Popularly known as the "tropical paradise of India", Andaman is one of the most prominent islands of the country. Placed on the southern part of the Bay of Bengal, the island boasts its beauty with alluring beaches, vibrant nightlife, diverse culture and exciting activities that attract tourists from all over the world. The island is formed out of more than 300 individual islands each of which showcases identical culture and traditions making Andaman one of the most versatile places in the country.
Apart from scenic natural beauty and stunning landscapes, the island also has a rich historical significance for the country. The place is home to several heritage sites and historical buildings that reflect the charm of the colonial era. Whether you are a beach lover or want to relish the exotic seafood cuisine of the Bay of Bengal, Andaman is ready to amaze you no matter what kind of traveller you are.
Andaman being one of the prominent islands of the country is home to some of the most fascinating tourist destinations and sightseeing attractions sites. From numerous stunning beaches to heritage sites, the island offers diverse options for tourism that people can visit throughout the year. Following are some of the popular places that are a must-visit in Andaman.
The capital city of Andaman, Port Blair is known for its rich culture, vibrant nightlife and range of water activities making it one of the most populated cities on the island.
Neil Island is a popular tourist spot of Andaman that attracts visitors with lush green hills, tranquil beaches, vibrant coral reefs and the opportunity to indulge in water sports activities.
Havelock is one of the largest and most popular isles of Andaman that houses some of the iconic monuments and colonial buildings making it a must-place in this region.
Popularly known as the Kala Pani, the cellular jail once used to be the detention camp of the Indian prisoners by the Britishers and to date offers to witness the vibe of that particular period.
Recognized as one of the best beaches in Asia, Radhanagar is located adjacent to Havelock Island and offers panoramic views of the city along with numerous attractions sites making it a popular place to visit in Andaman.
Situated at a distance of 2 km from the city of Port Blair, the island once used to be the headquarters of the British East India Company and to date houses buildings that reflect the architectural charm of the colonial era.
Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and one of the most populated places on the island. Spread across 16.64 sq km of land, the city attracts tourists with its vibrant lifestyle, rich culture and numerous activities that are sure to make your journey memorable. Apart from its rich scenic beauty, the city is also home to the major international airport of the city due to which tourists visit this place in huge numbers throughout the year.
Although is suitable to visit throughout the year, the period of October to May is considered to be the best time to visit the island. During these months, people can indulge in various forms of water activities and relish the authentic cuisine of this place making it a perfect time for tourism. However, the place is not appropriate to visit in the rainy season due to high tidal waves and strong winds making the island unsafe for tourists.
Andaman located in the southeastern part of India is highly known for its rich culture with home to numerous ethnic groups. Jarawas, Negroid and Mangloid are considered to be the oldest inhabitants of this region. With numerous islands located in various parts, some of them inhabit the rare and one of the most ferocious communities of the world, Sentinelese. They are the indigenous groups who have isolated themselves for centuries.
Each of these groups follows their own identical culture and customs which can be witnessed in the culture of Andaman. The people of Andaman are very hard workers and highly skilled in arts and crafts which can be bought from the local shops and weekend markets. They call themselves as Andamanese for whom agriculture and farming are the major sources of livelihood.
The island is widely known for its rich culture and the best time to witness these cultures and traditions is during the festive seasons. With home to several indigenous tribes and communities, the place hosts several festivals throughout the year. From celebrating the festivals of the Tamil community to hosting some of the biggest musical festivals of the country, these festivals light up the environment attracting tourists and travellers from all over the world.
Some of the most popular festivals of Andaman are :
If you have been planning to visit Andaman, one thing that you cannot miss is the food. Home to vastly spread beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the island is known for serving a range of delectable seafood cuisines. From freshly grilled lobsters to spicy crab curry, this place is sure to fulfil all of your seafood cravings. Apart from the seafood, there are ample options for vegetarians that offer you to relish the local cuisine. The foods of Andaman are also highly influenced by the neighbouring countries and states that add new texture and taste to these dishes making them more delectable. From street foods to premium restaurants, there are numerous places where you can relish the authentic cuisine of the Andaman.
Some of the popular food delicacies of Andaman include:
Andaman being an island offers diverse activity options that can be chosen as per the adventure levels and interests. Whether you want to go on an island hopping with kayaking or want to explore the marine lifestyle with scuba diving, Andaman has it all to make your journey a memorable one. Some of the popular activities that can be indulged in are:
Being located on the Bay of Bengal, there are no roads or railway lines to travel to Andaman. However, the place is well connected with the major cities of India by airways. Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only international airport on the island, while there are other 3 airports that are mostly used for regional transportation and military operations.
