Synopsis
Plan your trip with the Andaman Islands travel guide, and get inspired with insider tips, photos, and videos. Decide where to stay and what to do. Plus we will guide you to the best hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment.
The Andaman are one of the best places to visit in India for those who enjoy sun, sand and beaches. Set in the Bay of Bengal, the island destination is home to a diverse range of marine life. Not only marine life, but the forest cover in more than three-quarters of the region is indefinable and unimaginable.
The Andaman Islands offer a diverse range of tourist activities. In fact, the island is among India’s best diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports destinations.
If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, this is all you need to know:
Best time to visit
October to February is considered as the best time to visit the Andaman Islands. And because this is the busiest time of year to visit the island, it is advisable to book everything ahead of time to avoid paying exorbitant prices for flights and accommodations. During this time the weather remains pleasant and allows you to make the most of your vacation.
For those who wish to enjoy scuba diving, January to May is the best time to indulge in the sport. The water is calmer and visibility is better for scuba divers during this time.
Places to visit
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- Swaraj Island: Swaraj Island (previously known as Havelock Island) is part of Ritchie’s Archipelago renowned for its excellent diving sites in India. The beaches here are absolutely gorgeous and untouched. The Elephant Beach here is noted for its coral reefs while the crescent-shaped Radhanagar Beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Vijaynagar Beach is also a must-visit on the island.
2. Radhanagar Beach: This is one of the most pristine beaches in the region prized for its stunning golden sunset views. The powder-white sands and turquoise blue waters just add to the whole beauty.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Another must-visit place here is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. With mangrove creeks, a tropical rainforest, and reefs with more than 50 different types of coral, this destination has its own ecosystem.
4. Neil Island: Neil Island is a more tranquil location brimming with beautiful beaches, each gorgeous in its own way. Sitapur Beach here is noted for its sunset views while Bharatpur and Ramanagr beach are known for their solitude vibes.
5. Cellular Jail: Patriots visit the Andaman Islands’ Cellular Jail as a pilgrimage. The Cellular Jail is significant because it contains the stories of Indian freedom fighters’ dedication and sacrifice.
How to reach the Andamans?
Flights to Andamans
Indians do not require a permit to visit Andaman. The fastest way to get to Andaman is by plane. Direct flights to Andaman are available from Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai, taking approximately 2.5 hours.
Ship to Andamans
Passenger ships depart from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam for Port Blair. Every month, there are about three or four sailings, with the ship docking in Port Blair and the journey lasting about 50 to 60 hours.
Weather
Through the summer and winter seasons, the weather is pleasant and the days are clear, though humid. It’s a good time to enjoy the attractions the Andamans are famous for – sightseeing, relaxing on the beach, and water sports. Both these seasons are the best times to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During the summer season, the temperature ranges from 24°C to 37°C in the month of April to June. During the monsoon season, the temperature ranges from 22°C to 35°C in the month of July to September, and during the winter season, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C in the month of October to March.
