Major Airports:
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
Andaman and Nicobar Island
Major Airports:
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
The tropical paradise
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide an idyllic blend of palm-fringed beaches, white sands stretches extending for miles, unperturbed serenity and crystal-clear turquoise waters that epitomize 'Tropical Paradise.' Situated in the Bay of Bengal, this destination comprises nearly 300 islands; while some have been developed for tourism purposes while some remain uninhabited to preserve their untouched natural beauty. Whether you're seeking lively crowds on lively beaches, delicious seafood delights or tranquil shores immersed in nature - this destination has something for all!
Nature, adventure and wildlife await!
Andaman offers attractions and experiences sure to please nature enthusiasts, adventure enthusiasts, or wildlife fans of all kinds. Swaraj Dweep (previously Havelock Island), known for its powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters will entice visitors. Shaheed Dweep (formerly Neil Island), an undiscovered jewel within the Andaman archipelago will enthrall you with its unspoiled natural beauty and breathtaking beaches like Bharatpur Laxmanpur Sitapur Beaches.
Head to Corbyn's Cove for sunbathing and leisurely swims among coconut palm-fringed shores, perfect for relaxing or taking advantage of leisurely waters to unwind! Or visit Baratang Island and witness its limestone caves! North Bay Island, Port Blair's premier water sports destination, provides activities including scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides, making it the top pick among aquatic adventures. Rangat offers nature enthusiasts a peaceful retreat; Cutbert Bay Beach at Rangat serves as an important turtle breeding site!
Andaman's Bird Island (Chidiya Tapu), is an eco-park that offers prime birdwatching conditions. Just 29 kilometres west of Port Blair is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park with open sea, winding creeks, and 15 captivating islands to explore. For stunning vistas venture 55km by road (or 15km via ferry) west from Port Blair towards Mount Harriet where the highest peak in South Andaman stands tall at an astounding 365m and provides breathtaking panoramic views over nearby islands and an expansive sea beyond!
Fisheries Museum is an essential stop for marine enthusiasts and nature lovers, featuring over 350 marine species found throughout Asia-Pacific region. Explore Andaman's natural wonders and diverse wildlife for an unforgettable experience.
Prominent heritage sites you can’t miss
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold great historical importance. British presence was established on Chatham Island - now the city of Port Blair on these islands. Port Blair boasts of its magnificent Cellular Jail - The National Memorial, where India's freedom struggle resonates within its formidable walls, creating an unforgettable journey through time. Nearby Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep (formerly Ross Island) once served as a British colony's headquarters and stands today as an evocative reminder of that time with its crumbling remains. As you travel between Wandoor (Jolly Bouy Island) and Baratang Islands, the "Balidan Vedi," the State Martyrs Memorial bears witness to Japanese control and brutality. Additionally, during his visit Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose raised his flag on free Indian soil for the first time here - today this place is known as Netaji Flag Hoisting Memorial.
Param Vir Chakra Memorial in Marina Park stands out as an impressive tribute to all 21 recipients of Param Veer Chakra awards, while Aberdeen, once an active commercial hub under British rule, now offers an enchanting heritage walk of 1 km that starts from Netaji Club Ground and leads you along cultural insights, oral history stories and local stories, including stops at Clock Tower, Police Temple, Police Masjid/Mandir/Barrack Lane/Andaman Club before ending at Development Commissioner Bungalow - exploring their captivating history and culture while exploring these remarkable islands!
Craftworks that can be souvenirs
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to an abundance of artistic creations from local artisans using coconut shells as raw material to craft stunning decorative items such as table lamps, finger bowls and unique jewellery items. One of the captivating attractions for tourists is watching skilled artisans craft functional crossbows made out of wooden beams with grooves and iron loops to secure arrows and a quiver. Cane and bamboo craftsmanship are also abundant here, often created by talented craftspeople from Kerala or Andhra Pradesh. Cane baskets are highly prized and intricately handwoven from thin twigs, reflecting the island's natural beauty. Furthermore, beaches around the islands feature abundance of seashells transformed into stunning articles of art by local artisans and woodcraft and palm mats which showcase local artisans. Admire and take away one or more unique creations as souvenirs during your trip!
A feast for the senses
Andaman and Nicobar Islands cuisine is delightful and heavily dependent upon marine resources for sustenance, particularly seafood, which plays an essential part in local dishes alongside an abundance of tropical fruits. Curried Prawns from Bay of Bengal Enjoying Andaman Island King Prawns in a delicious red and yellow curry is an exquisite experience, while relishing lobster prepared with parsley, butter, chili flakes, and cloves is another delicious delight that is easily available at local eateries. Biryanis made of marinated chicken or vegetables layered between aromatic basmati rice layers are another culinary treat topped off with fragrant saffron aroma to complete the experience!
Celebrations of the tribes
Every year, Andaman and Nicobar administration hosts the Island Tourism Festival; an exciting 10-day festival that brings festive energy and celebration across its islands. This amazing event boasts cultural wealth and excitement, featuring dance performances, drama shows, exhibitions, art displays, aqua sports activities, and parasailing excursions. Block Mela is an invaluable opportunity to witness rural life and its progress across Diglipur during January and February. Here you can witness first-hand how rural areas have transformed thanks to unique contributions by rural dwellers to islands' development. Additionally, Vivekananda Mela and Subhash Mela held annually on birth anniversaries of Swami Vivekananda and Subhash Chandra Bose hold great cultural and historical significance and make for memorable events to attend in January.
DESTINATIONS
for every bucket list
Sri Vijaya Puram
Rangat
Attractions
worth a thousand stories
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
For the sake of protecting aquatic flora and fauna - such as dugongs and giant sea turtles - commercial fishing has been banned within Andaman waters in order to safeguard these creatures.
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
On Barren Island, roughly 135 kms south of Port Blair, lies Asia's only active volcano: Barren Volcano first erupted in 1787 before more recently releasing an eruption that spanned six months in 2010. Since then it has released smaller bursts of lava.
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
In certain areas of South and Middle Andaman Islands, the nomadic Jarawa tribe has been designated protected. Their population ranges between 250 to 400 individuals; any attempts at engagement with this group, who typically avoid outside contact altogether, is illegal and any attempt at engagement with them should be treated accordingly.
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
Hermit crabs (Birgus Latro) are among the largest known land-dwelling anthropods and commonly referred to as coconut crabs, robber crabs or palm thieves. Andaman Islands boast the highest population of these crustaceans.
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
The leatherback sea turtle holds the distinction of being one of the largest living reptiles. Each year, hundreds of leatherback sea turtles come to shore - adult ones typically range between 1 and 1.75 meters in length and 250 to 700 kilograms. To put their size into perspective: adult leatherback sea turtles usually measure between 1-1.75 meters long and weight 250-700 kilograms.
A trove of
fascinating facts
A trove of
fascinating facts
Andaman Islands' are famous for the sight of bubbling mud volcanoes found only on Baratang Island, India. Created through chemical reactions between water and gases beneath the surface, these unique geological features occasionally erupting as an interesting geological feature.