Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The Island Tourist Destination of India
Andaman is a tourist destination with white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, rare underwater flora and fauna and sightseeing spots. A trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands offers tourists both relaxation and adventure.
So foreign travelers wishing for a holiday trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for recreation and tourism activities, apply for the India e-Tourist Visa. But, in case you are already on a India e-Business Visa for business meetings, and later want to add some recreation activities to your itinerary, then you should apply for the Indian Visa Online. The Indian immigration authorities encourage travelers to apply for the Indian Visa Online.
What are the Historical and Naturally Beautiful Places to visit in Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
The Andaman marine world is filled with unique aquatic life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, fishes, sharks, and manta rays. Tourists can also see rare species of fish like clownfish, making it a paradise for marine lovers and scuba divers. Also, home to some of the best beaches in the world like the Radhanagar beach, Elephant beach and the Niel Islands.
The adventure lovers can visit the bioluminescence beach in Havelock Island (the beach glows at night when sea planktons comes in contact with a hard surface), Barren Island (comprises of the only active volcano in India), Viper Island (full of snakes), Mount Harriot (for the reserve forest), parrot island and the mangrove forests of Baratang Island.
Those who want to know the history of Andamans can visit the Cellular Jail, Ross Island (has British administrative buildings), Viper Island (has historical gallows), Anthropological Museum and the British sawmill (oldest mill) on Chatham Island.
What is the History of the Andaman Islands and its Culture?
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a rich history, starting from the natives to the British rule till its independence. Some of the original tribes or natives of the region include the Sentinalese, Jarawa, and Onge. The island is home to the natives of the region for 2000 years, the early settlers were believed to be from Africa.
The Sentinelese tribe in Andaman are the most dangerous tribes that even the government of India do not permit people to visit the North Sentinel Island. The Sentinelese tribe still want to remain uncontacted from the world.
The Britishers established their colony in 1850. During the British rule in India, for punishing the Indian protestors and slaves were sent to the island, which was named as Kalapani, as no prisoner returned alive from there.
The prisoners brought by ship to these islands were put in a cell in Cellular Jail in Port Blair. During World II, the Japanese occupied the Islands, and after independence the islands are a part of India.
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What are the Activities and Attractions at Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Snorkeling in Andamans
For snorkeling, tourists should visit Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Wandoor Marine National Park.
Scuba Diving in Andamans
Andaman is famous for scuba divers from around the world for its rich aquatic life, here is a list of the best spots like Havelock Island, North Button Island, South Button Island, Wandoor Marine National Park, Neil Island, Cinque Island, and Red Skin Island.
Island and Beach Hopping in Andamans
It offers an exciting experience, with more than 500 islands, each beach has something different to offer. For example a beach hopping tour would start from Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, then Elephant Beach, Neil Island, Kalapathar Beach, etc.
Trekking in Andamans
Trekking in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, offers a fascinating experience as you move through the forests, rugged terrains and scenic viewpoints. Some popular trekking spots include Mount Harriet National Park for its beautiful landscape and birds, Saddle Peak for rare species of flora and fauna, Chidiya Tapu for enjoying a trekking experience through the mangrove forests.
Water Sports activities in Andamans
There are endless water activities that water sports lovers can enjoy in Andaman and Nicobar Islands like scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, speed boat rides, etc.
Historical sites in Andamans
It is important to know the history of the region, so visit important historical sites like the Cellular Jail, museums, and memorials, to know about the past and its struggle for freedom.
Cultural Immersion in Andamans
Visitors can have a cultural experience by interacting with the Jarawas, sample local cuisines, visit the local markets, go for a village tour, witness cultural dances, etc.
How to Get to Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Airways is the most convenient way to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is the only airport connecting daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. The major airlines flying to this destination includes Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet, which offers budget friendly rates, if booked in advance and during off season.
Tourists can also opt for traveling by sea, the major seaports connecting seaport in Port Blair include Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata. But it will take around 3-4 days to reach the islands.
Important Time of Visitation: Peak Tourist Seasons
Winter Season (Nov to Feb)
This is the best season to visit Andamans, as the climate is favorable and the temperature is pleasant to explore the islands. However it is the peak season, and hotel rates might be high, especially during Christmas and New Year.
Summer Season (March to May)
During this season, the temperature is high and too much exploration is not possible, but still you can enjoy relaxing at the beaches under the shades and enjoy some water activities. The best part is hotel rates are low.
Monsoon Season (June to Sept)
During the monsoon season, there is heavy rainfall in the islands, although tourists might enjoy discounts on hotel rates, but it is not safe and the outdoor activities are limited. Also, there is turbulence in the flight, and landing seems scary, literally.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a magical place in India, blessed with picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, varied species of flora and fauna, vibrant coral life, rare aquatic life, only active volcano in India and the indigenous tribes. Andamans offers a relaxing, historical, cultural and adventurous vacation with endless water activities. A vacation to Andaman and Nicobar Islands is truly worth it.
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Citizens of many countries including Canada, Denmark, Mexico, Philippines, Spain, Thailand are eligible for India e-Visa. You can apply for the Indian e-Visa Online Applicationright here.