Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical paradise known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, rich marine life, and lush green forests. This breathtaking archipelago is one of India’s most scenic destinations, offering adventure, history, and relaxation in equal measure.

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for a serene getaway, these islands have something for everyone. Here are the

             Best places to visit in Andaman

 

1. Radhanagar Beach – Asia’s Most Beautiful Beach

Radhanagar Beach, located on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), is often ranked among the best beaches in Asia. With powdery white sand, clear blue waters, and mesmerizing sunsets, it is a paradise for nature lovers.

Distance and Travel Time:

• From Port Blair: 70 km
  • By Ferry: 2-2.5 hours
  • By Speedboat:5 hours
  • By Helicopter: 30 minutes

Best Time to Visit:

• October to May is the best time to visit, with clear skies and calm waters.

Food Facilities:

• Barefoot at Havelock: Offers seafood and Indian cuisine.
• Anju Coco Resto: Famous for continental dishes.
• Shacks along the beach serve fresh coconut water and snacks.

Activities:

• Swimming and sunbathing on the pristine shoreline.
• Photography at sunset for the most stunning beach views.
• Snorkeling to explore vibrant marine life.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
• Mid-Range: Silver Sand Beach Resort
• Budget: Dolphin Resort

Time to Spend:

• A full-day visit is recommended to enjoy the beach and sunset.

Shopping:

• Small local markets sell souvenirs, handicrafts, and pearl jewelry.

Photography:

• Capture the breathtaking sunset with the golden hues reflecting on the water.
• The lush greenery surrounding the beach creates a perfect backdrop.
• Early mornings offer less crowded beachscapes for Instagram-worthy shots.

Stay Duration:

• A 2-day stay is ideal to relax and explore nearby attractions.

Pro Tip:

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best photographs.

2. Cellular Jail – A Historic Landmark

Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is a historical site in Port Blair that once housed Indian freedom fighters during British rule. Now, it stands as a trademark of India’s battle for independence.

Distance and Travel Time:

• From Port Blair Airport: 5 km
  • By Car: 15 minutes
  • By Auto-Rickshaw: 20 minutes
  • By Bus: 25 minutes

Best Time to Visit:

• Open year-round, but the light and sound show is best viewed in the evening.

Food Facilities:

• New Lighthouse Restaurant: Famous for seafood.
• Annapurna Restaurant: Vegetarian-friendly.

Activities:

• Attend the light and sound show in the evening.
• Explore the museum showcasing prison history.
• Walk through the old jail cells where freedom fighters were imprisoned.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Fortune Resort Bay Island
• Mid-Range: Sinclairs Bayview
• Budget: Hotel Shompen

Time to Spend:

• 2-3 hours to explore the jail and watch the light show.

Shopping:

• Anthropological Museum gift shop sells history books and handicrafts.

Photography:

• Capture the eerie yet iconic jail structure.
• Evening shots of the illuminated jail make for a striking image.

Stay Duration:

• A 1-day visit is sufficient to explore the history of the place.

Pro Tip:

• Book light and sound show tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly.

3. Ross Island – The Abandoned British Capital

Ross Island, once the administrative headquarters of the British, is now an abandoned island with ruins overtaken by nature, giving it an eerie yet beautiful appeal.

Distance and Travel Time:

• From Port Blair: 2 km
  • By Boat: 15-20 minutes

Best Time to Visit:

• October to April for clear weather and scenic walks.

Food Facilities:

• No major restaurants, but local vendors sell snacks and drinks.

Activities:

• Explore British-era ruins covered in giant roots.
• Visit the deer park to spot free-roaming deer.
• Enjoy a scenic nature walk along the island.

Accommodation:

• No overnight stays allowed.

Time to Spend:

• A half-day visit is enough to explore the island.

Shopping:

• Small stalls sell souvenirs and handmade artifacts.

Photography:

• Capture hauntingly beautiful ruins overtaken by nature.

Stay Duration:

• Half-day trip is ideal.

Pro Tip:

• Wear comfortable shoes as the island requires walking.

4. North Bay Island – A Snorkeling & Scuba Paradise

North Bay Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it one of the best places for underwater activities in Andaman.

Distance and Travel Time:

• From Port Blair: 10 km
  • By Boat: 30 minutes

Best Time to Visit:

• October to May for the best underwater visibility.

Food Facilities:

• Small beachside shacks serve fresh seafood and coconut water.

Activities:

• Scuba diving and snorkeling for marine life exploration.
• Glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers.

Accommodation:

• Stay in Port Blair, as no accommodations are available on the island.

Time to Spend:

• A full-day trip is recommended.

Shopping:

• Local stalls sell shell jewelry and handicrafts.

Photography:

• Underwater shots of corals and marine life are a must.

Stay Duration:

• A day trip is ideal.

Pro Tip:

• Book scuba diving slots in advance for the best experience.

5. Baratang Island – A Journey into the Wild

 

Baratang Island is famous for its limestone caves, dense mangrove forests, and mud volcanoes.

Distance and Travel Time:

• From Port Blair: 100 km
  • By Car & Boat: 5 hours (including a boat ride through mangroves)

Best Time to Visit:

• October to April for smooth travel and pleasant weather.

Activities:

• Explore limestone caves and mangrove forests.
• Visit the only mud volcano in India.

Photography:

• Capture mystical caves and lush mangroves.

Stay Duration:

• 1-day visit is sufficient.

Pro Tip:

• Start early in the morning to avoid long ferry queues.

Conclusion

Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a mix of pristine beaches, history, and adventure. A 5-7 day trip is ideal for covering the best places.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Andaman?

October to May is the best season for sightseeing and water activities.

2. How to reach Andaman?

Flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai land at Port Blair

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