Andaman and Nicobar Islands

About

Geography[edit] The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stretch out almost 500 km in length, with the Andamans in the north and the Nicobars in the south. The main island, aptly known as Great Andaman, is divided into three parts: North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. The capital Port Blair is on South Andaman.

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Planning a Trip

By plane[edit] The primary way to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by air is from the Indian mainland to Port Blair. There are talks of opening up flights from Bangkok, which could drastically change the situation in the islands, but as of 2022 these remain just plans. Flights can fill up in peak season and immigration doesn't look kindly on people arriving without confirmed flights back, so book a return ticket and change the flight date if you decide to stay longer. The main airport of the islands, Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ IATA) in Port Blair, is probably one of the most quaint and idyllic airports in India. There is a scenic view point where the whole airport can be seen. There are no night flights as the airport is handed over to the Indian Air Force after 15:00. As of 2019, it has only flights from elsewhere in India.

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Getting Around

Between islands[edit] Science Centre, Port Blair The Andaman and Nicobar is a vast archipelago, and aside from some erratic, infrequent and expensive helicopter shuttles and a pricey seaplane service to Havelock Island, passenger ferries[dead link] are the only way to move between the islands. All passenger transport in the islands is handled by the government-run Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), which also runs the ferries back to the mainland. The DSS operates two kinds of vessels: small "tourist" ferries, and larger "local" ferries. Despite the names, fares are more or less identical on both, at ₹150–200 one way from Port Blair to Havelock Island. Tourist ferries seat about 100 people in padded bucket seats in a notionally air-conditioned cabin (which can still get sweltering hot). While you can access the top deck, there are no seats, shade or shelter outside. These boats are faster and seaworthy, but top-heavy, and sway quite a bit in high seas. There is no canteen on board, so bring snacks or at least drinks. Local ferries are considerably larger, seating up to 400 in two levels: padded "bunk" or "luxury" seating upstairs, and plain old benches on the "deck" downstairs. Neither class is air-conditioned, but ocean breezes keep temperatures tolerable, and a canteen dishes out chai, samosas and bottled water. Due to their larger size, they are more stable in heavy seas, but take about twice as long as tourist ferries to get anywhere. An air-con catamaran ferry or private cruise from Port Blair to Havelock is also available. Tickets are ₹1171, 1289 or 1643 depending upon the class of seating (Premium, Deluxe, Royal) can be booked online in advance. Government ferry booking needs to be done via dedicated ticket booking window at the jetty in Port Blair. During the high season demand often exceeds supply, so book your tickets at least one day in advance, either through a travel agent or directly at Port Blair's harbour. The ferry ticket booking system has become computerised. This means you can book any ferry from any jetty - i.e. Rangat to Havelock from the Diglipur ferry jetty. Services may be changed or cancelled at short notice due to inclement weather, notably cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.

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Top Attractions

Contents 1 Do 1.1 Scuba diving 1.2 Snorkelling 1.3 National parks Clown Fish in the Andaman Coral Reef Scan corals reefs in glass bottom boats off Jolly Buoy Island, at the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor, 29 km from Port Blair. See the only active volcano in India on Barren Island, but make sure it's smoking before you start on the overnight boat journey. The island is protected by the Indian Navy, and it is not possible to visit the Barren Islands. Don't take the Andaman Trunk Road. The ride is long, and the journey that takes you through some gorgeous reserve forests and up to Maya Bunder and beyond. Spot some sea cows and moon-bathe with plankton in a phosphorescent sea. Sea walking is a popular activity that allows visitors to explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life of the Andaman Islands. The activity involves walking on the sea floor while wearing a special helmet that supplies air. This allows visitors to see the coral reefs and marine life up close without the need for diving or snorkelling. Scuba diving[edit] Havelock Island is the main dive destination, but the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has reopened. South Cinque Island is another possibility, enquire at Anugama Resort at Wandoor. The best dive sites in the Andamans are in remote locations and are impossible to get without a private yacht charter. The dive sites around Havelock are actually very ordinary by Andamans standards. The best diving in the Andamans is: Barren Island (an active volcano), Narcondam Island (an extinct volcano), Invisible Bank (an extensive seamount about 160 km southeast of Port Blair) and 4 spectacular but unnamed sea mounts off the west coast. There is also a good wreck dive just south of North Brother Island. There are a small number of companies that operate live aboard diving and adventure charters in the Andaman Islands. Be aware that many companies that advertise Andaman Islands trips have never been there before. Snorkelling[edit] Snorkelling is a fun, popular activity done at North Bay, MuaTerra Beach and Havelock Island. The equipment is cheap, and can be bought or rented. Surfing was possible on Little Andaman Island, but the island was devastated in the 2004 tsunami. National parks[edit] View of Wandoor beach from Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 11.5854492.614531 Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. A national park in Wandoor on the Andaman Islands.    12.163293.01342 Middle Button Island National Park. Spotted deer can be found here.    11.716192.73393 Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park). Named after Harriet Tytler who did early work documenting the monuments of Delhi.    12.190293.04054 North Button Island National Park. Home of the dugong, dolphin, water monitor and other animals.    12.1349493.067645 Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. A national park known for its coral reefs and marine life.    13.093193.0026 Saddle Peak National Park. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and forest, many species can be found here.    12.132693.01137 South Button Island National Park. Shallow water coral reefs popular for scuba diving.    7.11277893.7619448 Campbell Bay National Park. Part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.   (updated Nov 2022) 6.92393.8339 Galathea National Park. Part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve with rare species of plants and animals.   (updated Nov 2022)

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Travel Resources

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