The Andaman Islands, known as the island of blue water, is a land of green mountains floating like cotton on the horizon. This archipelago of silver sand and blue water was once known as Kalapani to the British. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are formed with 572 small and large islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
The Andamans are made up of some northern islands, and the capital of this part is Port Blair. Nicobar is formed with the southern island, and the capital of Nicobar is called Kar Nicobar. The only international airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is located in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman. This small, tiny, and beautiful airport is called the Veer Savarkar Airport.
What to see in the Andaman Islands
Apart from colorful fish in the open sea, and coral water sports, the Andaman Islands have Barren Island, India’s only living volcano, and Cellular Jail and Viper Island, reminders of the freedom movement. Viper Island has a 14-story lighthouse. From the top of the lighthouse, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also visit Port Blair, the capital city of the islands. This beautiful and well-organized city is built around the sea and mountains.
One can visit Andaman’s beautiful Ross Island, which was once known as the Paris of the East for its natural beauty and luxurious living facilities.
Radhanagar Beach located on Havelock Island has been considered the best beach in Asia in a survey by Time magazine. It has blue water, white sand, dense forests, and dreamy ocean beaches with blue skies. The ferries depart daily from Phoenix-Bay Jetty in Port Blair to Havelock. If necessary, you can contact: 03192-231794.
Andaman’s Blue Island is famous for its living corals. This small island is sparsely populated so tourists can easily enjoy the beauty of corals and colorful fishes. Ships from Havelock to Neil Island depart daily at 3 pm.
Long Island is a very popular place for tourists to see dolphins. North Bay Island has scuba diving and various water sports facilities. Additionally, if you have time, you can visit Kachal Island, which is famous for its biodiversity and sea bathing.
Timings and Permits for Visiting the Andaman Islands
November to March is the ideal time to visit the Andaman Islands. All foreign tourists need special permission to enter Andaman. There is a facility to get this permission at Andaman Airport or Seaport very easily. However, there are government restrictions on travel to Nicobar for general tourists.
How to Go
The Andaman Island is accessible from almost all Indian airports. It takes 4 days to go to Andaman by sea, i.e., by ship. There are ferry services to Andaman from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai. There are 3 to 4 monthly ships from Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair. And there is one ship a month from Visakhapatnam. So, if you want to go from here, you have to collect tickets a month in advance.
Office Address & Phone Number of Shipping Corporation of India Limited
Kolkata Office: Shipping House, 13 Strand Road, Kolkata-700001, Phone: 033-22482354, 22488013.
Chennai Office: Jawahar Building, Rajaji Sandai, Chennai-600001, Phone: 044-25231401.
Mumbai Office: APK House, 5th Floor, Dinsa Wacha Road, Mumbai-400020, Phone: 022-22822101, 22823316.
Port Blair Office: Aberdeen Bazaar, Port-Blair-744101, Phone: 03192-233590/233916.
Where Will You Stay
The Andaman Islands have numerous hotels, guest houses, and cottages of varying quality for overnight stays. But many budget hotels don’t want to accommodate tourists. If you want to stay in a budget hotel here, you have to spend 500 to 700 rupees.
Some Other Essential Information on Traveling to the Andaman Islands
- Keep the necessary documents and medicines with you.
- Book ferry tickets to the islands in advance.
- In case of bad weather, sailings may be canceled without prior notice.
- Contact the agency for ship-tickets.
- Taking pictures of the Jarawas is strictly prohibited. There are legal penalties if caught.
- There are ATMs in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island.
- If you buy souvenirs from Andaman, keep the bill with you.
- Do not bring anything natural.
