Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of the Andaman Islands
- Top Cities and Places to Visit
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities and Experiences
- Best Time to Visit
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay
- Costs and Budget Tips
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Responsible Travel and Permits
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are more than palm-fringed beaches and blue lagoons—they are a living archive of human endurance, colonial politics, maritime trade, and indigenous resilience. This guide blends a concise history of the archipelago with a practical travel blueprint, so you can appreciate the islands’ heritage while planning an unforgettable trip across Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Baratang, and Diglipur.
History of the Andaman Islands
Indigenous Roots and Ancient Seafaring
- For tens of thousands of years, the Andaman Islands have been home to indigenous groups such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese—each with distinct languages and lifeways.
- Ancient references appear in Greco-Roman and Indic texts; later, Arab navigators noted the islands along vital Bay of Bengal trade routes.
Early Colonial Interest
- Through the 18th and 19th centuries, European powers surveyed the archipelago for its strategic location. The British made initial settlement attempts in the 1790s, but disease and isolation forced abandonment.
Penal Settlement and the “Kala Pani” Era
- After the 1857 Uprising, the British re-established a penal colony at Port Blair (1858). The Cellular Jail (construction 1896–1906) became a notorious symbol of exile.
- Freedom fighters, including Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and hundreds of political prisoners, were incarcerated here under harsh conditions. Today, the jail stands as a solemn memorial.
World War II and the Freedom Movement
- Japanese forces occupied the islands (1942–1945). On 30 December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Port Blair, symbolically hoisting the tricolour.
- The period left wartime bunkers, stories of hardship, and a complex legacy entwined with India’s independence struggle.
Post-Independence to Present
- After 1947, the islands became part of India and were constituted as a Union Territory with the Nicobar group.
- Significant events include the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2018 renaming of islands (e.g., Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island; Havelock to Swaraj Dweep; Neil to Shaheed Dweep).
- Modern Andaman balances tourism and conservation, with strict protections for indigenous reserves and marine life.
Top Cities and Places to Visit
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound show, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross), North Bay for snorkeling, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunsets.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach (sunset), Elephant Beach (snorkeling), Kalapathar (serene mornings), top dive sites.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge at low tide, Bharatpur (water sports), Laxmanpur (sunset).
- Baratang: Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, mangrove boat rides.
- Rangat & Mayabunder: Offbeat beaches, mangroves, quiet creeks.
- Diglipur: Saddle Peak National Park (trek), Ross & Smith twin islands (sandbar), Kalipur beach (seasonal turtle nesting).
- Little Andaman: Remote surfing and waterfalls (access and services vary; check current advisories).
Tourist Circuits
- Classic South Andaman (4–6 days): Port Blair heritage + Havelock beaches + Neil’s lagoons.
- Heritage & Nature (3–4 days): Cellular Jail, NSCB Island (Ross), North Bay, museums, Chidiya Tapu.
- Middle Andaman Explorer (2–3 days): Baratang limestone caves, Rangat mangroves, Mayabunder creeks.
- North Andaman Adventure (3–4 days): Diglipur’s Saddle Peak trek, Ross/Smith Island sandbar, Kalipur.
- Water Sports Circuit (flexible): Diving in Havelock/Neil + sea kayaking (bioluminescence in season) + sea walk at North Bay or Elephant Beach.
Activities and Experiences
- Diving & Snorkeling: Coral reefs around Havelock, Neil, Long Island; intro dives and certification courses available.
- Sea Kayaking: Mangrove tunnels near Havelock/Port Blair; night bioluminescence on suitable moonless nights.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (Andaman’s highest), nature trails at Chidiya Tapu, limestone cave walk at Baratang.
- Boat Excursions: Ross & Smith (Diglipur), North Bay glass-bottom, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal, permit-controlled).
- Heritage Time-Travel: Cellular Jail tour and evening Light-and-Sound; WWII-era ruins on NSCB Island.
- Beach Leisure: Radhanagar sunsets, Laxmanpur twilight, Kalapathar mornings.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak (Nov–Apr): Clear seas, best underwater visibility, pleasant evenings.
- Shoulder (Oct & May): Warmer, some showers; good for value seekers.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Heavy rain; rough seas can disrupt ferries/activities. Great greenery, fewer crowds.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, exhibitions in Port Blair.
- Beach Festivals (seasonal): Music and sports at popular beaches (check local calendar).
- Community Celebrations: Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas–New Year, Pongal—reflecting the islands’ diverse settler heritage.
Suggested Itineraries
4-Day Heritage & Beach Sampler
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound; Marina Park.
- Day 2: NSCB Island (Ross) + North Bay snorkeling; Anthropological/Samudrika museums.
- Day 3: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 4: Elephant Beach snorkeling; depart or extend to Neil.
6–7 Day Classic Andamans
- Days 1–2: Port Blair heritage, Chidiya Tapu.
- Days 3–4: Havelock—intro dive or kayaking; Radhanagar/Elephant Beach.
- Day 5: Neil—Bharatpur water sports, Natural Bridge.
- Days 6–7: Baratang limestone caves (via permits); return to Port Blair.
9–10 Day Explorer (North Extension)
- Port Blair + Havelock + Neil (5–6 days), then road/ferry to Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur (3–4 days) for Saddle Peak and Ross & Smith.
How to Reach
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Direct/connecting flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (schedules vary seasonally). Keep buffers for inter-island ferries.
- By Sea (Mainland–Port Blair): Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day voyage; limited frequency; book well in advance). Not ideal for tight schedules.
- Inter-Island Transport: Government ferries and private high-speed catamarans link Port Blair–Havelock–Neil and onward to Middle/North Andaman. Tickets sell out—book early, carry ID.
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and scooter rentals (popular on Havelock/Neil). Limited late-night options; plan returns before dark.
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Stay near Aberdeen Bazaar or Phoenix Bay for easy museum/jetty access; heritage and mid-range hotels widely available.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront resorts along Govind Nagar/Beach No. 5 for dive centers; boutique stays near Radhanagar for sunsets.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Small resorts and homestays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur beaches.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: Modest lodges and a few eco-resorts; book ahead; services are basic but peaceful.
Indicative nightly rates (per room):
- Budget: ₹1,000–2,500
- Mid-range: ₹3,000–7,000
- Premium/Luxury: ₹8,000–25,000+
Costs and Budget Tips
Estimated Trip Costs (per person, per day)
- Shoestring: ₹2,500–3,500 (hostels/budget rooms, buses/ferries, street eats)
- Mid-range: ₹5,500–9,000 (comfortable stays, activities, local transfers)
- Comfort/Luxury: ₹12,000+ (beachfront resorts, private boats/dives)
Sample Activity & Transfer Costs
- Port Blair–Havelock ferry: Govt ₹400–1,200; Private ₹1,500–3,000
- Intro dive (Discover Scuba): ₹4,000–6,500
- PADI Open Water course: ₹22,000–30,000
- Sea kayaking (2–3 hrs): ₹2,000–3,000
- Sea walk: ₹3,500–4,500
- Scooter rental: ₹400–700/day (fuel extra)
- Cellular Jail entry: nominal; Light-and-Sound show: modest fee (check latest rates)
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct/May) for better rates.
- Book ferries and stays early—limited inventory on smaller islands.
- Choose government ferries over private boats when time allows.
- Carry adequate cash; ATMs cluster in Port Blair/Havelock and can run out in peak season.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: grilled fish, lobster, crab, prawns; coconut-based curries.
- Affordable thalis with Bengali and South Indian influences; cafés on Havelock/Neil serve global fare.
- Try seasonal fruits and tender coconut; opt for reef-safe dining practices (avoid endangered species).
Shopping
- Government emporia (e.g., Sagarika) for handicrafts, spices, coconut products.
- Avoid buying coral, turtle shell, or protected shells—illegal to collect or trade.
Culture & Etiquette
- Multicultural settler society with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, and Burmese-Karen influences.
- Dress modestly; beachwear is fine on beaches but cover up in towns/temples.
- Photography restrictions apply at government sites and jetty areas—look for signage.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose central stays near jetties; keep buffer days for weather disruptions.
- Carry snacks, medicines, motion-sickness tablets; check life jackets on boats.
Honeymooners
- Pick sunset-facing beaches (Radhanagar/Laxmanpur); consider private candlelight dinners at resorts.
- Schedule one signature experience: intro dive, night kayaking, or a private boat to a sandbar.
Friends & Backpackers
- Base on Havelock for dives and social cafés; rent scooters for flexibility.
- Target offbeat spots—Long Island, Rangat mangroves—if you have spare days.
Responsible Travel and Permits
- Indigenous Reserves: Strictly off-limits. Do not attempt contact; no photography of tribal communities. The Andaman Trunk Road passes near protected areas—follow rules and do not stop in restricted stretches.
- Permits: Some islands and marine national parks require permits. Requirements for foreign nationals and access to specific islands can change—check the latest Andaman & Nicobar Administration advisories before travel.
- Reef-Safe Habits: No touching or standing on coral; use reef-safe sunscreen; do not litter; plastics are restricted in many zones.
- Drones: Need prior permission; comply with local and aviation norms.
FAQs
Q: Is the Cellular Jail worth visiting if I’m short on time?
A: Yes. Allocate 1.5–2 hours for the museum and cells, and return in the evening for the Light-and-Sound show to grasp the island’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?
A: Indian nationals typically do not need a permit for most tourist zones. Some protected islands and marine parks require entry permits. Rules for foreign nationals and access can change—check current official guidelines before travel.
Q: Which island is best for first-time divers?
A: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) offers calm bays, reliable operators, and good visibility for beginners. Neil also has gentle sites with fewer crowds.
Q: What’s the safest season for inter-island ferries?
A: November to April generally offers calmer seas and fewer weather-related cancellations. Monsoon months (June–September) can see disruptions.
Q: Can tourists visit the Nicobar Islands?
A: Tourist access to the Nicobar group is highly restricted or not permitted. Plan your trip around the Andaman group’s accessible islands instead.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands weave a compelling story—from indigenous heritage and colonial-era trials to coral gardens and sunset shores. Explore the Cellular Jail to understand the past, then dive, trek, and island-hop across Havelock, Neil, Baratang, and Diglipur. With mindful planning, seasonal timing, and responsible choices, you’ll experience a destination where history and nature meet in rare harmony.
