If not now, then when? Hundreds of islands are part of this huge archipelago, on the eastern side of India, in the Bay of Bengal. Uninhabited for many years, these islets are now one of the best beach destinations to have a crack at anytime of the year! With palm-fringed, mesmerizing natural trails, white sand beaches, with mangroves and wealth of flora and fauna makes these islands the darling of vacationers. Away from the mainland, many of these islets are fascinating in feel, and leading tourist destinations in South East Asia, owing to the spectacular sceneries, blend of colours and scintillating marine life.
You can either fly into Andaman Nicobar Islands or sail up. If long voyages are not your thing, take direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. If time is on your side, we suggest you set sail in a ship to Port Blair from Chennai, Vizag or Kolkata (takes up to 65 hours). While on the open sea, ponder if the water is reflecting the blue sky, or is it the sky mimicking the water.
One can enjoy extreme tranquility and novelty in the lap of nature here by being one with the heavenly beaches and the amiable atmosphere of beauty and seclusion. The exotic sceneries and the unique landscapes can be explored in their true essence at these beaches. The climate is never at its worst in these islands. One can experience moderate summers, not so chilly winters and enough amount of rainfall throughout the year. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been declared as one of the two endemic bird areas of the world. There are different types of sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserve in the islands. The islands’ past can be best explained through handful of historically significant places; like the Cellular Jail that remains as a shady reminiscence of the cruel colonial rule in India. The jail and museum give one a glimpse of years of India’s long and haunting struggle for independence.
If peace is your call, then what better than Andaman? The laid-back pace of these islands is itself romantic and peaceful in many ways. Overwhelming is to watch its beaches where you feel that waves are in love with sands, and sea speaks to the sky, and it will be in awe of the beauty and serenity of the place, adding a spiritual feel that you would appreciate any time. Such are these locales that you are going to lost in its wilderness, for sure. It’s all also about embracing the nature, providing you with a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Some Offbeat and Regular Islands to Visit In Andaman
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
Once in Port Blair, let’s go to the nearest place first. A few kilometres away is Ross Island, now officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. The ruins of the British Raj era can be accessed by a ferry every few hours. The old English architecture invaded by wild vegetation reminds you of the Angkor Wat and through a spell of deep spiritual serenity. Once known as the Paris of East, this small, the vibrant island was struck by an earthquake in 1941. Ross Island houses some Japanese barracks a reminder of the times when Japan took over the patch during WWII. Ross Island is one of the most offbeat islands to visit in Andaman. Tropical rain forests in Ross Island are synonymous to serenity and splendour, making it your kind of place if trekking through the woods is your kind of thing.
Diglipur
No matter how this pretty charm was shaped, Diglipur is an amazing place that is tucked away in peace. Explore the place on foot to truly appreciate its landscape’s real charm. Diglipur, the largest town in the archipelago, is located at the heart of North Andaman. This eco-tourism destination houses some of the tallest peaks – Saddle and Ice Dengree – in the archipelago. Home of the Olive Ridley turtle, you can time the visit in such a way as to catch them nestling on the shores, and catch nature and earth bond. While in Diglipur, check out the limestone caves, a wonder of nature formed by gushing rain water and a bit of chemistry. Do they have a meditative effect? May be. Take a walk on the shell-covered Lamba Bay Beach towards the freshwater stream ‘Thambu Nali’ at the foothills of Diglipur National Park. Forest, caves, beach and stream… all on one island. What does that spell?
North Bay Island
It may not necessarily be the Greece’s Santorini Island, but the North Bay Island is really intoxicating. A 20 minute voyage to the east from Phoenix bay jetty is the North Bay Island. Snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts call it a heaven because the long, shallow shores give them a great opportunity to get a close watch of the coral reefs and the marine life. Feel the lightness and offload worries in the sparkling water. The beaches are a visual treat too, complete with huts and eatery outlets.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
It is a total package, the Island with some of the greatest beaches and sceneries. It is where all the action begins. Voted the best beach in Asia and one of the seven best in the world by Time Magazine once, Radhanagar Beach on the Island, is the most visited beach in the Andamans. It is just 10kms away from Havelock Jetty, the nearest access point. The two-kilometre stretch of powdery sand each is flanked by emerald waters on one side and thick forest on the other. You can either bask in the Sun or dive right into the vast sea. You might want to redefine ‘picturesque’ afterwards. Activities involving machines and motors are disallowed on Radhanagar Beach to preserve its natural beauty. Havelock Island will enthral the trekker too, with much of the island covered in forest offers ample opportunity for bird-watching and all water sports action.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
This island is just south to Havelock Island, where the access point is the Bharatpur Jetty. Tourists come here for the colourful coral reefs. A glass-bottom boat will give you an astounding view of the corals and the sea life that thrive on them. The beautiful sandy beach sandwiched between greenery and blue waters is ideal for children who can make sand castles or even play in the water since the sea is shallow for many metres in. The shape of this small island, uninhabited up until late 1900s, makes it possible to enjoy both sunrise and sunset on its five different beaches. Operators offer diving service too. Picture postcard villages are best visited on bicycles. Neil Island’s flat topography makes it ideal for agriculture and becomes big source of rice and vegetables for the people of the archipelago. Star gaze, see how the waters turn into a sparkling sea of stars on hours of darkness.
Mayabunder Islands
Abode of some of the immaculate beaches, the shimmering blue waters and smooth sands of Mayabunder Islands beckon you to discover this beauty further. Mayabunder is smack in the middle of North and Middle Andamans. Tourists throng the mangrove creeks here, especially Austin Creek. Mayabunder has some of the best water sport facilities in the entire region. The Forest Museum here displays the island’s flora and fauna. Ray Hill here is ideal for family tours, packed with wilderness trekking, elephant rides, library and fun activities for children.
Baratang Island
It’s Adventure, Play and Peace! About 110km from Port Blair is Baratang Island, aka ‘adventure island’, located between Middle and North Andaman. A bus trip will feel like a journey through the forest because that’s what it is! The bus passes through Jarawa Tribe reserve, a government-controlled area that lets the native tribe live their lifestyle. It’s like travelling back in time with interactive time with Nicobarese tribe visiting the reserves, which have readily begun to integrate with tourists.
Parrot Island
It is the place to be if tweets (no, not the ones with 280 character limit) mesmerize you. The mangrove forests are full of beautiful parrots. We are not talking about ornithology here. Be the typical backyard birding. You will love it. Remote and far-flung in many a sense, but very much accessible from the country’s capital city, the Parrot Island is unharmed by the gluttonous. Something to look forward to, the overall vibe would definitely develop positive feelings and energy. This place is all about good ambiance and the best time to visit the island is at dusk, where can find large number of birds flocked together, and flocking backs to its nets at the end of the day.
Little Andaman
As the name suggests is that little dot-shaped island at the southern tip of the archipelago. It’s a good destination for ‘little tourists’ who would love to ride an elephant and watch elephant calves getting trained. Coral viewing at Butler Bay Beach here attracts thousands every year. It is one of the few surfing spots in the country. An ideal family picnic spot is just 6.5km from Hut Bay Jetty – White Surf waterfall – a beautiful H2O cascade surrounded by forest that will quench your inner thirst for tranquillity. If you love trekking your way through rain forest, discover the hidden beauty of Whisper Wave, another waterfall, requiring a 4km-walk through the woods. Enjoy the forest like a king atop an elephant if a wobbly ride does not scare you.
Barren Island
Visiting Barren Island is the only way of getting close to the only active volcano in the country. There is beauty even in nature’s most powerful outbursts, right? As the name suggests, nothing much grows here nor does anyone live on this island. 138km off Port Blair, the volcano ere last erupted in 2018. You might want to look for a volcano alert before making plans for this island. A trip to a live volcano would be no less than a dangerous exploration, it’s not for faint hearted.
Inglis Island
It is a quintessential place to find oneself! Numerous species of coral reefs can be found here: Surprising it would be watching all kinds of coral formation, some are bleached, dead, and live and some genera corals. The aqua blue water and the emerald green landscapes add to the charm of already beautiful region. Nature-lovers can make the best from the gorgeous views and peace, the Island provides. Rejuvenating it would be, taking a long stroll along its waters, leaving the worldly perturbations aside. Indulge in the adventurous fishing activity or go a fishing expedition to explore the beautiful marine life of the clear waters. Inglis Island is a leisure spot where you can spend an entire afternoon drinking in the scenic beauty of aqua blue water. Clouds come floating, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to the sunset sky.
No journey is complete without souvenirs. Shopping has the same effect on the mind as a serene beach (who disagrees with us here?). Once back in Port Blair, the perfect place to shop is Aberdeen Bazar. A buzzing complex in the heart of Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazar is the biggest shopping district on the island. Displaying everything from jewellery, attires, household items and spices, shops line up on both sides of the streets here. Local curio shops make a perfect place to collect souvenirs for you, kith and kin and anyone who might be interested in your post-vacation tales. Locally made items like coconut shell lamps, mats, bowls, trays and walking sticks are some favourites of the visitors.