Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Discover Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of nearly 600 islands in the Bay of Bengal. Although part of India politically, they are closer to Indonesia and Myanmar than to the Indian mainland. Most people come here for the beaches and scuba diving, especially on Havelock Island and Neil Island. In 2018, many islands were officially renamed. The new names have not been widely adopted, but are listed below in parentheses.
What to Experience in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
brown wooden house on green body of water during daytime
Beautiful beach in the Andaman Islands.
a small island with several boats in the water
Amazing Islands before Coronavirus got bad. Instagram: @Tatonomusic
Rose Island - Andaman Nicobar
an island in the middle of the ocean
A sandy beach with palm trees and blue water
aerial photography of road by trees and and shore during daytime
Light house
Please follow me on Instagram @amits_pictography
Taste of Andaman and Nicobar Islands...
Seafood is the order of the day. From upscale restaurants in Port Blair to local dhabas on Havelock, fish abounds. Be prepared to pay a little more for good fish and seafood dishes than for standard Indian food, but it's well worth it. Basic Indian food is also available, and as cheap as on the mainland in most of the small dhabas. Resort restaurants on Havelock can also whip up a limited set of more or less Western dishes, but the resort restaurants are pretty expensive by Indian standards. The
Location & Landscape
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stretch out almost 500 km in length, with the Andamans in the north and the Nicobars in the south. The main island, aptly known as Great Andaman, is divided into three parts: North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. The capital Port Blair is on South Andaman. The main spoken languages are Hindi, Tamil and Bengali. Telugu and English are widely understood by the inhabitants of the islands that are open to tourism. Nicobarese is the mother tongue of the Nico
Climate
Mid-January to mid-May has the best weather, and often the best diving conditions. The days are mostly sunny at this time of year, and the sea is sometimes flat enough to reflect the clouds. The monsoon usually hits around late May and lasts until the end of July. This is probably the worst time to visit the islands as there are strong winds, frequent rain and low visibility underwater. From August to November there are some occasional showers and slightly rougher seas but diving can still be great during this period of the year. The weather often takes a turn for the worse from the month of D
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSince 2018, foreigners except citizens and former citizens of Afghanistan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Pakistan can visit 30 islands in the Andamans, including basically all of those commonly visited by tourists, without a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This includes South Andaman Island, Middle Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserves), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine Natio...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The Andaman and Nicobar is a vast archipelago, and aside from some erratic, infrequent and expensive helicopter shuttles and a pricey seaplane service to Havelock Island, passenger ferries are the only way to move between the islands. All passenger transport in the islands is handled by the government-run Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), which also runs the ferries back to the mainland. The DSS operates two kinds of vessels: small "tourist" ferries, and larger "local" ferries. Despite the
Where to Stay
There are a variety of hotels around the islands which are run by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism. You can book all A&N tourism hotels in person at A&N tourism in Port Blair, by phone on ☏ +91 3192 232694, or by email on accomodationand.nic.in (but they do not have access to email). Hours are 8:30-11AM, 2-4PM. The Andamans are a fairly safe destination. Tourism is still in its early stages which makes it almost hassle free. The Andaman Islands are, however, the home of some of the last uncontacted tri
Money & Budget
In Port Blair, you will find main shopping centre offering variety of seashell and coral souvenirs. Aberdeen Bazaar is considered as a prime commercial centre which houses various government approved shops such as Khadi Udyog outlets and Cottage Industries Emporium. Apart from the main shopping centre, some other shopping places to explore include Prem Nagar, Machi Lane, Delanipur, Goalghar, Phoen
Language & Talk
The main spoken languages are Hindi, Tamil and Bengali. Telugu and English are widely understood by the inhabitants of the islands that are open to tourism. Nicobarese is the mother tongue of the Nicobar Islands and is understood by the tribes. Foreigners can hire a guide to communicate with local people. Most of the guides work as volunteers and have been serving tourists for many years. Since 20
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The Andamans are a fairly safe destination. Tourism is still in its early stages which makes it almost hassle free. The Andaman Islands are, however, the home of some of the last uncontacted tribes of Eurasia. These tribes have resisted becoming a part of the globally connected world for a long time. The most famous example is the Sentinelese tribe, whose home is North Sentinel Island. They maintain their sovereignty over the island, and reject contact with the outside world. They have killed people who tried to contact them, and may shoot arrows at approaching boats. Saltwater crocodiles are
Glimpses of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
brown wooden house on green body of water during daytime
Beautiful beach in the Andaman Islands.
a small island with several boats in the water
Amazing Islands before Coronavirus got bad. Instagram: @Tatonomusic
Rose Island - Andaman Nicobar
an island in the middle of the ocean
A sandy beach with palm trees and blue water
aerial photography of road by trees and and shore during daytime
Light house
Please follow me on Instagram @amits_pictography
brown wooden house on green body of water during daytime
Beautiful beach in the Andaman Islands.
a small island with several boats in the water