Nestled far out in the emerald Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain India’s far-flung tropical secrets. Approaching by rustic ferry, dots of land ringed with palms materialise on the horizon. The boat navigates closer, revealing slender stretches of ivory and gold sand set against vibrant jungle interiors.
The sea shifts from turquoise to azure to sapphire, clear to the bottom, where schools of fish dance among coral formations. Making landfall, your feet sink into the soft sand, warm from the midday sun. Inland, a rare silence prevails – no buzz of traffic or machinery—only a cacophony of exotic birds and rustle of trees. Here, Indigenous life unfolds unhurriedly as it has for generations.
Places to Visit in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
For urban-weary souls, the isolated Andamans promise a dreamlike return to simplicity amid natural splendour. The Andaman trip packages offer different activities, whether you want adventure or relaxing breaks.
Some top spots to visit in the Andamans include:
- Ross Island with ruins of an old British administrative base
- Cellular Jail to learn about the islands’ history
- Radhanagar Beach, with its soft white sands
- Chidiya Tapu to see diverse bird species
- Havelock Island with lush rainforest interiors and beaches
- Elephant Beach for snorkelling and water sports
1. Ross Island
Stepping foot on Ross Island feels like entering a portal to the past. Now named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, this tiny isle lies right off the coast of Port Blair.
As you wander through the old British headquarters here, the abandoned brick buildings, crumbling churches, and relics of bunkers covered in vines and tree roots surround you. You can almost see the echoes of people from a gone era. Ross Island allows a glimpse directly into history, where the standing structures hint at tales from yesterday.
Some highlights for your Ross Island visit:
- Watch Ross Island’s history colourfully projected on ruins as you learn about its past.
- Venture into small chambers carved into the island’s rocky terrain long ago.
- See historic sites like the printing press, a church, and World War II cannons and bunkers left behind.
- Visit the museum, wildlife, and marine sanctuary to learn more about the local ecology.
- Try fishing or fun water sports to enjoy the island’s natural bounty.
2. Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail has a solemn history that you can still feel today. About two kilometres from Port Blair, this old colonial prison is now a memorial and popular tourist site.
Originally called “Kala Pani” (Black Water) Jail by locals, it imprisoned Indian activists and others fighting for independence.
Prisoners faced harsh conditions in the islands’ confines that few escaped from.
As you walk through the imposing Jail, you’re stepping back into the complex story of British colonial rule in India. It’s a thought-provoking spot to visit to honour those once imprisoned and appreciate how far freedom has come.
While there, don’t miss:
- Take a guided tour to understand the context of the moving history.
- Seeing the sound and light show dramatise prisoner struggles and the fight for independence is sure to spark inspiration.
- Browsing the onsite museum to reflect more on this period.
- Snapping photos of the striking colonial architecture.
3. Radhanagar Beach
One look at the sparkling sands and gentle surf of Radhanagar Beach makes sense as to why it tops lists as one of Asia’s most stunning shores. On Havelock’s west coast, soft white sand extends unbroken for miles, dotted only with swaying palms and bright tropical plants.
Top things to do at Radhanagar Beach:
- Wade into the pleasantly cool waves for a refreshing dip.
- Find your sandy patch to unwind blissfully.
- Capture incredible shots of cloud-dotted skies over shimmering sands.
- Discover colourful fish and coral just under the surface.
- Bird watching: Spot tropical species in trees surrounding the beach.
4. Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu has earned fame as Andaman’s prime sunset viewing spot, but it offers so much more, just 25 km from Port Blair.
True to its name, “Bird Island,” Chidiya Tapu attracts many colourful native birds and migrants. It’s a haven for avid birders who can spot parakeets, kingfishers and more. The Chidiya Tapu Biological Park is like a little forest zoo where you can observe many birds up close and learn about the diverse island ecology.
In addition to watching birds and unforgettable sunsets over the waters, the top things to do here include:
- Trekking to Munda Pahar Beach through lush landscapes
- Joining nature walks to explore the habitat respectfully
- Testing water sports like surfing in the bay
- Practicing photography amid beautiful scenery
- Picnicking while soaking up the serenity
5. Havelock Island
The Andamans’ must-see destinations include the magnificent Havelock Island, renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018. When many travellers imagine these islands, they imagine silvery stretches of powder-fine sand backed by emerald palm fronds bathed in the glow of a turquoise sea. Havelock brings those images to life with some of the most glorious beaches in the Andamans.
Top things to do on Havelock Island:
- Relax on the renowned Radhanagar Beach
- Kayak through lush mangrove channels
- Catch the sunrise at Kala Pathar Beach
- Go snorkelling to spy on colourful fish
- Trek through lush inland forests
- Camp out under the stars
- Explore local flavour at the Havelock Island market
6. Elephant Beach
Accessible by boat, Elephant Beach delights visitors with its laidback ambience and adventures like snorkelling among dazzling fish, riding jet skis, and banana boat rides for giggles and screams. It’s considered one of Andaman’s best beaches for water sports fun in the sun.
Top things to enjoy at Elephant Beach:
- Snorkeling to spy mesmerising marine life
- Trying the unique experience of seawalking
- Peering through glass boat bottoms at the underwater scene
- Zooming along on jet skis
- Testing your balance on a speedy banana boat
- Parasailing high above the swishing palms
- Trekking through lush mangrove forests
Conclusion
Exploring the Andamans reveals both natural and cultural gems at every turn. Below the emerald canopy, one may spot exotic birds with feathers shimmering in the dappled light. On the coast, flawless crescents of ivory sand nestle up to turquoise shallows. At day’s end, freshly grilled snapper provides a delightful taste of the islands’ bounty after adventures traversing the forests and snorkelling among aquatic marvels.
From the rainforest to the reef to historical sites, the Andamans showcase Mother Nature and centuries-old culture through sublime vistas and engaging discoveries that enthral visitors. If you want a nice vacation, consider getting Andaman tour packages from Kolkata to see these tropical islands.