A tropical paradise nestled in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are India’s hidden jewels—offering unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, colonial history, and thrilling adventures. With over 500 islands, only a handful open to tourism, the archipelago delivers a unique blend of solitude, biodiversity, and excitement—perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and thrill-seekers alike.
Whether you’re lazing on the white sands of Radhanagar Beach, diving into the coral gardens of Havelock, or tracing colonial footsteps at Cellular Jail, every moment in the Andamans feels like stepping into a serene, postcard-perfect world. Here’s your complete travel guide to exploring this tropical wonderland.
Geographic Overview & Getting There
Located around 1,000 km off the eastern coast of India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a union territory made up of two island groups. While Andaman Islands are the primary tourist destination, the Nicobar Islands remain mostly off-limits due to tribal protection and restricted access.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
- By Sea: Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag (3–4 days of voyage).
Top Places to Visit in the Andamans
1. Port Blair – The Colonial Capital
Port Blair, the entry point to the islands, offers a blend of history, culture, and beachside charm.
Highlights:
- Cellular Jail: A grim yet significant reminder of India’s freedom struggle; don’t miss the Light and Sound Show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: A serene seafront for relaxing.
- Chatham Saw Mill: One of Asia’s oldest and largest wood mills.
- Anthropological Museum: Showcases the tribal cultures of the Nicobar and Andaman Islands.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Former British administrative capital with ruins, deer, and peacocks.
2. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – Beach Lovers’ Paradise
Havelock is the most popular island among tourists, renowned for its beaches and water sports.
Top Beaches:
- Radhanagar Beach: Rated among Asia’s best beaches. Sunset here is magical.
- Elephant Beach: Known for snorkeling, jet skiing, and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet, less crowded, with stunning photo spots.
Activities:
- Scuba Diving: Sites like Aquarium, Lighthouse, and The Wall.
- Snorkeling, Kayaking & Sea Walking
- Luxury Beach Resorts and eco-lodges
3. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Laid-Back Coastal Charm
Smaller and quieter than Havelock, Neil Island is perfect for a peaceful, nature-infused getaway.
Places to See:
- Laxmanpur Beach: Ideal for sunset views and photography.
- Bharatpur Beach: Great for swimming and coral viewing.
- Natural Rock Bridge: Also called Howrah Bridge; a geological marvel.
4. Baratang Island – Limestone Caves & Mangrove Safaris
A day-trip from Port Blair, Baratang offers raw natural beauty and adventure.
Attractions:
- Limestone Caves: Accessible by boat through mangrove creeks.
- Mud Volcano: A rare geological formation.
- Parrot Island: A haven for bird lovers during sunset.
5. Diglipur – Untouched & Wild
Located in North Andaman, Diglipur is less touristy but full of surprises.
Highlights:
- Saddle Peak: Highest point in the archipelago and a trekking hotspot.
- Ross and Smith Islands: Twin islands joined by a sandbar, accessible by boat.
- Kalipur Beach: Famous for turtle nesting during December–February.
Adventure Activities: Dive into Thrill
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- Best Sites: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island, North Bay, and Wandoor
- Marine Life: Clownfish, manta rays, reef sharks, corals
- Certification: PADI-certified diving schools available
Sea Walking
Walk on the ocean floor with helmets—great for non-swimmers. Popular at North Bay and Elephant Beach.
Kayaking & Bioluminescence Tours
Kayak through mangroves at night for a magical bioluminescent experience—Havelock is a hotspot.
Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Glass-Bottom Boats
Enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities at Corbyn’s Cove, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, and Elephant Beach.
Historical & Cultural Highlights
Cellular Jail
Once called “Kala Pani”, it was a colonial prison used by the British. Today, it stands as a museum of Indian independence with daily evening shows narrating the freedom fighters’ stories.
British & Japanese Bunkers
Throughout Ross Island and Port Blair, you’ll find ruins and bunkers that tell tales from the British era and WWII when the Japanese briefly controlled the islands.
Tribal Cultures (Protected Areas)
Home to tribes like the Jarwas, Sentinelese, and Great Andamanese, the region is highly protected. No interaction or photography is allowed. Tours to tribal areas are strictly regulated.
Beaches & Sunsets: Serenity at its Best
Top Beaches for Relaxation & Photography:
- Radhanagar Beach (Swaraj Dweep)
- Laxmanpur Beach (Shaheed Dweep)
- Kalipur Beach (Diglipur)
- Sitapur Beach (Neil Island)
- Corbyn’s Cove (Port Blair)
Sunset Points:
- Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair)
- Laxmanpur Beach
- Radhanagar Beach
Suggested Itineraries
5-Day Classic Andaman Tour
- Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair – Visit Cellular Jail & Light and Sound Show
- Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay (snorkeling & boat ride)
- Day 3: Transfer to Havelock – Radhanagar Beach
- Day 4: Elephant Beach adventures
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair – Shopping & departure
7-Day Adventure & Leisure
- Day 1–2: Port Blair – Jail, Museums, Ross Island
- Day 3–4: Havelock – Diving, kayaking
- Day 5: Neil Island – Natural Rock Bridge
- Day 6: Baratang day-trip – Limestone Caves
- Day 7: Return and relax in Port Blair
10-Day Offbeat Explorer
- Add Diglipur (Ross & Smith Island), Saddle Peak trek, and turtle nesting experiences
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: October to May (avoid monsoon June–September)
- Language: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and English are widely spoken
- Connectivity: Mobile networks may be patchy; Port Blair has better coverage
- Currency: Indian Rupees (ATMs available in Port Blair and Havelock)
- Permits: Indian citizens do not need permits. Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually issued on arrival.
Where to Stay
Luxury Resorts:
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Havelock)
- SeaShell Havelock & Port Blair
Mid-range & Budget:
- Symphony Palms
- Munjoh Ocean Resort
- Holiday Inn Port Blair
Eco-Stays:
- Barefoot at Havelock
- Dolphin Resort
Local Cuisine & Where to Eat
Seafood Delights:
- Grilled lobsters, crab curry, prawn masala
Local Dishes:
- Fish tikka, coconut-based curries, Andaman fish fry
Top Restaurants:
- New Lighthouse Restaurant (Port Blair)
- Something Different (Havelock)
- Full Moon Cafe (Havelock)
- Anju Coco Resto (Havelock)
Shopping in the Andamans
While shopping options are limited, you can pick up:
- Pearl jewelry
- Wooden artifacts
- Coconut shell crafts
- Spices and handmade soaps
Best Places to Shop:
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair)
- Sagarika Government Emporium
Responsible Tourism
- Avoid plastic: Andaman is a plastic-free zone in most areas.
- Respect marine life: No touching corals or disturbing marine species.
- No littering: Especially on beaches and underwater.
- Respect tribal sanctity: No unauthorized travel to protected areas.
Final Thoughts: Why Must See India Includes the Andamans
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands offer more than just beaches—they deliver a soulful experience of serenity, exploration, and sustainability. Whether you’re diving into turquoise waters, walking down colonial ruins, or just sipping coconut water by the sea, you’ll find that these islands offer everything a traveler dreams of.
Book your dream island escape with MustSeeIndia.in and explore one of India’s best-kept secrets—where time slows down and nature takes the lead