ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
Overview
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal is a union territory of India consisting of 571 islands, of which 37 are inhabited. Only a dozen or so islands are open to visitors and the rest are strictly prohibited to protect the indigenous people who had hardly any contact with outsiders. This archipelago with fine beaches and pristine turquoise sea is some 850 miles from the Indian coastline
Andaman Islands can be reached by direct flights operating from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata and takes about two and a half hours to fly to Port Blair but it’s worth the effort. The laid-back pace of the islands allows time for yourself to relax completely and walk the secluded beaches and snorkel at leisure. As one of the few who make the effort to make the journey to these remote islands, you’ll be gifted with miles and miles of sand beaches and untouched “prehistoric” jungles to take nature walks.
Things to do and places to visit
Beaches
There are numerous beautiful beaches to choose from.
Havelock Island is known for its dive sites and beaches, like Elephant Beach, with its coral reefs. Crescent-shaped Radhanagar Beach is a popular spot for watching the sunset. On the island’s east side, rocky sections mark long, tree lined Vijaynagar Beach.
Kala Pathar is a wonderful beach, the colour of the sea is a mesmerising turquoise light blue. This small clean beach lies on the south-eastern coast of Havelock and about 4 miles from the Havelock Jetty, most of the resorts and cafes are on this route and the route to the beach is picturesque.
Scuba Diving and Sea Walking
One does not need to have swimming skills for some basic or even PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Scuba Diving or Sea Walking. Swimming skills are required if one wants tougher diving in open waters. There are many places to try this exciting sport and discover colourful corals and marine life an experience to have in the Andaman Islands.
Snorkelling
See the exquisite marine life and view the rarest corals as you go snorkelling at North Bay Island or Elephant Beach at Havelock Island.
Swim With Rajan the Elephant
Rajan, this very friendly elephant loves the company of people. If you get a chance have this exciting experience before leaving Andaman.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Glass-bottom boating is among the unique things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You get to see the marine life through a glass bottom in the boat as you sail through the sea. This boat ride gives you a good view of the corals and marine life beneath with proper safety gear, kids would enjoy it as well.
Where To Try: These glass-bottom boats ply between Water Sports Complex and North Bay Coral Island and between Port Blair and Jolly Buoy Island.
Duration: 1-2 hours
A Sea Plane Ride
Experience this unique seaplane ride from Port Blair to Havelock or from Havelock to Port Blair and enjoy the stunning aerial views of Andaman and its many gorgeous islands. The seaplanes can carry only 9 passengers at a time and the time of flight is 15 minutes.
Semi Submarine Ride
Make sure you take part in this fascinating experience during your visit and witness the underwater marine life close-up while sitting in the comforts of a semi-submarine that will take you on a ride above the multi-coloured corals and a plethora of tropical fish species.
Duration: 2 hours
Island Hopping
Take ferries from one island to the next and enjoy sunrises, sunsets, and beautiful scenic views. Visit the popular islands like Neil Island, Havelock Island, Viper Island, and North Bay Island; or explore the inhabited islands such as Guitar Island, Long Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Ross & Smith Islands, and Stewart Island. Neil island has some of the best white sand beaches in Andaman.
Any trip to the Andaman Islands is incomplete without island hopping, one of those undeniably romantic things to do.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Coral Reef Expedition
The spectacular North Bay Island is just an hour away from Port Blair and home to an expansive coral reef. The island is the place for a choice of water sports activities. Try some seafood delicacies prepared by the locals.
Dolphin Watching
Hop into your boat that will sail slowly over the brightest blue ocean and meet these friendly dolphins in their natural habitat who would play and chatter around you in the water.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Fishing
If you like fishing, then Andaman is a place to do it. You will be taken to some distance in the water via a cruise and once it is stable waters, you will throw your hook and line and catch your fish with the help of guides.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Madhuban Trek
If you want to come away from the beaches and do some nature walks then there is island trekking available from Mt Harriet, the third highest peak in the archipelago to Madhuban via is one of the best things to do in Andaman. The trekking trail is a rugged stretch of forests that are home to a vast variety of flora & and fauna.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Rubber Plantations Tour
The guided tour takes you through rows and rows of rubber trees at The Mongluton rubber plantations in Wandoor. The guides will also explain the processing of raw rubber into hard rubber sheets. A variety of spices are also grown here including cinnamon, clove, pepper, and betel.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bird Watching
For nature lovers, there is bird-watching available at Chidiya Tapu a tiny island village located about 15 miles from Port Blair. On the island, you will come across several species of birds like emerald doves, parakeets, sea eagles, white-headed minas, woodpeckers and many more. Use your camera lenses or simply listen to the sweet sounds of bird calls while you relax on this tiny island.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Mangrove Kayaking
Mayabunder is a small town in the northern part of Middle Andaman Island is home to a few beautiful and scenic beaches, a few seasonal turtle nesting grounds, and mangrove-lined tidal creeks. Kayak through the lush green mangrove creek of the Andaman and admire its stunning beauty.
Duration: About 2.5 hours.
Volcano Tour
It takes about two and a half hours to get to from Port Blair to Baratang Island an uninhabited island where the famous Mud Volcano is situated. This volcano is about 1,200 ft high and is the only known active type of volcano in Southeast Asia. This peaceful place gives you a unique experience of exploring a real volcano.
Spa Sessions
Great Spa Sessions are offered in Port Blair and in Havelock to relieve all stresses of your body and help relaxation.
