Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

The Andaman and Nicobar Island, a stunning archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, are renowned for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, dense forests, and rich history. For first-time foreign tourists, this guide provides a detailed overview of the islands’ attractions, accommodations, dining options, and activities.

Port Blair:

Cellular Jail (Kala Pani):

- - Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).
  - Entry Fee: ₹30 per person; Light and Sound Show: ₹100 (Indians), ₹150 (foreigners).
  - Highlights: Historic prison used during British rule; famous for the Light and Sound Show depicting the freedom struggle.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach:

- - Timings: Open 24 hours.
  - Entry Fee: Free.
  - Highlights: A serene beach ideal for sunbathing, water sports, and enjoying the sunset.

Anthropological Museum:

- - Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).
  - Entry Fee: ₹20 per person.
  - Highlights: Offers insights into the tribal communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):

Radhanagar Beach:

- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: Rated as one of the best beaches in Asia; crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and a perfect sunset point.

Elephant Beach:

- Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Free; water sports are charged separately.
- Highlights: Known for snorkeling, sea walking, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.

Kalapathar Beach:

- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: A less-crowded beach with black rocks, ideal for quiet relaxation and scenic walks

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep):

Bharatpur Beach:

- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: Clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.

Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge):

- Timings: Best visited during low tide.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: A natural rock formation shaped like a bridge; great for photography.

Laxmanpur Beach:

- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: Famous for its breathtaking sunsets and coral reefs

Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island):

Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays).
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners).
Highlights: Historic ruins from the British era, including a church, cemetery, and bakery

Baratang Island:

Limestone Caves:
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person; boat charges extra.
- Highlights: Accessible by a boat ride through dense mangroves; mesmerizing limestone formations.
Mud Volcano:
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlights: A rare natural phenomenon where mud spews out from the earth

North Bay Island:

Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free; water sports are charged separately.
Highlights: Known for its coral reefs and marine life; ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea walking

Where to Stay -Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Luxury Hotels:

- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Havelock Island): Offers private villas, beachfront views, and luxury amenities.
- Munjoh Ocean Resort (Havelock Island): Known for its private beach and elegant cottages.
- Fortune Resort Bay Island (Port Blair): Overlooks the sea and offers a comfortable stay with premium services.

Mid-Range Hotels:

- Seashell Havelock (Havelock Island): Comfortable rooms with sea views, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Symphony Samudra (Port Blair): A blend of comfort and luxury with an infinity pool and spa.
- Pearl Park Beach Resort (Neil Island): Located near the beach, offering cottages with modern amenities.

Budget Hotels:

- Coconhuts Beach Resort (Neil Island): Budget-friendly beachside huts and cottages.
- Hotel Shompen (Port Blair): Centrally located with clean rooms and basic facilities.
- Tango Beach Resort (Neil Island): Affordable and close to natural attractions.

Where to Eat -Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Port Blair:

Annapurna Restaurant: Pure vegetarian restaurant known for North and South Indian cuisine.
New Lighthouse Restaurant: Seafood specialty, especially grilled fish and crab.
Amaya (Seashell, Port Blair): A rooftop restaurant offering Indian and seafood dishes with a view of the sea.

Havelock Island:

Anju Coco Resto: Famous for its seafood, Indian, and continental dishes.
Something Different – A Beachside Cafe: Offers a mix of Indian, Asian, and continental cuisine with a beach view.
Fat Martin Cafe: Known for its vegetarian options, crepes, and shakes.

Neil Island:

Garden View Restaurant: Affordable dining with local cuisine, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Gan Garden Restaurant: A small, cozy eatery with great seafood and North Indian dishes.

Food -Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Seafood Delicacies:

Being an archipelago, seafood is the star of Andaman cuisine. Freshly caught fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and squids are prepared in various styles—grilled, fried, curried, or as tandoori.
Popular dishes include Grilled Lobster, Fish Amritsari, Crab Curry, and Prawn Malai Curry.

Bengali Influence:

A significant Bengali population influences the cuisine here, especially in dishes like Fish Curry, Aloo Posto (potato with poppy seeds), and Chingri Malai Curry (prawns in coconut milk).

South Indian Cuisine:

The islands also offer a good range of South Indian food such as Idli, Dosa, Vada, and Uttapam.
Places like Annapurna Restaurant in Port Blair are known for authentic vegetarian South Indian meals.

North Indian and Tandoori Dishes:

Tourists can enjoy a variety of North Indian dishes, including Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Biryani, and Tandoori Platters.

Nicobari Cuisine:

Traditional Nicobari dishes are lesser-known but worth trying. They include dishes like Coconut Crab and Banana Flower Salad.

International Flavors:

Many restaurants and cafes offer continental, Chinese, Thai, and Italian dishes to cater to international tourists.

Street Food:

Street food in Andaman is not as widespread as in mainland India, but you can still find vendors selling Chaat, Pani Puri, Samosas, and Pakoras in Port Blair. Fresh coconuts and local fruits like mangoes and pineapples are also available.

Desserts and Beverages:

Local sweets include Gulab Jamun, Rasgulla, and Jalebi, widely available in Indian restaurants.
Toddy, a locally brewed palm wine, is popular among locals and adventurous tourists.

Tips for Enjoying Food-Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask locals or hotel staff for restaurant recommendations. They often know the best places to eat.
Check Reviews: Look up recent reviews online to ensure the quality and authenticity of the food.
Peak Hours: Visit during lunch or dinner hours to enjoy freshly prepared dishes

Activities for First Time Foreign Tourists-Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Water Sports:

Scuba Diving: Havelock and Neil Islands are the top spots for scuba diving, with certified instructors and clear waters teeming with marine life.
Snorkeling: Popular at North Bay, Elephant Beach, and Bharatpur Beach.
Sea Walking: Experience marine life up close without the need for scuba diving training at North Bay and Elephant Beach.
Kayaking and Jet Skiing: Available at various beaches like Havelock Island.

Island Hopping:

Visit different islands like Ross Island, North Bay Island, Baratang, and Neil Island on guided tours.

Exploring Mangroves:

- Baratang Island offers boat rides through thick mangroves, providing a unique ecological experience.

Trekking and Nature Walks:

Trek through the jungles of Mount Harriet National Park, Chidiya Tapu, and the path to Elephant Beach for bird-watching and nature trails.

Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail:

- A must-attend evening activity that narrates the history of India’s freedom struggle.

Bird Watching:

Visit Chidiya Tapu and Saddle Peak National Park, which are known for their diverse avian population.

Fishing and Angling:

Join fishing tours for deep-sea fishing experiences around Havelock Island.

Tips for First Time Foreign Tourists-Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Permits: Foreign tourists require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is issued on arrival at Port Blair.
Transportation: Ferries and boats are the primary modes of transportation between islands. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Health Precautions: Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic medication. Ensure you drink bottled water to avoid any health issues.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the best time to visit when the weather is pleasant.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer an unforgettable experience with their natural beauty, adventure activities, and unique cultural history. Enjoy your trip!

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in- Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a rich culinary and shopping experience, blending local flavors and crafts with cultural influences. From savoring fresh seafood by the beach to taking home handcrafted jewelry and spices.

Pearls and Shell Jewelry:

Andaman is famous for its pearls, which are available in various forms like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Shell jewelry, crafted by local artisans, is another popular buy.

Handicrafts and Artifacts:

Cane and Bamboo Products: Handwoven cane and bamboo products such as furniture, baskets, and hats.
Wooden Artifacts: Intricately carved wooden souvenirs, like miniatures of boats, showpieces, and statues, are popular buys.

Nicobari Mats and Handicrafts:

Nicobari Mats: Made by the indigenous Nicobari tribes, these mats are handwoven from local reeds and are known for their durability and unique designs.

Spices:

Spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg grown locally can be purchased at reasonable rates.

Sea Shell Decorative Items:

- Items such as lamps, wind chimes, wall hangings, and decorative showpieces made from sea shells and corals are unique to Andaman.

Coconut and Palm Products:

Various products made from coconut shells, like keychains, lamps, and other decorative items.

Local Textiles and Sarongs:

Colorful textiles, sarongs, and handmade scarves can be found in local markets.

Where to Shop -Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Port Blair:

Aberdeen Bazaar: The most popular market for tourists, offering a wide variety of items like souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts, and clothes. Bargaining is common here.
Sagarika Government Emporium: This government-run store offers authentic Andaman handicrafts, pearls, and jewelry at fixed prices. A great place to buy souvenirs.
Queen Sea Shell Craft: Specializes in shell-based products and jewelry. A good spot for unique, handcrafted items.

Havelock Island:

Market No. 3: The main market area in Havelock offers beachwear, seashell jewelry, sarongs, and handicrafts. Some shops also sell snorkeling and diving gear.
Barefoot Bazaar: A quaint little shop near the Barefoot Resort that sells eco-friendly souvenirs, clothing, and beach accessories.

Neil Island:

Local Street Markets: Small shops and stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, local spices, and beachwear.

Shopping Tips for Foreign Tourists-Andaman and Nicobar Island Travel Information

Bargaining: While shopping in local markets, bargaining is expected. However, prices at government-run stores like Sagarika are fixed.
Check for Authenticity: Be cautious about buying coral and shell products. Ensure they are not illegally sourced, as the sale of certain corals and shells is restricted.