If there's one place in India where the geography is massively different from the rest of the land, it has to be the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It's a region of immense possibilities for travellers seeking completely new experiences. The union territory is replete with things and activities you can only witness here.
Although the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have started attracting a lot of tourists now, most of the land still remains untouched. Here are 15 offbeat things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
1. Dive underwater at Cinque Island
Thanks to its emerald green water, where visibility can be as much as 80ft, and the large variety of flora and fauna, this is the ideal spot for scuba diving in India. It is an hour away from Port Blair, whether you go via car or boat, but I recommend the latter. Also, you need permission from the Forest Department to visit this uninhabited land, so you can imagine how special it must be. It is quite certainly one of the best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar.
2. Marvel at South Asia's only active volcano – Barren Island Plateau
With the most recent volcanic eruption being last year, Barren Island is a sight to behold even when it's not exploding. The island has a diameter of merely 3km and is inhabited by only the toughest animals, such as Flying Foxes, some rodent species and goats. Offer many adventurous things to do in Andaman, this place is a must visit.
3. Walk under the sea at Havelock Island
Amongst the safest yet most fun things to do in Andaman and Nicobar is sea walking, and it is pretty common at the Havelock Islands because of their calm & clear waters. It's the best thing for people that are not into the thrill of scuba diving at the Cinque Island. Located 41 kms from Port Blair, these are the largest islands in Ritchie's Archipelago. Havelock Island was also named the "Best Beach in Asia" by Time Magazine in 2004, so you know it'll be quite something.
4. Wander the shoreline at Elephant Beach
Unlike in Goa or at other beach places, this beach will greet you with peace instead of litter and vendors when you walk on the beach. Also, there is a 2km long jungle trek from a point just before Radha Nagar Beach to reach Elephant Beach; I strongly urge you to take this route, instead of taking a speedboat to reach the beach. Definitely one of the most aimless and so wonderful things to do in Andaman and Nicobar.
5. Witness Turtle Nesting at Diglipur
During December and January, turtles go through a gestation period, which makes them roam the beaches of Diglipur. You can witness this on Ram Nagar Beach, which is 15km away from Kalighat, the main point of attraction in Diglipur town.
6. Shop for souvenirs at Aberdeen Bazaar
Here is the answer to your question what to buy in Andaman. If you're looking to take back souvenirs from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Aberdeen Bazaar will offer you a variety of them made by native artists at dirt-cheap prices. It takes just Rs. 7 from the Port Blair Airpot by bus to reach the bazaar. You can get everything here: from jewellery to wood carvings, from sweets to Andaman t-shirts. It is amongst the top things to do in Port Blair.
7. Be awed by the sunset at Chidiya Tapu
Also known as the "Sunset Point", Chidiya Tapu is a secluded beach where you can witness the most beautiful sunset ever. But this location is also inhabited by crocodiles, so you need to be careful. Buses ply regularly between Port Blair and Chidiya Tapu till 5pm, so you need to plan your visit accordingly.
8. Waste time with your beloved on Ross and Smith Islands
The beach is ideal to just sit and reminisce about things with your better half while watching the sunset.
9. Go birding at Saddle Peak National Park
All kinds of exotic flora and fauna can be seen on the Andaman Islands. This includes the exclusive species of the Andaman Wild Pig, Andaman Hill Myna, Andaman Imperial Pigeon, etc. Saddle Peak is also the highest point in the whole of Andamans, offering a fantastic view of the islands.
10. Enjoy mangrove boat rides at Mayabunder
Mayabunder is the headquarters of the North and Middle Andaman District, but what it's not very famous for is its magnificent mangrove boat rides. It's a cheat code, go apply it! Karamatang Beach and Avis Beach in Mayabunder are very beautiful and away from the tourist radar.
11. Spend the night on a beach hut at Long Island
You might have seen it only in the movies, but on Long Island you can actually live inside a bamboo hut, which opens directly to the beach not populated by many. It's a dream come true for couples. Ferries charge only Rs. 10 from Aberdeen Bazaar to go to this beach.
12. Collect pearly white shells at Wandoor Beach
Probably the whitest seashells you'd ever place in your peculiar collection, will be found at the Wandoor Beach. Just loiter the evenings away here. It's only 30km away from Port Blair and is also a destination where snorkelling enthusiasts can be seen honing their skills.
13. Find the natural blue lagoon at the end of Elephant Beach
Shallow beach, coral reefs, clear blue waters – it's not a dream. Just rent a ferry and ask the guy to take you to the mystical lagoon at the end of Elephant Beach.
14. Take a tour of Barren Island on a helicopter
Before you wonder about the price, let me tell you that it's pretty affordable. But the view of the orange lake inside the active volcano from the top is a revelation. You can book Pawan Hans helicopters from the Port Blair Airport itself. One of the best things to do in Port Blair.
15. Go to Port Blair on a cruise ship from Kolkata or Chennai
They say well begun is half done, so I suggest you to take cruise ship to Andamans from either Chennai or Kolkata. It'll instantly get you in the vacation mode and not many people know about it either. Visit this website for a complete schedule. This is one of the top things to do in Port Blair.
16. Explore the "8th Most Spectacular Beach in the World"
TripAdvisor's recently concluded World Travellers' Awards instated Havelock Island's Radhanagar beach as the "8th most spectacular beach in the world" apart from being the "Best beach in Asia". Need any more reason to visit the islands?
So when are you going to experience such exciting things to do in Andaman? Or have you already been to the paradise? Share your stories and stunning pictures from the islands with 25M other travellers in the community!
You May Also Like to Read:
book andaman tour packages, unique places to visit in andaman, best places to visit in andaman and nicobar islands for honeymoon, divar island, andaman hotels for visitor, dolphin resort havelock
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
