Category: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar Islands are well known for the turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, the beauty of historical monuments and dense greens. This region is truly an ideal destination for honeymoon and vacations across the world. You can create lots of memories with friends and family as it offers a different experience that can be cherished for a lifetime. Kayaking is one of the activities for adrenaline junkies that can definitely leave them mesmerized. In this guide, we are going to tell you something about the best destinations to go kayaking in your Andaman trip package. 

Port Blair 

This region is fully covered by the long coastline and serene forests. It is one of the liveliest provinces of Andaman with a blend of several habitats from all landmarks of India. You can explore the fascinating history of India’s independence in Port Blair. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is one of the great spots for enjoying kayaking in Andaman. 

You can enjoy a lot of water sports in this place as you can access the vivid marine life from here. The caves here are truly a delight to watch. You can kayak for a long time here. You can truly enjoy the combination of great visual pleasure in this spot. You can have a great experience of kayaking across the mangroves. 

Where – there are several islands around Port Blair to enjoy Kayaking. 

Note

Don’t get too excited to do just kayaking as you may miss out on the beauty of turquoise blue waters and lagoons. 

Havelock Island 

This beach is blessed with dense forest canopy which adds to the exotic beauty of nature. You can explore some of the ideal spots for water sports. Havelock Islands are appealing to most of the tourists across the world. A lot of tourists choose this island as their stopover for their vacation. 

Explore the mangroves by kayaking here if you are heading to Havelock Island. Your trip to Andaman just can’t complete without visiting Havelock Island. Maximum 6 people are allowed with a guide to enjoying kayaking. The trip takes up to three hours. You can also enjoy other activities like swimming, diving, and others. This place is just beautiful for exploring the serene beauty of nature. 

Note

Kayaking can be a trouble when a light rain drizzle but you shouldn’t do kayaking in heavy rain. Rain also fills the cockpit of kayak due to which it can be unstable. Be sure to stay ahead with weather forecasts before you visit for kayaking. Also, avoid taking the ride after a few days of heavy rain. The flow of water might be increased and kayak may become unstable. 

Baratang and Ross Islands 

These uninhabited islands are located only 2km east of Port Blair. They also have a minimal human presence. It served as a condo to several infrastructural resources during the British rule. These islands have a tennis court, church, secretariat hospital, printing press, water treatment plant, cemetery, bakery, residents and general stores. These islands were actually meant to be inhabitable. You should have special permission to enter these islands. 

The limestone caves in Baratang really provide a unique and serene experience of kayaking and add a wild touch to your adventure. You can even rent a jetty to enjoy kayaking in inner landmarks. You can avail of all the essentials and gears from the kayaking service providers here. There might be a great hike in the kayaking fee as it needs special permissions and permits. In addition, travel expense is also on the high side. 

Price – The price of this activity is on the expensive side here in these islands. Kayaking is not available in the evening or night time. 

Note 

It is not good to spend a huge amount of money just to buy all the gears for this activity. In such regions, you can easily rent all the essentials. Also, use safety gear like life jackets and helmets with pedals and kayak. In the case of paddle strokes, it is recommended to have an expert professional. Simply moving it is not going to help to go downstream or upstream. 

Neil Island 

There are five beaches on Neil Island and all of them have their own aspects, like shallowness, types, and rocky seashells. It is not advised to swim in the shallow waters here. There are short distances due to flat roads. You can easily get around the island by cycling. There are several coral reefs and diving sites in Neil Island with turtle rays, vivid fish, and stunning marine life. You can easily explore this island with kayaking. It is truly a paradise for kayakers as they can find the lush greens and mesmerizing sea. You can also enjoy snorkeling while kayaking across the corals at far-flung western sides of the beach. You can also witness the beautiful marine life here. Kayaking is truly easy as the island is filled with guest houses. 

Where – Beach No. 3 and all over the island 

Note – You may not want your smartphone and other valuables drenched in the water when you come back from kayaking. So, buy a sealed container to keep your valuables safe against water and other hazards. 

Additional Tips 

• Don’t swim in the deep waters as it can be dangerous. 
• Don’t swim ahead of shallow seas in the evening time, especially in separated shores. 
• Don’t swim in the tipsy state. 
• Be careful while kayaking and alarm when in unstable waters. 
• Be sure to comply with hoardings and sites like “Be careful with crocodiles” at some spots, even though no crocodile is there. 
• Wear life vests if you don’t know how to swim while enjoying any water sport. 
• Have trained professionals and experts by your side to try different water sports as they can be dangerous. These experts can provide a briefing for enjoying water sports. 
• Take proper instructions and permits before going to any deserted location. 

Butler Bay Beach is truly a sea surfing paradise in Little Andaman which is a touristy place where you can find enough experiences to enjoy in its lap. Along with sea surfing, Butler Bay Beach is also attractive for tourists of all ages. It houses rainforests, yellow sandy beaches, water sports, waterfall, and resorts. You can save time and money by booking an all-inclusive Andaman and Nicobar Islands tour package. 

This beach is ideal to witness the high tide waves and sea surfers. You can simply watch the surfers playing with waves if you don’t know surfing. You can also go to a beach walk along the waves. It has got forest-fringed and palm-fringed shores. You can’t take a sunbath as flies here won’t let you do so. You can just sit and watch tourists enjoying different adventure sports. 

You can also try these activities here at Butler Bay Beach – 

Trekking 

You can enjoy trekking in the forest and explore the lush green rainforest in the whole Little Andaman. The forest looks even more beautiful post-monsoon rains. The best time to enjoy trekking here is from December to June when you can relax and breathe fresh air in the forest cover. You can also witness different species of flora and fauna. You can trek the forest and get back on a day trip. It is also a great picture-perfect spot where you will feel the soothing forest breeze in summer. 

Sea Surfing 

Butler Bay Beach is widely known for sea surfing in its high ride waves. This way, it is a paradise for surfers. Both intermediate and professional surfers can try their skills here and play with the high tidal waves. However, beginners shouldn’t try it here. It is better for them to watch others surfing. A lot of women surfers and international tourists pump up their adrenaline and escape into the waves covering their heads. You can enjoy this adventure sport here from April to June. A lot of foreign tourists visit here to surf in the seawater. 

Swimming 

Swimmers can enjoy this activity and dive in the waters on the beachfront. You shouldn’t dive into the deep sea even though you have worn a swimsuit. You should swim only on low tides. December to May is the best time for swimming here. You should also be in a group even though you are venturing here with family. There are swim accessories and gear available for hire from the vendors here. 

Snorkeling 

It is another great activity at Butler Bay Island when there is low tide. The seawater looks in emerald color here when there is no or low tide.  You can also hire snorkeling gears from the vendors here. Be sure to wear an extra safety vest if you are going alone. You can explore some of the unique coral and marine life. You can also see vivid fish, small turtles, and coral on the seawater.  

Visit the Lighthouse 

This lighthouse is built to guide ships coming through the Indian Ocean as well as nearby fishing boats. You can get the best views from the top of the lighthouse, which is 134ft above sea level. 

White Surf Waterfall or Hut Bay

This waterfall is truly a sight to behold in Butler Bay Beach. You can enjoy the waterfall on a day trip. Be sure to carry your food items to spend a day here. Relax by the falls in the lap of the exotic rainforest. You can also bathe under its cascading showers. The waterfalls in its full flow from June to December. 

Elephant Safari 

Villagers also provide elephant safari in Butler Bay Beach. It is a great way to explore the lush forest cover and beach in Little Andaman. It really feels great to see the beach from the back of an elephant. They can definitely take you to the forest. 

Kayaking 

You can enjoy this activity even if you don’t know how to swim by wearing a swim vest. You can try this when there is low tide. Kayak rentals are also available on an hourly basis. A trainer will be available if you book tour package for kayaking. Kayaking is not safe in high tide if you don’t know how to swim. 

Who Should Visit Butler Bay Beach? 

It is the best choice for people looking for seawater adventures. Solo tourists and families can also visit here and enjoy the seawater recreation. Corporate tourists can also visit here to relax in the rainforest and level up their adrenaline rush. It has a lot of adventure sports for tourists of all ages. 

How long does it take to Visit Butler Bay Beach?

You can enjoy a day trip by visiting Butler Bay Beach. You can also visit here by Helicopter as boats take up to 5 to 6 hours. It may take a week if you are getting here for different activities like waterfall visiting, rainforest trekking, lighthouse, beach creation, adventure sports, and others. 

Weather 

Butler Bay Beach lies in the southernmost part of Andaman and Nicobar and it receives up to 70% of humidity every day. The beach is located in Little Andaman, which falls under the tropical zone. In winter, the temperature drops to around 20oC and summer temperature rise to 35oC. 

How to Reach? 

By Air 

You can easily get here by landing at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair. Book a passenger helicopter to get here. 

By boat 

From Port Blair itself, you can also book private boats or government boats to get here. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to cover over 100 km of distance to Little Andaman. 

There is no road or rail connectivity here in Andaman. 

Karmatang Beach is one of the rare paradises where you can witness some of the rare species of turtles hatching there. This is the reason why it is known as the turtle’s paradise in Andaman. Along with the nesting parks for turtles, Karmatang Beach is also a place with water sports and beach parties. 

You can easily explore the nearby attractions and the beach without having any guide by your side. It is the tourist-friendly territory and the best place for Andaman and Nicobar Islands honeymoon India. However, a few parts have been conserved for turtle hatching. You shouldn’t harm them in any way. You can enjoy the beach on your own with its mangroves, creeks, and streaks. It is truly a paradise for honeymooners, nature lovers, zoologists, and marine life researchers. 

Things to DO

Recreation 

The traditional huts and hanging hammocks are the main attractions in this beach. It is very wide and there is a private place for every tourist where they can enjoy different recreational activities and sea breeze. You can easily visit this beach for partying day and night. Sometimes, beachfront resorts also host wedding ceremonies. You can enjoy the beach by staying in beachfront resorts. You can taste authentic and delicious seafood here from beachside vendors in Andaman. 

Stroll along the beach 

You can also do a quick beach strolling around the shore. Most of the parts of the beach have muddy wet sand that comes and being washed away by high tides. You can also find some mangroves, forests, and creeks. You can also enjoy a nature walk along the Andaman Ocean. You can also witness some birds and reptiles here. 

Turtle Nesting Farm 

One of the vital activities in Andaman is visiting the turtle nesting farm at Karmatang Beach. You can witness how villagers and forest department keeps the turtle eggs for hatching. You can also witness the freshly hatched turtles slowly moving to the seawater. They don’t move anywhere else. You will be amazed to see this. From December to March, the beach remains closed for tourists in the evening. This is the period when huge numbers of turtles lay their eggs here. It has been happening naturally for several years. Marine life lovers and children will definitely love this place. 

Party Hard 

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karmatang Beach is definitely the best place for having beach parties all day and night. The beach resorts also arrange food and beverages here. There are also several wooden seating arrangements and eco-friendly huts in Mayabunder Town. You can make a bonfire and enjoy the soothing breeze while partying in the nighttime. The beach is open 24×7 for the public. It also has a lot of parking spaces. You can party late at night and get back to your resort or hotel. However, the night party is not allowed at the beach in laying season for turtles, i.e. from December to March. 

Trekking to Mount Harriet 

If you visit Karmatang Beach for long week holidays, you can trek to Mount Harriet. It is Andaman’s highest mountain peak. You can easily get here on a day trip. You can explore the serene flora of the island. You can pass through several streaks when you cross the water above the wooden bridges. You may want to trek along with the streaks which are also the trekking tracks to Mt. Harriet. It is also the source of fresh water. Mayabunder has a lot of scenic hamlets to pass through. The people are very friendly here. You can witness the beautiful views of the Andaman Sea as the height rises. 

Visit Madhuban Beach 

You should visit Madhuban Beach, especially if you are an elephant lover. Your children will definitely love the giant animals by getting up close. The locals also give the training to tame the elephants for lumber and lifting works. You can also explore the beach with an elephant safari. You can explore the training ground on a day trip. A lot of trained elephants are also available for safaris. 

Have delightful seafood

A lot of restaurants are located in Mayabunder Town near Karmatang Beach. A lot of beachside vendors also offer seafood here. If you are getting to the beach, don’t forget to taste the authentic seafood. They also sell mineral water bottles and beverages. You can taste both local and continental dishes in hotels and restaurants here. However, they are expensive as compared to beach vendors. 

How much time does it take to visit Karmatang Beach?

You can easily visit the turtle park and the beach on a day trip. A weeklong holiday is enough to soak in the vibes of beach with trekking at Mount Harriet and seawater sports.

Weather

Geographically, Karmatang Beach is positioned in the heart of the Andaman Sea coast and this tropical zone covers the whole stretch of Andaman and Nicobar. You can expect a tropical climate all around the year. The temperature rises to over 35oC in the summer. You can enjoy the soothing breeze all day and night and you can indulge in any water or recreational sport without taking sunburns. In winter, the temperature goes down to 20oC. The Indian Ocean is located by the south and the Bay of Bengal is located on the west.  

When to Visit?

Dry Season 

Karmatang Beach receives dry season from December to May when you can enjoy a lot of attractions. You can enjoy hiking, water sports, trekking, and recreational activities. 

Wet Season 

Monsoon starts here from the last week of May till November. Expect heavy rain followed by thunderstorms. You shouldn’t visit here this season as public transport via sea and road are negligible here. 

Bottom Line 

Karmatang Beach is the best place for destination weddings, beach parties, relaxation, and sea sports. You can also witness rare turtle species hatching on the beach. 

Is it your first time to visit the Andaman Islands? You will be bombarded with a lot of details about what to do and where to go to Andaman on the web. When it comes to Andaman, the pictures of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters strike our mind. But before flying there just now, you should know what you need to do to plan your own Andaman tour itinerary for the first time.  

You need to follow these steps 

So, how would you like to visit Andaman?

• In a group – Some people prefer to travel on a guided group tour. When you book Andaman tour packages, someone else will be responsible to take care of every aspect of the tour. In addition, you will be part of a group of like-minded individuals and planned experience. You can also approach a tour agency for planning a customized package for you. 

• A regular tour – You can get this package customized for your friends, family, and coworkers by calling a local tour operator. Everyone approaches it with the best local knowledge. 

• Self-planned itinerary – With all the details available online, you can easily book your trip you like. You can get personalized quotes from several operators and pick the package you like for the best deal. 

You may already have planned the whole itinerary which is planned if you choose the first one. If you go with the second or third option, you can customize a lot. Here are the next things to do. 

Booking flight tickets 

Flight tickets are usually the costly part of the Andaman trip. So, it is recommended to book a ticket as soon as possible, especially when there is a discount or sale available. You can save a lot if you plan in advance. 

Plan how many days you want to stay

If it’s your first time, it is recommended to stay on the island for up to 5 days. Take another two days and make it a week-long vacation. It is ideal for a honeymoon and regular packages. 

Budget

You can easily find the budget Andaman packages at around Rs. 5000 per head and it goes even up to a lakh and a half, depending upon the places and activities you want to cover. It is also up to the type of stay and level of service. It is recommended not to go for “cheap” only as you may not get a good experience.  

Planning the Andaman Itinerary (The Best Part)

There are lots of beaches in Andaman and some of the popular beaches have the most number of itineraries and some are even tucked off the sight. Everyone likes the best of both worlds. At the same time, you need to look for popular sites and take some time alone while enjoying and relaxing. You may want some adventure with snorkeling or scuba diving. You can get back in time at cellular jail or explore limestone caves for some great magnificence. Obviously, your vacation cannot complete without shopping for some souvenirs. Here is the recommended itinerary for your first visit – 

Visiting Port Blair for a Day

Cellular Jail is the top attraction in this city and the iconic light and sound show. You can also plan your itinerary to visit the jail in a day, take some time out for shopping and across a regular beach, Corbyn’s Cove, and enjoy the light and sound show by the evening. 

Plan a day in Neil Island 

Neil has some of the beautiful beaches, such as Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur. You can definitely have a day to have an amazing sunset and relax at the legendary Howrah Bridge. You can soak in the serene Andaman experience by staying at Neil Island.  

Spend a day at Havelock Island 

Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7 at Havelock is ranked the best beach in Asia and eighth in the world. You can find it quite crowded but it is still worth visiting. You can enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride and/or snorkel during the second or third day. 

A day for scuba diving 

If you want a bit of adventure (even though you don’t know how to swim), a Try Dive is a great experience. You can take half a day to have a dive along with a short briefing by an instructor. It can be everything you desire. Get back to Port Blair to spend a night. 

Day trip in mud volcano/limestone caves

You need to leave your hotel by 3 AM for this trip, go to the dense forests of Andamans and canoe along the mangroves to explore the natural wonders. Return by 5 PM to have a relaxing stay at Port Blair. 

It is a nice itinerary which includes something of everything. You can plan another day to explore some other beaches or just relax or plan scuba diving. 

Notes 

• You can keep the honeymoon packages simple with few extras like bed decoration or candlelit dinner or with few extra sessions of adventure activities. 
• If you are going with a huge group of 15 to 20 people, you can bargain to get better rates on most services. 

Getting There

You may want to fly to Port Blair from Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore, which can be the best mode for transport. You can also travel by ship from Chennai and Kolkata but airfares are affordable now and they are also not the best option. 

Mostly the early tourists came from Chennai and Kolkata and sailing ship from harbors and riding along the choppy waters for up to 3 days as airfare was not that affordable on national flights. These days, private airlines conducted operations and fares have been competitive for advance ticket bookings. Hence, the Andaman trip has just got affordable with the rise of the tourism sector. 

Also known as Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island is well regarded for its serene white beaches along with tranquil teal waters. Havelock Island is located over 39 km northeast of Port Blair and has earned a great reputation as a traveler’s paradise. It is truly a dream destination for both budget backpackers and luxury travelers for a reason. 

Along with walking barefoot at Havelock, there are other reasons you should visit the serene Havelock Island. Here is a complete travel guide to know about the place. 

Location 

Havelock Island belongs to a group of 17 islands, Ritchie’s Archipelago on the east of Andaman. Only a few islands are inhabited out of 572 islands in total. One can easily reach Havelock Island through a cruise as it is located only around 39km from Port Blair. 

Getting There 

First of all, you should reach Port Blair either by cruise or flight. You can reach Havelock Island by ferry from Port Blair. You can take private ferries as they are usually faster and cleaner than the ones operated by the government. You can also take ferries from Shaheed Dweep or Neil Island to enter Havelock Island. 

How Many Days are required to Explore Havelock Island?

Ideally, you need 3 days and 2 nights to explore the whole Swaraj Dweep. But you should take 4 days at least to soak up completely in the vibes here. Usually, ferries from Neil Island or Port Blair take around half a day to reach Havelock. 

Getting Around 

There are tuk-tuks, autos, and 4-wheelers available to get around like in most tourist attractions of Andaman. You can also rent a 2-wheelers to get around the island. 

Total Number of Beaches in Havelock Island 

There is a total of 7 identified beaches in Havelock Island for rich coral reefs, serenity, and calm waters. All the beaches have a number here – 

• You will arrive at Beach No.1, which is just crowded. You can get ferries to Port Blair, Neil Island, and Rangat. Opposite to this beach is a market and a counter for the ferry to visit Elephant Island. It also has a few restaurants and ATMs. 
• Beach No.2 is basically a secluded place where driving schools are located. There is a Helipad road on the opposite end. 
• Govind Nagar Beach (Beach No. 3) and Vijayanagar Beach (Beach No. 4 and 5) are well regarded for bleached coral and shallow waters. 
• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) is the most popular beach here. 

In Neil Island, all the beaches are named after Ramayana’s characters. The villages and beaches of Havelock are named after Mahabharata’s character like Shyamnagar, Radhanagar, Govind Nagar, and Krishnanagar. 

Famous Beaches in Havelock Island 

Radhanagar Beach

After all, a star attraction of Havelock. Without Radhanagar Beach, a list of beautiful Havelock beaches cannot complete. The natural beauty of this beach is truly spellbound and can’t be described in words. This 2-km long stretch has silvery and soft sand. The lush greens are opposite to this beach complete the views of crystal clear waters and white sands. 

Never ever miss the sunset here if you are visiting Havelock. You will find a lot of tourists’ crowds in the afternoon and evening. So, be sure to arrive early in the morning when it is less crowded. 

Kalapathar Beach

If Radhanagar is famous for romantic sunsets, Kalapathar Beach has soulful sunrise to witness.  Located by the end of Havelock Island and around 3 km from Vijaynagar Beach, Kalapathar is named after the stretches of black rocks. It is a serene and secluded beach where you can watch stunning sunrises. You can have a pleasant ride here through Kalapathar village followed by small huts and paddy fields. 

Vijaynagar Beach 

Located around Vijaynagar village, Vijaynagar Beach lies on the east coast and lined by coconut and Mahua trees. You can have a peaceful walk around the beach. You can find a lot of lavish and mid-range resorts lined here. 

Elephant Beach 

It is another popular and beautiful beach which you can access while cruising along the azure blue ocean. It is really a picturesque beach with lots of lush greens at the backdrop. It also has a lot of water sports to enjoy. It is well regarded for snorkeling, coral reefs, sea walking, and scuba diving. An elephant used to swim here with his mahout earlier for the tourists. This is why this beach is named Elephant Beach. Currently, there is no such elephant here. 

Things to Do in Havelock Island 

Scuba Diving 

It is one of the best and most popular activities and you can enjoy a lot of diving options here. December to May is the best time to do this activity. Some of the best diving sites are Turtle Bay, Seduction Point, Mac Point, Pilot Reef, and others. 

Snorkeling 

You can enjoy the sea walking, snorkeling, and other water activities along with scuba diving here. Havelock is well regarded for its serene coral reefs. 

Some Tips for Travelers 

• You can hire a scooter or bike to get around in Andaman and explore Havelock. 
• You can surely enjoy Scuba Diving here to explore the best coral reefs in here. You can enjoy scuba diving at North Bay Island but Havelock is also a nice place in the Andaman Islands. 
• Fishing is another famous activity offering different varieties of activities and fishing boats. 
• Don’t swim or dive among the fish. Don’t swim if you have an open wound. Some predatory fish may be attracted to its odor. 

Conclusion 

We hope you liked this guide and it will help you plan your trip to Andaman. Havelock is definitely a paradise for tourists of all ages and interests. Even though you are a mountain lover, the natural beauty of Andaman will definitely steal your heart.