Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. Boasting rainforests, sun-soaked beaches, and turquoise blue waters – this union territory remains fairly untouched compared to the other places in the country. Having approximately three hundred islands, an Andaman Nicobar tour is incomplete without visiting these islands once. Although some islands remain uninhabited even today, others are a paradise on earth. Packed with history, rich cuisine, water sports, and a dense ecosystem, the individual islands are a must-visit. 

How to Reach:-

Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is home to the Veer Savarkar International Airport. The airport is well-connected with different cities in the country. Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam have direct flights to the capital. Other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune have connecting flights to Port Blair.

Upon reaching Port Blair, you can either take a boat or a ferry ride to the island you want to go to. Ferry trips to Havelock Island and Ross Island take place throughout the day. Although if you want to go to Barren Island or Baratang Island, the ferry leaves from Havelock Island. A little more expensive, but you can take small plane rides to the individual islands. It allows you to see the Andaman landscape even more minutely.

Islands of Andaman and Nicobar That You Have to Explore:-

• Havelock Island: A constituent of Ritchie’s archipelago, this is the most popular island of Andaman. Managed by the South Andaman administrative district, it was renamed Swaraj Dweep. This is the spotlight of an Andaman Nicobar package. The island is home to several popular beaches like Elephant Beach. Standing true to its name, Elephant Beach boasts of elephants, one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkelling, and an ecosystem of coral reefs. Radhanagar Beach, which has been termed the best beach in Asia and the seventh best beach in the world by Times Magazine, is also a part of this island. This island offers one of the best sunsets that you can wish for. The beach is lined with small huts that offer local and authentic food. A beach that isn’t visited much by tourists is Kalapathar Beach. You will find a dense canopy of tropical rainforest on one side of the beach. The other side welcomes you to the soft lapping waves of the sea. To the east of the island lies the Lone Mangrove or Vijaynagar Beach, with its rocky sections and tree-lined beach. 

• Baratang Island: A part of the North and Middle Andaman administration, Baratang Island is famous for its mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and swamps. The island is home to the Jarawa tribe. The Jarawa tribe is among the oldest tribes in the human race. Another unique feature of the island is mud volcanoes, a rare sight. These are the only mud volcanoes in India. Kayaking through the narrow lanes of the tidal water is also an adventure. You could also go out with the locals in boats in the morning when they go fishing. A thirty minutes drive and a two-kilometer trek into the jungles of Baratang bring you to the limestone caves. These pre-historic caves have become a recurring feature in all Andaman Nicobar packages.

• Ross Island: Also known as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, it was the island’s capital during colonial times. A lighthouse tower stands tall on the beach, which you can visit during low tide. The lighthouse is historical as it was here that photo voltaic panels were introduced in India for the first time. The island is populated with thick forests and vegetation. Peacocks and spotted deer are among the most seen animals.

• Viper Island: A part of the South Andaman administration, this island is a haven for history enthusiasts. According to a legend, due to the intense population of viper snakes on the island, it was named “Viper Island.” Initially, this relatively small island was used as a prison by the British for freedom fighters and political prisoners. The ruins of gallows can still be found. It was due to the problem of space that the British constructed the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

• Barren Island: Barren Island is home to the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent and the chain of volcanos from Sumatra to Myanmar. Due to no human population and less pollution, the water here is crystal clear. You can witness the Manta rays, basalt formations, the topography formed due to past lava formations, and majestic coral gardens. This has become a compulsion for the Andaman Nicobar package.

When you plan your next Andaman and Nicobar trip, do not forget to visit these islands!

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