Andaman

The Andaman Islands are an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. These roughly 300 islands are known for their palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests. Coral reefs supporting marine life such as sharks and rays make for popular diving and snorkeling sites. Indigenous Andaman Islanders inhabit the more remote islands, many of which are off limits to visitors.

Baratang Island, also known as Ranchiwalas Island, is a beautiful little island in the North and Middle Andaman Administrative district and is situated about 100 kilometres away from Port Blair by road. The island is well-known for its mangroves, mud volcanoes (only ones in India) and limestone caves. However, you may need to take permission from the Forest Department at Baratang to explore these caves.

The naturally-formed limestone caves near Baratang island of Andaman are a favourite tourist spot for those who do not mind a long journey. The caves are only a destination as there is a long boat journey towards it. The caves, although beautiful, are not that easy to reach. One has to take a convoy through the Jarawa Forest land and ferry ride to Baratang Island before you can reach Limestone Caves in Andamans. Perfect for adventure-seekers and spelunkers, reaching these caves also requires a small trek.

The Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kala Pani’ is an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Constructed by the Britishers during their colonial rule in India, the jail was used particularly to exile Indian political prisoners. It was used to house many notable freedom fighters such as Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

The jail complex is now owned by the Government of India and it is recognised as the national memorial monument that showcases the life of prisoners during the British era. Cellular Jail stands as a prominent tourist attraction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where visitors can learn about its history and also enjoy a light show held in memory of all the prisoners who were imprisoned here.

Located just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair is Ross Island (now known as Netaji Subhash Bose Island); an island which was once the administrative headquarters of the British, but today is only an uninhabited island. Following an earthquake that hit Ross Island in the year 1941, the British left the island and shifted their settlement to Port Blair.

At first sight of the island, it is tough to believe that this abandoned place was once the seat of British power and housed everything from a bazaar, a church, stores, bakery, a water treatment plant, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery and other vital institutions. 

Today, everything has disappeared except a few buildings, which housed some of these landmarks. The Indian Navy has managed to rebuild some old buildings, such as the local stores and the bakery, to provide the visitors with a feel of the bygone era. Souvenirs can also be purchased from these shops.

Known as the bird island, Chidiya Tapu is a picturesque little island in the Andamans, located around 25 kms from Port Blair. While birdwatching is the main allure of the location, there are some fun water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea walking, pearl hunting, and boating that one could engage in along its shores. The Sunset point of the island considered one of the best sunset points in the Andamans. A trekking trail is available from the shores of the scenic beach to the grand Munda Pahad, an elongated black cliff at the edge of Chidiya Tapu with an open seascape providing a truly breathtaking view of the rich blue ocean.

The clear waters of Andaman island host incredible marine life and state-of-the-art equipment and expertise. Over the years, scuba diving in the Andaman Islands has seen tourists flocking from different parts of the world, and this tradition never ceases to provide anything short of an awestruck experience. Indonesia, Micronesia, Cayman Islands, are some of the internationally acclaimed sites for scuba diving sites, however, being a little heavy on the pocket which is where scuba diving in Andamans is a more preferred option. 

Water Sports in Andaman has been a major attraction for adventure seekers and water babies. Although the demand for water sports is fulfilled at various locations in Andaman, Water Sports Complex located in Port Blair is popular for the variety and safety they offer. Whether it is swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing or just a boat ride, there is something to suit everyone’s desire. The services provided by the complex guarantee an enjoyable time sailing the sea and even exploring it underwater. If one is daring enough, they can even sail through the permitted shoreline of Port Blair on their own all under the watchful eye of the staff. Swimming isn’t a prerequisite for any of the activities and thus, tourists can enjoy them without any hesitation.

Corbyn’s Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair. It is quite popular among tourists as well as locals. Certain parts of the Corbyn’s Cove Beach have some seating arrangement to get a good view of the horizon from a little height. There are some shacks that sell local snacks, drinks, coconut water etc. There are some restaurants also in the vicinity. The beach is one of the places where travellers can get great deals on clothing, accessories and other items to be bought as memorabilia. Corbyn’s Cove Beach has some provision for water sports but often people do not want to enter the waters because the surroundings are littered and the water polluted with garbage. The facilities for water sports are also not as impressive as many other beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But if one wants to, they can go Jet Skiing or a go on a short boat ride into the sea.

Located on the south-western coast of the Andaman Islands, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park or Wandur National Park is a marine life conservation area situated at a distance of 25 km from the capital city of Port Blair. The wildlife sanctuary consists of a group of 12 islands that are situated in a labyrinthine shape and are home to some of the most exquisite marine life in the world including corals and resting sea turtles among other species.

The Anthropological Museum, situated in the heart of Port Blair, is an ethnographic museum detailing the lives and cultures of the various tribes that have lived here: Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens, and the Nicobarese. Inside the museum, one will come across various artefacts, tools, clothes, boats, leaf baskets, and weapons from different eras of the tribes of this region.

Samudrika Naval Museum is located in the capital city of Port Blair and is the pride project of the Indian Navy. With comprehensive coverage of the marine life present in the deep waters surrounding the island chain’s territories, this fascinating museum is an amazing source for details on the environment in the ocean, its ecosystem and its biodiversity. The museum also provides in-depth knowledge on the history and culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Jogger’s Park in Port Blair is located near Veer Savarkar International Airport on high ground and is one of the city’s underrated attractions. Overlooking the hills, the park’s manicured gardens serve as the perfect spot for going on walks and jogs in the morning. In the evenings, the park is ideal for sitting on the benches and taking in the gorgeous sunset, city lights and the view of the airport’s lit-up runway.

North Bay Island in Andaman is most preferred by tourists for its breathtaking coral reefs and exhilarating adventure activities. Interestingly, the picture of an island on the back of a 20 Rupee note is of North Bay Island.

North Bay Island competes with some of the most beautiful islands all over the world when it comes to attracting tourists. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass boat rides are what allures tourists the most. You will find more things to do here than at Neil Island or Havelock.

Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island, which was named “Asia’s Best Beach” by the TIMES magazine in 2004, lives up to the accolade with its azure waves and fine, white sands. It is one of the main draws of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to its expansive shoreline of infinite white grains that span over 2 kilometres.

Kalapathar beach is a long stretch of white silky sand with big black rocks beside the blue sea and is one the most popular beaches of Havelock Island. Being located on the one tip of Havelock Island, Kalapathar Beach is named after a Black Road (Kalapathar in Hindi) which runs parallel to the seashore. The beach is small but the way to the beach is very good. Mesmerizing views of sunset at this beach makes it a perfect destination to spend some peaceful time and also the beach is not so crowded which has kept it clean till date. The turquoise coloured water can actually be seen during the drive to the beach which makes it look even more mesmerizing. The black rocks the lie along the seashores make a bright contrast with silver sand. 

With its brilliant coral reefs and alluring cyan waters, the Elephant beach is one of the locations that add to the beach paradise reputation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These waters are a prime destination for tourists wishing to engage in water sports like snorkelling, swimming, banana boat rides, speed boats and diving. There are two ways to reach Elephant Beach: Take a ferry from Havelock Jetty to Elephant Beach (1000 INR per person) or trek for half an hour with a guide (INR 500). The trek starts at a distance of 2km from Radhanagar Beach.

For those who are here to relax, the beach offers some exciting food and drink options while one lounges leisurely on the sands. One could also engage in other adventurous activities like bird-watching, trekking and kayaking. As this area is famous for its coral reefs, sea walking is a major activity undertaken by almost every visitor to this beach, making this one of the best beaches of India.

Located just half a kilometre from the jetty at Neil Island, Bharatpur Beach is a stunning shoreline famous for water sports like snorkelling, glass-bottom rides, and scuba diving other than beach exploration and sunbathing. The shore has shallow water with coral reefs. If you wish to spend some time away from the crowd then one can easily find a peaceful stretch at this place. 

Located on Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach is a long beach divided into two parts: Laxmanpur Beach I known for its mesmerising sunsets and Laxmanpur Beach II known for the two natural arch bridges or Howrah Bridge. The abundance of corals and marine life on the shores during the low tide is popular among the visitors. Walking towards the natural arch bridge can be a bit tricky as you will have to walk over the dead corals so it is highly recommended to wear proper footwear. You can also spot a myriad of marine life here. 

Sitapur Beach is also known as Beach number 5 or Sunrise Beach. is mostly known for its enchanting golden sunrises and sunsets, it is absolutely safe to swim in. There are very few places offering food and drink options, so you are advised to carry your own. Sitapur Beach can be reached by a Jetty or ferry from Port Blair to Neil Island.

Diglipur, a large island located in the North Andaman area, is an ecological paradise. The island houses rows of tropical forests, mangroves, and lovely beaches rich in exotic marine life. Kalipur Beach, Ross & Smith Islands, Ramnagar Beach, and Pathi Level Beach are all located in Diglipur, which makes it a favourite destination among tourists. The highest point of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Saddle peak, is located at this island, accessible through the Saddle Peak National Park. One can also find the Kalpon river here, the only river to flow through the Andamans. Diglipur is easily reachable from Port Blair; you can take a boat till Aerial Bay Jetty which is near Kalipur in Diglipur

Sandbar Beach is basically a long stretch of sand that connects two islands, Ross and Smith in Andaman. The stunning scenery created by the densely forested islands and the stretch of white sand is quite unique to the location and draws several tourists to witness it charm. On a clear day when the waves are gentle, one can relax a bit on the Sandbar or go snorkelling and swimming on either side.

Parrot Island, a peculiar sort of home to thousands of fluttering parrots, looks like a whole new empire of wilderness born out of the salty waters of the Indian Ocean. Every day, hosts of green parrots arrive at the island as a part of their daily ritual, which is a spectacle to behold. Once in a while, we come across something so beautiful yet bizarre, exquisite yet inexplicable, that we find no words to quite describe it. Parrot Island is one such unparalleled destination, nestled quietly amidst the group of Baratang Islands of Andaman and Nicobar. This small island is part of a larger archipelago, all of which are laced with dense tropical forests and mangrove vegetation. 

The only mud volcanoes found in India are on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, of which nine are on the Baratang Island. A fascinating destination for science enthusiasts, the mud volcanoes offer visitors the possibility of exploring tiny craters full of bubbling mud created due to the natural gases let out by underground decaying organic matter.