The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical heaven hidden in the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal—somewhere that desperately needs to be discovered. From beautiful sandy shores to the clear blue waters and intricate green gold forestation, it would not be surprising that many tourists are encouraged to make this their vacation destination.
It is relevant to note that tourism in the Andaman Islands is a versatile affair that caters to both the adventurous types, extreme ecology enthusiasts, and those who want to have a laid-back vacation.
This guide will give you the best things to do on Andaman Island. Also, explore the best activities to do in Andaman and ten must-do things in Andaman and Nicobar islands to fill your vacation with unforgettable memories.
Here is the list of Top Activities and Attractions of Andaman:
- Scuba Diving
- Sea Walking
- Beach Bumming
- Water Activities: Snorkeling
- Mangrove Kayaking
- Sea Plane Ride
- Trekking
- Volcano Tour
- Parasailing
- Dolphin Watching
- Visit Museums
- Birdwatching
- Exploring Neil Island
- Ross Island and Historical Exploration
- Island Hopping
Table of Contents
Activities and Attractions of Andaman
Scuba Diving
While numerous amazing experiences are available on Andaman Island, the number one thing that should not be missed is scuba diving. The aquatic beauty of the Andaman Islands is indeed a spectacle, packed with colorful and abundant marine life forms and coral reef fish.
Tourist destinations to explore the underwater world include diving in Havelock Island, Neil Island, North Bay Island and the like to marvel at the arrival of beautiful coral gardens and other sea creatures.
If you are a first-time diver or a professional SCUBA diver, there are numerous dive centers that will assist you, introduce you to some of these sites and offer you courses to undertake your dive.
Sea Walking
Sea walking as an activity is best for those who wish to explore the underwater world and have little to no prior experience in scuba diving. Jalta, this exclusive trip is a shallow water diving where you use a helmet connected to an air pipe that provides you with a constant supply of fresh air as you “stroll” along the sea bed floor.
It’s a great way to learn more about marine life and coral reefs and have first-hand experience of being out at sea. One has to go to North Bay Island for sea walking, and another exquisite place for sea walking is Elephant Beach on Havelock Island.
Beach Bumming
The Andaman Islands feature lovely beaches, which is why they are among the most amazing places to visit. Renting a car to visit the various beaches is never a bad idea as it offers an opportunity to sun-tan, swim, and marvel at the beautiful scenery of the beaches.
One activity which could be best done in this location is sunbathing at Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, which is known to be one of the best beaches in Asia. Kalapathar Beach is famous amongst the other beaches; the major ones are Vijaynagar Beach and Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
Water Activities: Snorkeling
Another exciting underwater activity is Snorkeling, which offers an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the Andaman Islands. Given this, snorkelling is one of the exciting activities that one can engage in here, especially with clear water and several fish.
Some famous places to snorkel are Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy Island, and North Bay Island. Take a mask, a snorkel, and flippers and step into a world that has lush oceans present to us.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Andaman with Family-Complete Guide
Mangrove Kayaking
Kayaking through the dense mangroves is one of the unique things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands tour. The winding creeks and the calm waters offer a relaxed setting where one can ride a canoe from one mangrove stab to another and see other wildlife forms.
It is recommended that a guided tour be arranged, where the guides give brief information about the ecosystem and the likely encounters before initiating the excursion. Mangrove kayaking is famous at Bonatang Island and Havelock Island, among the r islands.
Sea Plane Ride
A seaplane ride is also one of the prime highlights of getting an aerial tour of the Andaman Islands. From this position, one is capable of admiring the views of islands in the distance, the shade of blue of the ocean and the reefs.
Ferries ranging from short to dynamic offer an incredible ride from Port Blair in a relatively short period and take tourists to places such as Havelock Island and Neil Island, among others.
Trekking
Trekking in the Andaman Islands is not your typical trekking adventure in some mountains or what you can refer to as ‘jungle trekking.’ Still, it presents a challenge as it covers through the forest, up steep hills, cliffs, and rocks for the best view of the destination.
One of those interesting tourist attractions is a trek through some limestone caves on Baratang Island. One of the must-visit treks is Saddle Peak. It is the highest peak in Andaman and Nicobar Island, and the trekkers can get a wonderful view of the surrounding area. A trek is an effective way to experience the fauna and geographic variation the islands afford.
Also Read: Historical Sites and Museums in Andaman
Volcano Tour
Going on an outing to the Barren Island, the only live volcano in South Asia, is something that one cannot dare to miss. The island is usually visited by chartered boats or seaplanes,
which allow them to see the smoking volcano and the unusual barren geographical features. As it was mentioned, getting on the island is prohibited, but the entranced by the boat around the island are enough to capture the masterpiece.
Parasailing
Do not forget to try parasailing – flying over the sea, over the emerald-blue sea of Andaman. This activity is rather a fusion of aerial activities with splendid sceneries of the islands and the sea. Parasailing is also possible on certain beaches, such as Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Havelock Island, if one wants to view the stunning coastal view of the Andaman Islands from a bird’s eye.
Dolphin Watching
Rich marine life in proximity to Andaman Island is the presence of playful dolph, and you can spot them on the dolphin watching tours. These tours take you out into the open seas, where you can see the dolphins skipping and frolicking all around in the waters without human interference.
Nature enthusiasts and every family enjoy this park since it offers an opportunity to witness these witted animals.
Visit Museums
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are blessed with a very vivid historical and cultural background, and you can learn more about it from the museum available therein. The Anthropological Museum located in Port Blair displays information about the aboriginals of the islands their way of life,, and their duty and toolsem.
It is called the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, and it will accommodate visitors and enrich them with knowledge about the islands’ marine life, ory and geography of ese museums offer much more insightful and valuable information about the Andaman Islands’ archaic culture and physical features.
Birdwatching
Tourism on Andaman Island is more peaceful and enjoyable, particularly bird watching because Andaman is home to various birds. The Bird Island, or the Chidiya Tapu, is one of the best locations for exotic birds and is ideal during the morning and the evening. Some seabird colonies are in Mount Harriet National Park and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
End point of visit: It is a favourites haunt of bird watchers, and they can get a glimpse of the endangered species like the Andaman woodpecker, Andaman drongo and Andaman serpent eagle.
Also Read: Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Andaman
Exploring Neil Island
Neil Island – where you can spend your vacation away from the busy crowds, with scenic sea beach and quiet woods. Among the best activities to undertake include A walk on the serene shores of Laxmanpur Beach,
A visit to Howrah Bridge made entirely from rocks, and snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach. The beach offers a serene environment and a suitable environment to unwind in an exotic location.
Ross Island and Historical Exploration
The place best described as a historical and archaeological landmark is Ross Island, formerly the British colonial settlement and headquarters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This island also has remnants of colonial architecture, some of which remain visible to date, like the church, bakery and the Chief Commissioner’s house.
Ross Island gives one a feel of desolation and rustic feeling and a chance to interact with the past in the middle of the green landscape with excitement and adventure all over.
Island Hopping
This is a wonderful means of discovering the rich talents that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have to provide. It is possible to travel to many different islands as they are very different and have different activities to be engaged in. The must-visit islands among these are Havelock Island, Neil Island, Ross Island, and Baratang Island.
This means that you get to sample all that the Andaman Islands have to offer in terms of fun and adventure, be it the natural beauty of the island or remnants of World War Second.
Conclusion
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are on someone f the most enchanting tourist destinations in India, and they have abundant natural splendour, mechanical experience, history, and culture to show to tourists. For SCUBA divers interested in underwater life, sunbathing enthusiasts heading for beautiful Andaman beaches,
trekkers planning to tour through dense Andaman forests or history lovers who want to know more about the islands, there are lots of activities to indulge in Andaman. “For a peaceful retreat, there are several relaxing things to do in Neil Island, Andaman, including visiting Laxmanpur Beach and snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach.”
This guide has made it easier for individuals intending to visit this island paradise to have a glimpse of some of the things to do in the area.
Your amazing island holiday experience is on its way!
Also Read: Local Culture and Traditions of Andaman
Check Latest Stories:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
For tourists who prefer beach destinations, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are best visited between the months of October and May when the weather is relatively cool for tourists to explore the outdoors and undertake various water sports.
Do I need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?
Currently, there are no restrictions, and Indian citizens do not need an entry permit to visit the Andaman Islands upon arrival. However, foreigners need to secure a permit, which can be easily obtained at the airport when they arrive in Port Blair.
How do I reach the Andaman Islands?
One can also travel by sea using ferries with the major ones being from Chennai which takes about 50 hours, and Kolkata which takes approximately 48 hours each. There are occasional ship services from Kolkata and Chennai and weekly services from Visakhapatnam.
What are some must-visit beaches in the Andaman Islands?
This region comes with several beach attractions that tourists must visit, such as the Radhanagar, Elephant, Kalapathar, Vijaynagar, and Laxmanpur beach on Neil Island.
Are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands safe for tourists?
Yes, for the most part, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are rather safe for tourists. Nevertheless, there are some rules to be observed; it’s necessary to respect the environment and take into consideration some recommendations for being cautious during activities that would be considered extreme even by most inhabitants of a country.