Top 3 reasons to visit Andaman

1] Specific islands: While Andaman boasts of around 300+ islands, most of these are not habited. That gives tourists access to some special islands that they can visit for a day or two. Those are Havelock, Chidiya Tapu, Barren Island, Ross, Red Skin among others.

2] The beaches: Andaman’s beaches completely surpass those in Goa, Chennai, Vizag, Gujarat, Kerala or any other places in India. That’s because of their acqua blue waters, isolation and white sand. Some famous such braces are Lalaji Bay (Long Island), Radhanagar and Beach No 5 (Havelock), Merk Bay (North Passage in Long Island), Ross and Smith Islands and Butler Bay (Little Andaman).

3] Marine life and snorkeling: The isolation that the Indian Ocean enjoys at Andaman gives way for a thriving and biodiverse marine life. For adventure seekers, Andaman is the best place for deep sea diving, snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the best waters for snorkeling are Elephant Beach, Red Skin Island, South Button, North Bay Island, Kalipur and Neil Island.

Best time to visit

In terms of season                  Summer: Mar-May

Winter: Oct-Dec

In terms of preference           Honeymoon/family vacation: Oct-Jan

Nature/adventure: Oct-Mar

Trekking: Mar-May, Oct-Dec 

Holiday rush                           Oct-Jan

How to Reach –

Places to stay in Andaman

Port Blair best places --The best locations to stay in Port Blair are -

• Foreshore Road
• Jungli Ghat
• Aberdeen Bazaar
• Goal Ghar
• Middle Point
• Phoenix Bay

Some great places to stay in Port Blair on these locations are -

1] Hotel Bay Walk [near Cellular Jail] - Mid budget

2] Hotel Olive [Phoenix Bay] - Mid

3] Hotel Sands Heaven - Luxury

4] Salt Life [Foreshore Road] - Budget

5] Symphony Samudra [remote Port Blair] - Luxury

6] Megapode Nest [Foreshore Road} - Mid

Havelock best places  -- The best locations to stay in Havelock Island are -

• Vijaynagar Beach
• Govindnagar Beach
• Radhanagar Beach

Great places in Havelock on these locations -

1] Blue Island Beach Resort [Vijaynagar] - Mid

2] Silver Sand Beach Resort [ Vijaynagar] - Luxury

3] Munjoh Ocean Resort [Beach No 5] - Luxury

4] Coral Reef Hotel and Resort [Mid-Luxury]

5] Symphony Palms Beach Resort [Govindnagar] - Mid-Luxury

6] Havelock Island Beach Resort and Hotel [Govindnagar] - Mid-Luxury

7] Shangri Las [Vijaynagar] - Budget

Neil Island best places --The best locations to say in Neil Island are -

• Neil Kendra
• Laxmanpur Beach
• Sitapur Beach

Great places to stay in Neil Isands on these locations -

1] Sea Shell Samsara - Mid-Luxury

2] Pearl Park Beach Resort [Laxmanpur] - Budget

3] Cocon-huts Beach Resort [Neil Kendra] - Budget-Mid

4] Vacation Village Resort [Neil Island] - Mid-Luxury

5] Deep Sea Resort Neil [Sitapur] - Budget-Mid

Places to eat in Andaman

1] Full Moon Cafe [Beach No 5, Havelock] - Indian, Asian, American

2] Annapurna Restaurant [Port Blair] - Vegetarian Indian

3] New Lighthouse Restaurant [Port Blair] - Indian, Asian

4] Sinclairs Bayview [Port Blair] - Indian, Continental

5] Bonova Cafe and Pub [Havelock] - Thai, Indian, Chinese, Continental

6] Fat Martin Cafe [Havelock] - South Indian

7] Chand Restaurant [Neil Island] - Indian

8] Blue Sea [Neil Island] - Mixed seafood

9] Red Snapper [Havelock] - Asian seafood

10] Royal Palace Restaurant [Port Blair] - Indian, Chinese

Havelock Island -- Also known as Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island was named after British Major General Sir Henry Havelock. It is part of Ritchie’s archipelago and is full of mesmerizing surprises. Its coral reefs, pristine beaches, sunsets and diving sites are famous around the world due to their untouched beauty. This is an absolute delight for adventure seekers for scuba diving and snorkeling among other water sports.

Perfect for: honeymoon, family vacation, adventure tourism, nature tours

Corbyn's Cove Beach -- An unspoilt and secluded beach, Corbyn’s Cove is only 8 km from the Port Blair city center. Dotted with a thick cover of palm trees and blue water, this is ideal for walks, sunsets and sunrises and for sunbathing.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, adventure tourism

Wandoor Beach -- About 25 km from Port Blair airport, Wandoor beach comes under the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park area. The beach is part of sustainable tourism under the Andaman Islands, that explains the presence of a variety of fauna apart from little commercialization. The trip to the beach is quite an experience since the isolated roads are dotted with thick coconut groves.

Perfect for: Honeymoon

Chidiya Tapu -- True to its name, Chidiya Tapu is where some of the rarest and unseen migratory birds can be sighted. This is one of the most enchanting beaches of the Andaman with clear blue water and spectacularly blue sky, memersing colors during the dawn and dusk and a plethora of beautiful birds. Dense mangroves cover the island that is also a haven for adventure lovers. Aquatic life here includes sea turtles and a variety of fish.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tours, family

Mount Harriet to Madhuban trek -- The famous Mount Harriet to Madhuban trek stretches across 16 km and is full of zig-zag paths, lush green forests, sound of the birds and biodiversity of flora. Many adventure seekers visit Andaman just for this trek. The trek offers beautiful meadows, wooden bridges, curved and hair-pin bends. The trek can be completed in one day but those who wish to camp in the forest may extend it to two or three days. This is a moderate trek and some prior experience is required to do this trek.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex  -- Built to commemorate the battle of Aberdeen fought between the British and the Andamanese in 1859, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is now a center of water sports activities in Port Blair. Spread along an area of 2 km, the complex is easily reachable from the stairs of the Cellular Jail and is beside the Marina Park.

Perfect for: Family vacation, adventure sports, solo traveling

Anthropological Museum -- One of the best-preserved heritage buildings in Port Blair’s Middle Point, the Anthropological Museum displays the various Andamanese tribes that have lived here through the ages. There are exhibits depicting the tribes of Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens and the Nicobarese. Please note the museum is closed on Mondays and other government holidays.

Perfect for: Family vacation, educational tours

Samudrika Marine Museum -- Also known as the Fisheries Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is one of the most respected and well-preserved museums in India. The museum situated in Port Blair, showcases the life and ecosystem of the Andaman Islands apart from several naval installations. There’s an aquarium that houses a variety of fish species, corals and other marine life. Run by the Indian Navy, the museum has five different galleries displaying exhibits of the life and culture of Andamanese tribes.

Perfect for: Family, educational tours

Chatham Saw Mill -- Set up in 1883, Chatham Saw Mill is situated in Chatham island of the Andaman Islands. The mill earlier served as a major supply station for saw and timber needed for construction work in Andaman. It is Asia’s biggest saw mill and is connected with Port Blair with a 100-meter long bridge. Now maintained by the Forest Department of Andaman, the mill showcases the journey of timber wood from the time it is cut to the time it is sorted, and converted into wooden planks to be transported for various purposes.

Perfect for: History tours, educational tours

Ross Island -- The Ross Island, in Andaman Islands, was named after British commander Captain Daniel Ross, and later renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep. Barely 5km from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Ross Island can be reached via a boat from the complex premises. The British used it as their administrative headquarters for 85 years since 1857.

Perfect for: Solo traveling, history tours

North Bay Beach -- As part of the Southern Andaman, North Bay Beach is a stunning locale with crystal clear ocean waters and white sand beaches. From Port Blair, the beach is reachable through a private ferry service from Aberdeen Jetty. There are huge spreads of corals all through the North Bay Beach that also provide active opportunities of snorkeling. Covered by dense tropical trees, this is one of the most beautiful and must-visit beaches of the Andaman Islands. North Bay Beach is featured at the back of the Indian Rs 20 note.

Perfect for: Adventure spots, solo traveling, family vacation, honeymoon

Jolly Buoy Island -- Situated inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is most famous for its underwater coral and marine life. It can be reached via Wandoor Beach which is around 30 km from Port Blair. The dense tropical forest covers around 70% of the island that is otherwise deprived of coconut trees. A protected area due to its diversity, the island is a no-plastic zone. The underwater corals here are so prominent, they can be seen with a naked eye from the shore itself. The island is accessible to tourists for four months - June to September.

Perfect for: Family, adventure tourism, solo traveling

Viper Island -- Situated in the South Andaman district of the Andaman Islands, Viper Island is 4 km West of Port Blair. Named after the ship HMS Viper that was used by Archibald Blair who came to the islands in 1789. The legend goes that the vessel was ship-wrecked near this island where the British also maintained a jail to imprison national convicts. This jail was used before the Cellular Jail was constructed in 1906. The Viper jail was constructed between 1864-1867, that consisted of solitary jails, lock-ups and whipping stands.

Perfect for: History tours, educational tours

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park -- Created in 1983 under the Wildlife Protection Act 1973, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is situated in the Southern Andaman district of the Andaman Islands. The park was created to protect endangered marine life including corals, nestling sea turtles among others. Situated 16 km South from Port Blair, the park has two island groups: Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands. The park has more than 20 islands and rocks and most of the coral reefs present here are fringing reefs. While Twin Islands are thriving in turtles within the park, Tarmugli island is vegetation ground for mangroves, sand covered beaches and sheet rocks.

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, adventure sports, nature tours

Diglipur -- Also spelled Diglipore, Diglipur is the largest town in Northern Andaman Island and located around 43 meters above sea level. Kalpong River crosses the island that is famous for Saddle Peak - the highest point in the Andaman Islands. Tourists visit Diglipur for its famous beaches: Ross, Smith, Kalipur, Ramanagar and Pathi Level. Due to several high hills, it is also a trekkers’ haven.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tours, solo traveling

Neil Island -- Laid-back vibe and lucid charm and no human population for longer stretches of the ocean - that’s Neil Island. Spread across in just 13.7 km area, Neil Island is a gorgeous blue lagoon dotted with dense tropical trees, coral reefs and white sand beaches. Yet, it has a few options for great resorts, beach-side activities, this island offers enough to keep you hooked. Also known as the vegetable bowl of the Andamans, Neil Island is around 37 km South of Port Blair and can be reached by private and public ferries from the capital as well as from Havelock Island.

Perfect for: Family vacation, honeymoon, adventure tourism, solo traveling

Laxmanpur Beach -- One of Neil Island’s popular beaches is Laxmanpur Beach that has Beach 1 and Beach 2. The beach can be reached from the Western side of the island through a ferry ride. A dense tropical forest opens up to this stunning triangular white sand beach and offers beautiful sunsets.

Perfect for: Family vacation, honeymoon

Bharatpur beach  -- Only 500 meters from Neil Island jetty in the Andaman group of islands, Bharatpur Beach is both tranquil and yet full of activity. Soft sand beach dotted with palm trees with crystal clear and shallow waters make this beach reachable and fun. There are large rocks and hard corals and since the currents are low, you can enjoy a walk into the water or stay inside the water for a longer time. It is the only beach in Neil Island where water sports are permitted.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, family, honeymoon, solo traveling

Sitapur Beach -- On the Southern tip of Neil Island in Andaman, Sitapur Beach is a peace lover’s paradise. Surrounded by green dense tropical forests, the beach opens to a vast expanse of the ocean with crystal clear but high water tides. A quiet and serene beach, this is the perfect place for sunset photography and a relaxing time away with near ones. The beach also has interesting rock formations in various colors and a tonne of coral reefs to explore.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, family, solo traveling

Howrah Bridge -- Yes even Andaman has a Howrah Bridge, except that it is not man-made but has been formed naturally through rocks. This massive and high rock formation is shaped like a bridge. The bridge has two living natural corals and were named by the Bengalis who had settled in the island, hence it was called Howrah Bridge (after the bridge of the same name in Kolkata). The Howrah Bridge is best visible during a clear day and low tide and is located in Neil Island.

Perfect for: Family, honeymoon

Baratang Island --A rare island 150 km north of Port Blair, Baratang Island is known for thick forest cover and backwaters in Andaman. It is also known as Ranchiwalas Island because of former Christian converts of the city of Ranchi, a population that was sent by the British here to cultivate crops. Spread in an aread of 93.7 square km, Baratang Island is part of the Great Andaman Chain closely set in the Bay of Bengal near Andaman Sea. The island is full of serene beaches, backwaters, mangrove creeks, limestone caves and mud volcanoes - the only such kind existing in India with last eruptions recorded in 2005.

Perfect for: Nature tours, solo traveling, adventure tours

Limestone Caves -- Andaman’s famous Limestone Caves are located in Baratang Island, which is about 100 km from Port Blair. The journey to the caves itself is picturesque as it takes you through a thick forest cover on the road. Remember that the trip to Limestone Caves can be done only through a convoy fleet that you need to catch at 4.30 am at the checkpost. You will need ID proofs to get accepted in a fleet of 100 cars. The road trip goes through the Jarawa tribe reserve belt - an endangered tribal population - hence stopping on the way is not allowed, however, you may get a glimpse of their life from your vehicle.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, solo traveling

Mud Volcanoes -- Unlike the usual volcanoes, a mud volcano does not erupt with lava. However, mud volcanoes are formed by the eruption of mud, water and gases. The Andaman Islands are the only place in India that has evidence of actual mud volcanoes. There are 11 mud volcanoes in this archipelago - eight of which are located in Baratang Island and Middle Andaman while the rest are in Northern Andaman.

In Baratang, the location of mud volcanoes is around 7 km from Baratang jetty and can be reached by road. Another 160 km up a rocky path leads you to their location.

Perfect for: Adventure seekers, solo travelers, nature tourism

Parrot Island -- This is the abode of the parrots. Parrot Island is located in Baratang Island of the Andaman Islands and is considered one of the largest collections of parrot species in India. Thousands of parrot species in different colors and textures inhabit this isolated island and have a thriving population. It is located 30 km from Baratang jetty.

Perfect for: Family, nature tourism, solo traveling

Barren Island -- Barren Island is called that because of its volcanic activity. It happens to be the only confirmed active volcano in the Indian sub-continent and the only active one for that matter. Barren Island is located 138 km northeast of Port Blair in Andaman Islands. The latest eruption was recorded in 2017 when small eruptions were visible from Barren Island. The only way to experience Barren Island is through a ship cruise. Ferry rides are available from Havelock Island and Port Blair on a daily basis and the trip may need 6-8 hours. On Sundays, there are charter trips and sea planes available too.

Perfect for: Family, adventure tourists, nature tours

Forest Museum -- One of the must-visit places in Port Blair in the Andaman Islands is the Forest Museum. Managed by the Forest Department, the museum is located inside the Chatham Mill Complex. The museum houses artifacts and relics belonging to the old Andamanese tribes along with modern artifacts. There’s a mini zoo and a zoological garden as well inside the museum premises.

Perfect for: Family, nature tours

Cinque Island -- Cinque Island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and remain uninhabited in the Andaman Islands. There are chartered boats from Port Blair and Wandoor available for visitors to enjoy the island during the day. Cinque Island - consisting of North Cinque and South Cinque - is a unique  underwater diving spot with sandy beaches, rare coral life. Due to crystal clear water, it becomes possible to have a glimpse of marine life including sea anemones, starfishes, crocodiles, corals, water snakes, turtles, and a variety of fish. The ferries depart from Chidiya Tapu jetty for coming to Cinque Island.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, solo traveling, nature tourism, family vacation

Long Island -- One of the most offbeat locations in the Andaman archipelago, Long Island is an isolated uninhabited place full of beautiful sandy beaches and marine life. Situated around 80 km North from Port Blair, Long Island has the most virgin beaches, tropical dense forests and isolated white sand beach spots. It is also the gateway to some of the most hidden beaches such as Lalaji Bay, the Guitar island and Merk Bay.

Perfect for: Solo traveling, nature tourism

Ross and Smith Island -- The twin islands of Andaman - Ross and Smith Islands are connected by a sandbar in the middle of the sea - making them a fascinating site to behold. You need a forest permit from the Forest Office at Diglipur to enter the twin islands, and can be obtained on weekdays between 6 and 2 pm. You can board a boat from Aerial Bay Jetty in Diglipur and from there is a 25-minute ride. The sand bar that joins the two islands disappears during the high tide and reappears when the tide is low. This is a perfect place for sunbathing or just relaxing beside the beach.

Perfect for: Solo traveling, adventure tourism, nature tourism

Red Skin Island -- Among the 15 islands inside the Mahatma Gandhi National Park in the Andaman Islands, the Red Skin Island is a beautiful mix of marine life and water adventures. Located 30 km from Port Blair, this island is a hub of water sports activities along with providing a serene environment of isolated beaches and corals. Aqua blue waters, crystal clear shallow coastlines, palm trees and a great environment - that Red Skin Island in a nutshell. Please note that the island is closed on Mondays for tourism, it’s a plastic-free zone and you have to carry your own food.

Perfect for: Family, solo traveling, honeymoon, adventure tourism

Little Andaman Island --The fourth largest among the Andaman Islands of India, Little Andaman lies in the Bay of Bengal and is one of the most stunning islands of the country. The island is home to rare species of turtles, rainforests and bewitching waterfalls. It is located 88 km South of Port Blair. Little Andaman is fast becoming a surfing capital with more players opening up safe surfing training and facilities here. The island is occupied by the Onge aboriginal tribe, apart from Indian Bengalis and Tamilian communities. There are ferries available from Havelock Island and Port Blair on a daily basis to reach Little Andaman.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tourism

Rutland Island -- About 20 km South of Port Blair is Rutland Island that was previously home to the now extinct Jangil Andamanese tribe. The six villages in Rutland are homes to 347 people of 119 households, which makes is a barely inhabited island. Rutland has rich marine life, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and the most stunning beaches with aqua blue waters. Fishing is quite common here while sea turtles laze about in the silent beaches. You can take a ferry ride from Port Blair which takes 2-3 hours to reach Rutland.

Perfect for: Family vacation, solo traveling, adventure tourism, nature tourism

Saddle Peak National Park -- Established in 1979, Saddle Peak National Park is a luxuriously green cover of thick tropical rainforests and a rich biodiversity of fauna in the Andaman Islands. The total area of the park is more than 30 square km and is bordered by the sea. The park houses water monitor lizards, Andaman wild pig, saltwater crocodiles, dolphins and whales among other species. Most tourists trek up the national park for adventure, and can reach up to the vantage point where they get a stunning view of the sea. From the entry gate, this is an 8-km trail upto the peak. The park is 300 km away from Port Blair and only 5 km from Diglipur.

Perfect for: Adventure tourism, nature tourism, solo traveling

Amkunj Beach -- One of the prominent beaches of the Andaman Islands, Amkunj Beach is located at the Nimbutala village, 8 km from Rangat, and 210 km from Port Blair. The beach can be reached through public and private buses and private jetty rides. The beach has a multi-ethnic population that’s mostly engaged in fishing and farming.

Perfect for: Nature tourism, solo traveling

Aberdeen Bazaar -- Aberdeen Bazaar located in Port Blair is the hub of all kinds of tourist and essential shopping in the Andaman Islands. It is open on weekdays between 9 am and 9 pm.

Perfect for: Family, honeymoon

Campbell Bay National Park -- Located in Nicobar Islands, Campbell Bay National Park is part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve hosting a variety of flora and fauna. Located around 190 km from Sumatra, the park covers an area of 462 square km and is separated by a 12-km buffer zone known as Galathea National Park. There are thick evergreen tropical trees, thick orchards and beautiful Indian Ocean that dominate most of the environment here. There are ferry rides and charter flights available from Port Blair to reach the park. Among the fauna, most prom inent ones are Crab-eating Macaque, the Megapode, The Giant Robber crab and the Nicobar Pigeon. There are also Olive Ridley turtles, Leatherback turtles, wild boar, deer and civet cats.

Perfect for: Family vacation, adventure tourism, nature tourism

Karmatang Beach -- Better known as the “Turtle Paradise of India” Karmatang Beach is one-of-a-kind beach in Andaman Islands, around 240 km away from Port Blair and 12 km from Mayabunder. The serenity of the beach makes it a must-visit place especially if you want some quiet beach time. But the beach is most famous for its turtle nestling farm where hundreds of turtle breed and produce more families of turtles.  

Perfect for: Honeymoon, adventure tourism

Panchvati Waterfalls -- If you are visiting Rangat Island in the Andaman Islands, it’s suggested that Panchvati Hills waterfalls should be ticked off the list. Panchvati is actually a small hill that’s surrounded by rocks and a stunning waterfall flowing gently between the cracks. The route to Panchvati waterfalls is one of farmlands and agricultural settlements, making it a scenic place. It is located around 200 km from Port Blair and 70 km from Mayabunder.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, nature seekers

Cutbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary -- Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a 600-meter long stretch of park situated in the Middle Andaman Islands, and covers an area 5.82 square km. Full of virgin beaches, pristine white sand and forest cover along with a thriving turtle population, the sanctuary is a delight for those seeking serenity and peace. Apart from casuarina trees, other variety of trees include Gurjan, Thipok and Padauk. A wide variety of turtles is the major attraction at the park. Turtles, during their breeding and hatching period, come to the shore at night to hatch eggs. The most common varieties found here are leatherback turtles, hawksbill, green sea turtle and Olive Ridley turtles. There are also spotted deers, monitor lizards among other animals and reptiles.

Perfect for: Families, nature tourists

Ritchie's Archipelago -- A cluster of smaller islands in the Andaman Islands is what makes up Ritchie’s Archipelago. Named after a British marine surveyor John Ritchie, who documented Andaman extensively, the island is located 40 km from Port Blair. Two of the most popular islands in this archipelago are Havelock Island and Neil Island. The archipelago is famous for its serenity and its cluster of smaller islands that provide enough isolation and peace for those seeking it.

Perfect for: Honeymoon, adventure tourism