Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
By: Pinki Sat, 29 Apr 2023 7:16:12
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a popular tourist destination located in the Bay of Bengal. The archipelago comprises of over 570 islands, with only a few of them being open to tourists. The islands are known for their scenic beauty, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural heritage.
The islands offer a range of activities for tourists, including water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the coral reefs and spot exotic fish, turtles, and other marine creatures. The islands are also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where visitors can see a range of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also rich in history and culture, and visitors can explore the historic sites and museums that tell the story of India's struggle for independence and the cultural heritage of the indigenous tribes that live on the islands. The islands have a unique mix of Indian and Southeast Asian culture, and visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, music, and dance. If you are planning a trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, here are 10 places that you must visit.
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is located on Havelock Island, which is around 54 km from Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Radhanagar Beach is known for its white sand, turquoise blue waters, and stunning sunset views.
The beach stretches over 2.5 km and is surrounded by lush green forests, which adds to its natural beauty. The sand at Radhanagar Beach is soft and powdery, making it perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach is also ideal for swimming, as the water is clear and calm, and there are no strong currents or waves.
Radhanagar Beach is also a popular destination for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, corals, and sea turtles. Visitors can explore the underwater world and witness the vibrant marine ecosystem up close.
The beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, which are a must-see for visitors. The sky at Radhanagar Beach transforms into a beautiful canvas of colors, making it a perfect setting for romantic walks and evening strolls.
Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, is a historic prison located in Port Blair. The jail was built by the British colonial rulers in 1906 and was used to incarcerate political prisoners who were fighting for India's independence.
The jail is a three-story building made of brick and stone, with seven wings radiating from a central watchtower. Each wing has three floors and around 700 cells, which were designed to isolate prisoners and prevent them from communicating with each other.
The prison was notorious for its harsh conditions and treatment of prisoners. The cells were small, dark, and cramped, with no ventilation or natural light. The prisoners were subjected to forced labor, torture, and even execution.
Despite the difficult conditions, the prison became a center of resistance and rebellion against the British colonial rule. Many of India's freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Bhagat Singh, were incarcerated at Cellular Jail.
Today, Cellular Jail has been converted into a national memorial, and visitors can tour the building and learn about India's struggle for independence. The jail also houses a museum that displays artifacts and photographs related to India's freedom struggle.
One of the main attractions of the jail is the sound and light show, which is held every evening. The show tells the story of India's freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by its leaders and revolutionaries.
Ross Island
Ross Island is a beautiful and historic destination located near Port Blair.The island is named after British marine surveyor, Sir Daniel Ross, who surveyed the area in the 19th century.
Ross Island was once the administrative headquarters of the British colonial rulers in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island was developed into a luxurious settlement, complete with bungalows, a ballroom, a church, a hospital, and even a water treatment plant.
Today, Ross Island has been abandoned and is maintained by the Indian Navy. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush green forests, and historic ruins.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the British settlement, including the ballroom, the church, and the hospital. The ruins are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the colonial architecture and way of life.
Ross Island is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including deer, peacocks, and exotic birds. Visitors can take a walk through the island's dense forests and enjoy the natural beauty.
One of the main attractions of Ross Island is the Light and Sound Show, which is held every evening. The show tells the story of the island's history and the struggles of the people who lived there.
Baratang Island
Baratang Island is a beautiful and remote island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago. The island is known for its natural beauty, unique attractions, and secluded beaches.
One of the main attractions of Baratang Island is the mud volcanoes. The mud volcanoes are unique geological formations that spew out a mixture of mud and gas. Visitors can take a short trek through the forest to reach the mud volcanoes and witness the natural phenomenon.
Another popular attraction on Baratang Island is the limestone caves. The caves are located deep in the forest and can only be reached by boat. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and witness the unique limestone formations inside the caves.
Baratang Island is also home to some of the most secluded and pristine beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visitors can relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
The island is also a great place for adventure activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can explore the island's marine life and witness the vibrant coral reefs and exotic fish species.
Baratang Island is a remote destination, and visitors need to take a ferry or a speedboat from Port Blair to reach the island. The island is also home to several indigenous tribes, and visitors are required to follow strict rules and regulations while visiting the island.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park located in Wandoor in the South Andaman district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The park was established in 1983 and is named after Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation of India. The park is spread over an area of 281.5 square kilometers and is located about 29 kilometers from Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The park is famous for its rich marine life, coral reefs, and exotic underwater flora and fauna. It is home to over 50 species of coral and more than 400 species of fish. The park is also home to several species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle, which are endangered species.
The park offers various activities to visitors, including snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and trekking. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands, as the park is home to several islands, including Jolly Buoy Island, Red Skin Island, and Cinque Island.
Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Forest Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to visit the park. The best time to visit the park is from December to April when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm, making it perfect for water activities.
Anthropological Museum
Anthropological Museum is a museum located in the capital city of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum was established in 1975 and is dedicated to showcasing the rich culture and history of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The museum has a large collection of artifacts, photographs, and models that provide insights into the lifestyle, customs, and beliefs of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum's exhibits include tools and weapons used by the tribes for hunting and fishing, traditional costumes, musical instruments, and jewelry.
One of the major highlights of the museum is the life-size model of the Great Andamanese tribe, which gives visitors a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle. The museum also has a section dedicated to the Jarawas, one of the tribes that still live in isolation in the Andaman Islands.
The Anthropological Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The museum also serves as a resource center for researchers and scholars interested in studying the culture and history of the tribes.
The museum is open to visitors from 9 am to 1 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is nominal, and visitors are not allowed to take photographs inside the museum.
North Bay Island
North Bay Island is a small island located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is situated about 42 kilometers away from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs.
North Bay Island is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea anemones, and sea turtles.
One of the major attractions of North Bay Island is the lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea.
North Bay Island can be reached by boat from Port Blair, and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes. The best time to visit the island is between November and April when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for water activities.
North Bay Island is also a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is a protected area and home to a variety of marine life. Visitors to North Bay Island can combine their trip with a visit to the park to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is a small village located on the southernmost tip of the South Andaman Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is also known as the "Bird Island" as it is home to a wide variety of bird species, including endemic species like the Andaman Drongo, Andaman Serpent Eagle, and Andaman Woodpecker.
Chidiya Tapu is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The village is surrounded by lush green forests, mangroves, and coconut plantations, making it a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The beach at Chidiya Tapu is also known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Visitors can also indulge in activities like trekking, snorkeling, and swimming. The trek to the Munda Pahad, also known as the Black Mountain, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Chidiya Tapu is located about 25 kilometers from Port Blair, and visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village. The best time to visit Chidiya Tapu is between October and April when the weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm, making it perfect for water activities.
Neil Island
Neil Island is also known as Shaheed Dweep and is named after James George Smith Neill, a British soldier who served in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Neil Island is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, and coral reefs. The island is relatively untouched by commercialization and offers visitors a peaceful and serene environment to relax and unwind.
Some of the popular attractions on Neil Island include the Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. These beaches are known for their pristine beauty and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can also go on a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the colorful marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island.
Neil Island is also home to a variety of plantations, including banana, papaya, and coconut plantations. Visitors can take a walk through the lush green forests and plantations and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the island.
The island can be reached by taking a ferry from Port Blair, which takes around two hours. The best time to visit Neil Island is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.
Barren Island
Barren Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Andaman Sea, about 135 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the only active volcano in the South Asian region and is one of the few active volcanoes in India.
Barren Island is known for its dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystem. The island is covered with black sand and ash, and its slopes are barren and rugged. The volcano on the island is still active, and visitors can witness smoke and ash emanating from the crater.
Visitors are not allowed to land on the island due to safety concerns. However, tourists can take a boat ride around the island to witness the volcanic activity and the stunning natural beauty of the island.
Barren Island is also home to a variety of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and sea turtles. The waters around the island are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing visitors to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Visitors can take a day trip to Barren Island from Port Blair. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and visitors are required to obtain permission from the Forest Department and the Coast Guard before embarking on the trip. The best time to visit Barren Island is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.
