Andaman & Nicobar : India - Best Places to Visit

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​Andaman and Nicobar islands are widely popular places in India.  Not only Indian tourists but foreigners too frequent the area due to its glamorous beauty. Earlier inhabited by various indigenous tribes, the island is now famous for its white sandy beaches, blue waters, and serene atmosphere throughout the season. The place has a rich historical background and cultural diversity. It is home to various indigenous tribes. Also, the diversity of flora and fauna will leave you amazed. You can explore various water sports or relax on the serene beach. The hospitality of the tourism ensures ultimate comfort for the tourists. Here are some of the places you must visit on your next trip to the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Port Blair

The major attraction of Port Blair is the Cellular jail. It is a poignant reminder of all the sacrifices of Indian freedom fighters. During the colonial period, British rulers used to imprison freedom fighters in prison. It was disconnected from the mainland. The wings of the cell were built so that the prisoners could only see the stony backside of the opposite cell.

These days, ferries operate from Port Blair to Cellular jail, and it is a must-watch for the tourists. Some of the other places you may visit include Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chatham Saw Mill, Japanese Bunkers, Corbyn's Cave, Chidiya Tapu, North Bay Island, Samudrika Marine Museum, Mount Harriet, Jolly Buoy Island, Anthropological Museum, and Sippighat Agricultural Farm.

Ratnam market is located at the heart of Port Blair. From spices to seashell products - you can shop your favourite items here. If you are looking to shop for souvenirs, you may also visit Mubarak Supermarket. You can easily access public transport. The market also has a parking space to enhance your convenience.
You can taste a wide variety of lip-smacking delicacies at Port Blair. From grilled fish to crabs and lobster - everything is available at a very reasonable cost.

Port Blair's nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport. Regular flights from major airlines operate here. It is only 2 km away from the city, and you can reach it by car, bus or cab.

Havelock Islands

The home to Radhanagar beach and multiple other beaches, Havelock Islands, is a famous tourist spot in Andaman Nicobar. The Time Magazine recognizes Radhanagar beach as the best beach in Asia. Located at a distance of 12 km from the Havelock Islands, this beach is a must-visit. The sparkling blue water will instantly cheer you up. You can indulge in various activities, including fishing, boating, snorkelling, scuba diving, etc. You can also enjoy elephant rides. Make sure to have a camera handy because the blue waters and white sands will leave you mesmerized. 

There are several other beaches you can visit, including Kalapathar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Elephant Beach.

Havelock Islands have a lot to offer for souvenirs. One of the most famous beach markets is Market 3. You can shop for fancy items, beach essentials, designer apparels, and jewellery. Hi-Land is yet another popular supermarket you can visit. Andaman Fish Curry is a must-try in Havelock. The fish is marinated and cooked in low steam with a variety of spices. You can also try other kinds of seafood.

The island is located at a 63 km distance from Veer Savarkar Airport. You can avail of a ferry or seaplane to reach Havelock Island from Port Blair.

Baratang Island

If you have an adventurous bent of mind and want to explore caves and forests, Baratang Island is a go-to place for you. Its major attractions are the mud volcanoes and limestone caves. Enjoy the boat ride through a canopy of forest that homes the indigenous Jarwa tribe. Be aware of the sea crocodiles and avoid any temptation to touch the water.

The limestone cave will grab your attention as the erosion has created various unique shapes. The local guide will tell you interesting facts like the history of the caves and the tribes. This will add more to your amusement.

Make sure to visit mud volcano, parrot island, baludera beach and limestone caves once you are at Baratang Island. The island is less explored and still has an adventurous spirit. There are no snorkel rental paces or dive centres. If you want to snorkel, you have to carry your gear from Port Blair or Havelock Islands. Sunbathing is also not recommended as sand flies frequent the place.

The island is not an ideal place for shopping. Keep that for significant destinations like Port Blair or Havelock Island. You can try local cuisines at the canteen, including Amritsari Kulcha, fish curry, chilli curry, etc.

Baratang is located 100 km away from Port Blair. The most convenient way to reach the island is by hiring a private car or availing of a bus. Two-wheelers are not allowed.

Neil Island

How can we possibly talk about Andaman Nicobar without mentioning coral reefs? Neil Island is a famous place for white shores and coral reefs. Try to visit the beaches during the morning and evening to enjoy calm and serene nature. During these times, the water is clear, and you can enjoy the site of coral reefs.
Due to stunning coral reefs, Neil Island is known as the coral capital o Andaman. Even if you are not a snorkelling enthusiast, you can enjoy the beach, spend some time in the hammock, and enjoy a campfire. There are several benches for strollers, and you can drink fresh coconut water sold abundantly on the beach.

Here are some of the places you must visit - Lakshmanpur beach, Bharatpur beach, Sitapur beach, and natural bridge. If you have an adventurous spirit, you may indulge in water sports or jet skiing. If you visit the place in January, you can attend a week-long festival called Subhash Mela that celebrates Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's birthday.

There are various tiny shops in Bharatpur beach to buy jewellery, stone and pearls. You can also purchase seashells on Neil Island. You can taste lobster and banana cake during your visit to the place. There are several other divine cuisines available here. If you have a turn for street foods, try dal pakora, samosa and jalebi.

Located at about 36 km from Port Blair, you can reach Neil Island through ferries and boats. If you visit the place during peak tourist season, make sure to book your ferry in advance to avoid long queues.​

Ross Island

Famous for the ruins of the penal colony, Ross Island is a less explored yet fascinating place to visit. If you have a knack for Indian history, there's no way you can skip visiting the site. Here's a brief history of amusing you. The place was preceded by Cellular jail or the Kaala paani. The British rulers used to imprison the freedom fighters here, and you can see the ruins of the gallows. This is a thrilling sight and a poignant one at that. The ruins of several British bakeries and lavish bungalows are there as well. Though it was a notorious place during the colonial period, its picturesque beauty drives many tourists these days.
Ross Island penal colony, British colony ruins, Barren Island, Japanese bunkers, and forest department museum are some of the must-visit places here.

Ross Island is not much famous for shopping. You can buy some seashell jewellery or showpieces available on the sea beach. But save shopping mainly for Port Blair! Several small sheds and huts are built across the island. You can check these out and enjoy a fulsome meal. Try coconut water and kinds of seafood in the serene atmosphere and enjoy your time.

Rangat

Do you want to visit a place full of mangroves, sea lives and beaches? That's Rangat for you! Located in the middle of Andaman Island, this is the breeding ground for turtles. You can see leatherback and hawksbill turtle, green sea turtles, olive ridley turtles and many other variants. Rangat is famous for Cuthbert Bay Beach. You can pay a visit to the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to see how newly born turtles gradually scramble towards the sea. Some other places to visit include Long Island, Amkunj Beach, Panchvati Hills, and Dhani Nallah Mangrove Nature Walkway.

You can purchase designer apparels and various other souvenirs at Rangat. There are some unique coconut curved items like finger bowls or lamps. The local craftsmen will leave you amazed. If you have a turn for sizzling food, don't miss coconut prawn curry! It's delicious!

You can reach Rangat Island by ferry from Port Blair, Neil and Long Island and Havelock Island. Remember that the ferries are available only 4-5 days a week. So plan your trip accordingly and book a ferry beforehand to avoid a long queue.

The Great Nicobar Island

This island is the largest of the Nicobar Islands. It spans almost 1045 sq km. The area was severely damaged during the 2004 tsunami that led to numerous deaths.

It has a vast rainforest that homes diverse wildlife. It is also considered a part of the world biosphere reserve. The island is home to the indigenous tribe called Shompen - one of the oldest tribes in the entire world. 

If you have a turn for photography, don't forget to visit Campell Bay - home to various types of fauna, including giant robber cab, Nicobar pigeon, crab-eating macaque, and megapode. You can also visit Indira Point.

There are some small kiosks and shops selling spices and seashell products. You can purchase these. You may also shop some exotic fruits and try. If you are more interested into exploring local cuisine, we recommend you to try seafood here.

You can reach here with Pawan Hans helicopter service from Port Blair or by inter-island ferry and boat service.
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands are famous for their outstanding scenic beauty, the rich reserve of fauna and flora, and quiet and relaxing beaches. The hospitality of the locals will leave you amazed. From outdoor activities to sizzling delicacies - your trip will to Andaman and Nicobar Island will be a memorable one. Take a few days off from your daily mundane life and escape to the arms of nature.