If you want to experience the beauty of a sapphire-blue ocean, pearly beaches and emerald forests, there's a place that you simply can’t afford to miss - the Andaman Islands! Situated in the Indian Ocean, it is home to a few of the oldest tribes and the rarest marine species.
How to reach there: By Air:
Right now the Andamans is only connected to the Indian mainland. There are plans to start a route from Bangkok very soon. You can take a direct flight from three metro cities of India.
Delhi – Air Sahara
Kolkata – Air Deccan, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways
Chennai – Air Deccan, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways
Barring Air Deccan, all airlines charge foreigners more than they charge Indians.
By Ship:
If you want to enjoy the “Old Man and the Sea” moments, take a 3-day ship journey to Andaman. It costs anywhere between 3,000 to 6,000 Rs for a one side trip. Ships sail from Kolkata and Chennai.
Getting Around:
To go island hopping, you can avail of the ferries. To move on the islands, you can hire bikes/scooters or even cycles.
What to eat:
Seafood naturally! What else could you ask for in a land surrounded by water on all sides? You can get prawns, lobsters, shellfish etc. in all sizes. There are several eateries that let you choose live fish, which is cooked and served according to how you'd like it. There are eateries of all kinds to suit your budget and your palate. The prices range from as low as Rs. 100 to as high as Rs. 1000.
Where to Stay:
There are hotels, lodgings and guest houses for every budget. Some of the most popular are –
Bay Island
Fortune Bay
Andaman Residency
Palm Groove
Peerless Resorts
YMCA
Permits and other important things:
Non-Indians need permits to visit the Andamans which are issued on arrival at Port Blair. The permits can be extended to 15 days. Foreigners are not allowed in the Nicobar Islands.
Even Indian needs permission to go there, which is very rarely granted.
Try to avoid wearing bikinis and skimpy clothes other than on beaches as the local population is a bit conservative, like the rest of India.
Try to drink packaged water.
Places to visit:
There's no way anybody could describe the beauty of this place in mere words. It's one of those cases where YOU just need to be there to understand its beauty. Each island has its own unique charm, you can always find a spot that's "just for you".
Port Blair:
It is the only Entry-Exit point and houses the Airport. This is the center of the Administration and the most developed of the islands. It is connected to all the islands. The Ocean has all kinds of marine life in it. You will see all kinds of fish with so many vibrant colors that you'll feel like you're in the movie “Finding Nemo”. Don’t forget to visit the mini zoo - saltwater alligators are bred here.
Cellular Jail:
Situated in Port Blair, it is the silent witness to India’s freedom struggle. Many revolutionaries were confined here. It is like a huge Victorian edifice that sends you back to those times. You feel that any moment a jailer or a freedom fighter will walk out of the various solitary confinement cells.
There is a light and sound show in English at 7:15 pm, called “Son-el-Lumine”. It is a must-watch. Most Indians become very emotional after watching it as it covers the history of this infamous jail.
Water Sports Complex and Amusement Park:
It is situated in the North Western side of Port Blair and is open everyday between 2 pm and 5 pm. You can rent a water ski/scooter and rush off towards Ross Island. Parasailing is also very popular here. There is a calm and safe seawater pool for kids. Just beside the complex there is a newly opened amusement park that is a huge hit with kids. There are giant wheels and other attractions as well.
Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex:
This is the closest beach to Port Blair. You can take a taxi for as less as Rs. 50 from Port Blair. It will even wait for you to return back. It’s a wonderful place for sunbathing. The sea beach is utterly beautiful and surrounded by palm trees, giving it an almost Caribbean feeling.
Chatham Island:
Chatham Island is connected to Port Blair by a bride. You can take a bike or a taxi over the sea (yes, it's as fascinating as it sounds!) and see this place. It also houses one of the oldest and largest Saw Mills of Asia. You can go to Haddo harbor which is also very near. This island is also the head quarter of the state forest department.
Mahatma Gandhi National Park:
Around 30 km from Port Blair, it is made of open sea, creeks and various small islands. The coral and the marine life are one of the best in the whole world. Don’t forget to take the glass bottom boat rides. It’s also an excellent place to scuba dive and snorkel.
Chidiya Tapu (Bird’s island):
Take a one hour taxi ride (around 26 km) to this fascinating island which is the southernmost tip of Andaman. As the name suggests, this emerald green mangrove is full of birds of all varieties. It is an excellent place for family picnics. You can watch elephants carrying woods to the timber factory and the sunset is simply picture-perfect. If you want an overnight stay, head to the Forest rest house on the hillock. It also has Mt. Harriet which is the second highest peak in the Andamans.
Barren Island:
This is the house of India’s only active volcano. It is a haven for all the trekking enthusiasts. It’s not everyday that you get to trek on an active volcano, surrounded by an azure sea. This island is about 135 Kms. from Port Blair. The Volcano has a big crater, rising abruptly from the sea, about a half category from the shore and is about 150 fathoms deep. Regular board vessels ply from Port Blair and other islands.
Havelock Island:
This is an ideal place for camping. Surrounded by virgin beaches, this is also a honeymooner’s paradise. Try to get a cycle to visit this island. Don’t forget the Radhanagar Beach which was on the Time’s list of the 100 best beaches. Vijaynagar beach is also excellent. The guest house of the Tourism Department "Dolphin Resort" is available for tourists. Once you are in an adventurous mood, head for the Elephant Beach. Most people reach the beach by boat, but it's also possible to follow a trail that crosses a forest. The Elephant Beach is very nice for snorkeling.
Chinque, Jolly and Red Skin islands:
Around 40 km by sea from Port Blair, these are excellent spots for snorkeling as they provide a spectacular view underwater - coral gardens and unspoiled beaches, especially a sand bar joining it with Red Skin Island.
These islands are relatively less known; hence you will find the oceanic beauty nearly untouched. Just take a hammock and tie it to the palm trees. It is a sheer joy to hear the waves making soothing sounds. These three are a paradise for scuba diving, swimming, fishing and camping. These are all part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park.
Ross Island:
It was the administrative headquarter in the British period. There are many Victorian buildings here in this 0.6 km long island. One of the many attractions is the Naval Museum, named “Smudrika”. It has an impressive display of coral and shells, and a large relief map of the island's topography. There are deer and peacocks here in the forest. Don’t forget to watch the sunset. You can still see the Japanese bunkers built during the Second World War.
Neil Island:
The ocean surrounding this island has all shades of blue. With its lush green forests, fruits and unique vegetation, it is called the “Kitchen Garden” of the Andaman Islands. The shore here is shallow and full of corals. There are regular ferry services between the island and Port Blair. Also... don’t forget to visit Aberdeen market, the sunrise from Aberdeen Jetty, the Botanical Garden, Buddhist Monastery, Tower clock, Ramakrishna and Murugaon temples. It also boasts of a freshwater lake.
The ten degree channel:
This is what divides the Andamans from the forbidden Nicobar Islands. It is made of 28 islands which are like gems studded in the ocean.
The Andaman Islands are a mystery. It is up to the traveler to unravel it and find very personal memories to take back home. These islands have been mentioned in the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the science fiction writer, Poul Anderson.
It takes you into a world where you feel closest to nature and feel the paradise that it is. Just make sure you have enough days in you vacation trip because once you come here, you wont want to leave.
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