Top places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and things to do

Andaman and Nicobar islands are located in the Indian Archipelago. These islands are home to some of the most scenic beaches in the Bay of Bengal and also house many indigenous tribes. The islands attract a lot of tourists both from the Indian mainland and from abroad. The pleasant weather and the breathtaking landscape make these islands the perfect abode for tourists hoping to have a quiet getaway. 

You can reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

By Air:– To reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by air, you can travel to Port Blair Airport, which is connected by both international and domestic airports in and outside India. This is the only airport available in Andaman. 

By Waterways:- Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be easily reached by Waterways. You can easily reach Port Blair and other islands from the Indian ports of Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. 

13 best tourist places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and things to do

If you are someone who wants to visit these islands, take a look at these top Andaman tourist places and charter the perfect itinerary for yourself. 

Havelock Island 

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Havelock Island, or Swaraj Dweep, is part of Ritchie’s Archipelago and is located in the Andamans. This island is a popular place to visit in Andaman where you can find a wide variety of luxury resorts. The amazing tourist attractions of the island include Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach. The island has a rich forested interior and is home to many flora and fauna species. You can take a complete guided tour of the island and relax at the beach after a long day in the sun. You can also explore the various restaurants located on the island, which serve some delicious cuisines. 

See also: Top 15 tourist places in Pondicherry

Ross Island

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Ross Island is also known as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and is located in the South Andaman administrative district. The island lies at a distance of 3 km from Port Blair. The island houses historic ruins and is a top place among the places to visit in Andaman. The island receives millions of people who come here to enjoy the crystal clear ocean and the marine life which is sustained in these blue waters. You can take a day trip to the island to explore its premises and enjoy basking in the sun at the beach. Additionally, at low tide, a Lighthouse located on the island can be visited and explored by all tourists. 

Port Blair

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Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and is located in the South district. The island opens into the Bay of Bengal and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island also holds great historical importance since it contains the Cellular Jail. The jail had imprisoned many famous Indian freedom fighters and now serves as a memorial for these Indian independence activists. Additionally, you can also visit the top places to visit in Port Blair, like Chidiatapu, Wandoor, museums, and Corbyn’s Cove Beach. There are plenty of hotels, resorts, and visiting places in Port Blair so you can stay back and enjoy the beauty of the ocean from the island.

North Bay Island 

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North Bay Island is one of the most popular Andaman places to visit in the region. It is located near Port Blair. North Bay is among the top places to visit in Port Blair due to its rich natural beauty and a wide variety of watersport activities. This secluded island can be combined in a day trip along with Ross Island and North Bay. The island is most famous for snorkelling and sea walks which are the top tourist attractions here. You can also opt to lay back at the beach and enjoy the breathtaking sunset after completing a hectic tour. There are plenty of street food stalls nearby, so you can try some delicious seafood snacks while lying at the beach. This beach is fast becoming a popular Andaman Nicobar tourist place.

Neil Island

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Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep is an island which lies in Ritchie’s Archipelago. Situated in the South Andaman administrative district, the island lies only 36 km away from the capital city of Port Blair. Tourists can take public cruise rides to the island and even opt to stay back at the hotels, which would give them a chance to explore the island in great detail. When at Neil island, some of the notable places to visit in Neil Island are Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Natural Bridge. Bharatpur Beach also offers snorkelling activities to explore the nearby coral reefs. 

Viper Island

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Viper Island is an island situated in the South Andaman district of Andaman. Located close to Port Blair’s harbour, the place can be reached from the Phoenix Bay jetty pretty easily. The Harbor Cruise takes passengers and tourists to this historical island every day of the year. The island is considered haunted because it houses the gallows, which were used by the British to execute Indian freedom fighters. The island is actually very pretty, and the ruined gallows can be explored when you visit the island. There are not many places to stay here, so you need to come back to Port Blair or travel elsewhere to spend the night.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

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Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park situated near Wandoor in the South Andaman administrative district. The park was established on the 4th of May 1983 to protect the Andaman Islands’ marine life. The park seeks to protect and conserve the sea turtles which come here to nest. The area is mainly divided into the Labyrinth Islands and the Twin Islands. These are protected areas, but tourists are allowed to explore certain premises and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Timings: Tuesday-Sunday; 9 AM to 3 PM

Boating timings: 8:30 AM to 10 AM

Entry Fees: 

• Rs 50 for Adults 
• Rs 25 for Children
• Rs 500 for Foreigners

Camera fee: Rs 25

Red Skin Island: Rs 300 per person

Jolly Buoy Island: Rs 650 per person

Chidiya Tapu

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Chidiya Tapu is another small and quaint island which is located in the Andamans. The island is one of the top Andaman tourist places and is perfect for people who want to enjoy sunsets in a serene location. The island, as its name suggests, is home to a wide variety of migratory birds which come here to nest in the winters. There are a few mangrove patches around, and you can go bird-watching on these actions as well. There are no residences located on the island, but it is ideal for a quick tour during sunset when the entire island is painted orange from the setting sun.

Baratang Island

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Baratang Island is located in the North and Middle Andaman administrative district and lies only 150 km from Port Blair. The island is among the top places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to its spectacular mangrove forests and backwaters. Additionally, the limestone caves and mud water volcanoes on the island also make it one of the best places to visit in Andaman. You can opt for a kayak or a boat to sail through these mangrove forests and then move on to the limestone caves located nearby.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling 

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Scuba diving and snorkelling activities are the best way to experience the ocean and marvel at the various creatures which have found their home here. You can opt for scuba diving if you are a good swimmer and can even avail a trainer who will help you out before you participate in the activity. Additionally, there are also snorkelling facilities available for people who want to enjoy the beauty of the ocean with their families. You can go snorkelling at Havelock Island and plenty of guides are available who will take you through the ocean floor.

Boating and Kayaking 

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Boating and sailing are definitely among the top things to do in Andaman. The beautiful green water and the serene environment make it perfect to go Boating in the ocean. Glass-bottomed boats are also available for people who want to explore the coral reefs without stepping into the water. These boats are available on most islands, so you can take a ride in each of these places. Additionally, you can also opt for kayaking activities at Baratang Island, which will take you through the calm backwaters of this beautiful island.

Parasailing

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Parasailing is a common watersport available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Parasailing is an adventure water sport which has a huge fan base and allows people to explore the ocean from the air. It is way cheaper than Skydiving, which is why it is still among the top things to do in Andaman. You will be provided proper gear and given the training to make the experience smoother. When in the Andamans, this experience is something you should not miss out on. Parasailing activities are available in Port Blair and North Bay Island. 

Local Cuisines

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When visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you must try their local cuisines and delicacies. Andaman and Nicobar have some really good seafood restaurants which serve a wide variety of delectable cuisines. You can even opt for vegetarian options as plenty of them are available. You can try local seafood preparations or even taste continental and Caribbean cuisines, depending on your preference. Some of the top restaurants and eateries to visit in Andaman and Nicobar are Andaman Kitchen, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Anju Coco Resto, Fat Martin, AMAYA, Hotel Kattabomman, and Something Different – A Beachside Cafe.

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