The Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago

The Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago is a group of about 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal. The Island is popular among tourists for its amazing beaches, great water activity such as Scuba diving, rich history of India’s Independence struggle and great sites of natural attraction such as forests, caves etc. Although politically it is part of India, the Island is geographically closer to countries of South East Asia such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Whereas Indonesia is just about 200 km away, the distance to the Indian mainland is about 1400 km.

Only 38 islands are presently inhabited by humans. Tourism is allowed only in some of the islands. Foreigners can now visit about 30 of the islands. Great Andaman is the largest island of the archipelago and is the hub of tourism activity. The Great Andaman is divided into 3 parts, North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. Port Blair, the capital, is located in the South Andaman. Most tourist activities are concentrated in and around Port Blair.

Getting to the Andaman Islands

By Air: Since this is a group of islands, the only way to reach here is either by air or by sea. Air is the preferred option due to the short duration of travel. Port Blair Airport known as Veer Savarkar International Airport, has regular flights from all major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam etc. Kolkata and Chennai have the best connectivity with about 2 hours of flying time. Depending on departure location the flight duration may be up to 5 hours.

By Sea: For those with an adventurous spirit and a love for sea voyages, travelling to the Andaman Islands by sea can be an exciting option. Regular passenger ships and ferries connect Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey by sea takes longer than air travel, ranging from 50 to 70 hours, but it offers a unique experience of sailing across the Bay of Bengal and glimpses of the vast ocean. From Kolkata, ships sail 3 to 4 times in a month and take around 3 to 4 days to reach Port Blair. From Chennai also ships are plying to Port Blair 3 / 4 times a month. From Visakhapatnam, ships travel to Andaman once a month.

Entry Requirements: Before planning your trip, make sure to check the entry requirements for visiting the Andaman Islands. Indian tourists only need valid identification documents like an Aadhaar card or passport. However, international tourists must possess a valid Indian visa to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are specific restrictions on travel by nationals of some countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and Myanmar.

Presently foreigners can visit the following islands without a restricted area permit. (1) East Island (2) North Andaman (3) Smith Island (4) Curfew Island (5) Stewart Island (6) Landfall Island (7) Aves Island (8) Middle Andaman (9) Long Island (10) Strait Island (11) North Passage (12) Baratang (13) South Andaman (14) Swaraj Dweep (15) Shaheed Dweep (16) Flat Bay (17) North Sentinel Island (18) Little Andaman (19) Chowra (20) Tillang Chong Island (21) Teressa (22) Katchal (23)Nancowry (24) Kamorta (25) Pulomilo (26) Great Nicobar (27) Little Nicobar(28) Narcondum Island (29) Interview Island and (30) Viper Island (Day visit only)

Island Hopping: Once you've reached Port Blair, you can explore other islands in the archipelago through a well-connected network of ferries. Havelock Island (renamed Swaraj Dweep) is famous for its stunning Radhanagar Beach, often hailed as one of the best beaches in Asia. Neil Island (now Shaheed Dweep) is another must-visit destination known for its serene ambience and water sports opportunities. Various government and private ferries operate between these islands, making island hopping a delightful experience.

Restrictions: Certain areas in the Andaman Islands are restricted due to their indigenous tribal populations or ecological sensitivity. Travellers must obtain necessary permits, such as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), to visit these regions. The RAP is typically issued on arrival at the Port Blair airport and allows tourists to visit popular destinations like North Andaman, Little Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands.

Best time to visit Andaman

The best time to visit the Andaman Islands is during the winter and early spring months, which fall between October and April. This period is considered the peak tourist season and offers the most favourable weather for travellers. Here's a breakdown of the seasons in the Andaman Islands.

Winter Season (October to February): The winter season is the most popular time to visit the Andaman Islands. During this time, the weather is pleasant with milder temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and beach exploration. The sea is calm, providing excellent conditions for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat rides. Additionally, this period offers clear skies and beautiful sunsets, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Pre-Monsoon Season (March to April): The pre-monsoon season is also a good time to visit the Andaman Islands. While the temperatures start to rise slightly, the weather remains pleasant overall. It's a great time for water activities and beach adventures. However, towards the end of April, you may start to experience a gradual increase in humidity as the monsoon season approaches.

Monsoon Season (May to September): The monsoon season in the Andaman Islands lasts from May to September. During this period, the islands receive heavy rainfall, and the weather can be unpredictable with occasional storms. The sea can be rough, leading to restricted water-based activities and limited ferry services to some islands. While the lush greenery and fewer tourists may appeal to some travellers, it's essential to be prepared for wet conditions and potential disruptions to travel plans during the monsoons.

Best Accommodation Options in Andaman

The Andaman Islands offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, or eco-friendly stays, you'll find plenty of choices to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Port Blair, the capital has the largest option. Havelock Island also has a large number of beach cottages. Other islands have limited options for accommodation.

Luxury Resorts: The Andaman Islands are home to several luxury resorts that offer world-class amenities and services. These resorts often boast stunning beachfront locations, private villas, spa facilities, infinity pools, and fine-dining restaurants. They are perfect for travellers seeking a luxurious and indulgent vacation experience.

Mid-Range Hotels and Boutique Stays: There are numerous mid-range hotels and boutique stays scattered across the islands. These properties provide comfortable rooms, essential amenities, and personalized services at more affordable rates than luxury resorts. Many of them have beach access or picturesque views.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: For budget-conscious travellers, there are plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses available in popular tourist areas like Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). These accommodations provide basic facilities and a convenient stay at budget-friendly prices.

Beach Huts and Cottages: Some areas on the islands offer beach huts and cottages, providing a rustic and closer-to-nature experience. These accommodations are ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the simplicity of island life and the sound of waves at their doorstep.

Eco-Resorts and Sustainable Stays: The Andaman Islands are known for their eco-tourism initiatives. There are eco-resorts and sustainable stays that promote responsible tourism and minimize their impact on the environment. Staying in such places allows you to enjoy nature while contributing to conservation efforts.

Home Stays: Homestays are gaining popularity in the Andamans as they offer a more intimate and authentic experience. Local families often open their homes to guests, providing a glimpse into the island's culture and daily life.

The cuisine of Andaman - What food to have

The local cuisine of the Andaman is a delightful fusion of flavours influenced by various cultures, including indigenous tribes, settlers from the mainland, and international visitors. For tourists, trying the unique Andamanese dishes is an essential part of the travel experience.

Seafood Delicacies: Given the island's location in the Bay of Bengal, seafood plays a significant role in Andamanese cuisine. You'll find an abundance of fresh catches like fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and squids. Don't miss trying dishes like Fish Curry, Prawn Masala, and Lobster Thermidor.

Coconut-Based Curries: Coconut is a staple ingredient in Andamanese cooking. Many curries and gravies are prepared with coconut milk, giving them a rich and creamy texture. Look out for dishes like Chicken Curry, Crab Curry, and Squid Curry.

Local Fish Preparations: Some local communities have traditional methods of cooking fish, such as " Bamboo Fish" or " Stone Fish." These dishes involve stuffing the fish with spices and cooking them inside bamboo or heated stones, which imparts a unique and delicious flavour.

Andamanese Thali: Try the Andamanese Thali for a comprehensive meal that typically includes rice, a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, fish fry, and accompaniments like papad and pickle. It's an excellent way to taste a variety of local flavours in one meal.

Other mainland Dishes: Andaman has people from every part of mainland India. That is one reason locals say that Andaman represents the diversity of India in a small area. So you can taste all the variety of food you get on the mainland. Whether it is North Indian cuisine, such as the Tandoori items, or the momo and Noodles from the East. South Indian food such as Dosa and Sambar are also popular here.

People

The people of Andaman include the local tribals as well as a large number of Indians who migrated here from the mainland. Due to the varied type of people here, Andaman often feels like a smaller version of the diversity of India. Among the indigenous people, a few, such as the Nicobari have mingled with outsiders, whereas others such as the Jarawa and the Sentinelese practice strict isolation from outsiders.

Among the people from the mainland, Bengali constitute the largest proportion with about 30% of the population speaking Bengali as the first language, other people include a large number of Tamil, Telugu and Malayali apart from others.

Geography

The Islands are grouped into two parts, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands. The Andaman Islands consist of about 300 islands whereas the Nicobar consist of only 19 islands. The main islands of the Nicobar group include Car Nicobar in the North, Center Nicobar and Great Nicobar in the South. This Great Nicobar is only 90 miles away from Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Saddle Pick near port blair is the highest hill on the islands with an elevation of around 2420 feet. Mount Thullier in Great Nicobar at around 2110 feet and Mount Harriet around 1200 feet are also important hills in the area. The only active volcano in South Asia lies here on Barren Island, which is around 140 km from Port Blair, South Andaman.