Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Adventure, nature & culture beckon

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are popular amongst Indian and foreign tourists

Located in the southern Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are tiny jewels of islands hidden roughly 1,400 km off the south-eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent.

Adorned with pristine beaches and a whole lot of history and adventure, this archipelago of over 300 islands is a must-visit for both domestic and international travellers.

The islands are renowned for their white sandy beaches embraced by palm trees, mangrove swamps, and tropical rainforests. While on my way back home from an East Asian nation, I decided to spend a few days here before going back to work. Although every island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is unique and beautiful in its own way,  travellers may consider adding the following must-visit places to their itineraries.

Havelock Island

The pure natural beauty of Havelock Island and its tranquil atmosphere attract tourists from around the world

To begin with, Havelock Island’s pure natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere attract tourists from all over. Its silky sand beaches, clear water, rich reefs, and lush woodlands make it a beautiful destination. One of the best locations for diving in Andaman, you can reach Havelock in a 90-minute catamaran ride from Port Blair, the capital of the archipelago. The picturesque Radhanagar Beach is located on the island’s southern coast, and Vijayanagar Beach, with its azure beauty, is located on the island’s eastern coast. Two more places with spectacular sunrises and sunsets are Elephant Beach and Kalapather Beach. These islands offer a variety of exhilarating adventure activities and water sports that visitors regularly enjoy.

Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail a historic colonial jail located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andamans have a long and deep association with India’s freedom struggle. The Cellular Jail, often referred to as “Kala Pani,” is a historic colonial jail located in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The prison complex is acknowledged as a national memorial monument that depicts the experiences of political prisoners during British rule. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular Jail is a well-known tourist destination where people can learn about its history and take in a light show held in honour of all the prisoners who were once imprisoned there.

Wandoor

Wandoor is well known for the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Towards South Andamans, Wandoor, a small town, is well known for the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The wildlife sanctuary is spread across a collection of 12 islands that form a labyrinth and are home to some elegant and exquisite marine life in the world, including corals and resting sea turtles, among other species. Wandoor’s unique location makes it a perfect location to go for a swim or enjoy some beautiful sights of the coral reefs and the dazzling white sand, while relaxing by the water’s edge. If you are looking for a bit of adventure, the nearby islands of Alexandra and Red Skin are also accessible by boat from Wandoor.

Baratang Island

Baratang Island is the India’s only mud volcanoes and limestone caves

Located about 100 km from Port Blair, Baratang Island, also known as Ranchiwalas Island, is an elegant quaint island in the North and Middle Andaman Administrative district. The island is famous for its mangroves, as well as India’s only mud volcanoes and limestone caves. Baratang Island is mostly used as a centre for nature sightseeing because it is not as developed for urban tourists. It is a great destination to feel rejuvenated amidst nature’s beauty. A few active volcanoes, a mud volcano, mangrove streams, gorgeous beaches, and lush, green tropical forests make up the scenery.

Mount Harriet National Park

Mount Harriet National Park is the third and most accessible mountain on the Andaman Islands

One of the nine national parks located on Andaman Island, Mount Harriet National Park is unquestionably the most stunning. The third and most accessible mountain on the Andaman Islands, Mount Harriet, rises 365 m above sea level in Port Blair’s Ferrargunj Tehsil. The national park, which covers an area of 46.62 sq km, is home to several animal and bird species.  The park has an excellent elevated location which offers some amazing views of the azure waters encircling the island as well as unique dawn and sunset experiences.

Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu island’s Sunset Point is also one of the best sunset spots in the Andamans

Chidiya Tapu, also referred to as the Bird Island, is a charming tiny island which is about 25 km from Port Blair. While birdwatching is the area’s main attraction, there are various enjoyable water activities also available, including boating, scuba diving, deep-sea trekking, and pearl hunting. The island’s Sunset Point is also one of the best sunset spots in the Andamans.

With so much more to explore in the area, most tourists who visit the Andamans come back again and again.