Andaman And Nicobar Tourism Guide

A Guide to Andaman and Nicobar Tourism 

Endowed with some of the most pristine and magnificent beaches that you can find within reach of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a thriving tourist destination. They are the perfect coastal destination that allows you to relax and muse over the turquoise-blue ocean, away from your busy lifestyle.

These islands are made up of summits of a submerged mountain range and constitute arguably one of the most remote states in India. There are, in total, 572 islands that make up the Andaman and Nicobar islands, and only 37 of them are inhabited. 

The main entrance to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is through Port Blair, which is like a base city that connects these islands to nearby towns and beaches. It is also a great place for clubbing and exploring the food in Andaman – myriad delicacies of the indigenous people who live on the islands. Being a submerged mountain range, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also provide some lush green hills where you can go trekking or explore the wildlife. 

 

Andaman - Quick Overview

Andaman Tourism: Quick Overview
Andaman Tourism Information
Official Language in Andaman Hindi, Emglish
Andaman also Known as Necuverann
Currency in Andaman Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone UTC+05:30 (IST)
Area

8249 square kilometers

Andaman Best known for Timber Crafts, Spices and Pearl
Best Time for Andaman Tourism October to May
Things to do in Andaman Seawalking, Trekking And Shopping
Places to Visit in Andaman Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, North Bay Beach And Neil Island

 

History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

The history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is as old as the first international voyages conducted by famous explorers. The islands have been recorded in the ledgers of 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk Iching, Marco Polo, and various others. 

In 1789, the British were the first to construct a facility on these islands when they established a penal colony for the offenders from British-ruled India. However, the penal colony was temporarily shut down during the 18th and 19th centuries, when the British needed to reinstate a new penal colony: Port Blair. 

The islands were revamped to become a habitable place during the 1950s, after the independence of India. It became part of the Republic of India in 1950 and became a Union Territory in 1956. While its official languages are English and Hindi, spoken languages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands include Bengali, Kharia, Kurukh, Malayalam, Munda, Nicobarese, Tamil, and Telugu. In 1979, the Andaman Cellular Jail was deemed a national monument where once Indian political prisoners were held.

 

Climate in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Overall, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands experience a tropical climate. The weather is pleasant and enjoyable all around the year. This is what makes these islands a year-round destination. 

From April to June, the temperature stays between 24 to 37 degree celcius, and the humidity stays around 80%. This creates the perfect environment to hit the beach and go skinny dipping into the sea.

From July to September, the islands witness a handsome shower of monsoon. While not many travelers prefer to visit during this period, the cloudy skeis and greenery create some unique sightseeing destinations. 

However, the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar islands is during their winter, which is from October to March. The temperatures stays between 20 to 30 Degree Celcius and makes for the perfect time to see some magnificent views and explore nature. It is also the ideal weather for trekkin and beach excursions.

 

Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Radhanagar Beach: This beach was awarded the title of Asia’s Best Beach by the TIMES magazine in 2004.
  • Cellular Jail: What was once the Kala Pani Jail is now a thriving tourist destination for people around the world.  
  • Elephant Beach: It is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the islands, which is a prime destination for travelers. 
  • Ross Island: This famous island was once one of the administrative headquarters for the British, where now only ruins remain of that time.  
  • North Bay Island: If you want to check out some breathtaking coral reefs, then North Bay Island is the place for you.
  • Bharatpur Beach: Bharatpur Beach is a gorgeous shoreline famous for organizing water sports, like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom rides.  
  • Neil Island: Encompassing some of the major beaches of Andaman and Nicobar, Neil Island is an integral destination in your trip to these secluded lands that you should not miss.  
  • Kalapathar Beach: The beach is filled with huge boulders, where the name ‘Kalapathar’ comes from. Kalapathar means ‘black rock’ in Hindi.
  • Laxmanpur Beach: Divided into two separate beaches, the Laxmanpur beaches are famous for their natural arch bridges and breathtaking sunsets. 
  • Mount Harriet National Park: This is undoubtedly the most beautiful place in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Spread over 46 square kilometers, the park is filled with amazing species of flora and fauna. 
  • Chidiya Tapu: This beach makes for a great place for bird watching and enjoying sunsets. For more enthusiastic people, you can also indulge in adventure activities.  
  • Corbyn’s Cove Beach: It is a popular beach near Port Blair where you can indulge in some relaxing time and check out the shacks of Andaman and Nicobar.  

 

Top Things to Do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

  • Scuba diving
  • Trekking
  • Snorkeling 
  • Mangrove kayaking
  • Light and Sound show at Cellular Jail 
  • Island hopping 
  • Seaplane ride 
  • Parasailing 
  • Dolphin-watching 
  • Relaxing at the beach 

 

Restaurants and Local Food

Some of the famous food in Andaman and Nicobar Islands include:

  • Maachher jhol 
  • Grilled lobster 
  • Chilli curry 
  • Khadi crabs 
  • Coconut prawn curry

 

These are some of the popular places to eat food in Andaman and Nicobar: 

  • Bayview 
  • Bonova Cafe and Pub
  • Amaya Lounge Bar 
  • Annapurna Restaurant 
  • Full Moon Cafe 
  • New Lighthouse 
  • Moonshine 
  • Anju Coco Resto

 

Andaman and Nicobar Honeymoon Package 

Given how beautiful these islands are, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a top-rated destination amongst newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon. With pristine blue water and enigmatic natural beauty, these islands create a secluded environment of romance and love. 

Andaman honeymoon packages start at Rs. 25,000 and can range up to Rs. 1 lakh. They provide you with a tour manager to take you around all the major attractions, providing you with time for a romantic seaside visit and also helping you participate in adventure activities together. 

 

COVID Guidelines 

The gates of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been open for travelers amidst the ongoing pandemic. However, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow in order to travel safely and protect yourself and others from the virus. 

  • You are permitted to enter the state only if you are double-vaccinated or it has been 15 days since your second dose of the vaccine.
  • You should not have traveled internationally in the previous 30 days. 
  • Carry an RT-PCR report with you, taken within 48 hours before starting the journey. 
  • If you do not have an RT-PCR report, you will have to undergo a compulsory and free RT-PCR test at Port Blair on your arrival.  
  • Carry your COWIN certificate with you. 

 

Take note of the following rules regarding various tourist spots of the state:

  • Beaches are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. 
  • The Light and Sound show at Cellular Jail will only operate at 50% occupancy.
  • We advise you not to book all your plans in advance, as the COVID guidelines are constantly changing. 

 

 

 

 

Language Spoken

Bengali, Hindi, English, Tamil

Currency used:

Indian Rupee

JAN-APR 23 oC
MAY-SEP 25 oC
OCT-DEC 22 oC

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Andaman Travel Tips

The following are some travel tips, dos and don’ts to keep in mind for your Andaman trip.

Do's

Once you experience Andaman Nicobar tourism, you’ll fall in love with the islands’ pristine beauty and the unique culture of the indigenous people. A few precautions and courtesies are advised, to protect and preserve the beauty of these islands. 

The tribes are sensitive about their privacy, and most tribal areas are restricted zones. Please don’t interact with the tribals without permission. Photo or video shooting them is considered a punishable crime. 

National parks, too, require permits if you want to visit them.

There are notice boards advising tourists about photography and video shooting at all the tourist attractions in Andaman. Do obtain the necessary permissions wherever required. 

Plastic bags are totally banned in the Andamans – you can be fined or imprisoned if you’re caught with one. 

It’s important to follow all safety regulations while swimming. Consult lifeguards before entering the sea. If you want to go snorkelling or scuba diving, consult one of the certified scuba dive instructors and stay within the permitted areas. 

Do remember to carry all your important documents with you – your passport, permits and driving license - while you are on your Andaman tour, rather than leaving them behind in your hotel. 

There are safeguards in place to protect every bit of the natural beauty of the islands. Do help to preserve their flora and fauna, by not touching the live coral, or lighting bonfires on the beach or in the forests, or hunting the birds and animals on land and in the sea. 

Don'ts

Camping on beaches or in forest areas overnight is strictly prohibited, so do return to your hotel after sunset.

Collecting dead coral or shells – even touching them – is banned. You can buy shells at authorised places, and you should keep the receipt of the purchase.