A Quick And Complete Guide To Your Andaman Trip

[Nancy Ahuja]

When it comes to travelling to exotic places in and around India, most of us end up choosing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as our option. Without any doubt, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the most widely visited tourist places in the world. From the serene beaches to their rich flora and fauna, there are tons of things that add to the popularity of this place. My recent visit to the Andaman proved to be one of the best trips of my life so far.

Even after spending a week in the Andaman, I wanted to spend a few more days. There are so many attractions one can explore in this region. There are plenty of things to do as well, particularly for those who want to take part in adventurous activities. Visiting the Cellular Jail proved to be the highlight of my Andaman trip. The wonderfully choreographed light and sound show left me totally amazed. Located in Port Blair, this jail was constructed in the year 1906. In case you do not know, the Cellular Jail is also known as Kala Paani.

Besides that, what really caught my attention was the glass bottom boat ride. Exploring the marine life in such an interesting way was an experience of lifetime. It can be a perfect way to spend an evening with someone you love. This is why the Andaman Islands are counted among the top honeymoon destinations in the world.  

I am sure many of you would want to explore the beauty of these Islands. But, it is equally important that you must plan your trip in the best way possible. In this regard, all you need is a well-designed itinerary and a trustable travel guide. Yes, it is always better to buy a tour package for visiting a place like the Andaman. From my experience, I would like to recommend a few must-visit places and things to do in Andaman.  

Places to stay in the Andaman

Before we talk about the things to do in these Islands, let us know a little about some of the best places to stay in the Andaman. Being the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair has some of the finest hotels in the region. Sinclair’s Bay View was the hotel where I had stayed for a couple of days. Situated just 15 minutes away from the airport, this hotel packs in loads of amenities. Another positive aspect of this hotel is its location. It is close to the city’s shopping centre. For a relaxed experience, you can definitely rely on the ambience of this hotel. Beside it, the other hotels you can check out are- Fortune Resort Bay Island, Sea Princess Beach Resort, Sea Shell, and Hotel North Reef.

Apart from Port Blair, the two islands that boast some of the most mesmerizing locations are the Neil Island and the Havelock Island. During my trip, I had spent two days at the Neil Island. Booking an accommodation in the Summer Sands Beach Resort proved to be a right decision. This hotel in the Havelock Island offers everything a traveller looks forward to. Holiday Inn Beach Resort, TSG Aura, Silver Sand, and Sea Shell are some of the other prominent plays to stay in the Havelock Island.

After Port Blair, the next best place in the Andaman undoubtedly has to be Havelock Island. This is why it has some of the most luxurious hotels in the entire Andaman. If you want to experience what true luxury feels like, you must book your accommodation in the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa. Coral Reef Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort, Jalakara, and Sea Shell are some of the other top hotels in the Havelock Island.

Things to do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Once you are in the Andaman, there is a long list of things do to and activities to take part in. No matter if you are looking for a heavy dose of adrenaline-rush from adventurous activities or want to spend some treasured moments with the love of your life, there is no dearth of options here. These are some of the must try activities in the Andaman:

• Glass bottom boat ride: This is best way to check out the beautiful corals located underwater. Without getting you wet, this activity takes you through an amazing ride. Witnessing the underwater magnificence through the transparent glass-based bottom of the boat is something you must not miss. It takes around 20 minutes to complete the ride.
• Trekking: It would not be wrong to say that the Andaman Island is a heaven for the trek lovers. The untouched beauty of this place makes it one of the best trekking destinations. Though there are many trekking routes present in the Andaman, but the most popular one is the one that starts from Mount Harriet and ends at Madhuban. You must also explore the Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in the entire Andaman.

 

• Scuba Diving: There are numerous scuba diving points available all through the Andaman. But the best ones are located in the Neil Island, North Bay Island, and the Havelock Island. You will be assisted by certified and trained scuba diving experts. Exploring the underwater marine life can be a thrilling experience.

 

• Bird watching: The Andaman Islands is home to a wide range of bird species, which makes it one of the best places to visit for the bird-watchers. If you are into professional photography, you must get your gears ready.
• Snorkelling: Snorkelling is one of the most widely preferred things to do in Andaman, and it is also quite easy on your pocket. Observing the underwater marine life so close is an experience never to be missed.
• Game fishing: Being one of the top fishing destinations in the entire Asia, the Andaman Island offers you the best locations to take part in this adventurous activity. Game fishing is an activity that usually lasts up to 10 hours.

How to get there?

There are several flights that connect Port Blair Veer Savarkar Airport to other major airports in India, such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata. You can also take the sea route; but the ship tours are not as frequent as the flights are. From Kolkata, it takes 3 days to reach Port Blair via sea. Once you have reached Port Blair, there are several ferries available that connect the islands. Buses are available to travel within the city.

Where to go next?

Once you are done exploring the beauty of the Andaman Islands, the next best place you can include in your itinerary is Thailand. Its capital city Bangkok will never make you feel bored even for a second. So, pack your bags and let the explorer inside you have a blast.