You know that dream most of us have had in which we are running on a beautiful beach with wind in our hair? That beach is on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. An archipelago of around 300 gorgeous islands in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by mangrove forests. And with its active marine life, it has become one of the most popular Andaman tourism destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling in India.
The best way of reaching these islands is to take a direct flight to Port Blair, the capital, from New Delhi, Kolkata or Chennai. Those looking to be more adventurous inAndaman, though, can opt for a the regular passenger ship services to the capital that are available from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam or Chennai. These ships serve as an exciting part of Andaman.
Amazing Things To Do In Port Blair
A scenic stroll along the coast of the beautiful Corbyn’s Cove Beach lined by lush green palm trees should be part of every Andaman trip.
The awe-inspiring light and sound show at the infamous Cellular Jail is one of the most popular things to do in Andaman.
Best Places To Stay
Sinclairs Bayview – Rs 9,000 approximately
Andaman Anchorage- Rs 2,000 approximately
Aashiaanaa Residency Inn – Rs 700 approximately
Anugama Resort – Rs 2800 approximately
Best Places To Eat
1. Icy Spicy: A pure vegetarian restaurant with a rustic theme for those who like their fish only in the sea.
2. Corbyn’s Delight: On offer is a scrumptious meal beside the beach with pretty lighting and a romantic ambiance.
3. Hotel Kattabomman: For those who can't live without their idli and dosa.
Scout Ross Island and marvel at its beautiful Victorian English ruins. Home to beautiful Victorian English ruins and beaches, Ross Island used to be the administrative headquarters for the British. The island is a just half-day trip from Port Blair and has lots to explore.
A trip to Ross Island requires you to take on a ferry ride from the Andamans Sports Complex that finishes at the Ross Island bay. It will take you about 15-20 minutes to reach and you can spend half a day at Ross Island. The ferry fare will cost you roughly about Rs 75, and you can only visit this island from 8.30 am till 4.30 pm.
Once you're doing with exploring the Ross Island, head to the Havelock Island which is another place that you cannot miss while visiting Andaman. Take a 2 hour ferry ride to the Havelock Island. The ferry leaves from the Phoenix Bay jetty and there are three departures at 6am, 11.30am, and 2pm respectively. One way ticket will cost you Rs. 750.
Visit the Havelock Island. This is the most popular part of the Andamans and is a backpacker's paradise. The stunning underwater life here makes it the favourite diving destination amongst tourists in all of South Asia.
Things to do in Andaman cannot be ticked off without soaking in the sun at Radhanagar Beach – recently named Asia's best beach and the 8th best beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor's World Traveller's Choice Awards.
Best Places To Stay
Barefoot Scuba Resort – Rs 13,000 approximately
Munjoh Ocean Resort – Rs 11,000 approximately
Moonlit Sands– Rs 3200 approximately
Hotel Velocity – Rs 2000 approximately
Best Places To Eat
1. Full Moon Cafe: Melt-in-the-mouth continental food, lovely ambience and a gentle breeze right next to the beach – do you need any more to relax?
2. Fat Martin Cafe: Serves delicious burgers, pastas and pizzas. Wash them down with fresh juices and a mean banoffee shake.
3. Anju Coco: Expect great service, ambience and variety at this joint. Cuisine: Indian and Chinese.
Amazing Things To Do In Havelock And Neil Island
Snorkel and indulge in water activities such as fishing and jet skiing at Elephant Beach. Put this on your Andaman itinerary.
Take some more time to explore what Havelock has to offer. Once you've had your fill, take an hour long ferry ride to Neil Island. If all you want is to laze on the beaches and soak in some sun, then Neil Island is the place you want to be. The general pace of life here is relaxing and the beaches, people and market perfect for a beach holiday.
A visit to the Neil Island requires you to take a ferry ride from Port Blair via Havelock Island and that takes about 30 minutes. The ferry has different timings which varies if you take a private jetty or a government ferry. The ticket will cost you approximately about Rs.380 to Rs.750.
Best Place To Stay
Silver Sand Beach Resort – Rs 12,000 approximately
Tango Beach Resort – Rs 4500 approximately
Sea Shell Niel – Rs 1800 approximately
Best Places To Eat
1. Garden View Restaurant: Freshly-prepared simple Chinese and Indian meals by a friendly couple.
2. Moon Shine Restaurant: Serves a nice variety of Indian and barbecue dishes.
If you were unable to take out time to see Port Blair on day one, dont worry you can explore it now. You'll find that the history of the island has left lots of treasures to be found, and no matter how much time you spend on the island you wont be able to know everything about it in one go. However, you just got another chance to know more about Port Blair, so dont miss the opportunity!
Amazing Things To Do In Port Blair
Witnessing a stunning sunset at Chidiya Tapu is one of the popular options in the things to do in Andaman.
Visit Wandoor, which is one of the least explored beach side village in Southern Andaman, and wait till the landscape blows your mind away. Explore the virgin beach and enjoy the serenity.
Best Places To Stay
For options to stay in Port Blair, take a look at the hotels listed under 'Day One' in this itinerary.
Best Places To Eat
1. The Andaman Kitchen: Enjoy a varied cuisine, from Chinese to Mediterranean, at this terrace restaurant offering a panoramic view of the place.
2. The Pink Fly Bar: When you need some time away from the beach, shift the party here. Order some cocktails and let the electric ambience take over you.
3. Bay Island Hotel Restaurant: The best food in all of Port Blair and a sea view to go with it.
Book your tickets and let Andaman show you a good time! All hotel prices are approximate and on a per night basis. They were last updated on January 19, 2016.
Do you think we missed out on something amazing that could be done or seen in Andaman and Nicobar? Let us know by creating your own itinerary on Tripoto!
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