The Andaman & Nicobar Islands

I am one of the few blessed ones who got the opportunity to stay in these Islands and that too, for over 18 years. I always feel so proud when I introduce myself to people and tell them that I am from the islands. It often surprises people as many don't have enough information about the island group, who lives here, the modes of transportation, culture etc.

It’s a beautiful group of islands, very calm and quiet and nature has gifted it with a lot of her valuables: the greenery, the beaches, the sea and the list can go on and on.

It’s also an ideal place for people to spend their valuable vacations and also a dream place for honeymoon. Many of my friends have visited these islands and all of them simply fell in love with it, many have visited it again and others plan to visit soon. With such a crystal clean water and beaches, it’s a must visit place for the beach lovers and also for those who are tired of the concentrate jungle of the cities and want to spend some time breathing fresh air.

 Best time to visit:

The best season/time to visit Andaman Islands is from November till early April as the weather is really very pleasant. Also there is an Island Festival which the government organizes during this time (in January) which is nothing less than a cultural extra bonanza.

 How to Reach:

There are 2 modes of transportation which one can opt for:

1. By Ship:

If you have never been on a cruise ship, this is a must pick option for you. Even though these ships are not comparable with the luxuries of a cruise vessel, but still there are many things you can do while on board. Atleast I have never felt getting bored whenever I have traveled by ship. Only thing to consider before boarding the ship is to ensure that the weather is good for the next 3-4 days as bad weather may result into people feeling Sea Sick. The journey can take anywhere between 3-4 days.
There are 3 ports which operate ships to Port Blair. All the ships are operated by The Shipping Corporation of India. More information on the shipping schedules can be found here.
•     Kolkata
•     Chennai
•     Vizag(Visakhapatnam)

2. By Air

Air is the fastest mode to reach Port Blair but also the most expensive way too. The following Airports have direct flights to Port Blair:
•      Kolkata – Takes approximately 2 hours
•      Chennai – Takes approximately 2 hours
•      New Delhi – The flight from New Delhi Airport is a stop over and usually takes approximately 4.5 hours to land in Port Blair.

 Ground Transportation:

There are multiple options once you are in Port Blair if you want to move around. You can hire an Auto Rickshaw, Taxi, get on board on a bus, book a cab from your hotel for the duration you want or you can get motor bikes & scooters on rent to roam around yourself.

Don’t worry much if you are not aware of the roads, the people here are really helpful and will be more than willing to help you out on which road to take and where to go. And language is also not a barrier as there are people from various parts of the country here and everyone knows Hindi or atleast can communicate. The same goes for English also.

 What to Eat:

Since Andaman & Nicobar Islands can be literally called a mini-India, there are all flavors of food available. There are many restaurants available almost at every corner of the street, right from real expensive ones to the Chaat houses who make one of the better tasting chaats I have ever eaten. Only thing to keep in mind is, most of these places close by 9 pm, so plan your dinner accordingly.

To top it all, don’t forget that Sea Food is the order of the day. You can literally get almost all the sea food items in most of the restaurants ranging from Prawns, Fish, Lobster, muscles etc.

 What to Drink:

Once you are there, then Coconut water is the order of the day. You can get fresh Coconut water almost everywhere. If you like to have alcohol, again you have many options and there are multiple Wine shops & bars throughout. Though getting chilled beer in Wine shops might be a challenge.

 Night Life:

The Island people are early starters of the day and accordingly, most of the streets/roads become deserted by the time clock ticks to 9 pm. Though most of the bars are open, but if you are looking for pubs or night clubs or dance clubs, you are at wrong place. Another reason for this early start – early close is the sunrise & sunset timings. On a regular day, sun will be up and roaring by 6:00 am at max. Also, the sunset happens quickly. By 5:30 pm, its almost dark.

Having said that, it doesnt mean there is no place where you can party. One of my friend was in the Islands a few weeks back and informed me that usually the Resort/Hotel organizes night long parties for the Resort guests. Not sure if outsiders are allowed.

 Places to Visit:

There are multiple places one can visit once you are there. From a tourist point of view, I will suggest to plan your visit for atleast a week if you really want to explore as most of the places mentioned below will take around a day’s time. Some of my favorite places in the islands are:

1. Cellular Jail:

   The Haunted “Kala Pani”. This prison was considered to be one of the worst prison sentences which one can get during the British rule. Mostly the political prisoners were sent here during that time who were considered serious threat to the Queens empire. Now it’s a national monument and a must visit place if you are in Port Blair. My suggestion will be to go here twice:



During the day to explore the jail, the galleries etc. You can also go inside the cells and believe me, once you are there; you can feel how cruel and haunted this place might have been during those days. The timings are: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm / 1.30 pm to 4.15 pm
There is a Sound & Light show which is organized every evening in both Hindi & English in the premises of the jail subject to weather conditions. This is also a must watch if you want to understand the history & the pain people suffered here. The show timings are:  05.30 pm (Hindi), 06.45 pm (English).

2. Marina Park:

   This Park is built on the shore and extends more than half a kilometer into the sea. You can take a walk here during the evening enjoying the cool sea breeze. There are also some water sports activities which can be done here.

3. Gandhi Park:

   This Park has a nice nature trail around the lake. There are activities which kids will love like amusement rides, boating, etc. If you want to have a nice & calm evening, this is a must visit place.

4. Ross Island:

   This Island stands as a gateway to Port Blair. The town was saved from Tsunami of 2004 mostly coz of this small island as it blocked most of the bigger waves. It used to be British Capital in the Pre-Independence era. It stands now as a ruin of the bygone days with the old structure almost in debris. A nice place for a day’s picnic. You can reach here by taking Boat from Aberdeen Jetty. Boat timings are: 8.30 a.m., 10.30 am., 12.30 & 2.00 pm.

5. Chatham Saw Mill:

   One of the oldest and largest Saw Mill's in Asia is built on a tiny Island named Chatham, connected to Main Island by a bridge. It is a storehouse of timber like Padauk, Gurjan, Marble, Satin Wood etc.






6. Corbyn’s Cove Beach:

   One of my favorite beaches in Port Blair. Don’t know how many times I have visited this place. Also one of the most picturesque sea-beaches, it has a complete C-Shape. It’s hardly 6 Km from the Port Blair town and a nice place to visit whether its morning or evening.

7. Chidiyatapu:

   A beautiful beach across the thick mangroves forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands, a perfect destination for camping enthusiast. Be aware, if you are taking bus till here; be prepared for a long walk as the bus will drop you around 4 km from the beach. The best way to reach here is either by self driving or taking a cab.

8. Wandoor:

   Another one of the many beautiful beaches around the Islands. It’s the perfect place to do snorkeling & scuba coz of the corals underneath the waters. Also Jolly Buoy & Red Skin islands are really close by which can be reached through boats. These islands are also perfect places for adventure activities.

9. 

   
   

   Havelock Island:

   One of the most sought out Island once you reach Port Blair, the reason is simple: This Island has the Radha Nagar Beach considered as one of the Top 3 most beautiful natural beaches in world. You will be thrilled by the clean sea water and the beach itself. One can reach here either by Sea route or road route.

10. Baratang Island:

    This Island is famous for lime stone cave, Mud Volcano & Parrot Island and is reachable through both boat & bus. There is plenty of greenery on the bus route and if you are lucky enough, you can see the Jarawa tribe people.

11. Cinque Island:

    The Island is divided in two parts and linked to each other through a sand bar. The lure of underwater coral life, an unspoiled beaches and rich marine life around the island is irresistible. This Island commands around it few of the best diving destinations. It has clear emerald water with a visibility of up-to 80 feet. Ideal place for SCUBA diving, swimming, fishing and camping. I took this pic when i was there in 2009, don't think anything is left to say here.

12. Neil Island:

    It is an amazingly beautiful island with lush green forests and sandy beaches and is the vegetable bowl of Andaman’s. It’s an ideal holiday location for eco-friendly tourists. Beautiful beaches at Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, Sitapur and the bridge formation on the sea- shore (Howra Bridge) are some of the attractions.

13. Mayabunder Islands:

    Mayabunder offers excellent scenic beauty and beautiful beaches. Its around 240 Km’s from Port Blair and can be reached either through Boat or Bus. Karmatang beach here is a turtle nesting ground. One can go to Kalighat through the creek by boat from here. The lagoon cruise is an enchanting experience

14. Museums:

    There are also handful of museums in and around Port Blair. Fisheries Museum (Aquarium), Samudrika (Naval Marine Museum), Anthropological Museum, Sagarika & Cottage and Khadi Emporium and just to name a few.

Apart from the places listed above, there are many other places which one can visit. As I mentioned earlier, I just listed the ones which are my favorites and where I had been.

 Preparation before your Trip:

• Be aware that there are lots of mosquitoes in these islands, so don’t forget to carry mosquito repellent. 
• The rain is very unpredictable here, it can rain even with sun shining brightly and I am talking about rain, not just the showers. 
• There are plenty of Saltwater crocodiles present within suitable habitat throughout the Andaman & Nicobar Islands rivers & the coastal mangrove swamps, though have never heard of them ever breaching the boundary and approaching the beaches.