Home to several lost tribes, largest sea turtles, largest living robber crab, the Andaman Islands is the place of Nirvana for sea/nature lovers. With a history of almost 2,200 years, Andaman had an important role in the early human migration to India, Southeast Asia, and Japan during a coastal migration. “Barren Island”, one of the of 325 islands of Andaman is the only active volcano in India. Over 90% of the land is covered by vegetation, Andaman is also known for several water sports like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Waterskiing etc. The Andaman and Nicobar islands are also known for the rich diversity of corals including 179 species.

Best time to be in the Andaman

Winter is the best season to visit the Andamans. November to March attracts most visitors as the weather becomes pleasant. Options of water sports are also available during this period.

Monsoon is most unpredictable in Andaman and not the recommended season to visit. During summer temperature goes up to 37° C with a high humidity level, hence best to avoid as well.

View From Neil Island, Andaman

How to reach the Andaman

Air: Almost all the major Indian cities have direct flight connectivity with Port Blair, Andaman. Booking round-trip tickets well in advance are recommended as ticket prices are generally on the higher side for the Andamans. Try to reserve a window seat and keep your eyes outside while in the Andaman skies. Paranomic view of the cluster of islands at dawn or dusk from the sky is a celestial experience you never want to miss.

Ferry: Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapattanam have ferry services to Andaman Haddo Jetty. It takes around five, four and three days respectively in case of regular weather conditions. Upper-class fares are almost similar with the flight prices. Lower class options do not provide you much privacy with all the shared resources. Unless you are passionate about the sea travel, this is not the recommended mode of transport to Andamans.

Entry formalities for Non-Indian nationals in Port Blair

All the foreign individuals require obtaining Restricted area permit (RAP) from immigration authorities after arriving in Port Blair. This is a 30-day permit based upon the availability of the visa and it covers all the notable areas in Andamans. It is advisable to go through the list of places covered by the permit in advance.

Accommodations in the Andaman

You don’t need to book rooms well in advance in Andaman as it gives plenty of options at wide budget ranges. You can book hotels at several places online as well as offline. The government registered local tour agents at Port Blair can help you to get quality accommodations as well.

Suggestions while in the Andaman

• Keep your travel documents and Government provided identity cards handy at all time.
• Carry copies of the ID cards and some passport size photographs as well. This would be required for some entry permits.
• Do not touch any underwater corals under any circumstances. Corals are very sensitive to human touch, which can destroy them as well.
•  Do not try to bring back corals collected from sea shores as It is illegal in Andamans.
• Always keep the bills safe in case you have bought corals during your stay in Andamans. Authorities might ask for them while you are leaving the island.
• Do not require to carry a lot of cash during your stay in Port Blair, Havelock Islands. You definitely would find neighboring ATMs.
• While in Andamans, have tender coconut water every day from roadside stalls. They are really amazing.
• Beware of the price while booking the site-seeing packages from locals. Bargaining skills would help to reduce the said rates.