Andaman and Nicobar Islands, often visited by travellers and nature lovers, artists and photographers is a unique union territory of India, consisting of 2 groups of Islands at the southern region of the Bay of Bengal. The Andamans house more than 300 islands altogether. North, middle, and south Andaman collectively called the Great Andaman. The Nicobar Islands consist of 19 islands including Camorta, Katchall, etc. Port Blair is the territorial capital and a major attraction here. Legend says that the name "Andaman" has come from the name of the God Hanuman. "Nicobar" is named after the Tamil word "Nakkavaram," which means "land of the naked". 

Apart from the social and historical importance, the Islands have a very impressive habitat full of nature and peaceful surroundings. People across the globe fly to these less crowded islands to experience serene beaches, sunsets from balconies, trekking inside thick greens, kayaking, and experiencing underwater, and to have some time off from the busy, bustling world. Andamans are the best escape spots, indeed! If you are also planning for the same then you should be in touch with a locally based tour agency offering Andaman tour packages. For family tours, believe me, this destination speaks for itself because your package for an Andaman family tour has a lot to offer with a never-forgettable honeymoon experience that is full of Joy, Happiness, and Adventure.

The History! 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have histories from the earliest times. The Chinese Buddhist monk I-Ching has mentioned the islands in the 7th century. In the 9th century, it was also mentioned by Marco Polo and several Arab travellers. In the mid 19th century, the Britishers came to Port Blair for a penal settlement and in 1858, they gained the possession of the land. Andamans was also owned by France, Denmark, Austria, and Great Britain. 

During the 2nd world war, the Japanese forces captured the islands but soon the English gained control over it. The population of the islands increased because of the refugees from Bangladesh. Andaman and Nicobar Islands were passed to India after the independence in 1947, and stayed as a union territory under the rule of the president. 

What to do when in Andaman? 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the perfect place to enjoy quality time in the midst of dense forests and pristine beaches. Most of the newly married couples choose Andaman for their honeymoon and now it has become a place for destination weddings too. Throughout the year, the Islands welcome a huge amount of tourism. There are luxury resorts making their way in Avis Island, Smith Island, and Long Island. The capital Port Blair is the home to so many rich places. Corbyn's Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Cellular Jail, Forest Museum, Ross Island, North Bay Island are some noteworthy places. Havelock Island is another popular place which houses Neil Island, Saddle Peak, Mud Volcano. The southern part, known as the Nicobar Islands, is not accessible by tourists. 

Night Kayaking is one of the unique activities you will find here. Tours begin at sunset, PortBlair and Havelock Island are the 2 common places for this. Due to the bioluminescence caused by phytoplankton the sea appears glittery blue which is a fairytale come true. 

Scuba Diving is another activity one should definitely try on the trip. Havelock Island is the perfect place to dive into the crystal water. It costs from 1500-4500. 

Snorkeling is one such activity that tourists prefer, which allows them to stay as near to the land and still explore the underwater life. North Bay Island, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Long Island, and Wandoor are such places offering these watersports. 

Creek Safari is offered to tourists to explore the mangrove trees in coastal areas. The rides among dense trees and muddy water feels like from Hollywood Movies. 

Apart from these, swimming, fishing, sea walking, parasailing, boating are also offered at various beaches by government and private tourism companies to make your stay more enjoyable. 

How to reach the Island

Andaman and Nicobar is the famous Island of Bay of Bengal and is populated by millions of visitors throughout the year.

Airways: Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only airport and is well linked with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. 
Waterways:  There are ships taking you to the Island from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. 

Places to visit in Andaman

1. Radhanagar Beach:

Radhanagar Beach is one of the most common and popular beaches among tourists, situated in Havelock Island. For the deep blue sea, white golden sands, and pristine environment, it is awarded "Asia's Best Beach" by TIMES Magazine.

2. Cellular Jail:

Cellular Jail, located in Port Blair is a memorial which is a reminder of the Indian political prisoner's struggle. This was constructed by the Britishers and was formerly called "Kalapani". 

3. Elephant Beach:

Elephant Beach is one of the reputed relaxing places of Andaman. You can take a ferry or trek to reach the beach and water sports are available all the time. 

4. Ross Island:

Ross Island is situated 2 km from Port Blair and was uninhabited after the earthquake in 1941. Now it is visited by travellers that remind them of the previous British Era. 

5. Bharatpur Beach:

Famous for the shallow water with coral reefs Bharatpur Beach is located at Neil Island. The beach is famous for sunrise and sunset, and a great place for water sports. 

6. Neil Island:

Neil Island is a one day long trip and belongs to Ritchie's Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. The 3 beaches such as Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, Lakshmanpur Beach are the speciality.

7. Chidiya Tapu:

Chidiya Tapu is located 25 kms from Port Blair and is famous for bird watching and hence the name. The mini zoo in the Island has several types of flora and fauna. 

8. Mount Harriet National Park:

Mount Harriet National Park is one of the most beautiful places stretched over 50 sq. km. It is located at Ferrargunj and houses more than thousands of different birds and animals. 

9. Viper Island:

Viper Island is one of the serene places of Andaman and was previously used for the prisoners before Cellular Jail. Ferries are available easily from Port Blair which is located at 24 km. 

10. Baratang Island:

Baratang Island is situated 100 kms from Port Blair and has some special features like mud volcanoes, limestone caves, and famous mangroves. It is also called "Ranchiwalas Island". 

11. Howrah Bridge:

Howrah Bridge is very popular among tourists and is situated in the Laxmanpur Beach of Neil Island. The natural bridge-like formation is also called a "vegetable bowl". 

12. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:

The Marine National Park is an amalgam of 12 islands, situated at 25 km from the capital. The Marine Life here is astounding and people enjoy water adventures. It is also named as "Wandur National Park".

13. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum:

Samudrika Naval Marine Museum is the pride project of the Indian Navy and is located at Port Blair. The museum is a replica of the ancient history, culture, and geographical condition of the Island. 

14. Sandbar Beach:

Sandbar Beach the long stretch of sand that connects 2 islands, Ross and Smith. People visit here the composure, white sand beauty, and dense forests. 

15. Parrot Island:

Parrot Island is one of the unique attractions of Andaman, situated in Baratang. The ferry rides on the waterbody while watching thousands of parrots fluttering above you is a site to behold as a memory. 

Best time to visit Andaman

Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall under tropical weather and are controlled by sea breezes. 

• Summer- March to June- 30°C to 40°C (very hot)
• Rainy- July to September- 30°C to 20°C (annual average rainfall)
• Winter- November to February- 32°C to 16°C (not so cold)