The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India. It consists of 836 islands grouped into two island groups, the northern Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands, separated by a 150 km wide channel of which only 31 are inhabited.

Best time to Visit:

The best time to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands is between October and March as the weather stays dry on most days and it’s not too hot. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, providing a comfortable and enjoyable climate for outdoor exploration. September is still a monsoon month in Andaman, meaning a lot of rainfall and limited outdoor activities. However, this is also when the island is at its most tranquil, with fewer tourists and a cool, refreshing atmosphere.

An overview of each of the islands

Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It sits at the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, proudly wearing the crown as the capital and the biggest city in this dreamy archipelago. This lively little city is the heart of the Andaman Islands, where time seems to slow down, and every corner invites you to relax and explore at your own pace.

Places to visit in Port Blair:

• Explore the Cellular Jail, a historical prison deeply connected to India’s independence struggle.
• Visit the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park to observe a wide range of flora and fauna
• Engage in thrilling water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea walking to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Where to stay: Andaman Homestay, Port Vista and Lalaji Bay View are reliable budget-to-midrange picks. Towards the upper end, go for Fortune Resort Bay Island or Sinclairs Bayview, both with sea panoramas. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

International airport at Port Blair.

How to reach:

By Air – The flight time from the Indian subcontinent mainland would around 2 hours to Port Blair. Port Blair is connected to Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bhubaneshwar and Vishakhapatnam by air. Veer Savarkar International; Airport at Port Blair that caters to all in-bound and out-bound tourists flying to and from the islands to and from the rest of the world.

By Sea – Andaman is connected to the major port cities of Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam/Vizag via water way. There are ships leaving on a regular basis from all these three cities and connect Port Blair at the Haddo Wharf. It takes around 3-4 days to reach Port Blair by sea from the ports of Chennai, Kolkata or Vishakhapatnam.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Swaraj Dweep, earlier known as Havelock Island, is one of the largest islands in Ritchie’s Archipelago, to the east of Great Andaman within the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is covered mostly in dense jungle and fringed with white sandy beaches shaded by tall green trees.

Things to do in Havelock Island:

Havelock is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a variety of water sports that it has to offer.

• Kayaking
• Scuba diving
• Shopping: Shop some lovely souvenirs for your loved ones back home at Seven Heaven, this lifestyle store is a shoppers paradise. Handpicked, designer clothing and jewelry make for perfect gifts.
• Enjoy Elephant Beach,Radhasagar Beach.
• Fishing Activity

Where to Stay:

The tourist infrastructure in Havelock is the best among all the islands in the Andamans. You can find beach resorts at budget rates or more luxurious cottages at a premium cost.

• Low Budget: INR  500- 3000
• Mid-Range: INR 4000- 8000
• Premium Stays: INR 15000- 25000

How to reach:

The only way to get to Havelock (for tourists) is by sea. You can travel by private AC ferries (Makruzz, Green ocean, etc) which take about 1.5 – 2 hours from Port Blair OR by Government ferries which can take up to 3 hours.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island is best known for its unparalleled biodiversity and unexplored span of dense tropical forests and greenery complemented by white sand beaches and rich coral reefs. This is a small island that spans over an area of 13.7 Sq. KM. only, most of which is covered with forest. Neil Island is popularly known as the vegetable bowl of Andamans due to its variety of vegetable yields. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming and they mostly speak Hindi and very few converses in Tamil, Bengali and English. It is  a thinly populated village and the people who live here lead a very simple life.

Things to do at Neil Island:

• Visit Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach 
• Enjoy Water sports like Scuba diving,Banana Boat Ride,Glass Bottom boat ride.
• Rent a motor bike and explore the island.

Where to Stay:

• There are few properties on the island that offer hotels and resorts for accommodations. Internet is mostly unavailable in Neil. If lucky, one may find patchy BSNL network via phone.
• Budget stays ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 are available at Sitapur & Bharatpur Beach.
• Prices range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 for mid-range rooms with AC.
• The luxury hotels with swimming pools and fabulous views are priced from Rs. 5000 and upwards.

How to reach

The Shaheed Dweep aka Neil Island can be reached via sea only. Neil is connected to both Port Blair (1.5 hours), Havelock (45 minutes).  There are Government ferries and private ferries that are available, you can choose as per your preference. Regular Government ferry services are available from Port Blair and Neil Island and vice-versa. Private luxury cruises are plying from Port Blair Phoenix Bay Harbor & Haddo wharf for Shaheed Dweep daily.

Cruise Operators – Sea Link Cruise, Makruzz, Green Ocean Cruise and ITT Majestic.

Little Andaman(Hutbay)

A glorious fist of dense jungles, stunning white beaches, and lush mangroves, Little Andaman Island is quite a favourite spot amongst travelers in the Andamans despite its remote location, it located about 130 km to the south of Port Blair. With an area of about 707 square kilometers, Little Andaman is the fourth largest island in the Andaman archipelago.Due to the limited mode of connection with the capital town of Port Blair, the island remains less explored. Little Andaman is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a peaceful and tranquil vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city.

Places to visit in Little Andaman:

• BUTLER BAY BEACH
• WHISPER WAVE WATERFALL
• HARMINDER BAY BEACH
• Enjoy Trekking,Fishing, Surfing, go for cultural tours.

Where to stay:

It is important to note that stay options on Little Andaman Island are limited, with only a few private hotels, lodges, and resorts offering basic facilities. In addition, guest houses operated by government entities such as APWD, ANIFPDCL, and the Forest Department are available for government employees, but they may rent out rooms to tourists if available.

How to reach:

Little Andaman is located about 120 kilometers from the capital town of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The only way to reach Little Andaman is by sea, and there are regular government-operated ferries boats available for transportation.

FAQs:

Why should one visit Andaman and Nicobar Island?

It is most popular tourist destination .Its famous for beautiful beaches and water sports. With beautiful beaches and a lovely landscape, Andaman Islands offer travelers with a one of a kind experience.

Where are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the south-east of the Indian mainland geographically, float in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal.

Which is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island?

The Andaman is a tropical island. July to September is a rainy season. The best time to visit is from October to May, especially if you are interested in exploring the different water sports offered.

Do Indians need a passport to visit Andaman?

No. Indians do not require a passport to visit Andaman.

How do I reach Andaman Island?

The airport at Port Blair is well connected to all major cities of India. Ships are available from Kolkata, Vizag and Chennai but tickets must be booked in advance. Since a 3-day journey is exhausting, prefer flights as they are the more convenient option.

What is the currency in Andaman?

Indian rupee is the currency used in Andaman. Always carry cash with you as ATMs are only available at Port Blair and Havelock islands.

What are the food options in Andaman?

Being an island, it is a heaven for seafood lovers. Besides that, a variety of Indian and continental food is also available.

What is the language spoken in Andaman?

The official languages of the island are Hindi and English. Bengali is the most common spoken language.

How many days does one need for a vacation to the Andamans?

To cover all of the major sightseeing activities, a 5-night/6-day trip is recommended. You can take 9 nights and 10 days Andaman tour package to visit all of the islands and activities at your leisure.