Andaman, also known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the entire world. That is why it is the subject of today’s travel spotlight.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are so famous for their tourist attractions that they actually hold a tourism festival every year in December. But that doesn’t make December the only decent time to travel here; in fact, there is beautiful weather and serene stretches of the beach throughout most of the year. When you travel to the Andaman Islands, you can enjoy a little bit of everything, from peace and serenity to fun and adventure.
Interested in visiting the Andaman Islands? Read more about the beautiful Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as things to do in the Andaman Islands that the whole family can enjoy!
Why Choose the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman Islands are home to the largest sea turtles and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Those aren’t just the only reasons to visit this beautiful area though. In fact, these islands are some of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in all of India.
Many people enjoy visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because of the beautiful sandy beaches and perfect blue water. There is also perfect weather and lots of sunshine throughout the year.
TIME Magazine once rated the islands as having the fourth-best beach in Asia.
How do You Travel to the Andaman Islands?
Travel to Andaman Islands is not very difficult. The best way to travel to the Andaman Islands is from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. There are many direct flights from surrounding cities including Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangaluru. You can even catch a flight from Delhi, although the flight will likely connect in Chennai or Kolkata. Within a few hours, you will arrive in the Andaman Islands.
If you are in the mood for a slower and more leisurely vacation, you can always travel by ship. There are ships leaving from surrounding cities that will arrive in Port Blair, Andaman Islands. It will take a couple of days to reach the Andaman Islands by ship.
Visitors who travel to Andaman can experience some of the most exotic natural sights that the world has to offer. There are several beach resorts, underwater events, hiking tours, elephant safaris, and much more to do in Andaman. If you and your family are interested in visiting this exotic and beautiful location, below is a list of some of the most popular and must-see places and activities to do while you’re there!
What are the Best Things to Do in the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for a reason. If travel to Andaman is on your to-do list, you may want to look into the following activities and attractions for you to enjoy:
Cellular Jail National Memorial
This former British prison is the most popular historic site in all of the Andaman Islands. Tourists can walk through the grounds of this former prison, which is over 100 years old. It is now a historical building and a well-preserved site that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
Snorkeling
This is one of the best spots in the world for snorkeling. You’ll find an entire world of life under the water. You can get up close and personal with sea turtles, colorful fish, and other rare marine life that you may not be able to see anywhere else.
Some of the best snorkeling locations include Elephant Beach and North Bay Island.
Dolphin Watching
Snorkeling gear or no, you have an opportunity to see some of the world’s most beloved animals: the dolphin! There are boat tours and other facilities where you can sign up to increase your chances of seeing one of these dolphins in action. The friendly animals will definitely come up to greet you and you can watch them play with each other in the water!
Mangrove Visit
Take a break from the beach and travel a bit more inland as you explore the lusher parts of the island. You can take a kayak through the mangrove trees and experience the wild, untamed jungle firsthand. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities to do in the Andaman Islands, and most people feel that they would be missing out if they visited the islands without going kayaking at least once.
Mangroves are unique trees that grow out of the water in swamp-like conditions and make homes for many different animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes.
Excel Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for food, you’ve come to the right place. The Excel Restaurant is located in Port Blair, and it sits just above the popular Lalaji Bay View Hotel, which is one of the most sought after destinations for a honeymoon package. Excel Restaurant sports a bamboo rooftop and a breathtaking ocean view. It serves casual fare such as burgers and fish, which is perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
For tourists who are passionate about nature and marine life, the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is a must-see destination. This professional museum is run by the Indian Navy and provides a stunning array of natural wildlife for guests to see.
The museum will give you a glimpse of just how diverse the Andaman Islands’ ecosystems are. At the museum, you will be able to see things such as exotic fish, underwater plants, and exhibits that talk about the native populations of the island. It is a great destination for anyone who is new to the area.
Glass-Bottom Boats
If you haven’t had enough of marine life, you can also sign up to go on a glass-bottom boat tour. This is a fun opportunity to see what’s under the water without having to put on your snorkeling or scuba diving gear. Plus, it’s fun and totally safe for the whole family!
One of the most popular things to do in the Andaman Islands is to sit on a glass-bottom boat, which will take you out to see and you can look down and enjoy the sights under the water. Port Blair and Jolly Buoy Island are both great places to take one of these boat tours.
Light and Sound Shows
Go back to the Cellular Jail after you have toured the historic halls and cells, and sign up to attend the Light & Sound Show. This show has received national Indian acclaim for its retelling of the struggle to free India. The show includes stories about prisoners in the jail as well as other national tales. It’s a great form of entertainment and something that you won’t be able to find anywhere else on the planet.
Rubber Plantations
Rubber trees are plentiful in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to say the least. You can go on a guided tour that will take you through these rubber tree farms, where you can see acres and acres of these trees. You will also be able to learn about the manufacturing process and how rubber trees are turned into rubber sheets and used for a variety of things around the world.
There are also clove, betel, and cinnamon trees here, so be sure to do some sniffing around! Oh, and the best part? Taking the tour is free!
Little Andaman Lighthouse
If you’re interested in beautiful hiking trails and stunning walking excursions, visit the Little Andaman Lighthouse. It is the perfect destination for this travel package, as it offers history, adventure, and more. The lighthouse measures 41 meters high, and guests can take the 200 spiral stairs up to the very top. While the trek is long, the breathtaking view of the ocean and forest is well worth the journey. You can book a motorcycle or bike ride up to the lighthouse, and then walk the remainder of the way. You can also take a short walking trip down to the deserted beach below – who knows what old historical artifacts and remnants you may find!
Kalapathar Beach
The beautiful thing about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is that they are part of an archipelago, which means there are many small islands and beaches to explore. Many of them are even barren or uninhabited by people! This makes for many cool opportunities for travelers to find something new, or to traverse upon a deserted beach as part of a cool adventure.
Kalapathar Beach is just one of the many small beaches that you can explore on your own free time. Walk along the beach, swim in the waters, or just enjoy a relaxing view.
Sea Turtle Nesting
Did we mention that the Andaman Islands are home to the largest sea turtles in the world? It’s true! But they don’t just have big turtles, they have many turtles. You can witness something incredible called sea turtle nesting, which happens in December and early January. This is the gestation period for the turtles, who come to the beach to lay their eggs. You can watch as thousands upon thousands of sea turtles make their way up the beaches to find spots to lay eggs in the sand.
And a little while later, you can watch the millions of baby sea turtles hatching from eggs and traveling towards the sea as fast as they can.
Vibrant Night Life
Believe it or not, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are full of nightlife. After you’ve spent a day on the beach, start the evening by visiting one of the local bars or pubs. You can find places such as Full Moon Cafe, Nemo Cafe, and Pink Fly Lounge Bar which stay open late and offer plenty of things for adults to do.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are probably the only place where you can go both bar hopping and beach hopping!
Real Volcano Exploration
Want to get a taste of a real volcano? Visit the mud volcanoes in Andaman for an out-of-this-world (but more like inside-the-planet) experience. These volcanoes reside on Baratang Island, and some of them remain active. They tend to release natural gases and other hot substances, giving the serenity and natural beauty of the islands a whole new meaning.
This is something fun and unique to do if you have never explored a volcano before. There is no entry fee to sign up, and it’s only a quick excursion so it gives you plenty of time to do other things throughout your day!
Plan Your Travel Package Today!
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the most breathtaking locations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The pristine beaches, clear blue waters, lush jungles, and beautiful weather patterns can make just about anyone fall in love with this place.
Not to mention, there are so many things to do in the Andaman Islands that are well worth your time. When you travel to Andaman, you should prepare for an exclusive and unforgettable experience. It is a great destination whether you are traveling on a romantic getaway or planning a family vacation with the kids.
Andaman tour packages from Kolkata are affordable and well worth the experience. The islands are home to some of the most unique tribal groups, ecosystems, and marine life in the world. Get a taste of paradise with the sprawling forests, long hiking trails, preserved beaches, and historical buildings. It will definitely be a trip to remember!
