Things to Do in Andaman

The clear waters of Andaman island host incredible marine life and state-of-the-art equipment and expertise. Over the years, scuba diving in the Andaman Islands has seen tourists flocking from different parts of the world. Indonesia, Micronesia, and the Cayman Islands are some of the internationally acclaimed sites for scuba diving sites.

The picturesque Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a plethora of tourist attractions to ensure a merry time for its tourists. Among these places, for adventure enthusiasts, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is a must-visit spot. Also known as the Andaman Water Sports Complex, the place offers a complete fun package in the form of enthralling water sports activities.

Neil Island is a part of the South Andaman Administrative District and belongs to Ritchie’s Archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. A part of the massive ocean separates it from Ross Island and Havelock Island, Tourists visiting Havelock often make a day-long trip to Neil Island. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this island is its three sandy beaches.

A one-of-a-kind boat experience, a ride atop the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat on North Bay Island is an excellent way to discover the island’s diverse marine life and coral reefs without having to go underwater. The boat glides over the water, and its bottom is made entirely of glass which acts as a window allowing passengers to be mesmerised by the rich aquatic life.

With its brilliant coral reefs and alluring cyan waters, the Elephant beach is one of the locations that add to the beach paradise reputation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These waters are a prime destination for tourists wishing to engage in water sports like snorkelling, swimming, banana boat rides, speed boats and diving.

Known for their breathtaking beauty, immense greenery, and numerous water bodies, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal destination for mangrove kayaking. Tour packages are available for mornings and nights, and mangrove kayaking provides an excellent opportunity to discover various flora and fauna accompanied by a trained instructor. Port Blair, Havelock, Ross Island and Baratang are some of the most popular locations for the activity.

Awarded with the title of 'Asia's Best Beach' by TIMES magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands, lives up to the moniker. Its vast shores of endless white grains stretch across 2 kilometres, making it a prime attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The limestone caves were formed millions of years ago due to the slow deposition of lime on the earth's surface. The caves can be accessed by a 45 minutes boat ride from Baratang via a scenic route through the Andaman Sea. The ride through the mangrove reserves to the wonderful limestone caves is truly an exhilarating experience. Tourists are allowed to take calm boat rides through the tidal mangrove forests.

An absolute joy for adventure lovers who wish to avoid diving and swimming constantly, sea walking is an excellent way to experience marine life in peace. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer multiple opportunities to go down to the sea bed, walk around and discover the unique geographical elements, coral reefs, fish and other aquatic life. Havelock Island, Ross Island and North Bay are ideal for sea walking.

Located just half a kilometre from the jetty at Neil Island, Bharatpur Beach is a stunning shoreline famous for water sports like snorkelling, glass-bottom rides, and scuba diving other than beach exploration and sunbathing. The shore has shallow water with coral reefs. If you wish to spend some time away from the crowd, you can easily find a peaceful stretch at this place.

Water Sports in Andaman have been a major attraction for adventure seekers and water babies. Although the demand for water sports is fulfilled at various locations in Andaman, Water Sports Complex in Port Blair is popular for its variety and safety. Whether swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing or just a boat ride, there is something to suit everyone’s desire.

The Cellular Jail, also known as 'Kala Pani', is an old colonial prison in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Constructed by the Britishers during their colonial rule in India, the jail was used to exile Indian political prisoners.

There's one thing that you should not miss out on your list- Shopping! The cute little shops around the corner are always buzzing with people. The tourism industry of Andaman is thriving not just because of the location and water adventures but because of its handicraft emporiums. Indulge in retail therapy by collecting tropical souvenirs there!

Known as the bird island, Chidiya Tapu is a picturesque little island in the Andamans, located around 25 kms from Port Blair. While birdwatching is the main allure of the location, there are some fun water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea walking, pearl hunting, and boating that one could engage in along its shores.

Just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair is Ross Island (now known as Netaji Subhash Bose Island). This island was once the administrative headquarters of the British but today is only an uninhabited island. Following an earthquake that hit Ross Island in 1941, the British left the island and shifted their settlement to Port Blair.

Corbyn's Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair. It is quite popular among tourists as well as locals. Certain parts of Corbyn’s Cove Beach have some seating arrangements to get a good view of the horizon from a small height. There are some restaurants also in the vicinity.

Parasailing is one of the most wonderful and yet one of the most thrilling adventure sports that has only recently been commenced in the Andamans. A mix of water and airborne activity, the activity requires the volunteers to be harnessed to a parachute cum kite-like glider that is attached to a motorboat in the water. When the motorboat moves, the person is sent soaring up into the sky. And while you are at it, you can also take a dip into the waters.

Sitapur Beach is also known as Beach number 5 or Sunrise Beach. is mostly known for its enchanting golden sunrises and sunsets, it is absolutely safe to swim in. There are very few places offering food and drink options, so you are advised to carry your own.

Samudrika Naval Museum is located in the capital city of Port Blair and is the pride project of the Indian Navy. With comprehensive coverage of the marine life in the deep waters surrounding the island chain's territories, this fascinating museum is an amazing source for details on the ocean's environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity.

Located on the south-western coast of the Andaman Islands, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park or Wander National Park is a marine life conservation area situated at a distance of 25 km from the capital city of Port Blair. The wildlife sanctuary consists of a group of 12 islands situated in a labyrinthine shape.

Experience a slice of heaven at the wondrous islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Inundating with lush greenery, rippling blue lagoons and scenic beaches, this group of plush islands offers seemingly endless rejuvenation. Explore this phantasmagorical natural beauty whilst soaking yourself in opulence at the upmarket resorts in Andaman.

Jolly Buoy is home to a rich diversity of corals, marine life, and myriad shades of blue. It is the most famous island in the archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar. It is a part of Mahatma Gandhi National Park and thus displays a rich variety of underwater life. The clean and serene water with white sand beaches make it one of the most preferred vacation destinations in the south.

Kalapathar beach is a long stretch of white silky sand with big black rocks beside the blue sea and is one of the most popular beaches on Havelock Island. Being located on the one tip of Havelock Island, Kalapathar Beach is named after a Black Road. Mesmerizing views of the sunset at this beach make it a perfect destination to spend some peaceful time.

Located about 135 kilometres to the northeast of Port Blair, Barren Island is situated at the intersection of the seismically active Indian and Burmese plates, is 1.8 million years old, and is home to the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent. As the name suggests, the island is largely uninhabited, thanks to the volcano eruptions that take place here at frequent intervals.

The Anthropological Museum, situated in the heart of Port Blair, is an ethnographic museum detailing the lives and cultures of the various tribes that have lived here. Inside the museum, one will come across various artefacts, tools, clothes, boats, leaf baskets, and weapons from different eras of the tribes of this region.

A small village in the southern part of South Andaman, Wandoor is most recognized for the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is among the regions with the richest marine biodiversity. Wandoor Beach is situated in the mesmerizing South Andaman Islands.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ mesmerising natural beauty, featuring lagoons, mangroves, beaches, flora and fauna, makes for a unique night kayaking experience. Havelock and Port Blair are famous for their night kayaking or bioluminescence tours through mangroves, small islets, and lagoons.

The Howrah Bridge or the Natural Bridge is a bridge-like formation located in the famous ‘vegetable bowl’ of Andaman or Neil Island. This small but beautiful island can be found approximately 40 kilometres south of the Andaman and is widely known for its beaches named after mythical creatures of the epic Ramayana – the Sitapur, Bharatpur, Ramnagar and Laxmanpur beaches.

Kalipur Beach in Diglipur is a beautiful beach with an endless number of turtles. These include several rare ones that come here to nest; apart from this, Kalipur beach is also a favourite picnic spot among locals and tourists. You can even go snorkelling or witness what the beach is famous for - turtle nesting.

Officially renamed as Mount Manipur National Park, Mount Harriet National Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the nine national parks housed on Andaman island. Located in Ferrargunj Tehsil of Port Blair, Mount Harriet is Andaman's third peak (365m) and the most easily accessible one. Spread over an area of 46.62sq km, the national park is home to several species of birds and animals. 

Located in Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazaar is a street market and the capital city’s main shopping complex lined with shops selling various household items, handmade goods and souvenirs. It represents the local culture well and is an excellent place to find vibrant fabrics, unique pearl jewellery, bamboo artefacts, tribal masks and more.

Diglipur, a large island in the North Andaman area, is an ecological paradise. The island houses rows of tropical forests, mangroves, and lovely beaches rich in exotic marine life. Kalipur Beach, Ross & Smith Islands, Ramnagar Beach, and Pathi Level Beach are all located in Diglipur, which makes it a favourite destination among tourists.

Sandbar Beach is a long sand stretch connecting two islands, Ross and Smith in Andaman. The stunning scenery created by the densely forested islands and the stretch of white sand is quite unique to the location and draws several tourists to witness its charm.

Also known as the Little Neil Island, Rose Island is one of the Andaman Islands' most gorgeous and uninhabited islands. Located at 40 kms from Port Blair, Rose Island belongs to the South Andaman administrative district. It also has a lighthouse installed at the top of a hillock, attracting tourist attention.

Red Skin Island is one of the 15 beaches in the Marine National Park of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It may be considered an alternative to Jolly Buoy Island as they are adjacent. This island is a promised relaxed journey on a beach that is paradise alike. The picturesque beach and adjoining forest make for a picture-perfect holiday that attracts tourists yearly.

Known to be the southernmost island of the Andaman group of Islands, South Andaman Island is also the most populated and most commercially viable island in the cluster. Known to be the third largest island in the cluster, South Andaman Island is situated between Middle Island and Baratang, from which a narrow strip of land separates it.

Saddle Peak National Park was established in 1987 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands district. It is entirely uninhabited by human beings, thus making it safe for preserving wildlife and the environment. The long trip to the park makes it worth it to experience its beauty. The white sand shoreline and the tropical rainforests make it a picturesque, serene image often found behind postcards.

Located on the Great Nicobar Islands, Indira Point is the southernmost point of the Nicobar Islands and the Indian subcontinent. The destination is mostly known for its magnificent lighthouses painted with red and white stripes. These lighthouses are the major attraction of Indira Point, attracting a large tourist influx.

The naturally-formed limestone caves near Baratang island of Andaman are a favourite tourist spot for those who do not mind a long journey. The caves are only a destination as there is a long boat journey towards it. The caves, although beautiful, are not that easy to reach.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have their fair share of water bodies, providing ample opportunities to go boating during the day and nighttime. Corbyn's Cove Beach, Elephant Beach, Ross Island etc., are perfect for boat trips wherein passengers admire the blue waters, mangroves and forests, wildlife, marine life and more.

Located 26 km from the capital, Port Blair, Cinque Island is an isolated part of the Andaman Archipelago. It is nestled between Passage and Duncan Island on the north side. The island is further divided into North and South Cinque Islands. The islands are collectively a part of Wandoor Marine National Park.

Located on Long Island, Lalaji Bay Beach is a picturesque attraction accessible by a small boat ride from Yerrata Jetty. The ride goes through a gorgeous Mangrove creek to the white sand beach. The pristine white sands and the crystal clear water of Lalaji Bay Beach provide a stunning place to relax.

Perched on the Panchavati hill, surrounded by enormous rocks, lies the Panchavati Waterfalls. Situated on the outskirts of Rangat in Andaman, the waterfall is a go-to place for swimmers and photographers. Offering scenic views, the hills are also home to fishing and agriculture.

Little Andaman, a beautiful island with crystal blue waters and clear sand beaches all around, is the fourth largest island in the archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It lies at the southern end of the archipelago over an area of 730 square kilometres. The island is home to an extensive rainforest and rare marine turtle species.

With their natural abundance, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the ideal place for trekkers; the beaches, mountains and forests provide ample opportunities for trekking.  Some of the most popular destinations include Mount Harriet, Chidiya Tapu, Limestone Caves, Saddle Peak, etc.

Parrot Island, a peculiar sort of home to thousands of fluttering parrots, looks like a new empire of wilderness born out of the salty waters of the Indian Ocean. Every day, hosts of green parrots arrive at the island as a part of their daily ritual, which is a spectacle to behold.

Located in the North and South Andaman districts of Andaman Islands, Aves Island is a small village island which has a population of 1 family both of which are males. The highlight of the village is the lighthouse that was established in 2008. Boasting tall coconut trees and utter peace and quietude, the island is a delight to visit.

A light and sound show is conducted on the island showcasing the historical events from the pre-independent era and the settlement of the first administrative set up on the island along with the major important events that occurred here. It is held from Monday to Sunday and remains closed on Wednesday and public holidays.

Located near the outskirts of Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases the forestry industry and the timber wealth of the islands. The museum is located within the Chatam Saw Mill complex and is around 10 km away from central Port Blair.

A speciality of Port Blair, Seakart riding allows people to drive away from Corbyn Cove Beach's shoreline to explore the waters and experience the refreshing feel of water splashing on their faces. Riders can not only catch glimpses of the retreating shoreline and the horizon but can also capture their experiences through the complementary DSLR services.

The Galathea National Park is located in the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This national park is home to many wildlife species endemic to the region because it is away from the Indian mainland. The park is a part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and was declared a national park in 1992.

Chatham Saw Mill is a 19th Century attraction in Port Blair, renowned as the oldest and the largest sawmill on the continent. It is the only sawmill that provides timber for construction work on the island and is one of the few mills that export timber to industries and furniture units worldwide.

Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple is an important pilgrimage site located in Andaman dedicated to Lord Murugan. Idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are also placed inside the temple. The edifice is inspired by the Dravidian style of architecture and looks simply amazing and spellbinding. Darshans are held in the morning and evening.

Located in South Andaman, the Manglutan Rubber Plantation is an easily accessible destination for experience seekers. This popular tourist destination is a testament to the distinct vegetation grown in the region, including rubber. The suitable climatic conditions and soil of the area allow for the successful development of rubber plantations.

Located on Neil Island, Laxmanpur Beach is a long beach divided into two parts: Laxmanpur Beach I known for its mesmerising sunsets and Laxmanpur Beach II known for the two natural arch bridges or Howrah Bridge. The abundance of corals and marine life on the shores during the low tide is popular among visitors. Walking towards the natural arch bridge can be a bit tricky as you will have to walk over the dead corals, so it is highly recommended to wear proper footwear.