About Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tour Guide
Destination Overview – Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a tropical paradise in the Bay of Bengal, is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. With a blend of natural beauty, colonial history, and indigenous culture, these islands offer an ideal escape for both adventure seekers and peace lovers.
Port Blair, the capital, serves as the gateway to this island group, while Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) have emerged as must-visit eco-tourism hotspots.
Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Main Attractions:
Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach (Havelock), Elephant Beach, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep), Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, North Bay Island, Chidiya Tapu, Limestone Caves (Baratang)
Water Activities:
Snorkeling at Elephant Beach, Scuba Diving in Neil & Havelock, Sea Walk at North Bay, Glass-bottom boat rides, Jet Skiing at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
Offbeat Islands:
Long Island, Diglipur (Ross & Smith Islands), Little Andaman, Barren Island (active volcano), Cinque Island
Best Time to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Ideal Season: October to May
Peak Season: December to March
Avoid: June to September (monsoons, rough seas)
Festivals to Experience: Island Tourism Festival (Jan), Subhash Mela (Jan), Beach Festivals (Apr), Music & Food Fest in Havelock
How to Reach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
By Air:
Flights operate daily to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport - IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
By Sea (Limited):
Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (3–4 days, limited frequency, not recommended for tourists on short trips)
Inter-Island Travel:
Government ferries, private catamarans (Makruzz, Green Ocean), speedboats, and seaplanes connect the islands.
Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers in Andaman
Major airports and hotels in Port Blair and Havelock offer wheelchair access. However, infrastructure on remote islands and beaches may be limited. Choose hotels and ferries with accessibility support.
Things to Do & Experiences in Andaman
Explore Cellular Jail and attend the Light & Sound Show (English & Hindi)
Dive into the underwater world at Havelock – certified scuba diving available
Trek to Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano at Baratang Island
Watch the sunset at Chidiya Tapu and Laxmanpur Beach
Visit Ross Island’s ruins – a haunting reminder of colonial rule
Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach
Take a ferry to Neil Island and relax amid serene surroundings
Witness bioluminescence at night near Havelock during new moons (seasonal)
Accommodation Options in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Port Blair: Budget lodges, mid-range hotels, government guest houses, boutique properties
Havelock: Luxury beachfront resorts (Taj, Barefoot, SeaShell), eco cottages, hostels
Neil Island: Peaceful eco-resorts and mid-budget stays
Note: Book well in advance in peak season (Dec–Feb)
Local Cuisine & Dining in Andaman
Fresh seafood dominates the cuisine – lobsters, prawns, fish curries, and coconut-based dishes. Vegetarian food is easily available.
Must Try: Fish Tikka, Prawns Masala, Coconut Pulao, Banana Flower Cutlets, Local Thalis
Recommended Places: New Lighthouse Restaurant (Port Blair), Full Moon Café (Havelock), Something Different (Havelock), Dugong (Neil)
Travel Tips & Safety in Andaman
Carry a valid government ID for ferry tickets
Follow all marine park rules (no touching corals, no littering)
Sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, and insect repellent are must-haves
Avoid plastic use – the islands are ecologically sensitive
Limited ATM availability on smaller islands – carry cash
No night travel between islands – plan ferry timings carefully
Weather & Packing Suggestions in Andaman
Summer (Apr–Jun): Light cottons, beachwear, hat
Winter (Oct–Mar): Pleasant weather, light jackets at night
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Raincoats, waterproof bags, anti-slip shoes
Currency Exchange & Banking Facilities
ATMs are available in Port Blair and Havelock, but rare on smaller islands. Carry cash in INR. Foreign exchange is limited; exchange major currency only in Port Blair.
SIM Card & Internet Connectivity
BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Port Blair and Havelock. Remote islands have poor to no network. 4G is available in limited areas. Wi-Fi in hotels is often slow.
Itinerary Suggestions for Andaman Trip
3-Day Itinerary:
Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show, Ross Island, Corbyn's Cove)
5-Day Itinerary:
Port Blair + Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, Scuba) + Neil Island
7-Day Itinerary:
Add Baratang (caves), Chidiya Tapu, or Diglipur for untouched beauty
Shopping & Souvenirs in Andaman
Buy shell crafts, coconut handicrafts, pearl jewelry, spices, palm mats, and coral-themed decor. Main shopping areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair), Havelock jetty market, Sagarika Government Emporium.
Cultural & Historical Background
Andaman holds deep colonial history – once a British penal colony, the infamous Cellular Jail imprisoned freedom fighters. The islands are home to diverse communities – Bengalis, Tamils, Nicobarese, and indigenous tribes like the Great Andamanese and Jarawas (tourist visits to tribal areas are strictly restricted to protect them).
Best Transport Options in Andaman
Port Blair: Autos, taxis, scooters for rent
Havelock/Neil: Two-wheelers and bicycles are popular
Government & private ferries for inter-island travel
Avoid unlicensed water transport
Nearest Railway Station to Andaman
There is no railway station in the Andaman Islands. The only access is by air or sea to Port Blair.
FAQs About Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Do Indians need a passport to visit Andaman?
No, Indian citizens don’t need a passport. Only valid ID proof is required.
Are permits required for foreign nationals?
Yes, they need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), available on arrival at Port Blair.
Is scuba diving safe for beginners?
Yes. Certified instructors guide you even if you can’t swim.
Are the tribal areas open to tourists?
No. Entry to tribal zones is strictly prohibited and punishable.
Best island for honeymooners?
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) – for luxury resorts and romantic ambiance.
Is alcohol allowed in Andaman?
Yes, it’s available in licensed shops and bars in Port Blair and Havelock.
Sustainability & Responsible Tourism
Avoid single-use plastic
Do not touch or step on corals
Respect marine life – don’t chase fish or turtles
Carry eco-friendly toiletries and reef-safe sunscreen
Support local businesses and avoid bargaining unfairly
Follow noise rules at eco-resorts and beaches
