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The Andaman And Nicobar Islands Are A Union Territory Of India Comprising 572 Islands Of Which 37 Are Inhabited And Are A Group Of Islands At The Juncture Of The Bay Of Bengal And The Andaman Sea. It Is Around 1000 Miles Away From The Indian Subcontinent Down South-East. Its Capital Is The City Of Port Blair. The Territory Is Divided Into Three Districts: Nicobar District With Car Nicobar As Capital, South Andaman District With Port Blair As Capital And North And Middle Andaman District With Mayabunder As Capital.
Andaman And Nicobar Islands Is A Major Tourism Hub With Exotic-Looking Beaches And Pristine Islands Having Equally Exotic Names, Wonderful Opportunities For Adventure Sports Like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving And Sea-Walking. Viper Island Which Was Earlier Visited Is Now Kept Closed By The Administration. Nicobar Islands (The Southern Group) Are Mostly Inaccessible To Tourists.
| 1. Port Blair | |
| Port Blair Is The Capital City Of The Andaman And Nicobar Islands And Is The Union Territory Of India Which Is Located In The Bay Of Bengal. Some Of The Attractions Of The Place Are: | |
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A Small Yet Fascinating Island With Virgin Coral Reefs, Attractive Bio-Diversity, White Sand Beaches, Forest And Vegetation. Some Of The Main Attractions Of The Island Are:
- Bharatpur Beach
- Sitapur Beach
- Laxmanpur Beach
| 3. Diglipur | |
| Diglipur Is The Largest Town In North Andaman And An Eco-Friendly Tourist Destination. Some Of The Attractions Of The Island Are: | |
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Havelock Is One Of The Largest In Andaman Nicobar Islands With A Chain Of Island Connected To It. The Place Is A Paradise With A Number Of Fascinating White Sand Beaches, Coral Reefs And Rich Green Forests. Some Of The Main Attractions Of The Place Are:
- Elephant Beach
- Radhanagar Beach
- Kala Pathar Beach
- Vijaynagar Beach
| 5. Rangat | |
| Rangat Is A Town On The Middle Andaman Island And Has Several Turtle Nesting Grounds, Evergreen Waterfalls And A Very Unique Presentation Of The Diverse Mangrove Ecosystem Along With A Nature Walk. Some Of The Main Attractions Of The Island Are: | |
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Mayabunder Is A Town In The Northern Part Of Middle Andaman Island And A Sea Turtle Nesting Ground, Mangrove Lined Tidal Creeks, The 2nd Biggest Harbor After Port Blair- Where The Mainland Passenger Ships Takes Halt. Some Of The Main Attractions Of The Island Are:
- Karmatang Beach.
Snorkeling |
Parasailing |  Sea Walk |  Jet Skiing |
Trekking |
 Bottom Glass Ride |  Dinner Cruise |  Scuba Diving |
Shopping |  Banana Ride |
Andaman can be accessed by two ways only.
BY
The most comfortable and time-saving mode of transportation to Andaman is only by flight. There are daily flights from Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai and scheduled flights from Visakhapatnam flying about thrice a week to Andaman’s capital Port Blair. Travelers will have to reach these cities before arriving Port Blair. The Airlines like Spice Jet, Air India, Vistara, Jet Airways, IndiGo, and GoAir serve to Veer Savarkar International airport in Port Blair and take approximately 02:00 Hrs to reach Port Blair.
BY
Travellers who love long journeys must definitely opt for waterways as it is well-connected travel routes in Andaman Island. It’s time-consuming journey but the views that one get are worth all the efforts. Travelers will have to book at least a month in advance from designated offices and range of tickets starts from two to ten thousand INR depending on the class of cabin book. Travellers will have to reach Chennai or Vishakhapatnam or Kolkata to avail the Ship services. It will take approximately 50-70 hours to reach Port Blair. Also, weather and sea conditions are important factors in travel and they can add to the time taken to reach Port Blair. Travellers who are having seasickness can choose cruise voyage on their return journey.
By Air :
Inter-Island travel is not possible by sea planes at the moment. However, there is an interisland helicopter service which is reserved for VIPs. Traveller can apply at the Directorate of Civil Aviation office at the helipad one day in advance to use this service. There is a 5kg baggage limit and the ticket can be quite expensive.
By Ferry :
Inter-Island travel by ferry is the most popular way to travel. However, this can be quite chaotic as the service is slow and there are long queues for buying tickets. Government ferry tickets can be bought a couple of days before traveller actual journey. If this is too troublesome for traveller, then traveller can ask their travel agent to book the ferry tickets also.
There are frequent boat services from Port Blair to the other islands such as Havelock Island, Neil Islands, Long Island, Mayabunder and Diglipur. There are also private ferry companies which are more expensive but their tickets are available a month in advance. The popular companies that run private ferry services are Green Ocean and Makruzz.
By Bus :
Mohanpura bus terminus is the central terminus. Buses are available throughout the day. South, Middle and North Andaman group are connected by road and there are ferry crossings and bridges as well, which makes it possible travel by bus. Bus services are available from Port Blair to various places such as Wandoor, Baratang, Chidiya Tapu, Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur. Havelock has a bus services.
By Car :
It is possible to hire a car with driver to travel from Port Blair to Diglipur but a round trip can be quite expensive. However, the drivers are knowledgeable about the best places to visit in Andaman Nicobar and will take travelers there without any hassle. The cars are also neat and clean, and the entire experience is quite satisfactory.
There are also self-drive car rentals which will help travelers experience the Andaman in a rather unique way. However, typical self-drive car rentals come with additional tax and fuel expenses.
(Note: Mobile Network coverage in several key attractions in Port Blair tends to be quite spotty and travelers may get lost and not know how to reach out for help.)
By Auto/TukTuk :
There are autos or tuk tuks but they are not very comfortable as the roads can be bumpy. They are a cheaper way of getting around instead of hiring cabs though.
By Cabs/Taxis :
Travelers can get taxis or cabs to travel from place to other place. These are slightly more expensive than the autos.
(Note: There’s no Uber or Ola in Andaman.)
By Motorcycle or Bicycles :
Travelers can hire motorcycles or bicycles from Port Blair to go around the island. These can be hired for a whole day and are quite economical. Motorcycles charges are around INR 300 per day (Minimum) while bicycles charges can be around INR 200 at the most.
TOUR PACKAGES OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
Trips not found.
Inclusion
- Assistance on Arrival.
- Accommodation on double sharing basis with breakfast.
- The vehicle is available strictly as per the itinerary and not at disposal
- All entry permits, entry tickets included to all sight-seeing points, inter island ferry tickets unless any cruise goes into technical issues or sailing does not take place because of weather conditions and forest area permits wherever applicable
- All parking, road taxes, toll charges etc.
- Child below 5 yrs will be complimentarily.
- Experience Andaman travel expert’s assistance in all the islands.
Exclusions
- Additional Excursions Or Sightseeing Or Extra Usage Of Vehicle, Other Than Mentioned In The Itinerary.
- Any Expenses Caused By Reasons Beyond Our Control Including But Not Limited To Bad Weather, Natural Calamities (Landslides, Floods), Flight Delays, Excess Baggage, Rescheduling Or Cancellations, Any Accidents, Medical Evacuations, Riots, Strikes, War, Airline Or Hotel Policies Etc.
- Any Increase In Taxes Or Fuel Price, Leading To Increase In Cost On Surface Transportation & Land Arrangements, Which May Come Into Effect Prior To Departure.
- Meals Not Mentioned In The Inclusion
- Tour Guide Services At Any Sightseeing Place.
- All Water Sport Activities Like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Glass Bottom Ride, Sea Walking Etc…
- Any Services Not Specifically Mentioned In The Inclusions.
- Camera Tickets Are NOT INCLUDED In The Mentioned Cost Of Sightseeing & Transfers.
- Any Portage At Airports And Hotels, Tips, Visa, Insurance, Alcoholic And Non Alcoholic Beverages, Mineral Water, Telephone Charges And All Items Of Personal Nature.
- Compulsory Gala Dinner On X’mas & New Year Eve If Applicable.
- Any Services Not Specifically Mentioned In The Inclusions.
- Card Surcharge If Payment Through Credit Card
- Peak Season Supplements And Charges
- All Applicable Government Taxes.
Note: Inclusion And Exclusion Of Customized Trips Will Be Provided On Request.
- Cellular jail is closed on every Monday and national Holidays, visit to Cellular jail and Museum closes by 16:00 hrs and light n sound show is open every day 18:00 hrs.
- Baratang Island is closed on every Monday.
- Jolly Buoy Island is mostly closed on Mondays and would remain open only for 6 months in 12.
- Ross Island is closed on every Wednesday.
- Check in time at hotel is 12.00 noon and checkout is at 8.00am.
- Additional accommodation charges due to cancellation of Ferry operation because of bad weather has to be paid by the client directly.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in most hotels are on A’La Carte/fixed menu, buffet would be subject to availability.
- Any dispute regarding the child age to be settled directly with the hotels.
- Please note at Havelock, Neil Island, Diglipur & Rangat there is no Credit Card & ATM facility. Kindly carry cash to settle your extras bills.
- No refund of ferry tickets.
- In case private ferry tickets are not available due to sold out dates or cancellation of ferry by Private Ferry operator, then government ferry tickets would be issued.
- It has been found that the ferry timings are changed at a very short notice by the ferry operator, Request the client to abide by it. Tour operator has no role in that.
- Depart from hotel at 5.30 am when going to Havelock by Green Ocean Cruise.
- Depart from Hotel at 4.00 am for Baratang Island, visiting Lime stone cave and mud volcanoes.
- Ferry timing from Port Blair to Havelock by Green Ocean Cruise is 6.45 am, Please request hotel for packed breakfast.
- Higher category of cruise tickets would attract supplement charges.
- Please carry sufficient clothes for water sports activities at Havelock & North bay Island.
- Which is the best time to visit Andaman Island? Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the islands experience a tropical climate. Andaman is a Year- round Destination, where fluctuations in temperatures are minimal and stay pleasant throughout. To enjoy the beauty of Andaman, summer and winter seasons are the best time as the weather is pleasant, just perfect for sightseeing, beach excursion and water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, etc. Monsoon is not recommended due to high tidal waves, strong winds and incessant rains, and during this season, the water activities are halted too.
- Which mobile networks are available at Andaman? Airtel, BSNL and Vodafone are the only network operators in Andaman.
- Is 4G and wifi Available in Andaman Internet connectivity on mobiles is 2G and only in limited places, the internet is available. However, the speed is very slow.
- What is the currency of Andaman? The Indian rupee is the currency of Andaman. Travellers can exchange currency at the airport, from the banks or currency dealers. Also, they can withdraw Indian Rupees from the ATMs there.
- Whether any ATMs are available in Andaman? Andaman holds both national and international ATMs. Several Indian banks are seen on the Islands.
- Whether a Passport/Visa is required to visit Andaman?
- For Indians:No passport/visa/permission is required. They can stay in permitted areas for as long as they want.
- For Foreigners:A passport is required with an Indian Visa to enter India. This is also applicable to foreigners entering Andaman directly from a charter/private yachts. Additionally, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is also required which can be availed on arrival to Port Blair from the Immigration counter at the airport or, embarkation of ships at the sea-port. RAP is issued for a 30 day visit to the islands, and is extendable up to 15 more days. Tickets can be rescheduled in Port Blair itself from the respective airline offices.
- What is a RAP? Under the Foreigners (Restricted) Areas Order, 1963, the entire union territory of Andaman and Nicobar has been declared as a ‘restricted area’. Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in a Protected or Restricted Area, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority, known as RAP or Restricted area permit. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes, is free of cost and is available to all foreign nationals.Some Indian Visas issued carry a stamp that reads “Entry to restricted areas NOT permitted”. Should traveller Visa carry such a stamp, please contact the embassy and have the visa re-issued as traveller will not be allowed to enter the Andaman Islands.
- How can extend visa in Andaman? Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 30 day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can be done either at the police station on Havelock or at the Immigration Office in Port Blair, and traveller will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for the journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension. Please note that it may not always be possible to get this extension in a few hours. Traveller may need to stay overnight to obtain the extension if they are applying in Port Blair.
- Is Andaman safe to travel? Andaman and Nicobar Islands is gradually becoming a favourite destination among global tourists. The quantum of tourist is increasing year on year and along with that security challenges are also increasing. The safety factors are being ramped up by the administration to manage the safety and security of the guests visiting the islands. Most of the islands are uninhabited and there are restrictions in travelling to several islands as they are under the protection of Indian Government and trespassing is strictly forbidden. The roads are safe. Some regions are inhabited by rare and ferocious primitive tribes and rules and regulations are to be followed while travelling through Andaman.
- How many days are sufficient for visiting Andaman? Ideally, duration of 5 to 7days is sufficient for covering the major islands of the Andaman. If anyone wishes to see all the famous tourists’ places such as Port Blair, Ross Island, North Bay, Neil Island, Havelock Island, and Baratang Island, then stay more than 8 days here.
- Is it permissible to photograph the indigenous tribal people of Islands? The tribes of the Islands cherish their peace and any kind of photography of them is strictly prohibited and even punishable.
- Is vegetarian food available in Andaman? Although the Island is not known for its vegetarian cuisine but with the inflow of tourists in Andaman, vegetarian food has become easily available. Almost all restaurants here serve veg food. There are a few pure vegetarian restaurants as well. Some of the well known pure veg restaurants are “Annapurna”, “Icy spicy” and “Punjabi Dhaba” in Port Blair and “Shakahaar” in Havelock.
- Is imported alcohol available on the Islands? Yes, alcohol is available in Andaman and Nicobar islands; availability of imported alcohol is extremely limited. Except for a few Indian Made Foreign Liquor bottles, the alcohol availability is restricted to mostly Indian brands. Some of the brands that are available easily are Black Label, Black & White, Bacardi, Smirnoff and Kingfisher beer. Traveller will also find alcohol being served at various high-end restaurants and bars in Andaman. However, there are certain restrictions in place in few parts of the state regarding consuming, buying, and selling alcohol.
- How expensive are meals in Andaman? The price of a meal depends entirely on where you eat and what you order. A nice quaint restaurant will cost you between Rs.300 to Rs.500 per person depending on what is ordered. Eating at the local village market will be much cheaper and most islands have a number of small eateries run by locals that work out easy on the pocket. Sea food is more expensive in the Andamans compared to the mainland due to heavy demand and less supply.
- Is there any nightlife in Andaman? The night life concept has not really found on these islands, although many Hotels/ Resorts in Port Blair as well as at Havelock hotels/ resorts offer an ambience of bar. Travellers will not encounter loud music, disco lights, DJ’s or other parties here on a regular basis. Nights are usually quiet. An exception however is during Christmas and New Year on popular islands like Havelock and Neil where travellers will find late parties at night, loud music and a lot of dancing.
- What to do in case of a medical emergency? Although, if traveller have been taking any routine medicine for some kind of disease, then it is advised to bring the complete dose of medicine along with him/her. Besides this most Islands have a Primary Health Centre (PHC). It is advisable to go to the nearest PHC first for immediate assistance and as soon as possible, move to the G.B Pant hospital in Port Blair which is better equipped. However at this hospital too, the treatment facilities are not what can be expected in mainland India and for any condition that could be serious, life threatening or needing special care, it is advised to fly to mainland India.
- Are there any dangerous animals in the Andaman? As such there are no dangerous predatory animals in the forests of the Andaman. So do not come here expecting to see tigers or lions. The forests here are inhabited by animals like wild boar, spotted deer, civet cat as well as numerous species of birds and butterflies. The vast forest canopy provides home to many different species of reptiles as well. Snakes both poisonous and harmless can be seen in the Andaman. Monitor lizards too inhabit these islands and the mangrove creeks provide shelter to ‘salties’ or salt water crocodiles. Tourists are advised to pay attention to sign boards posted on beaches as well as watch their step if walking through dense jungle or mangrove areas.
- What festivals do the local populations celebrate? The Andaman has a mix of different religions, almost all festivals celebrated here as celebrate in mainland India. However, the biggest festival here is the ‘Durga Pooja’ due to the number of Bengalis on the islands.
- Is there a postal service? Indian postal services, in general, have a very good reputation, domestically and internationally. However, in the Andaman Islands, the postal service is not reliable and there have been many instances of parcels and letters not reaching their destination. Hence, it is advised to use postal services on mainland India rather than the postal services on the Island.
- What is the difference between Andaman and Goa? Goa is a crowded place while Andaman is one of the unspoiled islands in the world. Goa state is popular for parties and beach activities whereas Andaman Island is famous its exotic beauty and various water sports.
- What can buy from Andaman and from where? Andaman is very famous for its exquisite pearls and offers a wide range of sea shell products and exquisite handcrafted souvenirs. For souvenirs and gifts for your family members or close friends, traveller can buy exquisite handcrafted items, Spices, Fishbone Articles, Timber Crafts, Shells, Jute Items, Coconut Handicrafts, Nicobari Mats, Sarongs and Hats, and Cane Goods. The most famous market of Andaman is the Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair from where traveller can buy all above items and also daily essentials including fruits and vegetables.
| Travel Months | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
| April to June | 24°c – 37°c | Summer |
| July to September | 22°c – 35°c | Monsoon |
| October to March | 20°c – 30°c | Winter |