Top 20 places to visit and things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tranquil turquoise waters and glistening white beaches enclosed by a mangrove forest and wild jungles, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical wonderland that fascinate travellers all around the world. Gratitude to the superabundant south-west and north-east monsoons, the tropical evergreen rain forests swarm in marine life, spotlighting rare species of plants, animals, and corals, making it an ecological heaven. 270 species and subspecies of birds have been inscribed to live in these islands, 106 of them surviving endemic. The Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman padauk and dugong have been listed as State Bird, State Tree and State Animal, respectively. Around 96 wildlife sanctuaries, 9 national parks and one biosphere reserve are found in this Islands.

Travellers to these islands can indulge in a variety of activities exploring from water sports, trekking and island camping to nature trail and scuba diving. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been populated for several thousand years. Archaeological documented proof goes back some 2,200 years; nevertheless, the evidence from genetic, cultural and scientific isolation studies steer to habitation going back 30,000 – 60,000 years, well into the Middle Palaeolithic era. 

For all these exotic peculiarities including tropical jungles and spectacular beaches, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is transforming to the best holiday destination in 2020 for relaxation and nature buffs. Andaman and Nicobar islands treats an annual tourism festival in December & January. Although, the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands are between October and May. The clear and calm water at these months makes it perfect for snorkelling, swimming and other water activities to do in Andaman. 

HERE IS A LISH OF THE TOP 20 PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLAND:

1) North Bay and Elephant Beach – Snorkelling - Haven't tried Snorkelling yet? This is the best place to try them. The water sport currently stands on top of our list of the best things to do in Andaman in April. Relish the exquisite marine life and view the rarest corals as you go snorkelling at North Bay Island or Elephant Beach at Havelock Island. Havelock is mostly recommended as the water here is much clearer as compared to North Bay. It can only cost up to INR 500 to INR 1000

2) Bioluminescence At Havelock Island - Most romantic things to do includes this extraordinary experience where one can row the boat through glowing water that mirrors a star-lit sky. The water glows because of the presence of phytoplankton in it. You have to head out on a new moon or no moon night, and it is best viewed at calmer places like Havelock Island rather than Port Blair, where the light pollution is higher. The winter is the season for bioluminescence, and November to February is the peak time. You can also try kayaking and surfing from the evening at this place, that's gonna real fun!

3) Scuba Diving In Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Vast coral reefs, variety of marine life and the serene blue waters of the Bay of Bengal all make the title "Paradise on Earth" profoundly fit for the Andamans. Popular island amongst all the islands for the dives, however, is Havelock. It is an ideal diving stop for everyone, right from an amateur beginner to an expert diver. Top Scuba diving spots include: Havelock Islands, Neil Island, Port Blair, North Point, Cinque island, Bala Reef, Little Andaman Island, Fish Rock, Passage Island, Corruption Rock, etc

4) Banana Boat Ride - Riding a Banana Boat is another fun-packed and thrilling thing to do in Andaman.  6 people at a time can ride the banana-shaped boats that are tied back a speedboat to obtain rush. It is an absolutely safe activity as long as you have your life jackets on and follow the instructions given.

It can cost you as much as INR 620 per person, this is inclusive of banana boat, life jacket, and tutor. Adventures and water activities to in Andaman and Nicobar include Kayaking, jet skiing, and speedboat riding

5) North Bay Coral Island – Take The Glass Bottom Boat Ride - For the people who are scared of water, this one is a smooth ride and grants you a good view of the corals underneath with proper safety gear, which is recommended for kids. Glass-bottom boating is amongst the unique things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You get to see the marine life through a glass-bottom in the boat as you sail through the seawater. It can cost INR 500 per person onwards.

6) Parasailing - To surfeit your adrenaline rush, parasailing is a top thing to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This activity is a blend of water and airborne adventure. Tied back a motorboat while bound in a parachute, fly like a kite following the boat as it speeds off into the sea. This is surely one of the most thrilling things to do in Andaman island.

7) Travel In A Sea Plane at Port Blair - Steering off in a seaplane driven by Pawan Hans is one of the thrilling things to do in Port Blair in Andaman. Experience this unparalleled ride while travelling from Port Blair to Havelock or while returning. The same distance, if reached by ferry, takes about 2 hours. Enjoy the stunning elevated views of Andaman and its many impressive islands while flying in this seaplane, it is one of the most romantic things to do in Andaman

8) Sightseeing Tours - A heaven for travellers, Andaman is a pleasant island for a peaceful getaway. With hundreds of beaches and tourist attractions diffused in several islands, there is so much to gaze and you cannot get enough of this beauty. It includes individual island tours viz Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair, and Ross & Smith Island. Other attractions in Andaman include Cellular Jail National Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Samudrika Marine Museum, and Rajiv Gandhi, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, Water Sports Complex in Port Blair, mud volcanoes of Baratang, active volcano at Barren Island and Chidiya Tapu are just some of the places to visit in Andaman.

9) Cellular Jail - Touring the Cellular Jail is the best things to do in Port Blair in Andaman. The jail, former Kaala Paani Jail, was used by the British as a colonial convict. The memorial is reminiscent of India’s struggle for freedom. Light and Sound Show here is a highlight. The show covers a Peepal tree’s narrative, voiced by the master actor Om Puri, narrating the emotional stories of the prisoners tortured to death in jail.

10) Trek To Madhuban at Mt Harriet - People just think that the islands are all with impressive beaches and are perfect for relaxing. Trekking from Mt Harriet, the third highest peak in the archipelago to Madhuban through Kala Patthar is one of the best things to do in Andaman. The trekking path is a rough stretch of forests that are habitat to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Trekking on the island is one of the best things to do in Andaman. 

11) Go On Nature Walks By Mongluton Rubber Plantations - The Mongluton rubber plantations in Wandoor are ideal for the curious explorers. The conducted tour leads you into numerous rows of rubber trees. Mixture of spices also grow here, including cinnamon, clove, pepper, and betel. Extraction of rubber converted to rubber sheets and other useful things can be observed here

12) Explore The Limestone Caves - Get fascinated by the natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside the Limestone Caves of Baratang. Travelling to interesting caves is one of the fascinating things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Also, with the cave exploration, the ride in a speed boat to the cave is exciting with mangrove trees on both sides and the splashing water by your sides. 

13) Go Bird Watching - Favourite activity amongst the things to do in Andaman for nature enthusiasts is bird watching. Chidiya Tapu, the small island village located 25 km from Port Blair. Here you will come across various species of birds – parakeets, sea eagles, emerald doves and many more. it is also one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

14) See The Sunrises And Sunsets - Trip to the Andaman Islands is unfinished without island hopping, one of the romantic things to do in Andaman. Use ferries from one island to another and experience the sunrises and sunsets. Tour the popular islands like Neil Island, Havelock Island, Viper Island, and North Bay Island or travel the populated islands such as Guitar Island, Long Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Ross & Smith Islands, and Stewart Island. 

15) Semi Submarine Ride - Ever dreamt of going on a submarine ride? Live your submarine dreams in the depths of Andaman. Although, not the actual one, the Coral Safari Semi Submarine ride in Port Blair gives a pretty similar thrilling experience to travellers. Indulge in this enthralling adventure while you tour and behold the marine life while relaxing in the comforts of a semi-submarine that will take you on a joy-ride over the multicoloured corals and among a surplus of freakish fish.

16) Dolphin Watching - Popular activity for all wildlife enthusiasts and water babies in Andaman. Just jump into your boat that will sail gently over the gorgeous blue ocean and adhere the friendliest creatures on earth while they prance, play, and chatter around you in the water. Nothing can beat the joy of beholding these happy mammals in their natural habitat.

17) Sea Walking At Andaman - Sea Walking in Andaman is obtaining popularity day-by-day. This Underwater Sea Walk is a thrilling adventure, entirely distinct from other water activities in Andaman. It is a perfect way to peep the rich and vibrant marine life. With well-protected and impressive submerged stroll on the ocean, allows you to explore the beautiful fauna, corals and an immense range of fishes.

18) Mangrove Kayaking - Vacation in Andaman would be incomplete if you miss out on kayaking sport at Mayabunder as this enchanting tour takes you to witness glimpse the lush green mangrove of the Andaman. As this spot includes one-fifth of India’s total mangrove, kayaking is the most reliable way to behold its striking beauty. 

19) Tour The Volcano - The popular Mud volcano can be visited by waterways as well as roadways. On the way to Baratang Island, reach Jarawa Creek. The volcano is about 250 to 300 meters which can be both covered by walking or by boarding a jetty. This tranquil place makes you deduce the different experience of exploring a real volcano

20) M.V Makruzz Cruise - Give the most luxurious twirl to your holiday in Andaman by bouncing on this amazing cruise ride. M.V Makruzz Cruise is unquestionably the best cruise in Andaman and rendered connectivity linking Port Blair and Havelock Island. It is a ninety-minute drive, offering you cherish the picturesque beauty of this magnificent place and this will cost you around INR 1500.