General Andaman FAQ's

Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands located in the Bay of Bengal. It is around 1600 km away from the Indian subcontinent down South-East.

Andaman Islands are very relaxed in rules. Just some simple ettiquetes like dressing up properly and asking for permission before taking pictures should be kept in mind. Having said that, since Andamans is a protected area, one should not expect comfort equivalent to the level of one on mainland in India.

As Bengalis make most of the population of Andaman therefore,the most celebrated festival is the ‘Durga Pooja’. However,as Andaman has been home to people of all religion therefore festivals like Diwali,Christmas,Eid ,New Year etc.are also celebrated.

The Andaman Islands have a rich variety of South Indian as well as North Indian foods along with seafood. The diverse variety indicates the variety of people who inhabited the Islands.

The Andaman Islands have pleasant climate throughout the year. The Islands experience monsoon twice a year- mid May to Sept. and Nov.to Jan. Therefore, one can visit these Islands in any season.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to a number of tribes but they leave in a peaceful haven of their own and any kind of engagement or photography is strictly prohibited and even punishable.

Only 32 of the main islands are open to tourists. Entry to rest of the islands is restricted for research purposes.

Yes, Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used in Andaman Islands. There are several ATMs and Bank branches on inhabited islands; so withdrawing cash is not a problem.

Due to proximity to sea, seafood rules Andaman cuisine. Crabs, lobsters, fish, shrimps, and prawns are most eaten seafood on Andamans. However, the food here is decently priced, and not as cheap as expected on an island.

Vegetarian food is easily available on popular tourist islands in Andaman. Annapurna Cafeteria at Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair is one of the famous pure veg restaurants.

International dialling is easily available from most of the major hotels and ISTD booths in the market. Though for internet access, Andamans have a reputation of very low connectivity and speed in terms of data. Normal roaming mobile signals are available, but erratic in some remote areas of the islands.

The indigenous tribes are distinguished in two groups: the Onge, Sentinelese, Jarawa and Andamanese of Negroid descent living on the Andaman Islands and the Shompen and Nicobarese of Mongoloid descent living in the Nicobar Islands. Most of the tribes are on the verge of extinction. This sad destiny will most likely hit the Andamanese tribe first since their numbers in some cases are as low as thirty. However, it is strictly prohibited, and against the law as well, to enter the tribal reserves, meet or photograph the tribals. One should refrain from disturbing the peaceful haven of these tribes. Respect the tribes and adhere to the law.

One can either fly down to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai, or Delhi or take a ship from Chennai, Kolkata, or Vizag. The sea voyage takes about 50-60 hours.

A flight from Kolkata or Chennai takes two hours, while the one from Delhi takes about five hours. Ships take as long as 50 hours to reach Andamans.

One can reach Port Blair by an aeroplane or a ship. However, reaching Port Blair by an aeroplane is easier and faster. One can board a flight to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata or Delhi. Flights from Chennai and Kolkata are direct flights whereas flights from Delhi travel via Chennai or Kolkata.

Andaman Travel FAQ's

The Andaman Islands are a part of India. Hence, a passport or visa is not required by Indians for a visit.

Foreigners require a passport with an Indian Visa to enter India as Andaman Islands are a part of India. This rule is also applicable to foreigners entering Andamans directly through sea-link by charter/private yachts. Additionally, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is also required which can be availed on arrival to Port Blair from the Immigration counter at the airport or, embarkation of ships at the sea-port. RAP is issued for a 30 day visit to the islands and is extendable up to 15 additional days.

Although Andaman attracts customers throughout the year because it offers activities that are suitable for any season but still the climate is most pleasant from Oct. to Feb/Mar.

A variety of handicrafts and art made by locals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are available which would make for a perfect souvenir to take home.

Being an island, Andaman is home to some exquisite seafood like crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns and fish among others. However the food is not always available at a cheap price.

There are a lot of diverse water activities that one can do in Andaman. This includes snorkeling,scuba diving,sea walk,boat cruise,speed boating, jet skiing and many more.

The Cellular Jail is open from Tuesday to Sunday but is closed on Mondays.

At the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one would a whole host of irresistibly beautiful beaches but the Radhanagar Beach is one of the most famous and rightly so. Once awarded as the most beautiful beach in Asia, one should definitely grab the chance to visit this heavenly beach.

The entire Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar has been declared a ‘restricted area’ since 1963. Every foreigner is required to obtain a special permit from competent authority, in order to enter or stay in said restricted area. RAP for Andaman can be easily obtained at Port Blair on arrival. It is a 15 minutes procedure and is free of cost for every foreigner. It is originally issued for 30 days but can be extended for 15 additional days with proper documentation.

The tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands cherish their peace and any kind of photography of them is strictly prohibited and even punishable.

Although the islands are not known for their vegetarian cuisine, there won’t a shortage of veg dishes as with the influx of tourists, Andaman is now replete with vegetarian food joints

One should keep in mind that the sun sets by 5 30 pm at the Andaman islands. Thus, it is advised to wake up early to make the most of your day.

The Andaman locals make a wide variety of art products and handicrafts which would make for a perfect souvenir to take home.

While travelling to Andaman one should definitely pack sunscreen as the skin gets direct exposure from the sun and one can get really bad sunburn. Other items are insect repellent, swimsuit, flip flops, digital camera etc.

Andaman attracts tourists round the year; therefore one can visit Andaman at any time of the year. However, the climate is most pleasant from Oct. to Feb/Mar.

Yes, one does have easy access to alcohol in Andaman on the inhabited islands. However, there are certain restrictions on foreign liquor.

Being an island, Andaman is famous for having scrumptious seafood. Crabs, shrimps, prawns, lobsters, and fish among others are must haves. However the food may not be available at a cheap price.

One can reach Port Blair by an aeroplane or a ship. However, reaching Port Blair by an aeroplane is easier and faster. One can board a flight to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata or Delhi. Flights from Chennai and Kolkata are direct flights whereas flights from Delhi travel via Chennai or Kolkata.

Andaman is widely known for its immaculate beaches and islands like Havelock and Neil Island, but the Cellular Jail which is a national memorial is also a highly popular tourist attraction.

Handicrafts made of shells, jute and wood are popular souvenirs, available at the Sagarika Market.

All transfers are via private cab or ferry. Type of private cab depends on availability and package.

There are many restaurants in Andaman which serve vegetarian food. Some of the best restaurants are Full Moon Cafe(Havelock),Anju Coco(Havelock),Annapurna(Port Blair), Icy Spicy(Port Blair).

The islands have not yet caught up with the concept of happening nightlife. Though many resorts, hotels, and pubs in Port Blair offer decent nightlife, but the environment is not as hip as in clubs of metropolitans. However, the scene is completely different during Christmas and New Year. Electrifying music, cheerful dancing and colorful disco lights in the bars greet you.

There are many important things to consider while planning your trip to the Andamans. Some of the key things are as follows:

  • All foreign passports must be valid of a minimum duration of 6 months from the date of entry
  • You must have a valid Indian visa if you are a Foreign National
  • If there is a stamp on your visa that reads “Not valid for restricted areas”, you will not be allowed to enter the Andamans as it is a restricted zone. Please ensure that your visa does not carry this stamp and if it does, please contact the issuing embassy.
  • When returning from Havelock to Port Blair, all travelers must spend the last night in Port Blair as there is no ferry from Havelock that brings you to Port Blair in time for your flight the same day.
  • Although on Indian Standard Time, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an early sunrise and sunset. Sunrise here is usually between 0500hrs and 0530hrs and the sunset is at 1730hrs. It gets light very early here and dark very soon, so to make the best of the day it is advised to rise early.
  • Ferries from Port Blair to other islands are very regular; however there are occasions when bad weather or mechanical trouble can cause them to be cancelled.

There a lot of shopping places in Andaman. Some of the best shopping places are Sagarika Govt.Emporium, Aberdeen Bazaar, Queen Sea Shell Craft, Shopping Singapore.In all of these places one can find crafty traditional handmade items like jewellery,bangles,flower vase,earrings etc.

Only 32 of 572 islands are inhabited in Andaman and one can visit only a limited no.of these islands due to the security policies of Andaman.

No,there is no age limit for the water activities offered in Andaman. However, the overall health and fitness is considered especially for scuba diving.

Andaman Holidays FAQ's

The best time to visit Andaman Islands for honeymoon is winter months, i.e. October to February. Weather is pleasant during these months.

The best time to go for a family trip to the Andaman Islands is throughout the year. However, Andamans see maximum number of tourists and vacationers during the months of Octobert o May.

The ideal duration of honeymoon in Andamans varies from 4 nights to 7 nights. Depending on the number of islands one wish to cover and number of activities one wish to partake in, the ideal stay duration varies greatly.

The ideal duration of family holidays in Andamans varies from 4 nights, 5 days to 7 nights, 8 days. Depending on the number of islands one wish to cover and number of activities one wish to partake in, the ideal stay duration varies greatly.

To get a fulfilling experience of the Andaman islands it is advised to rise up early and make the most of your day as the sun sets by 5 30 pm in the islands and gets very dark at night.

Yes all expenses related to transfer from one island to another via ferry/jetty/cruise are included in the price of this Andaman Tour Package.