Things to Do in Andaman and Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have several mud volcanoes spread all over the group of islands. Out of the 11 mud volcanoes, 9 are located on Baratang Island, about 90 kilometres from Port Blair. At first sight, it may look like tiny holes in the earth with mud bubbling all over them. But for the curious soul, the science behind these volcanoes is fascinating, and since they are the only group of mud volcanoes all over India, they are worth a visit.The volcanoes are created when microorganisms release various juices to break down the organic matter underneath the earth’s surface. As a result, organic matter breaks down and releases various gases. These gases then rise to the surface and create small craters of bubbling mud, called mud volcanoes.The volcanoes are not pretty, or even remotely appealing visually, but if you are interested in scientific exploration, this will be a worthy visit for you. They are nature’s wonderful play, with average temperature at any active volcano ranging 100 degrees centigrade to as low as 2 degrees. Some people also use the volcanoes for a mud bath, especially the ones in lower temperature range.Planning a trip to Andaman? Book best Andaman tour packages now!How to reach Mud Volcanoes  - From Port Blair:Mud volcanoes are located on Baratang island, which is about 90 kilometres away from Port Blair city. There are several ways to get to Mud Volcanoes from Port Blair.You can take a bus from STS Bus Terminal in Aberdeen Bazaar, and it will take you about 2 and a half hours to reach your destination. The first half is from Port Blair to Jirkatang, which is stretched over 40 kilometres, and the second lag of the journey is from Jirkatang to Baratang, which is 49 kilometres long.Nilambur Jetty services can also be used to get to Mud Volcanoes, and it only takes 15 minutes for the entire journey. Apart from government buses and ferries, private bus and ferry services are also available. These are generally more expensive.- From Havelock Island:Mud Volcanoes are nearly 170 kilometres away from and there is no direct service from Havelock island to the volcanoes. However, there are daily ferry services to Port Blair, from where you can easily take a boat to Baratang. It will take 3 hours to reach Port Blair from Havelock, and since ferry services to Bartang are only available until 1 pm, it is advisable to leave Havelock early. Otherwise, you will be stranded at Port Blair for the night.You can also check the travel guide from Port Blair to Havelock island.Essential Info:1. Places to visit near Mud VolcanoesChidiya Tapu - witness the sheer variety of indigenous and migratory birds at this lonesome island, enjoy seclusion and serenity like never before, and explore the lush green forests. Hang out by the beach, watch emerald doves sailing through the skies.Limestone Caves - witness the fascinating formation of Limestone Caves just a few kilometres from Mud Volcanoes. The distinct floral patterns are mesmerizing, and patterns are spread all over the walls and ceilings, lending the place a striking beauty.Cellular Jail - A historical landmark that is a must-visit destination in andaman not only because of its significance in India’s struggle for independence but also because of its serene environs.Check out some more places to see in Port Blair.2. Things/ Activities to do near Mud VolcanoesBird watching - Baratang Island hosts birds of all varieties around the year. From red-breasted parakeets to white-bellied sea eagles, imperial green pigeons and scarlet minivets, this place is rife with exciting fauna, a haven for nature lovers.Hiking: Baratang Island is famous for its lush green forests, stunning vistas, and mesmerizing views of the ocean. One of the most popular ways of getting close to nature here is hiking. There are plenty of trails that go through emerald forests that will take your breath away.Explore the mangrove forests - the green blanket covering the island is unique in its beauty and will make your mind and soul rejuvenated like never before. A ride through the mangrove forests is truly life-changing.Explore the list of things to do in Andaman and Nicobar.3. Places to eat near Mud VolcanoesThere are no big and fancy restaurants or hotels at Baratang Island, but there are plenty of eateries and food stalls here where you can enjoy the local delicacies and hygienic food.There are a few food stalls near Nilambur jetty area where you can find South Indian and Bengali food at pocket-friendly costs. It is hot, tasty, and served with love. You can also find snack bars and chai points near Mud Volcanoes where you can buy almost any kind of refreshment. Don’t forget to try some coconut water and spiced buttermilk, if you want to beat the heat.4. Places to stay near Mud VolcanoesThere are not many places offering accommodation near Mud Volcanoes. Baratang is an untouched island, and there are slim to none luxury properties here.The three government guesthouses are only open to government officials, however, you can get a room here if you book your accommodation several months in advance. There is only one private resort on the entire island, and that is Dew Dale. Although the resort is a little far from Mud Volcanoes and the city centre, the rooms are clean and airy here. Don't forget to book a room before you come here.5. Best Time to visit Mud VolcanoesMud Volcanoes are best visited during the winter season, which is from November to February. In summers, it gets too hot at the island to go sightseeing, and the scorching heat will limit your exploration. During monsoons, harsh weather may cause flight cancellations and you may get stranded.6. Travellers' Tip before visiting Mud VolcanoesGet a permit to visit the Baratang Island, before you leave for Mud Volcanoes.You should also carry essential medication because medical facilities in Baratang are not top shelf. The island is inhabited by Jarawa Tribe, and the government forbids from interacting with the tribesmen or taking their photos.7. Entry Fee and Photography allowed in Mud VolcanoesThere is no entry fee to visit Mud Volcanoes, as it is a publicly owned destination. Photography is also allowed here, and there are no extra charges you have to pay to carry a camera. In fact, the only money you will be spending is the ferry ticket.8. Visiting Time & Duration for Mud VolcanoesMud Volcanoes are open to the public 24 hours. However, it is not advisable to stay out in the wild after dark. This is because the island is home to one of the most dangerous tribes in the world, and it is better to finish sightseeing before dusk. It will take you 1-2 hours to finish exploring Mud Volcanoes.Looking for budget honeymoon Packages of Andaman? Check them out now.

The Cinque Island, divided further into the North Cinque and South Cinque islands, are two among the many small islands that are found near Andaman and Nicobar, in India. Unlike the main islands, these are uninhabited and tourists are only allowed to visit them for day visits unless they have a special grant or permission. There are plenty of tour agencies and companies that organize these day trips to the Cinque Islands.The islands are often considered to be one single island, because they are connected by a sandbar, making it easy to access them both at the same time. Both the islands are also a part of the Wandoor Marine National Park, also commonly referred to as the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.What makes these isolated islands so popular among tourists is that they are said to be the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving, due to the crystal clear waters and the abundance of exotic marine life such as sea anemones, starfishes, crocodiles, corals, water snakes, turtles, and many fish as well. Apart from that, the beaches themselves are very clean and pleasing, with soft sandy shores and stunning views of crimson red sunsets that will leave anyone spellbound. If you are interested in photography, you have a lot of amazing photo opportunities on this island during your trip to Andaman.One of the things about these islands that attracts people the most is that since they are uninhabited by man, there is still a beautiful essence of harmony in nature present here, that instantly makes you fall in love with this place. There is a strict policy of eco-tourism followed here,  which prevents this island to be polluted with any kinds of litter, waste or any other kind of man-made waste, thus preserving its natural beauty.Whether you are traveling with family, friends, your loved one, or even solo, you will find plenty of things to do on the islands. There are many water sports activities that you can do, ranging from parasailing to boating, kayaking and jet skiing, which children especially will enjoy. If you are traveling with a loved one, you can definitely enjoy a delicious seafood meal made from the fresh catch of the day, take a romantic evening walking along the sandy shores of the beach and watch as the sun sets slowly in the horizon, and the sky changes its colors almost magically.All in all, the island is filled with a lot of exciting sights and activities that are sure to make anyone fall in love with this place at first sight, and if you ever find yourself in the Andaman and Nicobar, do spare a day to take a trip to these uninhabited islands, to really get an experience of being one with nature. This island is one of the best places to explore in Andaman. For those of you who are interested in knowing more about the Cinque Islands, we have gathered all the information that you will require before making a trip here. Keep reading the article to get all the necessary knowledge about the magical Cinque Island.Check out the best tour packages in Andaman for your trip.How to Reach Cinque IslandThe Cinque Island is located just around 25 kilometers from the famous Port Blair  and is situated in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Due to its proximity to Port Blair, the islands can be reached through any popular means of transportation.By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as the Port Blair International Airport, located in Port Blair is the closest airport to the Cinque Island and is located very close to the Port Blair's town center. You can take a flight from any of the major towns in India like Bombay, Delhi, Kolkata or Chennai and you should be able to reach Port Blair in less than four hours.By Boat: After reaching Port Blair, you will need to take a boat or a chartered ferry which takes you across to the Cinque Islands. These ferries are the only way to reach the island and they travel multiple times a day. There are also many private tours which have their own boats that take you to the islands if you wish to opt for those.Once you reach the islands, you can go to either the North or the South Cinque Island, as the two are connected by a sandbar.Check out the best honeymoon hotels in Andaman which will offer you a wonderful stay during your trip.Best Time to VisitBeing in a country that is blessed with a tropical climate, there is really no wrong time to visit Cinque IslandDuring the summer months, the weather is extremely sunny and warm, so if you enjoy being in sunny weather, then the moths of April to June are a great time to visit. Though it may be sunny, you can always cool down with a cold beverage or a dip in the pleasant ocean.The winter months after the rainy monsoon season is the most popular season to visit the islands as the weather is not too hot, the climate is very cool and pleasant, but you still have the sun and the feel of the beach, without getting too sweaty under the sun.The rainy season, from the month of June to the month of November, is the least popular time to visit the islands, as you wouldn’t be able to enjoy many of the activities on the island, like water sports, snorkeling and scuba diving which are some of the best water sports in Andaman. However, this is also the season where hotels and resorts give the maximum discounts in Andaman, so sometimes people opt to visit during this time of the year to save a lot of money.Check out the list of best islands in Andaman which you must visit on your trip.Other Essential Info about Cinque IslandHere is some other important information that will come in handy for your visit to Cinque Island.1. Mobile ConnectivityThough you don’t need a different or a new SIM card for when you visit the Cinque Island, there are some networks that definitely do work better than others, and can be used throughout your visit to the Andaman. Networks like Reliance and Jio are not the most suited for Andaman and Cinque Islands and it is not recommended to carry those. Among all the recent network providers, Vodafone gets the best mobile connectivity and service on the Cinque islands, compared to the other networks. While these SIM cards work in Port Blair, there is no guarantee that you will get a proper signal on Cinque Island.2. Medical FacilitiesIn spite of being an uninhabited island and being a place known just for day trips and excursions, don't worry as there are easily available medical facilities. The tour operators always carry a first aid kit with them in case of any emergencies, and since the islands are located on the premises of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, you can definitely get access to medical aid without fail. However, if you use any specific medications or you have any condition, we recommend you to carry your own medications with you, and not rely on the medical care on the island.3. Timings to visitAs we mentioned before, the island is uninhabited and only open to the people for day visits, and hence there are particular timings during which you are permitted to visit the island. There are frequent and regular ferries that travel to the island from Chiriya Tapu, and the journey takes approximately two and a half hours, one way, by boat. To enjoy a full day on the island, we recommend that you leave early in the morning so that you don’t miss out on any of the interesting activities on the island. This island also welcomes many couples who are on their honeymoon to Andaman.4. Places to eat near Cinque IslandSince the islands are not inhabited, there are no restaurants on the islands. However, you can buy refreshments and beverages to keep yourself full. If you are traveling with a tour agency or through an organized tour, the people almost usually provide lunch and dinner meals as a part of the tour package. However, once you get back to Port Blair, there are a number of great restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal after a long day of exploring the island. You can also buy food and carry it with you before you leave for the island, but make sure not to litter anything on the island.5. Activities to doOnce you are on the island, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied the entire day. The most popular activity on the Cinque Island is scuba diving and snorkeling, because of the rich marine life that’s found in the waters, like exotic fish, sea anemones, turtles, starfish, and even some sea snakes. Apart from these, there are also many other water sports activities you can do on the island like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and kayaking. If you are not up for these activities, you can just unwind by the beach, relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves and the beautiful view of the blue ocean.Don't forget to check out the best beaches in Andaman and Nicobar which you must visit during your trip.Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that you should be aware of before visiting Cinque Island.1. From where can I take the ferry to reach Cinque Island?The best way to reach the Cinque Islands is by a ferry and the journey takes around two and a half hours to go one way. The ferries usually depart from the Chiriya Tapu point, and there are regular ferries that take multiple trips throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about missing a ferry.2. Which are the best resorts in Cinque Island?The Cinque Islands are uninhabited islands that are located on the premises of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. There are no resorts or hotels on the island, and tourists are only allowed to visit for day trips.3. What will I see being at Cinque Island? On Cinque Island, you can see various different kinds of exotic marine life species, like colorful fish, crocodiles, starfish, sea snakes and sea anemones. You will also see the beautiful expanse of the sea and the view of stunningly beautiful crimson red sunsets.4. What water sports can we do at Cinque Island?Water sports are one of the specialties of the Cinque Islands, and you can choose from a variety of options like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, boating, and banana boating as well. You can also opt for snorkeling and scuba diving, which are the most famous activities on the island and are some of the best things to do in andaman on your trip.5. How to reach Cinque Island from Havelock?If you are traveling from Havelock, then you will first need to take a ferry to Port Blair, which takes around an hour. Once you reach Port Blair, you can take another ferry from the Chiriya Tapu point, and in two and a half hours, you will reach the Cinque Island.6. What should I carry while visiting Cinque Island?Make sure to carry a lot of sunscreens, your swimsuit, an extra set of clothes and all the medication which you will require. We also recommend carrying some snacks and beverages for refreshment.7. What else can I visit with Cinque Island in one day?As the islands are located around two and a half hours from Port Blair, we recommend not to plan anything on the date of travel and allocate the entire day just to explore the beautiful islands. You can visit both the North and South Cinque islands as they are connected by a sandbar. Also,check out the best places to visit Port Blair.8. How much time will it take to visit Cinque Island properly?It will take you one day to complete visit the Cinque islands and everything that they have to offer.9. Is scuba diving available in Cinque Island?Yes, Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities on the island and one can see a number of exotic fish and other marine life species on their underwater dive giving you the best scuba diving experience in Andaman.10. What is the boat ticket from Port Blair to Cinque Island?The ferry prices vary from season to season, however, if you are traveling through a tour agency, they usually include the cost of the ferry travel.Planning to add this place to your trip plan? But first, check out the Andaman travel guide which will help you plan a hustle free trip. 

Connected by a white sand bar are Ross and Smith Islands belonging to North Island and both of them together known as the Twin Islands. The beautiful villages, turquoise water, the virgin beaches and the extremely gorgeous tropical rainforest and what not; these islands are indescribably fascinating. As the island is close to Diglipur, one can take the Aerial Bay as the destination via road and get entry permits and travel to the island by a ferry. Around 20 minutes of boat ride will take you to the island. From Smith Island, you are invited to indulge in the nature trails extended till Ross Island through the green tropical forests swaying their heads always.Highlights: A Marine Sanctuary on the island is the biggest highlight and it is considered to be the ideal place for watching the rare collection of invigorating coral reefs and colourful fish species. As both the islands are home to Olive Ridley turtles, tourists come at the right time to watch turtle nesting and it is a rare scene to be watched. At times, the wild elephants inhabited in the forests may come to the outer world.Activities: Snorkeling and swimming are the most suitable and well acknowledged activities on both the islands. Adventure lovers find the space marvelous to do scuba diving tours as well.Distance from Port Blair: By road, about 191 kms are there from Port Blair to Ross and Smith Islands, Aerial Jetty is the right spot to take a private boat from and travel to the island.