Andman & Nikobar
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, is an archipelago of 572 islands (38 inhabited) in the Bay of Bengal, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and unique indigenous cultures. Spanning 8,249 km², the islands are divided into the Andaman group (north) and Nicobar group (south), separated by the Ten Degree Channel. Port Blair, the capital, is the main entry point. The islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare marine life, and a strategic maritime location with India’s only tri-service military command. The tropical climate (23–31°C) makes November to May ideal for visiting, while June to October is monsoon season. Key attractions include historical sites like Cellular Jail, adventure sports, and eco-tourism.
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, is an archipelago of 572 islands (38 inhabited) in the Bay of Bengal, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and unique indigenous cultures. Spanning 8,249 km², the islands are divided into the Andaman group (north) and Nicobar group (south), separated by the Ten Degree Channel. Port Blair, the capital, is the main entry point. The islands are a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare marine life, and a strategic maritime location with India’s only tri-service military command. The tropical climate (23–31°C) makes November to May ideal for visiting, while June to October is monsoon season. Key attractions include historical sites like Cellular Jail, adventure sports, and eco-tourism.
- Morning: Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata; 2–3 hours). Obtain Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on arrival (free for foreigners, valid 30 days).
- Afternoon: Check into a hotel (options: Symphony Samudra, SeaShell). Visit Cellular Jail (entry: ₹30, 9 AM–5 PM) for a historical tour of the colonial-era prison. Explore the museum and exhibits on India’s freedom struggle.
- Evening: Attend the Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail (6 PM or 7:15 PM, ₹50, Hindi/English). Dinner at a local restaurant (try Amaya or New Lighthouse for seafood).
- Stay: Port Blair.
- Morning: Take a ferry (20 min, ₹200–300) to Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island). Explore British-era ruins (church, bakery, officers’ club), deer, and peacocks. Guided tours available.
- Afternoon: Ferry to North Bay Island (30 min, ₹300). Try coral viewing via glass-bottom boats or snorkeling (₹500–1,000). Spot vibrant corals and fish. Optional: Sea walking (₹3,000, 30 min).
- Evening: Return to Port Blair. Visit Samudrika Marine Museum (₹50, 9 AM–5 PM) for insights on marine life and tribal culture.
- Stay: Port Blair.
- Morning: Board a ferry to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep, 2–2.5 hours, ₹1,000–2,000; Green Ocean or Makruzz). Check into a resort (Dolphin Resort, Barefoot at Havelock).
- Afternoon: Relax at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), consistently ranked among Asia’s best. Swim or stroll along the white sands. Sunset views are stunning.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachside café (Anju Coco, Full Moon Café). Explore Havelock’s night market for souvenirs.
- Stay: Havelock Island.
- Morning: Head to Elephant Beach (by boat, ₹1,000, or 40-min trek). Ideal for snorkeling (free with boat, equipment ₹200) or scuba diving (₹3,500–5,000, try Dive India or Andaman Bubbles). Spot parrotfish, clownfish, and corals.
- Afternoon: Visit Kalapathar Beach for serene views and photography. Less crowded, perfect for relaxation.
- Evening: Return to resort. Optional: Kayaking in mangroves (₹2,500, 2 hours).
- Stay: Havelock Island.
- Morning: Ferry to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep, 1 hour, ₹800–1,500). Check into a guesthouse (Tango Beach Resort, Pearl Park).
- Afternoon: Explore Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling or glass-bottom boat rides (₹500–1,000). Visit Natural Bridge, a rock formation sculpted by waves (best at low tide).
- Evening: Relax at Laxmanpur Beach for sunset. Dinner at a local eatery (Moonshine Café, try Nicobari fish curry).
- Stay: Neil Island.
- Morning: Visit Sitapur Beach for sunrise and calm vibes. Optional: Bike rental (₹500/day) to explore Neil’s villages.
- Afternoon: Return ferry to Port Blair (1 hour). Visit Chidiya Tapu (25 km from Port Blair, ₹100 by taxi) for birdwatching and sunset views. Spot endemic species like Andaman wood pigeons.
- Evening: Shop at Aberdeen Bazaar for shell crafts, pearls, or spices. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant (Bayview, Hotel Sentinel).
- Stay: Port Blair.
- Morning: If departing, fly out from Port Blair. Alternatively, take a day trip to Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, ₹1,500–2,000, permit required). Enjoy snorkeling and pristine corals (open Nov–Apr).
- Afternoon: Return to Port Blair, relax, or visit Anthropological Museum (₹20, 9 AM–4:30 PM) for tribal history.
- Evening: Depart for mainland India.
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