Places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar

Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Sea, is the capital of the Union Territory, located in the Bay of Bengal. Located on the Southern Andaman Island, Port Blair is at the very heart of tourism in the Andamans. Greatly connected to the mainland of India, Port Blair is also the centre of finance, culture, and other major activities in the Union Territory.

Be it sightseeing, engaging with local tribes, learning about the region’s history, or enjoying thrilling water sports in Andaman, Port Blair encapsulates everything that makes the islands a perfect tropical getaway. It is often a key highlight in most Andaman tour packages, offering visitors a complete introduction to the archipelago.

Surrounded by the rugged yet beautiful coastlines and tropical yet mesmerising forests, Port Blair is a culmination of not just the most beautiful of sceneries but also of various cultures. Bengalis, Tamils, Telugus, Nicobarese, and Burmese are the main inhabitants of the capital, with Bengali being the most spoken language, followed closely by Hindi.

Major things to do in Port Blair include sightseeing at Cellular Jail, birdwatching at Chidiya Tapu, and shopping at Aberdeen Market, and must-visit places near Port Blair are Havelock Island, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, and Viper Island.

Places to visit in Port Blair

Here are some of the best places to visit in Port Blair:

1. Chidiya Tapu

As is clear from the name itself, Chidiya Tapu is a heaven for bird lovers. With a lot of rare migratory birds approaching this island and a number of other indigenous species calling this place their home, Chidiya Tapu is a famous attraction near Port Blair. Another great thing to do here is to watch a mesmerising sunset from the beach, which is flanked by hills on one side and forests on the other.

2. Cellular Jail

Popularly known as the Kala Paani Jail, the Cellular Jail was a colonial prison built on the Andaman islands because of the remoteness of the place. The British sent exiled prisoners here, including the notable names of Batukeshwar Dutt, Yogendra Shukla, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (in whose honour Port Blair’s airport was named). The place is now an important historical monument and hosts an amazing light and sound show every evening.

3. Viper Island

Named after the ship that brought Lieutenant Archibald Blair to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1789, the viper island was the site of the British Exile Prison before the construction of the famous Cellular Jail. With the ruins of the old gallows still sitting on the top of a hillock on the island, the place is a scenic as well as biodiverse wonder. Interestingly, the wreckage of the ship HMS Viper was also found near the island itself.

4. Samudrika Marine Museum

Ran by the Indian Navy, the Samudrika Marine Museum is situated in the capital itself and was built with a significant initiative in mind. The museum works to generate awareness about the situations in the ocean and about marine life. Divided into 5 sections, the museum presents exhibits dealing with the Islands, the geography, people and demographics, the archaeology, and the marine life. It houses a great collection of shells, corals, and a few colourful fish species from the waters around it.

5. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a stretch of unparalleled natural beauty, received its official status on 24th May 1983. With the main aim of preserving marine life, especially the rare coral life and the nesting sea turtles, the National Park is divided into 2 major island groups: Labyrinth Islands and Twin Islands. The place, spanning an area of 281.5 sq km, is a haven for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.

6. Rajeev Gandhi Water Sports Complex

The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the hub for most water sports and related activities. Offering a safe place for enjoying water sports, you can enjoy joyrides on speedboats, Jet Skis & Banana rides. Kayaking, Canoeing, Parasailing, Paragliding, Waterskiing, and Boat Tours are also available.

7. North Bay Island

North Bay Island, the heaven of life underwater, is an adventurer's paradise. With a number of excellent diving sites, the island offers endless opportunities for underwater exploration. You can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass-bottom boat rides to spot rare and vibrant marine species. It stands out as one of the top places to visit in Andaman, especially for thrill-seekers and marine life enthusiasts.

8. Cinque Island

The North and South Cinque Islands, a group of islands, are renowned for having sandbars connecting them. With this passage being named the Manners Strait, both islands have some features that make them favourites of visitors year-round. While North Cinque is famous for water sports like diving and snorkelling, the South Cinque island is a part of the famous Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

9. Ross and Smith Island

Located far away from the mainland of Andaman are these twin islands connected by a sandbar in the middle. The entryway to this majestic pair of islands is from the small town of Diglipur, and one needs formal permission from the forest department to visit. The clear blue waters and an amazing marine life, alongside animals in the forests, make this place a great experience to visit

10. Mount Harriet National Park

Covering the area around the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet National Park is named after the wife of Robert Christopher Tytler, a British naturalist and photographer. The iconic image on the back of the 20-rupee note originates from this scenic park. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Andaman, offering nature trails, wildlife, and panoramic views.

11. Forest Museum

A famous attraction of the Andamans, the Forest Museum is located in Chatham, on the very outskirts of Port Blair. Managed by the forest department, the place is famous for exhibiting artefacts made with timber, gurjan, oak, satinwood, and paduak. As an added flavour, the museum also has a mini zoo and a small zoological garden inside the complex.

12. Marina Park

Home to more than 350 species of marine animals, including creatures like fishes, turtles, sharks, and crabs, the place was built with the thought of preservation and showcasing the natural assets of Andaman. Ideal for all age groups, you can also see a lot of corals, clam shells, and lobsters as well.

13. Ross Island

With a rather sad history attached to it, the ruins present on the island speak volumes about the time that this place has seen. Once the administrative headquarters of the British colony in Andaman, the place was abandoned after the earthquake in 1941. Forests now engulf Ross Island, adding an unsettling atmosphere to the entire area.

14. Jolly Buoy Island

Home to majestic corals and the unmatched beauty of a beach, the Jolly Buoy is a part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. A haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, the corals here are in their most pristine form and have been attracting travellers and adventurers from all around the world.

15. Chatham Island

3 km away from Port Blair, Chatham Island has had an important part to play in the history of Andaman, as this is where the earliest of British Settlements arose. The British established the Chatham Saw Mill in the year 1883 to help with supplementing the need for timber, and it is now an attraction in the Andaman group of islands.

Things to do in Port Blair

Here is the list of the best things to do in Port Blair:

1. Attend the Light and Sound show in Cellular Jail

The cellular jail sound and light show is one of the best things to do in Port Blair. Displaying the story of the struggle behind the fight for freedom in India, it is a popular attraction among tourists. The show runs in both English and Hindi, taking care of all the audience that comes to view it.

2. Spot beautiful birds at Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu is one of the most colourful places around Port Blair to explore, as it is not just visited by the tourists but also by some of the rarest bird species in migration and native to the archipelago. You can spot the Andaman Serpent Eagle, White-breasted Kingfisher, Oriental Scops-owl, and many other such rare species.

3. Visit Rajeev Gandhi Water Complex

The Rajeev Gandhi Water Complex, named after the deceased ex-Prime Minister of the country, is a great place to go to when you seek adventure and a calling for water sports. You can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat riding, kayaking, water skiing, and more adrenaline-spiking sports right here.

4. Visit at Munda Pahar Beach

Located right on the Chidiya Tapu, the Munda Pahar Beach is covered by hills on one side and with mangrove forests on the other. Apart from the views of some of the rarest birds, this secluded beach is a great spot to witness a mesmerising sunset and thus attracts a large number of visitors. You can also take a look at our article on the best beaches in andaman which you must visit on your vacation.

5. Visit Mount Harriet

The third highest hill on the Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands, the area around the hill is densely forested and makes for what is known as the Mount Harriet National Park. Named after Harriet Tytler, the British Officer who documented the buildings and monuments of Delhi and her notes on the 1857 uprising in India.

6. Watch the only active Volcano in India at Barren Island

Home to the only active volcano in South Asia, the smoking hill on Barren Island is also the only active volcano in a chain of volcanoes that runs from Sumatra in Indonesia to Myanmar. Just like the name, the place is barren yet beautiful, with the latest eruption recorded in the year 2017.

7. Explore North Bay Island

A beautiful island full of beaches, the North Bay Island is one of the best places to visit near Port Blair. You can enjoy many water-related activities on the North Bay Island, with the most amazing ones being Scuba Diving, snorkelling, Sea Walking, and glass-bottom boat riding.

8. Visit Japanese Bunker

Telling the story of the Japanese invasion of the Andamans, these bunkers are located at various strategic points across Port Blair. Built during World War II, they served as defence structures for Japanese forces. One prominent bunker is located near Corbyn’s Cove. A visit here adds a historical touch to your trip and is often included in an Andaman honeymoon package for a blend of history and scenic beauty.

9. Visit Clock Tower

In the very centre of the city of Port Blair, not far away from the water sports complex and on the main bazaar road, the Aberdeen Clock Tower is surrounded by many shops and is lit up in the evening, making for a great place to hang around. Forming a reference for the city, this landmark is also amongst the most photographed ones.

10. Do Shopping Aberdeen Bazaar

The most popular shopping area in not just Port Blair but also in the entire Andaman Island, the place is also the commercial hub of the capital. Be it the festive season, weekends, or any normal day, the place is just packed with shoppers buying clothes, household items, coconut shell lamps, bamboo cane crafts, and jewellery made out of shells as souvenirs or just for use.

11. Go on Samudrika Museum tour

Divided into 5 sections dedicated to Andaman and the marine life around it, the famous museum is a great place to gain knowledge about the history, geography, and biology attached to this amazing tropical destination. Also, get to witness some rare species of corals and fishes in the museum.

Other Essential Info about Port Blair

1. Mobile Connectivity

The mobile connectivity in Andaman has always been a concern for the modern traveller and is a question often asked. The prefered connections that usually work in Port Blair are Vodafone, BSNL, and Airtel, with Vodafone being the best service. Reliance Jio and Tata Docomo do not work in Andaman at all.

2. Medical Facilities

Unlike the rest of India, people in Andaman and Nicobar enjoy free healthcare services from government hospitals, meaning the people do not pay consultation fees or medication prices. On Port Blair, the GB Pant Hospital and ANIIMS together form the best medical facility, with the Maricar Hospital following closely in keeping the people of the islands and the travellers healthy.

3. ATM

Cash is something that you will always need when you are travelling to a new place. The same applies to Port Blair, and the question of unavailability is something that will surely inconvenience anyone. As it turns out, many major banks have ATMs at strategic places in Port Blair, including Canara Bank, HDFC, United Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Bank Of Baroda, and United Commercial Bank.

Places to eat in Port Blair

Food is another major concern of a traveller. Although the experience of going to a new place and trying their cuisine sounds exhilarating and tasty, the best thing is always to enjoy it all from the best of the restaurants around. Some of the most favourite and highly rated restaurants of Port Blair are Icy Spicy, Hotel Kattabomman, Amaya, Annapurna, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Ananda Restaurant, Brewberry’s, and many more. The taste here ranges from Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental, Seafood, to Cafes and Breweries.

Minimum Duration for Visiting Port Blair

For covering all that Port Blair and surrounding regions have to offer, you would need at least a 4-day trip to Port Blair. If you're looking for hotels to stay in andaman, there are many amazing options to choose from. 

Things to Keep in Mind

Following are a few pointers to keep in mind while visiting here:

1. Mondays are a holiday in Andaman, and you will find most of the places closed on that day, including the Cellular Jail.

2. For foreigners and NRIs arriving here, a Protected Area Permit is a must for entry into the capital as well as the Union Territory.

3. The locals are very helpful and cooperative, and you must talk to them for a better experience of everything.

4. The local transport here is as effective as public transportation, and again the people are very cooperative in this scenario. You can also go on a cruise ride for leisure. 

5. ATMs are easily available throughout the city. Also, due to network issues, cards may not work here, so keep cash on hand.

rt Blair Weather can change any time of the year because this is a tropical monsoon zone.

7. Do not litter, as the locals do not like tourists who do that.

Havelock Island, part of the stunning Ritchie’s Archipelago, is the heart and soul of the Andamans. Speckled with countless white sand beaches surrounded by the beauty of tropical forest, Havelock is a coastal paradise promising unprecedented luxury with a blissful dollop of adrenaline. Home to some of the most stunning beaches of Andaman, the underwater world is guaranteed to lure you in with a plethora of water adventures like snorkelling, scuba diving, sea walking, surfing, and glass boat rides! Many Andaman packages include Havelock for its unmatched charm and vibrant marine life.

On a lazy day, get in your favourite hammock by the white sandy beaches and under the canopy of tall palm trees to reinvigorate your senses. Explore popular beaches like Vijayanagar, Radhanagar, and Bharatpur, and entertain the shopaholic in you by giving the iconic Market No. 3 a visit! If you’re a seeker of offbeat destinations, a fascinating trip to Barren Island, Inglis Beach, Merk Bay, and Kalapathar Beach is a delightful detour from the more popular, bustling Havelock beaches.

Places to Visit in Havelock Island:

1. Neil Island

Neil Island is one of the most popular places to visit in Andaman, and sits about 40 km to the south of the Andaman Islands. The face of the island is peppered with dense tropical forests, coral reefs, and lovely white sand beaches. It is also one of the best places in Havelock for experiencing the realm of underwater adventures like scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Beaches like Laxmanpur, Sitapur and Bharatpur are the most frequented of all.

2. Radhanagar Beach

Skirting the southern coast of Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is something right out of paradise! Crowned Asia’s Best Beach, and 7th best in the world by Time Magazine, Radhanagar beach enjoys immense popularity. It is the beach that your island dreams are made of - pristine white sand caressed by azure waters and towered by lofty trees! It is the perfect place to experience the combination of comforting luxury and rugged wilderness. 

3. Elephant Beach

Elephant Beach is best known for snorkelling, owing to the beautiful coral reefs that grace the seascape, along with an abundance of exotic marine life which will have you keep coming back for more. The boat or ferry ride to Elephant Beach from Havelock Jetty takes about 40 minutes. As the beach is applauded for its stunning coral reef structures, sea walking is an unmatched, surreal experience. It is safe to say that your trip to Havelock is incomplete without visiting Elephant Beach.

4. Barren Island

True to its name, Barren Island is a stretch of land that is completely devoid of human population. It also fosters the only known active volcano of South Asia, making it a truly fascinating destination for adventure seekers. Since the vegetation is scanty there, it is home only to goats, bats, birds and rats. However, obtaining special permission from the forest department is necessary to visit the island. Besides, there is a whole world of water sports to lure you along the way!

5. Vijaynagar Beach

The exquisite beauty of Vijaynagar Beach is ideal for those looking to bask in the comforting caresses of nature. Also famous as Beach No. 5, it is a go-to destination for exploring the exciting underwater world. The lingering tranquillity and solace that the beach offers make it a truly unmatched spot, veered off other bustling attractions in Andaman. You can also have a look at our guide on the best things to enjoy in andaman on your trip. 

6. Long Island

Decidedly the most offbeat places to visit in the archipelago, the seascape of Long Island remains relatively unspoiled. It is famous among adventurers and explorers of untraced paths, but not many travellers are privy to the beautiful secrets that it harbours. It is also the perfect place for you to unplug and reconnect with yourself, given the isolated location of the place. If you can visit only a handful of places in Andaman, let Long Island be one of them.

7. Bharatpur Beach

A popular amongst travellers, Bharatpur Beach in Neil Island is a wide blanket of undulating waves, bordered by pristine white sand. What makes the beach stand out is the diversity in coral reefs and exotic marine life that thrives there. One of the best ways to fully admire the beauty of the beach and its wonderful residents is on a glass boat ride, which gives you a closer view, along with the illusion that you’re actually floating on water!

8. Kala Pathar Beach

Sitting about 12 km away from Havelock jetty, the beauty of Kalapathar beach remains relatively unexplored. One of the cleanest beaches in Andaman, Kalapathar is ideal for those looking for a respite from the crowded, popular beaches of Havelock. Roofing adventure, natural beauty and solitude, the beach is not yet well equipped with advanced facilities that the other beaches have.

9. Market No. 3

Market No. 3, also dubbed the heart and soul of Havelock Island, caters to all shopping whims and needs of travellers and locals alike. Lined with several shops and vendors selling everything from clothes to daily essentials and groceries, one needs to brush up on their bargaining skills to shop here. The market operates from morning to 03:00 PM only.

10. Merk Bay Beach

Snuggled in the secluded beauty of North Passage Island in Andaman, Merk Bay Beach is essentially a vast, unseen world awaiting exploration. A beguiling combination of clear turquoise waters and lovely white sand enchants the senses and redefines beauty. The one hour ride from Long Island jetty to Merk Bay is a scenic one as the path winds through unknown creeks and nooks. The island is apt for activities like dolphin spotting, birdwatching, or even for a simple yet refreshing walk by the moonlit shores.

11. Laxmanpur Beach

Looking for picture-perfect memories and postcard-worthy photos? Laxmanpur Beach is what you’re looking for! The beach, endowed with untouched beauty, deviates slightly from the frequently travelled paths. Its vast and open white shell sands form a striking contrast to the blue waters of other beaches in Andaman. You can also find a delightful amount of seashells and corals here. Activities like snorkelling and diving are best enjoyed at Laxmanpur Beach, while the majesty of the setting sun leaves stellar shades in the evening skies for you to revel in.

12. Inglis Beach       

Inglis Island is located about 60 km away from Port Blair and is acclaimed widely for its diverse coral reef structures and wildlife. The endless expanse of turquoise green waters of Inglis is bound to leave you speechless. Encircled by vast forests, the island remains relatively isolated, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners and explorers. The offbeat destination, characterised by lovely white sand beaches and vast stretches of greenery, is something every adventurer dreams of. Don't miss out on checking out our top-selling Andaman honeymoon packages. 

Things to Do in Havelock

1. Visit beaches

Andaman is a beautiful tropical world, and home to thousands of sparkling beaches. And while there are many places to explore in Havelock, essentially, it is nothing without its beaches. If you’re a seeker of offbeat places, Kalapathar Beach is the perfect place to explore, besides Vijaynagar Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Kalapathar Beach. The most phenomenal experience is watching the slowly setting sun fire up the evening sky!

2. Have a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

A menacing combination of adrenaline and peace, the iconic glass-bottom boat ride is a must-have experience when in Havelock. Unveil the marvellous secrets of the underwater world without dipping your toes in! The ride is generally about an hour long and can be experienced best at Bharatpur Beach, given its secluded location, ensuring you have only the pristine tropical beauty for company.

3. See Elephants training

Close to the Havelock jetty lies an elephant training camp where they’re trained meticulously to carry heavy logs and for other tasks. You can also take a tour of the thick forests of Havelock Island via elephant rides—a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Another such place to experience this is the training camp presided over by the Forest Department at Kalapathar.

4. Witness Elephants swimming

Elephant swimming is a widely talked- about activity in Andaman. The most famous swimming elephant, a 66-year-old wonder and the last of his kind, was adopted by Havelock’s Barefoot Resort. It was there that he met his end. Sadly, there are no more swimming elephants left in the Andamans anymore.

5. Explore the sea—Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a must when visiting Andaman! The most popular water sport, scuba diving lures in herds and herds of travellers, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies to Andaman every year. This is for good reason, as the spectacular beauty of the islands and the stunning diving sites is virtually unmatched. There are well-trained professionals and guides to oversee your adventure, and the top-notch modern equipment provided is an assurance of safety. If you’re looking for underwater adventures, Andaman will delight you.

6. Snorkelling

With no dearth of breathtaking white sand beaches and glistening turquoise waters in Havelock, snorkelling is one of the finest adventures you can have! One of the major highlights about snorkelling in Havelock is that there is not stipulated timings the must be adhered to and can be done anytime as per your convenience. Despite being an adrenaline-pumping activity, you’d be surprised at the feeling of tranquillity it brings you.

7. Sighting in Havelock

Havelock Island is arguably the most alluring destination in Andaman, with countless little treasures locked in its verdant, tropical bounds. From an array of crystal-clear beaches to explore to an astounding list of adventures to lose yourself in, Havelock has got it all. The most commonly chosen sightseeing spots are Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Barren Island, Neil Island, Bharatpur Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and numerous others.

8. Kayaking in Havelock

Another stimulating activity to indulge in, kayaking was not as popular as scuba diving back in the day but is gaining rapid popularity. The realms of Havelock are deemed ideal to experience kayaking. Professionals guide your adventure, guaranteeing both safety and an exhilarating experience.

9. Seaplane ride from Havelock to Port Blair

Imagine witnessing the spellbinding grandeur of Andaman unfurling before you in a vast, green sprawl, cradling an endless stretch of the sea - a bird’s-eye view. That’s what the seaplane ride from Havelock to Port Blair promises, besides other things. The ride takes about 25 blissful minutes to cover the distance between Havelock to Port Blair, speckled with white sandy beaches.

10. Trek to Elephant beach

If you thought watersports were the only happening thing in Andaman, a refreshing jungle trek to Elephant Beach is just the myth-buster you need! Stunned, tall trees line the narrow trails to Elephant Beach, offering some of the island's best views. The trek begins at about 08:00 AM and lasts for 45 minutes, weaving through dense mangrove forests and marshlands.

11. Have a walk in the sea

A refreshing change from scuba diving, yet strikingly similar to it is the delightful adventure of sea walking. The best place to indulge in it is Elephant Beach in Havelock, where PADI certified instructors look after your journey and ensure you well-rounded safety and total fun. All you need is a well-trained instructor and a sea helmet, and you’re set! In fact, you can even take this up as a pre-scuba diving activity to test the waters, literally!

Things to keep in mind:

• Make sure to pack all your medical essentials in a single, easily accessible bag that you can carry everywhere. Carry medicines for fever, cough and cold, indigestion, headache, motion sickness, nausea, diarrhoea, painkillers, band-aid, gauze, cotton, and antiseptic cream. Although Havelock has a decent number of pharmacy shops, it is always advisable to carry your own supply of medicines with you in case of emergencies.
• Carry your govt. ID proofs everywhere you go. You will be required to produce them at airports, while staying in hotels, and possibly in other places.
• Locals are quite helpful, warm, and welcoming. Don’t hesitate too much to ask for advice and recommendations. The island is relatively safe, with minimum crime rates, even for solo female travellers. That said, you know when to avoid someone if you smell trouble. Do not get too friendly with someone you don’t know well. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
• If you wish to save money, consider using local transportation instead of hiring a private car. Not only will you make more friends, but also enhance your travel experience by a long shot.
• Carry a majority of your money in the form of cards, with only a bare minimum in cash to ensure protection. There are enough ATMs in Havelock.
• If you’re travelling during monsoons, keep an eye out for any weather reports that may be circulated.