PLACES IN ANDAMAN
PORT BLAIR >> HAVELOCK ISLAND >> NEIL ISLAND
Best Time To Travel:
Andaman hosts an annual tourism festival in December & January. But the islands can be visited anytime between October and May. The waters are clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities to do in Andaman. The temperatures are also not very extreme and range between 23°C and 30°C. The average annual rainfall is nearly 3,000 mm. The monsoon starts mid-May and goes till mid-August.
Do You Know?
Andaman has India’s best nesting beaches for three species of marine turtles - Hawksbill, Green Turtle, and the world’s largest sea turtle, the Leatherback.
Commercial fishing has been banned around the Andaman Islands. It is believed that in these waters fish now die of old age.
The Turquoise waters surrounding these emerald islands team up with an abundance of Dolphins, Whales. Du-gongs, Sea Turtles, Sailfish, Sea Anemones, and other Marine life.
Andaman still remains a mystery to the world, it has around 300 islands of which only a dozen are open to tourists. The Island population is an interesting mix of South Indian and Southeast Asian settlers, as well as Negrito ethnic groups on some Islands whose arrival here still has anthropologists bemused.
Adding to the intrigue is the fascinating ecosystem that exists on the Island - the spectacular coral reefs, the biggest crabs, the largest turtles, most vibrant fish, and the most beautiful butterflies.
Things you could do in Andaman
Mangrove Forests, snow-white beaches, beautiful sunsets, and many wonders to unravel. Andaman is a magnificent jewel in the ocean. Its waters are ever inviting and offer the most adventurous forays into nature.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride - This one is for those who are really afraid of water. This one is an easy ride and gives you a good view of the corals beneath With proper safety gear, this one is good for kids as well. In fact, if we may say so, glass-bottom boating is among 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 sea. It is considered to be one of the most interesting activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These glass-bottom boats ply between Water Sports Complex & North Bay Coral Island and between Port Blair and Jolly Buoy Island.
Parasailing - To satiate your adrenaline rush, try parasailing. Of all the things to do in Havelock Island, this activity is a blend of water & airborne adventure. Tied behind a motorboat while harnessed in a parachute, you get to fly like a kite behind the boat as it speeds off into the sea, and you’ll surely find it to be one of the most thrilling things to do in Andaman island. The charges for parasailing depend on the season in which you have visited the island, and the location you are parasailing.
Scuba Diving - Scuba doesn’t require you to know swimming! Yes, many people do not attempt it thinking that knowing swimming is important, but that’s far from reality. If you want to try the tougher levels of scuba and go out into the open waters, then and only then do you require swimming skills. But the same is not true for PADI Scuba Diving or Sea Walking. There are many places to try scuba diving in Andaman. So do not worry, just try the sport and discover colorful corals and enchanting water life. This is one of the best things to do in Andaman.
Bioluminescence – The Beauty Of Twinkling Stars
Tiny lighted stars and galaxies floating under your feet instead of the blue sky above. Total bliss! Watch this happen on the beach at Havelock Island as it amongst the top things to see in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where water glows as you row your boat through them. This happens due to the presence of phytoplankton in the sea waters.
Bioluminescence can be witnessed only on no moon nights. Kayak tours are arranged by experts, which are anyway few in Havelock. Ask any Scuba guide and they will connect you to the right person. Visiting this place is one of the best things you must do in Andaman.
Snorkeling - Havelock is famous for its dreamy beaches and crystal clear blue water and therefore stands at the top with the best place for water sports in Andaman. Although there are several beaches that count as great, the Elephant beach in Havelock, Andaman offers the most perfect conditions for a memorable snorkeling experience. The vibrant undamaged reefs come packed with a wide variety of fishes and sea creatures that give out a feeling of amazement and awe. The waters here are crystal clear, allowing for maximum underwater visibility one could expect, and is perfectly shallow with just the right amount of current, so you can easily float near the sea surface and enjoy your experience without any difficulties. The best about snorkeling in Elephant Beach is that most of the trips to Andaman include Havelock, and therefore you can save you time and money. Elephant Beach can be easily reached by chartering a boat or you can join a group and trek through the forest to reach the place.
Light & Sound show at Cellular Jail - Travel back in time and relive the Independence story with a light and sound show at cellular jail. The jail which constitutes cells made for the imprisonment of one prisoner each also had various paintings, which highlights its story.
Underwater Sea Walk - Walk on the sea bed with trained professionals at elephant beach and Havelock Islan. The experience is truly otherworldly.
Volcano Tour - Visit one of the few living volcanoes of the world at Barren Island.
Sea Plane Ride - This is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the Island.
Visit Rubber Plantation - A short drive from Port Blair will Take you to Wandoor, one of the Largest rubber plantations on the Island. The site of hundreds of golden brown sheets of rubber is a rare one. Moreover, you can also visit the site of coconut, beetle nut, and other spices plantations here.
Visit Limestone Caves - One can visit these caves on Baratang Island. Beginning with a drive through the Jawa - inhabited jungles and then taking a speedboat to finally wanking in the caves is one great adventurous experience.
Mud Volcano Tour - Visit the active mud volcanoes located at Diglipur and Baratang for a unique experience.