Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, is an archipelago comprising around 572 islands. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, rich history, and diverse marine life, it's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are some of the must-visit places and things to do:
Cellular Jail National Memorial: Once a colonial prison, it is now a poignant reminder of the freedom struggle. The evening light and sound show narrated by the ‘Peepal Tree’ in the premises is highly recommended.
Radhanagar Beach: Located on Havelock Island, this beach is often touted as Asia's best beach. It's perfect for swimming and sunset views.
Ross and Smith Island Beach: These twin islands are connected by a natural sandbar. The turquoise waters surrounding it are ideal for snorkeling.
Baratang Island: Famous for its limestone caves and mud volcanoes. It provides a unique opportunity to witness these natural wonders.
Neil Island: Known for its coral reefs and white shores. Popular spots include Natural Bridge and Laxmanpur Beach.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The islands offer some of the best spots for diving in India. Places like Elephant Beach on Havelock Island are popular for snorkeling.
Museum Circuit: The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, and the Fisheries Museum are great for understanding the islands' ecology, history, and culture.
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: Offers a range of water sports like banana rides, jet skiing, parasailing, and more.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Located in Wandoor, it's a haven for marine life including corals, sharks, and turtles.
Diglipur: For those wanting to get off the beaten track, Diglipur offers attractions like the Ross and Smith islands, the Saddle Peak trek, and Ramnagar Beach.
Chidiya Tapu: A haven for birdwatchers, this place is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
Mount Harriet National Park: It's the third-highest peak in the Andaman Islands and offers spectacular views. The national park has rich flora and fauna.
Viper Island: Historically significant for its old jail, where political prisoners were kept before the construction of the Cellular Jail.
Jolly Buoy Island: Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, it's known for its corals and underwater marine life.
Sea Walking: Places like North Bay Island offer sea walking experiences where you can walk on the seabed and observe marine life.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, off the east coast of India. It comprises of 572 islands, out of which only 38 are inhabited. The official languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. The economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is mainly based on agriculture, fishing and tourism, with a significant contribution from the timber industry.
Port Blair
Port Blair, equipped with modern facilities, once known as the punishment of black water, is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is located 1,255 km from Kolkata and 1,191 km from Chennai. In Andaman, this place is a major place for tourists to visit. A number of arrangements have been made for the facilities of tourists and their recreation. There is also a provision of Jalktra, which is an additional attraction. The Chiria Island, located 35 kilometres south of Port Blair, is famous for its enchanting beaches. There are other popular places located near Korbin Cove, Mount Herit, Ros Island, Madhuban coast and Kala Stone Port Blair. There are many hotels in Port Blair where you can stay and start your trip