Category: Travel & Tourism

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. 

If it’s your first time to visit Andaman, you will be bombarded with information on the web about what to do and where to go in Andamans. The white sandy beaches and picturesque beaches are the first to come in mind. You can take a flight to Andaman right now. But how you can plan an ideal itinerary to Andaman for the first-timers?

Read on to know a few important tips – 

Planning a Trip 

1. Group package – Some people prefer to travel in the comfort of a guided and pre-planned group tours. You can have someone who will handle each aspect of the tour, a planned experience and a group of like-minded fellow travelers. You can find a tour agency in your city for this experience. 
2. A package tour – This package is basically customized for friends, family, and couples. You can ask your tour operator regarding this. They have proper knowledge of the location and they know every nuance of the trip. 
3. Self-guided tour – Since all the details are now available online, you can easily book the trip on your own. You can get quotes from several tour operators and choose your desired package and get the best price. 

If you go for the first option, you may have already planned an itinerary for your solo trip. If you go with the second or third option, you can customize your trip on your own. After planning a trip, here’s what you can do next. 

Booking Flight Tickets

Flight tickets are basically the costly part of the Andaman trip. So, it is recommended to book as soon as possible and avail of all the discounts and options available. 

Number of Days for stay 

If you are getting here for the first time, it is recommended to take at least 5 days to stay. Add 2 more days to travel to make a week-long vacation. It is good enough for a honeymoon and a regular package. 

Plan a budget 

You can find a lot of affordable Andaman packages on the web. Usually, the packages start at Rs. 5000 per person and go up to Rs. 1 Lakh. It is up to the type of stay, level of service, and a number of activities you want to do. But the price is not the deciding factor as to whether you could get a good or poor experience. 

Planning your Itinerary – The Best Part 

There are lots of Andaman places to visit and most itineraries feature the best places. There are some quiet ones tucked away from the tourist crowd. Everyone wants the best of both worlds. You can explore some popular sites but you may also want to spend some quiet time alone, enjoying and relaxing. You can get some adventure with snorkeling or scuba diving, or even explore the natural attraction of limestone caves and get a bit of history in Port Blair. Obviously, your tour cannot complete without shopping for some souvenirs. Here’s how to do it all in your itinerary – 

Day 1 in Port Blair 

The Cellular Jail is the main attraction in this city along with its light and sound show. You can plan your tour in a way that you can visit the jail in a day, take your time for some souvenir shopping, and across the Corbyn’s Cove and catch the light and sound show in the evening.  

Day 2 at Neil Island 

You can visit some of the beautiful beaches in Neil Island, such as Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur. It also has the iconic Howrah Bridge to have a day to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Soak in the serene beauty of Andaman by spending a day in Neil Island. 

Day 3 at Havelock 

Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7 in Havelock Island is ranked 8th among the best beaches in the world and top in Asia. It is quite crowded due to its popularity but it is still worth a visit. You can spend one day extra to enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkeling. 

Day 4 – Scuba Diving 

Even non-swimmers can take a bit of adventure with a Try Dive. You can spend half a day with a brief of actual dive with a guide. It is something you have ever dreamed of. Come back to Port Blair to spend the night. 

Day 5 – Mud Volcano/Limestone Caves 

For enjoying this trip, you need to start your journey around 3 AM which crosses along with the dense Andaman forests and canoe along the mangroves to catch a few of the beautiful natural wonders. Get back the same day at around 5 PM to say in Port Blair. 

It is a nice 5-day itinerary which has a bit of everything Andaman has to offer. You can also explore some other beaches for more relaxation or scuba diving for more adventure by spending a day extra. 

Additional Notes 

• Photography is strictly prohibited at Port Blair airport because of security reasons.
• Don’t litter at the beaches as it is a punishable offense. 
• Be sure to carry sunscreen, especially if you are going to get tanned. 
• Don’t take signs like “Swimming is not Allowed” lightly in some areas like beaches. There are also chances that they may have crocodiles. So, it is always better to be safe and doesn’t ignore those warning signs. 
• It is highly recommended to keep mosquito repellants handy as islands may have mosquitoes and other bugs. 
• Don’t eat too spicy food or too much food if you suffer seasickness for constant ferry travel. You can take a few medications an hour before travel to prevent this condition. 
• Keep your ID proof handy for traveling across islands and booking tickets. 
• If you have a scheduled plan to visit the islands, stick to your timings given by your tour operator or travel agents, though it can be changed due to sudden weather changes. Book tickets in advance, especially when you are visiting during the peak season to avoid last-minute delays. 

Andaman & Nicobar Islands have long been famous among tourists for their underwater wonders, stunning beaches, and a prime location in the heart of nowhere. These islands are still amazing for an amazing getaway. Only 36 of 572 islands are open for tourists in this archipelago. 

The islands are a melting pot of both Southeast Asian and South Indian settlers, along with Negrito ethnic people on some islands. The fascinating ecosystem of the island, including the world’s largest turtles, biggest crabs, serene coral reefs, vivid fish species, and the most exotic butterflies, add to its charm. With that said, here are some of the cool and surprising facts you should know before visiting these islands. 

1. Andaman and Nicobar are named after the Malay language 

Andaman is named after Lord Hanuman, who is known as “Handuman” in the Malay language. The term Nicobar is supposed to be a combined term of “Nakkavaram” in South India, which refers to “Land of the Naked” in Tanjore inscription which dated back to AD 1050. 

2. Andamanese and Nicobarese are not widely spoken on the islands 

Andaman Creole Hindi is spoken widely in the Andaman Islands as a trade language. Bengali is the most widely spoken language followed by Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. 

3. A small Nicobar island, Katchal received the first-millennium sunrise 

A small island in Nicobar, Katchal was almost hidden until it was declared the first inhabited place in the world by the Royal Greenwich Laboratory to receive the first sunrise to start the millennium. A stamp had been issued by India Post in the first postal issue of 2000 as a tribute to Katchal for receiving the first-millennium sunrise. 

4. World’s largest sea turtles nest in the Andaman Islands 

Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback (world’s largest sea turtle) are the marine turtle species which nest on the beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Nicobar, one of the few colonies includes around 1000 Leatherback turtles nesting in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. 

5. North Sentinel Island houses the  world’s most isolated Paleolithic Tribes 

One of the most isolated human tribes in the world calls North Sentinel Island their home. Around 300 Sentinelese people live here and have refused all contact with the rest of the world. Hence, they feel free to fire their arrows at any outsider who enters their range. They are known to be the direct descendants of the first human populations who belonged to Africa. They may have lived for around 60,000 years in the Andaman Islands. 

6. A gentle sea cow, Dugong is the state animal of Andaman Islands 

When it comes to Andaman and Nicobar tourism, the image of gentle Dugongs strikes our mind. These plump marine vegetarian giants with paddle-like flippers on the front can be found grazing on the seagrass. These languid creatures seem to be coming from an alien planet on the waters of Andaman and Nicobar. These “Angels of the Sea” are usually found in Little Andaman, North Reef, Ritchie’s archipelago and some parts of Nicobar. 

7. World’s darkest history of penal settlement by British “Kaala Pani” is told here in Cellular Jail which dates back to 1857

Andaman and Nicobar Islands became the penal colony of “Kala Pani” by the British for Indian freedom fighters. They built the Cellular Jail here because these islands were the way too isolated from the rest of the world. The prisoners were kept in solitary confinement. They were forced to work on a manual oil extractor for hours. The jail later turned a memorial after independence. Today, it hosts a light and sound show to attract tourists. 

8. Commercial fishing is banned in the Andaman Islands 

Commercial fishing has been banned for around four decades across the Andaman Islands. Hence, fish die only of old age in these waters. These emerald islands are known to have turquoise waters where you can find plenty of whales, dolphins, dugongs, sailfish, sea turtles, and various marine species.  

9. Nicobar Breadfruit “Pandanus” is a rare fruit eaten and found only in Nicobar 

Pandanus is a wedge-shaped, deeply arranged fruit that has a woody, hard, and fibrous texture and is embedded with several edible, narrow seeds. In each section, there is a fleshy base which has nice fragrant pulp, which makes nice food after cooking. It is an economically vital plant in the islands. Its stem branches are widely used in building huts and leaves for weaving mats. It’s hard external part makes a bathing brush. 

10. The Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located in Andaman 

Not just in India, Barren Island is the only active volcano in the whole of South Asia. This 3 km wide island is located around 135km northeast of Port Blair. It has huge 1.6km wide craters almost filled with cinder cones. It is the source of volcanic eruptions and it was recorded for the first time in 1787. 

11. World’s largest living arthropod, the Robber crab or Birgus Latro, is found here

Also known as Coconut Crab, the Birgus Latro or Robber crab is the largest surviving arthropod on earth. They are called “Coconut Crabs” because they climb up coconut trees at night and get into tender coconuts by carving a hole and feed on the soft kernel. They live on land all day long. The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago houses the highest population of these crabs in South Asia. They are found on some islands of Nicobar and on South Sentinel Island. 

12. North Bay Island is featured in 20 Rupees note 

Ever wondered the beautiful scenery of which island featured on Rs. 20 note? It is the North Bay Island which shows the beautiful bay covered with lush greens on the red currency note. You can get the same view en-route to Mount Harriet, the second-highest peak of the archipelago. 

Andaman is truly an epitome of tranquil beauty with turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical rainforests. The Andaman Islands are the best honeymoon destination which really makes you feel like being in a foreign land. You can plan your trip to Andaman to have a pleasing and romantic honeymoon. These islands can definitely give you an amazing start when getting a great start to your new life. Check out this guide to know the reasons why you need to book the Andaman Nicobar honeymoon package. 

A Great Island Honeymoon Experience 

A lot of newlyweds choose to visit destinations which are less crowded but splendid. Captivating view, romantic weather, and a destination that offers the luxury of having a great time together make honeymoon more appealing. As a group of islands, Andaman serves this purpose. Andaman is known to have a limited population as it doesn’t belong to the mainland. It is an ideal tourist spot that you can enjoy with your loved ones. It is known to have exciting views and picture-perfect beauty. It also offers different attractions and adventure activities which make a great excuse for couples to bond with. 

Exotic Weather Most of the Year 

Mid-November to April is the best time to visit Andaman. Andaman doesn’t have extreme winter or summer, except monsoon. There are high winds and thunderstorms at this time. Temperature also spikes a few degrees in summer like any other place which receives tropical climate. Summer is the best time to put on some tan. But November to April makes ideal weather for tourist activities. 

Fits Every Budget 

Your trip to the Andaman Islands cannot burn a hole in your pocket and the trip is budget-friendly itself. You can enjoy some memorable vacations in your life. You can also taste some local dishes for a small amount of money and it also has a lot of homestays to enjoy great facilities and services at a reasonable price. Andamans are the great hotspot if your trip is planned well. 

The Andaman Islands are truly a heaven on earth and its exotic beauty will definitely leave you amazed. You will definitely be mesmerized with its natural beauty and have some amazing memories. 

Direct Flight from Most Cities to Port Blair 

You can easily access this romantic getaway from the airports of all major cities in India, especially the cities connected through the metro. You can always get connecting flights to reach Chennai and Andamans. Chennai is the leading metro city where you can get international and domestic flights. If you belong to North India, there are also connecting flights to Kolkata and to Port Blair. You can also take flights from Bhubaneswar and Chennai. There are four ships available every month from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to cruise to Andamans. 

Lots of Activities to Enjoy 

Andamans are well known for a huge range of beautiful beaches and these beaches are truly a treat for your senses. They are known to serve as an ideal spot to soak under the sun or swim in the turquoise blue waters. The beaches are well known for scuba diving, surfing, and Jet Skiing. These spots help couples to have some great time and bond together. 

Along with walking at sunset on the beach, there is no better way to know your partner. Some of the major highlights are Havelock Island, Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy, and Ross and Smith beaches. You can enjoy a lot of adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea walking. A lot of day tours are available from Port Blair, such as a visit to Mangroves of Baratang Island and Limestone Caves, along with the beautiful Jolly Buoy Island. 

You can have a beautiful and romantic sunset at Chidiya Tapu or enjoy trekking at Munda Pahad beach. Another great choice is Mount Harriet National Park. The government has done great efforts to preserve the living corals. You can witness the finest corals in the seas near the Andaman Islands and soak in the stunning beauty and serene beaches. 

Stunning Beach Resorts in Andamans 

A lot of beaches in Andaman have beachside resorts and restaurants which serve a great spot for relaxation. They serve different seafood and other dishes for couples to savor in the romantic candlelit dinner. These resorts offer plenty of services at affordable prices. You can book a beachside resort facing the tides of the Andaman Sea to make the ultimate honeymoon experience. 

There are smaller cottages in most resorts stretched along the beaches or located on the hills amidst green surroundings making the ideal spots to laze in. You cannot expect a romantic dinner without pretty weather and a perfect sunset. You can have a beachside dinner facing the red and pink hues of sunset, covered by the breezy and soft weather. 

Andaman receives the calm poetic weather all year round, except in monsoons. It also has secret hikes taking you to beautiful beaches amidst the lush greens. You can have fun and edgy dates with cruises. 

Book Short or Long Stays 

You can easily access all the islands across Andaman through ferry rides and a couple can explore different attractions. Some of the well-connected islands to private and government ferry services are Havelock Island, North Bay, Ross Island, Neil Island, Baratang Island and Viper Island, Rangat, Barren Island volcanoes, Diglipur Island and other islands. 

You can easily visit these islands as per your needs. Havelock and Neil Islands are some of the best islands for water sports and there are historical sites like Port Blair and Viper Island to take you back in time. 

Best Time to Visit 

Andaman & Nicobar Islands are known to be the best destination with different temperatures. Frequent rains, high tides, and strong winds are very common in monsoons. So, November to March is the best season to visit these islands where the weather is pleasant and the ocean is crystal clear.