Andaman Nicobar Tourism

Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Sea shells on the sea shore

Syrupy apples floating in Blue Curacao – what the Andaman and Nicobar Islands look like from a distance. 37 golden nuggets brimming with infinite possibilities. The archipelago that defined the 3 S’s - Snorkelling, Surfing, Scuba diving. A wonderland of teal and turquoise. Where the seafood is more flavourful, and the fruits are juicier. Where black hair turns amber and freckles get darker. Sun-kissed and stunning, with truckloads of history books.

Highlights of Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Sun-toasted sanctuary

Port Blair

Located on the south Andaman Island, like a gleaming pearl in the sand, is the capital city – Port Blair. Infused with historical properties and heritage notes, Port Blair offers its visitors much more than postcard-perfect beaches. Cellular Jail speaks of a complicated history - a colonial prison for political prisoners (Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar). Now a shrine for the deceased, the very walls whisper thoughts, ideas, and stories of the past. The Anthropological museum will immediately draw you in. Its sky-blue coloured constitution is painted with vibrant and vivacious tribal imagery. Upon entering, you will be encapsulated by the traditions and lives one of the oldest tribes in the world. Do check out the major exhibits that shed light on the Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens and the Nicobarese.

Little Andaman

Renowned for its buttery waterfalls, mangrove forest trails, and maple glazed beaches, Little Andaman is a traveller’s aspiration. Plump with culture, it has been a tribal reserve since 1957.

Butler Bay has been knighted as one of India’s premium surfing spots. Because of its unique concave shape, one can gaze at the entirety of the beach from any angle. Chic tourist huts line the seafront, shaded by the tranquil haze of palm trees. Now doesn’t that sound lovely? What sets Kalapathar Beach fiercely apart from the other exquisite blue-green landscapes is its black rocky limestone formations. Little Andaman Lighthouse stands poised at 41m. You must climb all the way up for a panoramic view of the island’s treasure cove.

Havelock Island

Havelock Island, perhaps one of the most enticing crowd pullers, is nurtured with eco-tourism and glistening water sports. To relish an ivory-sapphire world, head to Radhanagar Beach - a page right out of a luxury travel magazine. Its sugar-white sand and blueberry waters exude a beauty so compelling; it seems unreal. A 10-minute walk across the soft sands will lead you to Neil’s Cove - an enchanting lagoon cocooned in crystal serenity. Elephant beach, with its magical underwater flora and fauna, will spellbind you. Think of the little mermaid’s kingdom! You must partake in snorkelling and sea walking for a glimpse into the colourful coral reefs.

Barren Island

The gorgeous waters surrounding Barren Island are recognised as one of the leading scuba diving destinations in the world. Here, you can observe the fascinating Manta Ray and view intricate basalt rock formations. Because it is remote, you will require the assistance of a ship and scuba instructors to get there. Although uninhabited by humans, the island boasts goats, rodents, and a variety of bird species. But we haven’t even told you the best part yet! Barren Island is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. Infact, the volcano is located on an oceanic crust which is approximately 106 million years old. Now isn’t that cool?

Cuisine

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a magnificent archipelago. Is it any wonder that its cuisine is primarily seafood? Yes, that’s right. You will find fresh lobsters, crabs, prawns, and cuttlefish that are oh-so succulent. We recommend the traditional fish curry and Macher Jhol (fish cooked with chilies, coriander seeds, and turmeric powder). Mangos, Guavas and Pineapples are also found in abundance. Furthermore, you can get fresh coconuts from local stalls all over. So, don’t forget to indulge your taste buds with some quintessential island treats! 

Interesting facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Silver Slivers

• The names - Andaman and Nicobar, originate from the Malay language.
• Although its official languages are English and Hindi, Bengali is the most spoken language on the islands.
• The world’s largest sea turtles nest over here.
• Dugong, an Indo-Pacific sea mammal, is Andaman and Nicobar’s state animal.
• The coconut crab or robber crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world. It can be found on the Andaman islands. 

Location: A birds-eye view

150 km north of Indonesia, and a sea away from Thailand and Myanmar, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands glitter proudly. Separated by the Ten Degree Channel, the Andamans claim the region north of this latitude and the Nicobars lay stake to the south. The Andaman sea beckons from the east, while the Bay of Bengal allures from the west.

Click here to view Andaman and Nicobar Island on Google Maps. 

Best time to visit

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, like magicians, wield good weather all year round. With minimal fluctuation in temperatures, you have ample opportunity to plan your trip. A perpetually pleasant pasture! Summer months are meant for snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing. Winter months are meant for honeymooning or family get togethers. It is advisable to keep away from the monsoon season as rainfall leads to high waves, incessant winds. What’s more, all water sports remain shut during this season for safety reasons. 

How to get to Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The beach is calling

By Air

There are direct daily flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai. Furthermore, on some days, there are flights available from Visakhapatnam. While the flight duration from Mumbai/Delhi takes approximately 5 hours, Kolkata/Chennai/ Visakhapatnam experiences significantly lower flying time of 2 hours. International flights coming in are subject to fulfilment of criteria from the Director General of Civil Aviation.

By Water 

Regular passenger ship services to Port Blair can be availed of, from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. While Kolkata and Chennai charter 3-4 sailings every month, Visakhapatnam offers only 1. The average journey takes about 3-4 days. Do plan well in advance so that you can book your voyage. 

History: Heart and Hearth.

While the early inhabitants of the Andaman Islands may have been isolated from other populations, the Nicobar Islands appear to have been inhabited by many diverse people.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were once used as a strategic naval base by the Chola Empire.

This was followed by European colonisation. The Danish set up their colonies, trailed by the Austrians, and finally the British.

During World War II, the islands were practically ruled by the Japanese, with partial authority given to The Provincial Government of Free India. Eventually, the Japanese surrendered the islands to the commander of 116th Indian Infantry Brigade and Chief Administrator of the Indian Civil Service.

Post-Independence, the British made one last claim to the islands. They wanted to relocate all Anglo-Indians and Anglo-Burmese so that they could form their very own nation. This intention did not materialise.

In 1950, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were incorporated into independent India. In 1956, they were deemed a union territory.