Your Real-World Travel Guide to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 When you imagine the perfect escape—turquoise seas, empty white-sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze—Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the kind of dream you don’t wake up from. But beyond the postcards, there’s a lot to know to make your trip effortless and unforgettable.

Whether you're a honeymooner, solo traveler, or an explorer chasing offbeat shores, this guide will walk you through everything — from how to get there to where to chill, dive, eat, and more.

🧭 Where Are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Let’s get oriented first. This gorgeous archipelago floats in the Bay of Bengal, closer to Thailand than mainland India, and made up of 572 islands (only about 37 are inhabited). The Andaman Islands are more tourist-friendly and easily accessible, while the Nicobar Islands are mostly restricted to protect indigenous tribes.

✈️ How to Reach:

  • By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. Daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

  • By Ship: Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, or Vizag (3–4 days one-way). A unique experience, but not everyone’s cup of tea.

💡 Pro tip: Book flights early if traveling during peak months (Dec–March).

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The islands have a tropical climate year-round, but not all seasons are ideal for travel.

  • Best time: October to May – perfect for beaches, diving, and sightseeing.

  • Avoid: June to September (monsoon hits hard — heavy rains, rough sea)

🌤️ Weather tip: Carry light cotton clothes, UV sunglasses, and waterproof sandals.

🏖️ Top Places to Visit

Here’s what you can’t miss when in Andaman:

🌊 Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

  • Home to Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s best), scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

  • Don't miss the bioluminescence night kayaking experience.

🏝️ Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

  • Quieter than Havelock. Great for sunset views and coral reef walks.

  • Visit Natural Bridge and chill on Laxmanpur Beach.

🏛️ Port Blair

  • Capital city and entry point.

  • Explore Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and Samudrika Marine Museum.

🏝️ Baratang Island

  • Day-trip worthy! Famous for limestone caves, mud volcanoes, and mangrove boat rides.

🌿 Little Andaman

  • A hidden gem! Ideal for surfing, waterfall trekking, and eco-stays.

🛶 Top Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

  • Scuba diving and snorkeling (Havelock, Neil, North Bay)

  • Sea walking (Elephant Beach – no swimming required)

  • Parasailing & Jet Skiing (Port Blair)

  • Glass-bottom boat rides (North Bay)

  • Trekking to Mount Harriet and Chidiya Tapu

  • Island hopping tours – Combine Havelock + Neil + Ross + North Bay in 3–4 days

🤿 Must-do: Book your water activities through licensed operators for safety and the best experience.

🍛 What to Eat in Andaman

You're in a coastal paradise — seafood is king here.

  • Try grilled lobsters, prawn curry, and fish tikka at beach shacks.

  • Something local? Go for Andamani coconut fish curry and banana leaf thali.

  • Veg traveler? Most places serve North and South Indian staples too.

📍Top spots:

  • Full Moon Café (Havelock)

  • Annapurna Café (Port Blair – for veg food)

  • Fat Martin’s Café (Neil)

🛏️ Where to Stay?

Options range from beachside huts to luxury resorts:

  • Budget: SeaShell Havelock, Tango Beach Resort

  • Mid-range: Haywizz, Symphony Palms

  • Luxury: Taj Exotica, Munjoh Ocean Resort

🏡 Local stays & eco-resorts are gaining popularity — for travelers who want something unique and peaceful.

🛍️ What to Shop?

You’ll find local souvenirs, handmade shell jewelry, and tribal artifacts.

📍Best local markets:

  • Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair)

  • Sagarika Emporium – Gov-run and authentic

  • Beachside stalls on Neil and Havelock

🎁 Best buys: Coconut handicrafts, pearls, spices, shell keychains, and organic body care.

📱 Mobile Network & Connectivity

  • Most Indian networks (Airtel, BSNL, Jio) work in Port Blair.

  • In remote islands like Havelock or Neil, expect spotty coverage or no internet.

🛜 Pro tip: Download maps, offline playlists, and any travel docs before reaching.

📝 Permits & Rules to Know

  • Indian citizens don’t need a permit.

  • Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), available on arrival.

  • Nicobar Islands and some tribal zones are off-limits to tourists to protect the communities.

🚫 Be mindful: Do NOT collect coral or shells, feed marine life, or trespass into tribal reserves.

Final Thoughts: The Islands Wait for You

I didn’t just fall in love with Andaman’s beaches. I fell for its pace, its warmth, its wild side, and the stories it whispers with every wave. If you're planning your escape to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, go beyond the tourist trail. Walk a little further. Stay a little longer. And let the islands change you in the best way.

 Ending Note with Gov References

For up-to-date travel rules, permits, and official bookings, refer to:

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