - GoIndigo - Spicejet - Vistara
Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands are a destination that can be visited throughout the year at all seasons; the best time to visit the islands is from October to April.
The climate in the islands during these months is calm and cool. The weather is pleasant and spending some time on the beach cannot get better than this time. This is the time when almost all the water activities are operational at the islands.
During this time the islands will have quite a lot of tourists coming to celebrate the different festivals that fall in this season. Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas, and New Year are the major seasons when the travelers come down to the islands with their kith and kin.
December and January is the best months to visit Andaman and visitors flock into the islands during these months. The reasons why these months are considered best to visit Andaman are because the islands are a lot cooler around this time and all the attractions cum activities are open here. Besides, this season is suitable for people of all ages to visit the islands and have great fun In this period, the islands are usually very busy due to the parties and celebrations.
Apart from the above mentioned months, you can also visit the islands from May to September during the summer-monsoon as well. The islands are less crowded and calmer in this period; it is the time where the islands are at their best. Due to less crowded and calmer you can expect much better discounts for traveling during this part of the year. Expect some rain but that should not impact your tour in the Andaman. Here is our detailed article on travelling to Andaman during May, June, July and August.
Language of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Language: People of the Andaman mainly speak Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, and Malayalam theses are widely spoken in the islands.
Weather and Climate in Andaman Islands
The climate in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a warm tropical climate. The island has humid weather and no winter season, the monsoon lasts up to 180 days and the rainfall varies from medium to heavy. The Monsoon sets in towards the end of May. There is no fury of hot summer or the chilling winter, nor water clogging or traffic jams due to monsoon. For those who want to enjoy nature, beaches, sightseeing and a pleasant holiday, throughout the year it’s a good season for vacation. The mean temperature ranges from 25-27°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Among the all 572 islands of Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, HAVELOCK ISLAND and NEIL ISLAND are the most picturesque and exquisitely beautiful islands and also among the best places to visit in Andaman which one should not miss. These islands are inhabited and have resorts and hotels of every budget to cater to tourists of all preferences and budget. Port Blair is also the primary place to visit since it is where your aircraft will land as it the capital of Andaman and Nicobar and has the only airport (Veer Savarkar Airport) of the archipelago.
No, if you are an Indian citizen, you would not need a passport to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Andaman is very famous for its exquisite pearl jewellery if you are thinking of shopping in Andamans. Andaman offers a wide range of sea shell products and exquisite hand crafted souvenirs.
The most famous market of Andaman is the Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair. Here, you can shop for a wide range of souvenirs, seashell products, pearl jewellery and also fruits and vegetables. Everything that you would want to buy right from daily essentials to Andaman-specific unique items that this island has to offer is to be found in Aberdeen Bazaar. It is the most famous market of the islands and remains packed with locals and tourists alike.
Neil Island and Havelock Island are the most popular and beautiful as well as inhabited islands of Andaman. Port Blair has the famous Corbyn’s Cove Beach and historical Cellular Jail. Neil Island is very popular and has various alluring attractions such as Sitapur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Ramnagar Beach for diving and snorkelling. Havelock Island has Radjhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kala Pathar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach for snorkelling, scuba diving etc. The other top most attractions of Andaman and Nicobar are Baratang Island, Limestone Caves, Mud Volcanoes Jolly Bouy (Coral Island) Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) Barren Island, Long Island, ,Diglipur, , North Bay Island, Ross Island, Ross and Smith Island, Mangrove Creek, Jolly Buoy Island, Wandoor Beach, Chatham Saw Mill, Samudrika, Anthropological Museum, Rajiv Gandhi Water sports Complex, Mount Harriet, many more attractions.
Some lovely ways to enjoy the beauty of Andaman are Beach Bumming on lovely beaches such as Radhanagar Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Corbyn’s Cove and Long Island, soaking up ample sunshine and lazing around. Also Andaman is known for varied thrilling and exciting Water Activities such as Scuba Diving, Swimming, Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boat rides, Sea Walking, Sport Fishing or Angling, Dolphin Watch, Banana Boat Rides, Undersea Walking, Jet Skiing, Speed Boating and Parasailing. Also, go for delightful island hopping, visiting the very famous Cellular Jail, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Kalapani Museum and Science Centre.
Andaman is known for beautiful Pearls. If you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for your family members or close friends, you can buy exquisite handcrafted items, Spices, Fishbone Articles, Timber Crafts, Shells, Jute Items, Coconut Handicrafts and Nicobari Mats.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is gradually becoming a favourite destination among global tourists. Number of visitors are increasing year on year and along with that security challenges are also increasing. The safety factors are being ramped up by the administration to manage the safety and security of the guests visiting the islands. Most of the islands are uninhabited and there are restrictions in travelling to several islands as they are under the protection of Indian Government and trespassing is strictly forbidden. The roads are safe. Some regions are inhabited by rare and ferocious primitive tribes and rules and regulations are to be followed while travelling through Andamans.
You need at least 6 days in Andamans to have the basic feel of the islands’ primitive and secluded beauty. Stretching it to a week-long vacation will give you an opportunity to at least cover the closest and most famous tourists spots of Andaman such as sightseeing in Port Blair, visiting Ross Island, North Bay Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island. Honeymoon packages range from a week to more.
