The remote Andaman Islands between India and Southeast Asia are a great destination for divers and nature lovers. This tropical archipelago is home to extensive coral reefs, large wild jungles and mangrove swamps teeming with wildlife, as well as stunning empty beaches and some of the last truly self-sufficient indigenous people in Asia. Even though tourism on the Andaman Islands is now developing rapidly, it is still not a place that is easy to visit. You won’t find upscale beach resorts or shopping centers here, and that exactly is big part of the charm of the Andamans.
Untouched Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal to the east of India. Although part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Territory of India, they are actually much closer to Southeast Asia. Andamans are a group of 550 islands, of which only 26 are inhabited. Originally inhabited by the Indigenous Adivasi people thousands of years ago, Andaman Islands were used by Indians as a marine base, and later by the British as a penal colony and a prison. Today, most of the inhabitants of the Andaman Islands are immigrants from the mainland India, while there are still some 1,000 indigenous people left. Apart from agriculture, fish processing, and handicraft making, tourism is also being developed.
More water sports. Surfing in the Andaman Islands used to be great on Little Andaman, but this island suffered greatly from the tsunami in 2004. Glass-bottom boat rides are available for those not wanting to dive or snorkel, and Andaman Water Sports Complex offers a variety of water sports, such as water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and paddle boats.
Jungle activities. The unique rainforests of the islands offer great possibilities for trekking on Andaman Islands, and the great diversity of wildlife on the islands will surely please nature lovers. Wildlife viewing on Andaman Islands is rewarding in several destinations around the islands. You can also explore limestone caves or mud volcanoes, or see the only volcano in India on Barren Island. You might also see a glimpse of the indigenous people of the islands in Jarwa Reserve along the Andaman Trunk Road. Bus tours into Jarwa Reserve are available, visiting a number of natural attractions.
Untouched Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal to the east of India. Although part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Territory of India, they are actually much closer to Southeast Asia. Andamans are a group of 550 islands, of which only 26 are inhabited. Originally inhabited by the Indigenous Adivasi people thousands of years ago, Andaman Islands were used by Indians as a marine base, and later by the British as a penal colony and a prison. Today, most of the inhabitants of the Andaman Islands are immigrants from the mainland India, while there are still some 1,000 indigenous people left. Apart from agriculture, fish processing, and handicraft making, tourism is also being developed.
Andaman Islands attractions: diving, snorkeling, beaches, jungles & wildlife
The Andaman Islands host a very rich natural environment with tropical rainforests, mangrove wetlands, and rich coral reefs teeming with marine life. Diving on Andaman Islands is marvelous especially around Havelock Island, the most visited of the islands. South Cinque Island and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park also support excellent diving conditions. Snorkeling on Andaman Islands is equally great around many islands, not far from the beach. Havelock Island has the best beaches on the Andamans. The white sand Radhanagar Beach has been voted the best in Asia. The nearby Neil Island is also home to great beaches and snorkeling possibilities, while the small capital city Port Blair has decent beaches, remains of the British penal colony that now act as a museum, a small zoo, and a bazaar for shopping.More water sports. Surfing in the Andaman Islands used to be great on Little Andaman, but this island suffered greatly from the tsunami in 2004. Glass-bottom boat rides are available for those not wanting to dive or snorkel, and Andaman Water Sports Complex offers a variety of water sports, such as water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and paddle boats.
Jungle activities. The unique rainforests of the islands offer great possibilities for trekking on Andaman Islands, and the great diversity of wildlife on the islands will surely please nature lovers. Wildlife viewing on Andaman Islands is rewarding in several destinations around the islands. You can also explore limestone caves or mud volcanoes, or see the only volcano in India on Barren Island. You might also see a glimpse of the indigenous people of the islands in Jarwa Reserve along the Andaman Trunk Road. Bus tours into Jarwa Reserve are available, visiting a number of natural attractions.
Andaman Islands travel information and practical tips
Andaman Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate with cooling sea breezes.
Photo: Venkatesh K, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
There is a sunny dry season during the northeast monsoon from December to April, and a rainy southwest monsoon season from May to July, followed by occasional rains until November. Some regional variation occurs in weather between the islands, though.
Traveling to Andaman Islands requires some planning and effort. To protect the nature and the indigenous groups of the islands, some of which have had no contact with the rest of the world, only 9 of the Andaman Islands are open for tourism. Foreigners need a permit to visit the islands that you need to arrange before arrival if arriving by sea. The capital of the islands, Port Blair has an airport with flights to Andaman Islands from Chennai and Kolkata. There are also passenger ferries to Andaman Islands from Kolkata, Chennai and Visakhapatnam in the Indian mainland.
Local transportation between the islands is available by ferries, and local buses are available on bigger islands. Auto-rickshaws serve as taxis on the islands and are a good option for short distance travel. Motorcycle, scooter and car rental on Andaman Islands are available in Port Blair and Havelock Island. Bus tours are also offered on the main islands.
Basic services. The Andamans are not a place to visit because of excellent tourism facilities. There is a selection of hotels on Andaman Islands, including also an odd 5-star hotel, but most accommodation on the islands is basic with affordable lodges, guesthouses, and beach huts. Restaurants on Andaman Islands can be found in the main tourist areas, serving mainly seafood, Indian, and some international dishes. Nightlife on the islands is restricted to a few hotel bars.
Safety. Andaman Islands are a rural destination with a slow pace of life and little to worry about when it comes to crime. The friendly locals speak some English on the main islands. Dress conservatively outside the beach. Some of the local tribes are hostile towards outsiders, but since tourism to their areas is banned, this should not cause a problem. The main remaining safety issues on the Andamans are wild dogs and crocodiles. Parts of the islands were devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
