The Andaman Islands are a beautiful group of islands close to Myanmar and Indonesia. They may be part of India, but it takes some time to reach them since they are located about 1,370 km offshore from the Indian mainland. People from South and Southeast Asia inhabit these islands, and a minority of isolated tribal communities lead a life there.
The archipelago, and the Nicobar Islands (which are closed to tourists), form 572 islands of which only a few are accessible to tourists. To those who undertake the journey, the Andamans arrive with all their pristine beauty in white sandy beaches, blue waters, a mellow pace, and some of the best diving and surfing sites in the whole of Asia.
The Andaman Islands, which is a serene tropical vacation spot fit to suit both beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts, and also to people who desire to enjoy nature and history. In this easy guide, we suggest how to plan your first trip to the islands, including how to get there, where to go, what to do, and smart travel tips.
This could be a bit of planning to get to the Andaman Islands, but it is worth it! There are two principal means to reach it: by air or by sea.
To arrive in the Andamans the fastest, as well as most convenient, way is by flight. Direct flights are available between the Andaman and major cities of India, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. All flights are destined for the Port Blair Airport (formerly named Veer Savarkar International Airport), and it is the entry point to the islands.
In case you want to take a trip and have time to spare, you may visit the islands by boat. Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam have passenger ships leading to Port Blair. The voyage lasts about 3 to 4 days. Although it is cheaper, it is not very comfortable, and sail timings might also be unpredictable.
Note – Tourists (both Indian and foreign) are allowed to visit 29 inhabited and 11 uninhabited islands, such as the famous Havelock Island, Neil Island, North and Little Andaman Island. Nevertheless, the restricted tribal zones are highly forbidden.
Andaman is best visited in October and May. The weather during this time is nice and pleasant, ideal for having a good time at the beach, swimming, and carrying out water activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling.
This is the busiest period among tourists. The weather is pleasant and the sea is very calm, and the travel inside the islands is very comfortable. It is also the most appropriate time for diving. Lucky, you may get to see turtles nesting in the Middle Andaman and North Andaman.
It is also a good time to visit these months. Every day is not an idyllic weather, but there are fewer tourists, hotels are not as costly as during the peak seasons, and nature is serene. It is excellent, then, in case you love peace, and do not mind having weather that is unpredictable to a certain degree.
One should avoid going there in the monsoons. The delays and cancellations in water sports may be because of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. Meanwhile, most of the beach activities are lacking during this time.
Before visiting the Andaman Islands, it’s important to know the permit rules. While most tourists can visit the main islands easily, there are still some restrictions, mainly to protect the tribal communities and sensitive areas.
Here’s what you need to know:
Your Andaman trip becomes even more special when you select a preferred accommodation option. The Andaman Islands have a wide variety of wonderful choices suitable for all types of travelers, such as the cheapskates or the high-enders when it comes to a holiday. Here is a brief that will easily make you choose the right place to stay in the Andaman.
Port Blair : Being the capital city, Port Blair is the landing place for the majority of the visitors. It is a suitable option to stay one or two nights in case you wish to go to the local markets or to see the historical places, such as the Cellular Jail, or do some final shopping. There is no scarce of hotels in Andaman that match every budget.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) : This is among the most favorite destinations to visit in the Andaman. It is famous for its white sandy beaches and the sporting activities in its waters, such as scuba diving and snorkelling, and also has its share of modest cottages to the top-end Andaman resorts. Havelock Island is an ideal place to stay, as well as for couples, honeymoon couples, and adventurous people.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) : Neil Island, a smaller and quieter sister to Havelock, is exactly what one should visit to unwind. It also has calm beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, and it is a good place to have a slow and smooth holiday.
Affordable Options for all : Andaman has some affordable hotels (hostels, homestays, and guesthouses), which mostly can be found in the islands of Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island; in case you are visiting the islands on a low budget.
Mid-Range Stays : These contain relaxed boutique resorts and eco resorts that have good facilities but are not so costly. Perfect for a family and small group.
Luxury Resorts : To have a much fancier experience, you are free to select lots of high-end Andaman resorts, notably on Havelock Island. Such resorts are usually equipped with private beaches, impressive scenery, and services that are of top quality.
Beautiful, adventurous, and having so much history, the Andaman Islands are full of that. It has something to offer to everyone because of the beach, history, and nature lovers. The following is a list of the most popular Andaman Islands that you ought not to leave behind when making your visit.
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island) : This beach is usually considered one of the most beautiful in Asia and is especially good when one wants to relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset. It is an ultimate must-see with its white, clean sands and turquoise waters.
Port Blair (Cellular Jail) : It is one of the major locations of the freedom movement in India, and now a moving light and sound show brings life to the history.
Elephant Beach (Havelock Island) : This beach is suited to adventure lovers because most people associate it with water sports such as jet skiing and banana boat rides.
Island of North Bay : This island is known for snorkeling, and it allows you to go and see beautiful coral reefs and marine life at close range.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) : A quiet place with fine coral reefs and peaceful beaches, such as Bharatpur and Laxmanpur, which are ideal places to relax and snorkel.
Ross Island (Port Blair) : A former British colonial capital of the Andamans, it is today a place where the ruins of colonial buildings lie amidst luxuriant vegetation.
Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair) : Known as a good place to watch the sunset and spot some birds, this is the place to have a short time out in the evening.
Baratang Island : Well known for its limestone caves and a rare mud volcano, this is a good choice for a day trip full of nature and adventure.
Little Andaman : Less populated and still untamed, it is a hidden treasure to those who want to get off the common tourist route and enjoy the surfing, waterfalls, and unscathed beaches.
The Andaman Islands offer a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. These are some of the most enjoyable activities you can do on your trip.
Fresh and tasty cuisine is among the best things to be experienced when in the islands. Andaman food guide is no more than seafood, tropical produce, and a fusion of Indian and island-style cuisine. You can visit coffee shops, small local restaurants along the seashore, and you will have many things to discover as a food lover.
Andaman Seafood Delights : The most outstanding thing in Andaman cuisine is seafood. You can have delicious food such as fish curry, lobster, crab, and juicy prawns, freshly cooked and with local flavor. Do not leave without eating a bite of the yummy coconut prawn curry, which is a must-have local food.
Vegetarian Options : On smaller islands, one may not have so much to choose from at restaurants (there is vegetarian food to be had, notably around Port Blair, and on Havelock), but the camps are fine. It is a good practice to notify your guesthouse or hotel of your dietary inclinations in advance.
Some of the valuable Andaman travel tips are given below for first-time visitors to the islands
The Andaman Islands are those that are represented by weak ecosystems, where there are small and separated settlements of people, which are to be guarded against the consequences of tourism and development of the region. Among the tips that one can follow to become a responsible traveler to the Andaman to preserve these natural wonders, one should choose sustainable operators (divers and snorkelers), not touch or damage the coral reefs, reduce the use of disposable plastics, do not collect shells at the beaches, and prefer local businesses to tourists that put sustainability first.
The native tribes inhabit off-limits areas to protect their lives and traditions; therefore, travelers should respect these travel bans. Many people may wish to volunteer their time, and it is easy to contribute by getting involved with organizations like Reef Watch Marine Conservation. Also, pay attention to crocodile safety warnings; the last thing anyone wants is to swim and risk an attack by crocodiles, especially during dusk and dawn. These are just a few basic guidelines that allow you to enjoy your trip while leaving the Andamans in a condition that will be admired by future tourists.
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Please inform me what will be the total cost for 6 adults and one child of 8 years for 6 night 7 days andaman holiday package . dates from 07.01.2017 to 13.01.2017. please give details of specifc hotels in all the places , havelock, neil and portblair
I am interested in the above package. Can we discuss telephonically.