Andaman and Nicobar Islands are usually known for their pristine beaches and heritage sites to attract tourism. But it has a lot of places of worship to attract a consistent flow of pilgrims. This archipelago attracts people from different religions.
Cerulean waters, melodious sun, and soothing breeze caressing palm trees – these are the images that come to our mind when we think of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most popular spots from different parts of the world.
The archipelago is also famous for its amazing architectural landmarks along with its untouched beauty and both shouldn’t be missed. These landmarks are more than just places of worship. They are well known for their architectural brilliance. Thousands of tourists and devotees have gathered to these places over the years. Here is the detailed list of temples and churches in Andaman you must visit at least once.
1. Roman Catholic Church
This church is based at Phoenix Bay and is a great epitome of architecture in Andaman. It is very appealing and beautiful with intricate patterns to take you straight to the Victorian era. Located in the capital city Port Blair, Roman Catholic Church lies in proximity to the marine museum.
2. Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple
Located at Golghar, Port Blair, Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple has great spiritual value. Ganesh Puja is celebrated on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi (birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha) which is the most vital festival here. It usually falls in the month of September or early October. Lord Ganesha’s idol is built with black clay and adorning glittering ornaments. This event is celebrated for three days. The temple is well decorated. It is believed that all the wishes of devotees are fulfilled here. Book your Andaman and Nicobar Islands tour package during this time to get there.
Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is located on RGT Road at Golghar. It is located only 2 km from Port Blair airport. Timings are from 5am to 12pm and from 4pm to 9pm every day.
3. Brethren Assembly
Since January 1968, this church has been serving the Lord and was established by P.G. Samuel Thomas Phillip Kurien. The church is located only around 3 km from Port Blair Airport, one of the major landmarks in the island. This church offers its services in Hindi, Tamil, English and Malayalam.
4. Police Gurudwara
Located in the heart of Aberdeen Bazaar, Police Gurudwara is among the oldest gurudwaras. The gurudwara was built in 1937 by martyr Dr. Diwan Singh Kalapani. He sacrificed his life as a freedom fighter before independence. The Sikh shrine was built on an iron base and is made of wood. It is truly a great place to make a spiritual bond on the island. You can easily get here via RGT road by car as it is located in Aberdeen Bazaar on Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is located around 7 km from Port Blair.
5. St. Joseph Catholic Church
Located at Prothrapur Dist in Port Blair, St. Joseph Catholic Church has just been established in 2007. St. Joseph is the patron saint here. The Society of Jesus serves this church in the Andaman Islands. The community has around 2340 Catholics. It is gathered by both visitors and pilgrims every day and all the year round.
6. Vetrimalai Murugan Temple
This ancient temple has always been the first choice for visitors and locals when it comes to heritage tourism. The temple is devoted to Lord Murugan. There are also shrines devoted to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati located here. The pyramidal or ‘gopuram’ styled tower gate is adorned with beautiful paintings and the temple is built with Dravidian architecture. The outer precinct is known to have a beautiful garden in the temple.
The temple is located near Gandhi Park, Port Blair on RGT Road and around 6 ½ km from Port Blair. The timings are from 5AM to 12 noon and from 4 PM to 9 PM. However, you can get there at any convenient time.
7. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
This church has been managed by the Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier Catholic in Andaman Islands. Built in 1996 in Rangat, this church is devoted to parish Priest Father Pritam Toppo and patron St. Francis Xavier. This beautifully adorned church has over 4152 Catholics. It is one of the best places to discover your spiritual side. It is usually the main reason why a lot of tourists and worshippers flock here all the year round.
8. St. Ignatius Catholic Church
St. Ignatius Catholic Church is well regarded as one of the oldest churches in the Andaman Islands. It is truly a great religious attraction in Diglipur. This church was founded in 1987 to worship in a serene and pleasant environment. Both travelers and worships flock here in this church. It is truly an architectural masterpiece with very intricate carvings and detailing. Its interior will definitely leave you stunned. In this church, St. Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint and is served by the Society of Jesus.
9. Our Lady of the Catholic Church
It is another most well-revered beauty in Andaman which is managed by Diocesan Clergy. It is well located in Oralkatcha region. In Baratang Island, it is an old Roman Catholic Church established in 1968. This church is associated with 2748 Catholics.
10. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
This church was built recently in 2003 in Ramnagar. It has been served by the Society of Jesus. It has been associated with 843 Catholics and they really admire the same.
Bottom Line
So these were the most prominent and popular religious attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We hope you liked the above places and you would consider them for your next Andaman trip.