Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar

A great park that has been accepted well by international tourists and is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. It is a distinct idea and execution in India to preserve the sensitive and endangered species of marine species is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Andaman. It consists of 15 islands of mangrove creeks, rainforests, splendid coral reefs which have around 50 types and a huge collection of rare but colourful fish etc. 

This park came into existence in the year of 1983 under the solid Wildlife Protection Act of 1973 to keep the lives of marine animals safe and preserved as the underwater ecosystem was on the verge of destruction. The best time to visit the park is during the months from November to February and during monsoon, it remains closed.

Highlights: The park is comprised of two major island groups known as the Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands which are situated about 16 km away from Port Blair to the south of it. This park boasts of the unimaginable size it spreads that is about 281.5 sq.km which have 17 small islands and the open sea creeks.

The fringing reefs are abundantly found in the park and that is one of the special reef species found on the island. Each island holds different type of vegetation. Tarmugli is the highest island in the park that displays the vast area of mangrove vegetation, sand covered beaches, sheet rocks etc.

Activities: One can get knowledge of marine species after visiting national park.

Distance from Port Blair: The park is located in Wandoor which is lying about 29 kms away from Port Blair. There are ferry services every 30 minutes from Port Blair boat jetty. The park is easily accessible via road as well.

Rangat is the parent location of Aamkunj beach, yet another eco-friendly tourist destination in Andaman. As it is the nesting ground for the sea turtles, you will be interested to spend ample  time at this beach to observe the sea turtles. The beach was turned to an eco-park to protect the marine species and the environment here and a natural fresh water source is available which is behind the reason for the concept of park’s establishment. 

This park is made up of wood completely and those wood logs were taken from the beach itself. Thus, this a famous tourist destination now. Hundreds of visitors arrive here to see the structures in the park and spend ample time on the beach. The grey sands on the beach and the exact replica of the beach is seen on the water as well but both these sights make the atmosphere so scenic and pleasant.

Highlights: The park itself is the highlight of Aamkunj and the easy access from Rangat makes the beach favourite to many locals and tourists equally. But the submerged boulders in the water would appear as a hindrance to snorkeling and scuba diving here. Check out the sites where you can do scuba diving in Andaman.

Activities: Aamkunj is declared as the ideal location for swimming, relax walks, sun bathing etc. People from nearby villages as well come to Aamkunj to have fun throughout the day. People spend time at the green park and watch the sea turtles’ nesting processes.

Distance from Port Blair: Though it is located about 8 kms away from Rangat, it is lying at a distance of 163 kms from Port Blair.

One of the most prominent tourist places in Andaman, Mount Harriet National Park is a place which will leave you speechless with its natural beauty. There is an awesome collection of places here that are sure to offer you some fantastic memories of Andaman holiday. Located at the second highest peak of Andaman which is the Ferargunj Tehsil, it is a great spot to catch the sunrise and bask in the glorious views of Andaman Sea.

A nice getaway if you seek relaxation away from all the noise and chaos, Mount Harriet National Park should not be missed when you are there. The natural beauty will leave you in surprise as you watch birds chirping and the soft wind blowing against your face. November to May is the most ideal time to pay a visit here when you are planning a holiday to Andaman. The park has watch towers, children's park, deer park, guest house and tourist sheds offering you everything for your recreational holiday. There are also long nature trails where you can savour an adrenaline rush by indulging in trekking.

Highlights: The astonishing feature of visiting Mount Harriet National Park is to capture the breathtaking sunrise over the panoramic blue ocean waters. The place is famous for its rainforests and all the nature lovers are in for a treat when they visit here.

Activities: It offers many enthralling activities like trekking, hopping on nature trails between the Guest house complex and kala pathar viewpoint. Other famous trekking route in Mount Harriet National Park is from Madhuban Beach- one till Mannarghat (10 km long) and the other till Guest house (15km long)

Distance from Port Blair: It is at a distance of 48 km from Port Blair Bus Stand.

Timing: 7 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian Adult, INR 10 for Child

The one and only confirmed active volcano in South East Asia is on Barren Island and recently in 2017, it appeared in news all over the world as the eruption happened in the volcano once again. The name is completely suitable for the island as it does not promote any type of human inhabitants and it is completely barren. The first identified eruption on this island happened in the year of 1787 and then on, there were around ten eruptions happened here.

Boasting of some of the most serene beaches, azure ocean waters and wonderful sites for diving, Havelock Islands is famed to be one of the most amazing tourist places in Andaman. The island boasts of many pristine places amidst its heavily forested landscape and charms the travellers with its most gorgeous natural surroundings. It is a dream come true for beach lovers who can visit the famous Radhanagar Beach, Kalapather Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and Elephant Beach here.

The landscape is truly beguiling and one can also look forward to indulge in activities like scuba diving, snorkelling and trekking when they are in Havelock Islands. Whether you are looking for adventure or wishing to soak in some tranquil moments to remember for a lifetime, Havelock Islands in Andaman is one of the most gorgeous places to be. One should try to visit Havelock Islands during the months from October to February as it is the best time to indulge in recreational activities. There are many beautiful hotels in Andaman, to provide the ultimate relaxation in holidays. Blessed with nature’s beauty, Havelock Islands is one of the perfect places for a beach vacation in Andaman.

Highlights: A few of the major highlights of Havelock Islands include snorkelling at Elephant Beach and watching the sunrise at Kalapather Beach. Another of the driving forces to visit Havelock Island is enjoying a kayak tour into the mangroves and witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Activities:  Along with visiting the famous beaches like Radhanagar, Vijaynagar, Elephant and Kalapather, Havelock Island is famous for offering activities like beach combing, sunbathing, scuba diving, sea walk, snorkelling, surfing, swimming, game fishing, watching the sunset or sunrise, bird-watching, trekking, sailing, and kayaking.

Distance from Port Blair:  The island is at a distance of 41 km from the capital city, Port Blair.

A major island in Andaman, Viper Island got its name from the vessel H.M.S. Viper which was met with an accident and the ruins of the vessel were found near the island. Before the Cellular Jail was built, the jail at Viper Island was the place where the British inflicted the dark form of torture to those freedom fighters of India.

The tranquilizing island is a favourite tourist destination in Andaman and Nicobar now. The aching beauty of nature along with the historically significant attractions has made the island a throbbing tourist attraction. There is also another saying that the island got its name from the presence of numerous Viper and similar snakes on the island.

Highlights: Anyone who loves to visit the island would make it mandatory to take a tour of the old jail. A boat journey to the island will enable one to see the ports and Navy ships of Port Blair. Also, the exotic sights of seven points from the harbor are overwhelming.

Activities: Boating is the favourite activity done by the tourists coming to Viper Island and strolling along the long beaches would satiate your passion for spending time at a relaxed pace.

Distance from Port Blair: Viper Island lies 4 kms west of Port Blair and ferries are always available from city of Port Blair to reach the island.

The Indian Navy is guarding the famous Samudrika Marine Museum which exhibits the richest collection of Andaman’s animal and floral lives and it is one of the best places to visit in Port Blair. The rare species of fish, other animals, plants, corals etc are preserved well over here and there is a small aquarium also. Rather, the different attraction on the island is this museum if you are completed visiting the beaches and the relishing islands.

A lot of tourists have recognized this museum as a perfect representation of what the island can offer to surprise the visitors but in a miniature form. The museum located just opposite to Andaman Teal House is occupied with five sections displaying the history of the islands, the geographical features, about the people and their lifestyles, the less explored archaeological information and of course the marine life.

The museum is established with the idea of creating awareness among people on various aspects regarding oceanic life and the importance of preserving this sensitive ecosystem well for a balanced future of human beings.

Highlights: Outside the museum, there is a skeleton of a blue whale preserved and it is a marvellous sight to look at. The first room shows facts like volcanoes, tribes, different types of woods, insects etc. The second room is displaying the reverberating underwater beauties through an aquarium.

Coral Reefs have an entire room that is the third room. Seashells in abundance have persevered in the fourth room and you will be surprised to the tremendous collection. Last but not least is the fifth room that is dedicated to the tribes of Andaman, the butterflies’ and the insects’ specimens as well.

Timing: The museum is open on all days from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 02:00 pm t0 05:00 pm.

Entry fee: For adult: INR 50 and for child: INR 25. If you wish to take camera or video to the inside, you will have to pay INR 20 and INR 50 respectively.

Distance from Port Blair: The museum is situated in Port Blair itself, walkable distance only.

Experience the best of the place in our Port Blair tour packages.

The best beach in Neil Island is Bharatpur which looks exactly as a painting exhibiting beauty at the higher level. Among all the favourite beaches in Neil Island, Bharathpur has a separate space. The extensive Bay of Bengal is beautifully lulled by the vast greenery and long stretches of white sand on the shore and tourists from all over the world love Bharathpur because of its backdrop unimaginably designed by the creator.

The lagoon with shallow and clear water is an ideal space for family to have fun and enjoy the level best. The 500 km long beach has a lot of options for the kids to play and simply laugh.

Highlights: Early morning visit to the beach will make you revel in the magnificent sunrise views when the beach gets showered in multi hues from the sun and the sight is amazingly vibrant. There is no other better option to start your day with unlimited positivity.

Activities: This is one of the best spots to do snorkeling and scuba diving with the proper guides available throughout the island. You are getting the perfect opportunity to delve into the sacred world of marine animals and plants which are colourful in their own terms. Also, glass bottom ride is yet another favourite activity done by the visitors of Bharathpur beach.

As the clear water always unwinds the extended coral reefs in different colours, people love to do swimming as well to have a face to face conversation with these rare species in underwater.

Distance from Port Blair: Bharathpur beach is located in Neil Island about 40 kms from Port Blair. From the boat jetty at Neil Island, it is really easy to reach the beach by boat.

An uninhabited island located in the southern part of Andaman, Parrot Island is a paradise on Earth exhibiting the wonderful attractions of nature elaborately. There are a lot of beaches on Nicobar island welcome the plenty of tourists every year. It is a part of Baratang Island and can be accessed from Baratang Jetty. There is a chance for a spooky ride in a dinghy boat from the jetty as the route goes through several creeks. You can also go for cruise ride in andaman for leisure experience. 

Before you reach Parrot Island, you will see a bunch of mangrove forests, appear as an evenly cut and well- arranged extending a pleasant view of nature at its best. And a fact is obvious from the name of the island. Yes, Parrot Island got its name from the hundreds of parrot flocks come to visit the beaches and mangrove forests and stay overnight here. They sharpen the mangrove roots with their red beak and thus the mangrove garden got equal shape and symmetry.

Highlights: Apart from the green parrots, visitors have spotted the large multi-colored parakeets on the island and both these species made the structure of island totally camouflaging and mind blowing. The sunset views, not to be explained, are dramatically stunning as it combines the sea and the sky together and indicates that the groups of parrots and parakeets are coming to the island soon.

Activities: Sightseeing in the major activity that can be done on Parrot Island as it showcases a number of forests, mangrove gardens and rare sights of colorful birds. But the boating through the creeks and the mangrove gardens is considered to be a thrilling adventure activity.

Distance from Port Blair: The nearest city to Baratang Island is Port Blair and from the city one can take a cab or bus to Diglipur and Parrot Island is located at a distance of 30 km from Baratang Jetty. It would take around 30 minutes to reach the island by Dunghi boat available at Baratang Jetty.

You can also check out our guide on the top hotels to stay in andaman for an amazing experience. 

Comparatively a silent beach on Neil Island is Laxmanpur Beach that is outshining every other beach on the island in terms of beauty and ravishing charm. Among the beaches in Andaman, it is ranked no.3 and the major reason for that is the greatest combination of azure water, the long stretch of secluded beach, the tropical trees in the backdrop and the heaven-like peace prevailing around.

It is very close to Neil Island boat jetty, about 2 kms away and that makes the beach more special to the tourists who would love to simply walk around and relax in utmost peace.The accessibility to the beach is perhaps easier by walking and it will let you marvel at the beauty of the surrounding in a deep manner and the natural spectacle would enable you to revel in and linger the vacation you have planned to have over here.

Highlights: The glittering coral reefs under water would open your eyes wide while you interact with them by doing scuba diving. A relaxing evening walk along the cold, sandy beach is another activity tourists have their hearts at. Also, the sunset views from the beach have been glamorized by the astounding nature in the background.

Activities: As every other beach on Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach also welcomes its visitors by offering the umpteen number of activities that can be done alone, with your family and friends. The shallow water which is the crystal clear would offer you the best time of snorkeling and swimming.

Distance from Port Blair: Though the beach is very close to Neil Island, the distance from Port Blair might force you to take a boat ride and it is located about 40 kms from Port Blair. From Neil Island ferry tier, the beach is lying 2 kms away and anyone can reach their by walking.

Before you visit Andaman you should check out the best time to visit Andaman Island.