Having been conferred with the title ‘Asia’s best Beach’ by the TIMES magazine, Radhanagar in Havelock island with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands truly deserve the title. Its endless shores of endless white grains extend for 2 kilometres, and this is the main attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Food stalls and vendors are scattered at the periphery of the shore to refresh travellers as they provide fresh and delicious seafood and drinks. You can also reserve beach beds and parasols/umbrellas while they waste hours only bumming at this magnificent playground. Radhanagar Beach Andaman is only next to the Elephant beach, thus you may see mahouts taking out their elephants on a joyride to the tourists. The beach is also safe due to patrolling guards for rescue.
The Cellular Jail or ‘Kala Pani’ is an old colonial prison in Port Blair that happens to be the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands. The jail was built by the Britishers in their colony rule in India with the purpose of exiling the Indian political prisoners. It was used for housing several respectable freedom fighters, like Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar amongst others.
The jail complex is now government of India’s, and it has been downgraded as the national memorial monument that demonstrates the life of prisoners during the time of the British. Cellular Jail is a significant place of attraction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, not only where the history can be learnt but also a light show is there in rememberance of all the prisoners who were imprisoned here.
Currently, Cellular Jail is a symbolic reminder of all the efforts the Indian freedom fighters put in order to gain independence and this is a crucial part of the history of India.
Timings : National Memorial – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
Light and Sound Show :
The Elephant beach is one of its locations that helps to maintain such reputation of the beach paradise for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with its shiny coral reefs and tempting cyan waters. Tourists planning to consider water sports such as snorkelling, swimming, banana boat, speed boats, and diving should come to these waters.
For the people who have come to enjoy themselves, the beach gives some exciting food and drink while one relaxes comfortably on the sands. One could also go for other adventure activities such as bird watching, hiking and kayaking. Given that this region is known for its coral reefs, sea walking forms one of the biggest attractions that almost all the visitors to this beach do, thus making this beach one of the best beaches of India.
There are two routes to getting to Elephant Beach. Go to Elephant Beach by a ferry from Havelock Jetty (1000 INR/person) or by foot for half an hour with a guide (INR 500). The trek begins 2 Km away from the Radhanagar Beach.
Timings : 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Day visit at the beach is allowed between 9:00-4:00.
if you are intending to go for the adventure sports visit then come between the clock hours of 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The beach closes at 4:00 PM
Duration : 3 – 4 hrs
Best Time to Visit : April-June or during winters i.e. from November to March months.
Ross Island (now Netaji Subhash Bose Island) is situated 17 KM from Port Blair towards east. an island that once used to be the administrative headquarters for the British but currently, it is just an unoccupied Island. After the earthquake that took place on the Ross Island in the year 1941, the British abandoned the island and they moved their settlement to Port Blair.
At a glance at the island, one would find it hard to believe that this deserted place was once British power base and had everything from bazaar, church, stores, bakery, water treatment plant, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery and other essential institutions.
Nowadays, everything is left, except several buildings that became the home for some of these landmarks. Indian navy however has been able to restore some of the old buildings like the local stores and the bakery in order to give the visitors a sense of the past. It is also possible to buy souvenirs in such shops.
Timings : 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Time Required : 1 day, generally clubbed with North Bay Island tour (full day).
Chidiya Tapu, properly, the bird island is an attractive little island in the Andamans, near about 25 kms away from Port Blair. Although bird watching is the primary attraction of the place, there are certain water activities here namely snorkelling, scuba diving, deep sea walking, pearl hunting and boating. Sunset point of the island is one of the best sunset points of Andamans – the Sunset point.
The stretch from the shores of the beautiful beach to the magnificent Munda Pahad (a stretch of black cliff at the foot of Chidiya Tapu) is covered by a trekking trail and it presents beautiful seascape allowing a splendid view across the rich blue ocean. The road to the beach allows the travellers to pass by the exciting rugged rocks of Kalpathar. Apart from the endless mesmerising display of nature’s wonder, there is a mini zoo near the beach, where you are able to see fascinating creatures such as monitor lizard. There are crocodiles in the waters, therefore it is prohibited swimming in the water. However, the sight of the majority of birds passing by as you sit next to the utterly clean water observing the tempting sunset is the memory one would never forget.
Baratang Island which is quite better known as Ranchiwalas Island is an exquisite little isle in the North and Middle Andaman Administrative district, and is located some one hundred km away from Port Blair by road. Mangroves in the island is renowned along with mud volcanoes (only ones in India) and limestone caves. However, you may need to seek the permission of Forest Department at Baratang to visit these caves.
Unlike Havelock Island, Baratang Island has not been developed for the touristic aspect and more of a center of natural sightseeing. To get to Baratang island, the government ferry service provides a means of transport between Port Blair city at the Phoenix Bay Jetty. Andaman Trunk Road that links Rangat and Mayabunder cuts through the Baratang Island and snakes its way through the luxuriant green rainforests.
Timings : One needs to be in a convoy in order to get through the jungle and later reach the island. The first batch begins at 6: 30AM and the last one at 2: 30PM (refer note). You will be able to prepare your trip. The timings of the first convoy are as under –
Best Time to Visit : October to May. It is necessary to avoid traveling during monsoons because it is dangerous.
A specialty of Port Blair, Seakart ride enable individuals to drive away from the shores of the Corbyn Cove beach to the waters and enjoy the refreshing feel, as a splattering of water, on their faces. Riders have not only opportunities to glimpse at retreating shoreline and the horizon, but also to document their impressions by means of complementary DSLR services. Self-drivers need to be at least 18 years of age.
There are three people in each Seakart, one of whom is the instructor and 6 Seakarts drive in a V-like formation behind the rescue boat or Starfish. The length of every ride is around 5-6 km, and it reaches from Corbyn’s Cove Beach to Flag Point near Ross Island. Riders also enjoy access to the Seakart Adventure Beach Lounge that has lockers, showers, changing rooms etc.
Laxmanpur Beach is a long beach, which is located on Neil Island, and it is divided into two parts. Because of exquisite sunsets, The beach I is known while the beach II is known due to two natural arch bridges or Howrah Bridge. The flourishment of corals and marine life along the shores in the low tide is popular among the visitors. Walking up to the natural arch bridge could be a bit challenging as you would have to walk over dead corals, and it would help much if you wear proper footwear. Here you can also find yourself inundated with a myriad number of marine life.
The Kalapathar beach is an extension of white silky sand with large chunks of black rocks next to the blue sea and one of the most popular beached of Havelock Island. As it is located on the one end of the Havelock Island, Kalapathar beach derives its name from a black road (Kalapathar in Hindi) in parallel to the sea shore. The beach is small but the way towards the beach is very good. Beautiful scenery of sunset at this beach is what makes it an ideal place to stay and enjoy some time of peace and the beach is not that crowded which has maintained its cleanliness even to date. The turquoise color water is actually visible on the way to the beach thus adding more impact to it in terms of beauty. The black rocks, the order on which is only interrupted by the occasional hiding place, lie along the seashores and form a brilliant contrast with the silver sand. Green thick forests encircle the beach from all the sides.
Because it is a secluded and sheltered beach, Kalapathar has not got the traditional shacks and hotels that come with other beaches and as such can be visited as a stopover attraction. The whole beach is bordered by rich greenery and one of the good things about the sea is that it is relatively quiet and crowds less hence it comes close to the heart of the visitor. Considering the number of people fewer, Kalapathar Beach is very special among couples and families who prefer to spend quality time in complete peace and deep calmness.
A complete pleasure for the lovers of adventure who wish to refrain from diving and swimming all the time, sea walking is an amazing option to see the marine life in solace. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands provide different opportunities to dive into the sea bed, go for walk around, and see other geographical elements present there such as coral reefs, fishes and other aquatic life. Tutorial and accompaniment during the process of sea walk’s duration are provided by the instructors. Havelock Island, Ross Island and North Bay is a paradise for sea walking.
A beautiful beach situated at a distance of half a kilometre from the Neil Island jetty, Bharatpur is a famous shoreline for water sports such as snorkelling and glass-bottomed rides apart from beach exploration, sunbathing, etc. The shore has shallow water and coral reefs. In case if you want to spend some time off the crowd then it is not hard to find a quiet space here.
Bharatpur beach is filled with Palm trees and gains soft white sands & azureous shallow waters that extend to the sea for almost 500 m. before the water turned deeper. The shallow waters do not have big rocks and hard corals. As one proceeds further down the shallow waters, the sea is so deep with rich marine-life. The beach is famous as the coral kingdom of Andaman where you will find a lot of hard and soft corals.
Incredibly, the best view of marine life throughout the islands are found in the Deeper dive areas. Besides, Bharatpur beach is popular for its sunrise views as when the slowly rising sun in the sky produces a perfect reflection on the water, it is a ‘not to be missed’ spectacle. Perhaps, one of the best aspects of the visit to Bharatpur beach is its proximity to the jetty because many street food sellers and restaurants are located around the beach and they deliver the scrumptious food. Small shops also are dotted along the road outside the beach where beautiful souvenirs & handicrafts are on sale.
Situated on the south-western region of Andaman Islands, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park or Wandur National Park is a protected zone for the marine life at a distance of 25 km from the capital city of Port Blair. The wildlife sanctuary is made up of a cluster of 12 islands that are located in labyrinthine shape and inhabited by some of the best marine life the world has to offer such as the corals and resting sea turtles among other species.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was set in the year 1983 to save the marine life of the region. It surrounds bucolic areas, which are beauteous, with white sand beaches, azure skies and clear water. Spread in an area of more than 220 sq. km., the national park is an excellent destination for one to give some snorkelling and diving a try in the crystal clear water of the islands to see the nature’s glory at a closer distance. Unlike the other attractions in the park, the coral reefs are the focus of the park displaying the glorious forms and casting a spell on everyone. The popular islands of sightseeing are the Jolly buoy Islands, Redskin Island, Grub Island, Rangat Island, Neil Island, Long Island. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park can impress and woo all the people who come here, particularly those who are close to their heart to the marine life and the sea.
Formally changing the name of Mount Harriet national park to Mount Manipur national park, Mount Harriet national park is no doubt the most beautiful of all the nine national parks that are been sheltered on Andaman island. Mount Harriet is the third peak in Andamans (365m) and the most accessible, which is located in Ferrargunj Tehsil of Port Blair. The national park covers an area of 46.62sq km and houses a great number of birds and animals. Because of the exalted position it occupies, the park has some mind-boggling sights of azure blues that encircle the island and breath which are sunset and sunrise experiences.
Entry Charges : Park Entry Charges
· Adults (Indian) – INR 25 per head per day
· Indian children from age group of 5 to 12 years – INR 10 per person per day
· (Indian) Students – INR 5 per individual per day
Adults (Foreigners) –INR 250 per each adult per day
Additional Charges
· Light Motor Vehicle – INR 20 a day
· Heavy Motor Vehicle – 50/day
Bicycle,Scooter,Motor cycle or Motor scooter – Rs 5/- per day
· Video camera- INR 25/day
· Still camera- Indian Rupees 10 per day
· Film Shooting – INR 3000 (approx.).
Sitapur Beach is also popularly known as Beach number 5 or Sunrise Beach. And while it is most known for its charming golden sun rises and sun sets, it is completely safe to swim at. There are virtually no places to source food and drink from so you are advised to bring your own. Sitapur beach is accessible either by using a Jetty or a Ferry from Port Blair to the Neil Island.
Jolly Buoy has a wide variety of corals, marine life and array of shades of blue and is the most-known of the islands of the archipelago of the Andaman and Nicobar. It is one of Mahatma Gandhi National Park, hence there is a lot of variety in underwater life. The clean and beautiful water with white sand like beaches makes up the place among the most sought Vacation destinations in the south. You will be in a position to visit the rich marine life such colourful corals reefs and fishes in this place using the water activities. Jolly Buoy Beach and the island are a nice spot to take some leisure doing it on sand and listening to the slithering of water. Jolly Bugy Island is a day’s trip only because the jetty that brings people to this island takes off from 9 a.m and returns at 2 p.m and people are not allowed to stay back after Sundown.
Linking the two twin islands of Ross and Smith is a narrow band of crescent-shaped stretches of sand that can only be seen in a low tide. The twin islands are famed for their scenic beauty and candid quiet. The gem green-coloured waters are clear, and it is separated by the sand bar into two, one part suited for swimming, and the other meant for watersports.
Guests can then opt to take walks along the beach, sunbath, or watch the sun set. The subdued environment creates a fabulous island-camping opportunity and for those interested to stay around the Beach, there are resorts in Diglipur. Moreover, some of the beach’s eco-huts located on the beach provide an opportunity for its visitors to hide from the sun expediently. Permit from Diglipur Forest Office is needed to gain access on to Ross and Smith Islands.
Howrah Bridge or the Natural Bridge is a bridge-like structure which can be found in the famous vegetable bowl of Andaman or Neil Island. This small but very beautiful island is lying at a distance of almost 40 kilometres from the Andaman and it is well known for those beaches, named after the mythical characters of Epic – Ramayana, viz, the Sitapur, Bharatpur, Ramnagar and Laxmanpur beaches. The Howrah Bridge is located in the Laxmanpur beach of Neil Island and is very popular to tourists. Any nature lover cannot miss this.
The Howrah Bridge is constructed by two natural corals in the form of a bridge protruding from a wall that has a gigantic hole in the middle. It was popularly known as the Rabindra Sethu in the past but later it was called the Howrah Bridge by the local Bengalis of Neil Island having reference with the howrah bridge of Kolkata.
Corbyn Cove is the nearest beach to the town of Port Blair. This is actually very popular not only among tourists but also among the locals. Some parts of the Corbyn’s Cove Beach have arrangements for seating so as to have good view of the horizon from a slight height. There are some shacks containing local snacks, drinks etc. Some of the restaurants are there in the vicinity as well. Beach is one of the places where travellers can get superb deals on cloths, accessories and other things they are to buy as souvenirs. Corbyn’s Cove beach has some measure of water sports but most of the times people do not like to go into the waters because the environment is dirty and the water is filled with garbage. Facilities for water sport are also not so fabulous as many other beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, if one wishes to do so, then he can Jet Ski or take a short boat ride into the sea.
Among the other attractions which find place in the sightseeing itinerary for tourists who come to Port Blair is the beach-front of Corbyn’s Cove. Most of them go to the beach if they cannot or do not wish to visit other islands or beach fronts for sunbathing and water sports. The entire coast is fringed by tall coconut trees and one can walk through the trees before getting to the sands.
The most suitable time to visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach is during the winter season i.e. the months of November to February. For tourists, this is the best period since the weather is still nice with a temperature of somewhere around a maximum of 32ᵒC and a minimum of 18ᵒC. The waves of the sea are soft and the attraction is ideal for a sea walk.
Summer season (march-april) is also one of the best time to visit the Corbyn’s Cove Beach if not afternoons. Generally during the season, the level of mercury is kept at between 37ᵒC and 27ᵒ C. Hence, afternoons are hot and humid and evenings and early mornings are a little bearable. In both the seasons, one is much encouraged to put on light clothes, hats and sunscreen.
From May to September, there is the Monsoon Season in Port Blair. Travelling to Corbyn’s Cove Beach should not be considered as the area has quite some rainfall (average annual rainfall; more than 2800 mm). In addition, high humidity is experienced along the season. During this period of the year therefore this is not a recommended time at all to the tourists.
An unusual boat adventure is a perfect opportunity to explore the North Bay Island’s diverse marine life and corals, as well as not get underwater. A ride on the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat is the only one that may offer. The boat floats on top of the water and its glass bottom being the only material used for construction, its passengers can use it as window into the submarine world and be amazed by its rich underwater life.
A Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat – an internationally standard speed boat is the only one of its kind in India, similar boats only exist in Australia.
Crew on the top of the boat are highly learned on the subject of marine life of that area and talk to the passengers in detail about it.
Perfect for both adults and children, the ride will allow discovering different sea turtles, colourful fish and coral reefs.
The Andaman-Nicobar islands, with picturesque views, are endowed with great many tourist attractions to make its tourists’ time merry. Taking about such places amongst them for adventure lovers, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is a place of a must-visit for the people. Otherwise known as the Andaman Water Sports Complex, here one can get everything in terms of fun-package in the form of exciting water sports activities. Now you would be interested in knowing what kind of activities Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex organizes – paddle boats, row boats, banana boats, parasailing, speed boats, snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking and what not.
Another of the best places to visit at Andaman is the Merk Bay. There are many charming as well as remote beaches in the area. On the other side, it is also encircled by three small islands. It is surely one of the best and peaceful beach of Andaman. Perfect for lazing in the sun, and making sand castles!
A paradise for the lovers of wildlife, the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the indigenous wildlife. From beautiful corals to terrestrial flora and fauna, everything appears to wonder you at one of the best places to visit in Andaman. The sanctuary is a nesting area of the Olive Ridley turtles, Leather-back turtles, and the Green Sea turtle.
The Panchavati Waterfalls lies on a hillside which brags itself with a unique and beautiful location. The waterfall gushes down from a high place and its beauty and greenery around it makes it very beautiful. Watch the fantastic sunrise or sunset when you are there at this place. It may not be the best place to visit in Andaman but it is indeed a very beautiful one.
Beach babies should also not leave out Karmatang Beach in their itinerary. Commonly termed as paradise for the turtle, you will have the opportunity of seeing various turtles in this beach including the baby turtles. This can be one of the best beaches for a relaxed travel.
If you want to have spiritually enlightening experience and want to see the religious factors which are present in Andaman, then Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple can be the most suitable tourist site. This temple has been built in order to demonstrate the devotion upon Karthikeyan or the Lord Murugan, who is a son of Lord Shiva and most of Tamils are so dedicatedly devoted to this deity.
This national park is appreciated mostly for its spotlight – Indira Point, which is the last southern point in the country. Due to its geographical location, you might have a chance to spend the time in seclusion here, not being surrounded by a busy crowd of tourists and natives. If the individuals are on the lookout for a peaceful time in the lap of nature, the Campbell Bay National Park is the place to be.
Manglutan Rubber Plantation has been a commodity in a village of the same name that lies in the southern area of Andaman Island. The village is well set and glorified by tourists due to a mesmerising natural set up. It occupies a land of 60 acres in the village. This plantation was in 1960-61.
A big island in Middle Andamans it is the best destination to enjoy perfect relaxation and unwinding self while adorning the serene beauty of the island and escape for some time from the busiest places of Andaman. Relax in the lap of nature with the beautiful ocean waters and waterfalls that flow on this island. If you are one of the people who look for unbeaten features then this is the right place for the wanderers seeking an escape. This is one of the most attractive places that worth seeing in Andaman.
One of the most popular Andaman tourist place is Pathi Level Beach which is a great escape from the noisy environment of the city to the wilderness of the nature. It is infamous for peace and silence, raw nature that would make you go ‘Wow’. During one’s visit to this beach, one must bring with some snack, food, and even water since it is already a beach that is inhabited.
Stewart Island Beach though not being a famous place in Andaman, has a beach covered with brown-black colored sand. It is one of the amazing places to go in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a relaxing mood and the majority of its part yet to unoccupied this beach is just perfect for a quiet getaway between nature. Wait! There is more to this beach. Well, you will be able to see some of the most splendid rainbows which make the beach beautiful.
Amkunj Beach is an eco-friendly place to visit located at Andaman that is a heaven for nature and animal lovers. The beach is now an eco-park for the good of the marine species. In this manner, the marine animals are provided with a natural environment in which they can live properly. This park is made out of woods logs only and has become a popular tourist destination in Andaman nowadays.
Tucked at the west coast of the Long Island, Lalaji Bay beach is another wonderful beach in Andaman that one cannot afford to miss. The beach has a number of copious green trees a perfect scenario for that shot you have been waiting for. Long walk with your dear one will fill you up with so much of refreshing sense and calmness will surround you. This beach is very accessible as it is only accessible by use of a small boat from the Yerrata Jetty. That is one of the top Andaman and Nicobar tourist places.
In search of a little beach in Andaman? Well, if you end up searching for amazing Indian beaches then your search has just stopped and you can visit the Laxmanpur Beach that surpasses all others on the Neil island. It is a full package holiday destination with azure waters, tropical trees, and peace. Picture yourself walking for a long distance across this coastline beach, and saying sweet nothings to each other in whispers. That is going to be awesome, right? If you do not want to miss out on this then go to Laxmanpur Beach because this is one of the most beautiful islands in Andaman.
Britishers were the founders of Chatham Saw Mill in the year 1883 and they are the largest processors of wood in Andaman. The best thing about this place is that in order to get there, you will have to cross a wooden bridge. You may feel that the scenery has been taken straight out of movie, and hence it would be an ideal place for some photoshoot. Thereby, there is no denying in the fact that Chatham Island is one of the best places in andaman about which you are going to hear.
Situated in the southern part of Andaman, Parrot Island is nothing but a paradise-on-earth with some eye-pleasing natural sceneries. The island is characterized by mangrove forests all over and they are neat and look as though they are in picture form. One would not have a hard time imagining the reason behind this name given to that island. Hundreds of parrots fly to this island and make a swing at the beaches and settle down in the mangrove forests. If you are looking for a nature’s escape then you must visit Parrot island because it is one among the best places to visit in andaman.
Saddle Peak national park is one of the best national parks in the Andaman. It is quite far away from anybody’s reach hence it is a protected place for the animals. It has a lot of birds and animals. Lovers of animals should not miss to visit this place. It also is a good place for family and kids.
If peaceful and serene surroundings are what you want in Andaman, there is no place better than this. Being cut off from the rest of the world, Rutland island is great for some quiet time alone. You can also enjoy the shining sun on the island’s untouched beaches where nothing has been spoilt.
If you want to discover something rare and exciting together, go to Barren island. There is a volcano on the island that is still active. It is 35 km away from Port Blair City. Not only that, but Barren Island is also famous as a top scuba diving place in Andaman. So, don’t forget to put this amazing place on your list of destinations.
Andaman has a lot of islands, and one of them is Little Andaman. It is placed not far from Rutland island. The attractive views make it a great island to visit for hopping between the Andaman islands. There are beaches like Kalapathar Beach and Butler Bay Beach on the island where you can have a nice time.
In the event that you are planning an odd fun tour, there are more than one reason why Andaman should be in your mind. Although the beaches are most definitely the best thing about this island territory, there is the Red Skin Island that is famous all over the world for different reasons. It possesses an astonishing elegance which simply puts the travelers in state of daze. This island is located within the boundaries of the Marine National Park and has much lovely objects to look at.
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