North bay Island
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0830hrs to 1200hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Wednesday and Public Holidays
North Bay Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a gem in the Bay of Bengal and attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. The leaflets of history and geography explain the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is an archipelago of 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal. It is a Union Territory of India and is famed for its white sandy beaches and the turquoise colored sea to scintillate every visitor.
North Bay Island is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, magnificently beautiful coral reefs and close view of the underwater marine life. The coral reefs are the most prized treasures of this island and a major tourist attraction too. That is why this island is also called the Coral island.
Water Sports activities are the main and only thing to do at North bay Island. This list of Water Sports activities includes Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Glass Bottom Boat Ride, Dolphin Boat Ride, Semi Submarine to name a few.
To reach North bay Island, one has to take a sharing/charter boat from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex / Junglighat Jetty as per where the trip is operating. North Bay Island tour is usually done as a clubbed tour with Ross Island. If one wants to visit only North Bay Island, then they will have to charter the boat.
Ross Island
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0830hrs to 1400hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Wednesday and Public Holidays
Ross Island / Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island the erstwhile capital for most of the Andaman Islands from 1858 until an earthquake in 1941. The island is organized in a good manner, pathways, barricades and proper signs to navigate. Usually, people come here for 2 - 3 hours; however, ideally, it is preferred to be a full day trip. Upon entrance towards your left, ruins of a giant water distillation plant, swimming pool and tennis court. The island still has remains of the famous printing press and secretariat office. Explore the island and you would see ruins of a Church, furthermore and you would see a graveyard along with names of people who were buried. The FARZAND ALI STORE is famous on this island and is now maintained as a museum. This store has a lot of pictures of the British era and its activities in the past. The island had everything then from church, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery, open-air theater and much more as if to say "Paris of the East”. You could walk around the island along the coastline watching the beautiful seascape, trees, and birds such as Peacocks, Eagles and Parrots. The island has a good population of deers, who are accustomed to seeing humans. Please do not feed the deers, let nature grow and live on its own without human intervention. This is a policy followed in the Andaman Islands. Walk to the back of the island and a beautiful shore and an open sea is a good site to watch. The cool breeze under the shade of the trees would be a refreshing experience. You would be surprised to find out that the British had built up tram lines in Andaman. Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Island was also the base for the British Administrator of the penal colony in Port Blair. In 1941, the Japanese converted the site into a POW camp and built war installations, remnants of which can still be seen. The area is now under the control of the Indian Navy.
To reach Ross Island, one has to take a sharing/charter boat from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex / Junglighat Jetty as per where the trip is operating. Ross Island can also be done as a clubbed tour with North Bay Island.
Mount Harriet
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0830hrs to1600hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Always Open
The Mount Harriet National Park is one of the closest wilderness areas to the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair. The park contains some of the highest peaks in the Andaman group of islands and is covered with dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of outstanding natural beauty. This National park is named after Col.R.C.Tytler's wife Harriet, who sometime in 1862, was primarily responsible for clearance of the area for the summer home of the Chief Commissioner.
The entire National park forms a major chunk of the hill ranges in the eastern part of the south Andaman Islands. The general elevation of the track varies from sea level to 459 meters. Most of the area from steep precipitous slopes to gentle slopes with undulating terrain. Some peaks are Mt.Koyob (459 m), Mt.Hext (425m), Mt.Harriet (422m), Mt. Goodrige (376m) and Mt.Carpeter (346m). The park was carved out of a reserved forest in Nov 1996. The present area of the park 46.62sq.km. and there is a proposal to increase the area by 25.55sq.km. by including Mount Harriet peak and other nearby areas.
The park is accessible from Port Blair via Bombooflat. From Port Blair by ferry service or by road journey. The ferry service from Chatham jetty takes about 15 - 20 minutes. The road link is via Sippighat and Chouldhari and it takes about an hour to cover approximately 40 km distance.
Chidiyatapu
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0500hrs to Sunset
Days on which the place is Closed : Always Open
Chidiyatapu is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Port Blair. This attraction is located in the southernmost tip of the South Andaman region. As the name itself states, Chidya-Tapu (meaning Bird Island) this place is home to a bunch of birds of different species and is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot migratory birds and the native birds of Andamans flying about in the skies beautifully. Chidiyatapu is not only famous for the beautiful birds but also for the amazing trekking trail and the magnificent sunset view as well. The prime attractions here are the Chidiyatapu Biological Park, Mundapahad and Chidiyatapu Beach.
You will cross the Chidiyatapu sunset view point first to reach the Chidiyatapu Biological Park and then finally reach the beautifully set up beach ideal for picnics and spend a cool time even when the sun is out shining. Chidiyatapu is also known as the “Bird Island” and “Sunset Point” is an amazing attraction. It offers you a beautiful sunset and a thrilling trek experience that you will cherish forever.
Mundapahad
Location : Port Blair
Timings : After Sunrise and Before Sunset
Days on which the place is Closed : Always Open
Trek lovers have the opportunity of indulging in their activity of interest. The trek to Mundapahad begins from the shore of Chidiyatapu beach. The trekking trail passes through the thick forest and a beautiful coastline to reach Mundapahad, explore and enjoy the wilderness of the jungle. You can spot different kinds of flora and fauna, scenic views do not miss out on all these details. Upon reaching Mundapahad, you will spot an elongated black cliff at the edge of Chidiyatapu and an open seascape on the other side. It is a spectacular view and this area is locally known as “the suicide point”.
Wandoor Beach
Location : Port Blair
Timings : After Sunrise and Before Sunset
Days on which the place is Closed : Always Open
The Wandoor Beach is located 25kms from the airport and is one of the major attractions in Port Blair. It comes under the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park area along with several other attractions.
With sustainable tourism and protection of the forests under the Andaman Islands Administration, the beach is surrounded by a vast variety of fauna, which covers it from three sides.
Mahatma Gandhi National Park
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0800hrs to 1530hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Closed on Monday
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a national park of India in Wandoor on the Andaman Islands. Situated 29kms. from Port Blair, the Park is located on the South Western coast of South Andaman, in the Bay of Bengal. The park was closed for rehabilitation after the 2004 tsunami but has since reopened, with damage seeming to be less than originally reported. Both Red Skin and Jolly Bouy islands (Open 06 months alternatively) are open during the season. The park is under the overall administrative control of the Chief Wildlife Warden of the forest department of A&N islands administration. Though the park is uninhabited, there are 8 villages adjacent to the park area with a population of about 3000.
To avoid congestion in Red Skin / Jolly Buoy beach and consequent damage to marine life, 5 tourism trips will be organized in the Wandoor Jetty as per the following table on all days except monday. The No. of trips may vary subject to availability of boats/weather conditions. All the permit holders are advised to get the boat tickets with the timestamp of the trip to avoid congestion in Wandoor jetty.
Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Island
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0800Hrs – 1530Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Closed on Monday
The Jolly Buoy is a No Plastic zone. To reach Jolly Buoy island people have to come to Wandoor beach. This is located in Mahatma Gandhi National Park. Wandoor beach is 30 km from Port Blair by road. This route is the same for visiting Red Skin island also. Both Jolly Buoy and Red skin are located at Mahatma Gandhi National park. The boats to Jolly Buoy island leaves by 9.00 am. Make sure to reach Wandoor beach before 9.00 am. All the boats leave at the same time and come back together. Prior permit and entry tickets are required to avail of this trip.
Visitors can enjoy the underwater coral view through a glass-bottom boat. As a standard trip, while getting down from the ship and transferring to the island through small boats, visitors will be taken through a ride and will be shown these underwater corals through the glass bottom. This is for only a very short duration (5 to 10 minutes). People willing to see more of these can hire a boat independently and enjoy it.
There is no proper place for changing the dress, especially for ladies and kids. Take care of your belongings while you are enjoying in the sea by keeping a person escorting your items. There is no shelter to take care of yourself during the rainy season. So avoid going to this place during rainy days. Carry some Newspapers or bed sheets which will help in relaxing in this place while sitting and also for taking food. Don't forget to clean the place and collect all wastages and put it in a waste box or cover and bring these back.
Visitors can enjoy the island up to 2.00 pm and the return journey starts at 2.00 or 2.30 pm. Jolly Buoy island will not be opened throughout the year as it is protected for live corals. Before planning your Andaman & Nicobar trip, make sure that Jolly Buoy island is open for visitors (if you are planning to see this island). When the Jolly Buoy island is closed for visitors, usually Red skin island will be opened for visitors. So at any time of the year, either of the one islands is opened for visitors.
The Jolly Buoy is a No Plastic zone. Before leaving for Jolly Buoy island, people have to submit the list of all plastic items at Wandoor beach.
Baratang
Location : Middle Andaman
Timings : 0330Hrs to 1800Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Closed on Mondays
Baratang is located in the center of the Middle & South Andaman Islands and the distance from Port Blair is 101kms which can be covered in 2-3 hours which have a dense tropical forest area spanning for 53kms, that comes under the Jarawa Reserve. This calls for an amazing road trip.
To enter Baratang you will have to get past the guarded check post (Jirkatang Check post) at the start of the journey. The check-post clearance is done at 0600hrs, so you will have to leave early, preferably at 0330hrs - 0400hrs from Port Blair. There are small shops and stalls for refreshments, where you can enjoy some snacks at the start of the road trip.
You will drive in a convoy through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve and you can see dense forest surrounding the road from both sides and might be able to spot Jarawas. Please note that photography, talking and offering food to the Jarawas is strictly prohibited.
As soon as you reach the end of the forest road you will reach the Baratang Jetty, which has another checkpost. Here you can wait for the vehicle ferry to arrive to cross the creek to visit Limestone Cave.
Limestone Cave
Location : Middle Andamans
Timings : 0700Hrs to 1500Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Closed on Mondays
The beautiful Limestone caves in Andaman are a visual treat to a nature lover. Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed at the bottom of the sea. It is formed over millions of years when various deposits of marine life, shells, corals, and skeletons undergo a natural compression to form unique shapes within the cave. The caves are lined up with stalactites and stalagmites that hold the secret of a million years of Andaman. Nestled deep within the mangroves and amidst the lush rainforest.
After this, you get to take a marvellous speedboat ride inside the mangroves from the main creek. With a wonderful canopy of green around you, after getting off the boat, you are in for a 20-min final trek to the limestone caves. It gets a little difficult if you are elderly.
Mud Volcano
Location : Middle Andamans
Timings : 0700hrs to 1500hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Closed on Mondays
Mud Volcano is only a 20 minute journey from Baratang Jetty by a non AC sharing jeep. Vehicles reach near to the mud Volcano after which you need to walk for 10 minutes to the site.
The mud volcano is caused by the eruption of hot mud, slurries, gases and water from the ground forming a dome-like mud structure and this is not a visually stunning sight, as most of the time there is just a pile of dried or small bubbling puddles of mud. However, Andaman is one of the few places in the world where these Volcanoes are found and you may thus want to give it a visit and it is a rare natural wonder.
Cellular Jail
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0900hrs to 1545hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Cellular Jail is a national memorial of great historical significance for India and is thronged by tourists and historians alike and is famous for its stronghold type architecture, original photo gallery, and a museum which displays aspects linked to former inmates of Cellular Jail and about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before the freedom of India.
Cellular Jail, also known as KālāPānī, was a colonial prison in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and many of the Indian freedom fighters deemed incendiary to the masses were sent here. The most famous inmate of the Cellular Jail was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, better known as Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary. The prison was used by the British for the express purpose of exiling political prisoners to the remote archipelago and since Cellular Jail is large, guide facility can be availed to get a better understanding of the place and a trip to the Cellular Jail may be saddening to many but it is on immense value and educational experience for anyone interested in Indian history
Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 1730hrs to 2045hrs (as per slots)
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
The sound and light show is one of the most engaging attractions aimed at telling the history of these islands and is a perfect blend of both information and entertainment.For those interested in indulging in a brief presentation about India’s heroic freedom struggle the Sound and Light show is worth a visit. The saga of Andaman islands adversities is brought alive inside the jail compound and it lasts around 45 minutes. The show is available in both English and Hindi. The idea of the story being narrated by the voice of an ancient ‘Pippal’ tree is refreshing. The entire show brings up the dark history of the islands and reminds us exactly why these beautiful islands were once called ‘Kalapani’!
Chatham Saw Mill
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0830hrs to 1430hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Sunday
Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest & largest in Asia and was constructed by the British at Port Blair in 1883.The mill was the primary source of timber for Andaman and the British Empire in India. The mill still functions to this day, after all these years! The precision in functioning, best in class technology from that time and a museum around the mill makes it a great destination. The museum at the mill houses a collection of unique wood-based carvings that would amaze you!
Forest Museum
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 1000hrs to 1400hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Sunday
Forest Museum is situated inside the premises of Chatham Saw Mill. This museum is a unique blend of adventure and art. It is long known for the woodwork that is displayed. The work was completed using the timber of trees like Padauk, Mable, Gurjan, Satinwood, and Peauma. The Zoological garden inside the premises is what makes this museum even more special.
Anthropological Museum
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0900hrs to 1630hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Monday
The Anthropological Museum is an ethnographic museum detailing the lives and cultures of the various tribes that have lived in the Andaman Islands. It is a delightful trip for those wishing to understand the history of the islands and explore the lives of the Islanders. Within the museum, one has the opportunity to learn about the history of the Jarawas, the Onges, the Sentinelese, the Shompens, and the Nicobarese, making it a cultural hotspot of this region. Spread across two floors, there is a great deal of importance given to the history and ancestry of the tribal people of the island, and is a testament to the indigenous human diversity that has coexisted here for centuries.
Inside the museum, one will come across various artifacts, tools, clothes, boats, leaf baskets, and weapons from different eras of the tribes of this region. Among the highlights of this museum are an ancient Jarawa chest guard, a skull originating from the Sentinelese region, and the shamanic sculptures created by the Nicobarese. A keen observation of these exhibits helps visitors understand the beliefs, traditions, and styles of adapting to the environment used by pre-historic tribal of this attractive island nation. For history buffs looking to learn more, the museum also contains a well-stocked library detailing the lifestyle of these cultures.
Fisheries (Marine) Museum
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0900Hrs to 1630Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Monday & Second Saturdays
Fisheries Museum is a destination that has more than 350 specimens of marine life. The museum is known for its huge collection of marine life specimens that are from around the region. Various collections of fishes, corals and shells are housed in small aquariums that are in a display, like leatherbacks, hawksbills, rabbitfish, Mollusca, reef fishes, butterflyfish, green turtles, found in waters of the Indo-Pacific ocean and Bay of Bengal.
Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika)
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0900hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Monday & Second Saturdays
Naval Marine Museum is maintained by the Indian Navy. It showcases underwater marine life at its full glory. This museum also houses many small aquaria having a school of fishes, corals, and shells. Samudrika Naval Marine Museum has five gallery halls and consists of a great collection of colorful shells, corals, fishes, snakes, bones of fishes and write-ups/display on marine life.
Kalapani Museum
Location : Port Blair
Timings : 0900hrs to 1900hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Kalapani Museum is a private museum which exhibits exploring the history of the Andaman &Nicobar islands through photos, paintings & models and having a collection of rare photographs and original historical document that give you a different picture of the pre-independence era on the islands.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Location : Port Blair
Timings : Sunrise to Sunset
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Corbyn’s Cove is a splendid beach embedded with beautiful palm trees along the shoreline. This is one of the most occupied beaches in Andamans and is located around 8 km away from the heart of Port Blair city. The drive to this beach is amazing as it offers a stunning view of the coastline and the greenery that surrounds it. The roads swirling through the mountainous landscape on one side and the combination of vast open sea seemingly touching the sky and an amazing touch of green thrown by the coconut trees on the other side makes it a very hard for the travelers to stop themselves from taking a pit stop on the way and getting out of the car to catch hold of some beautiful pictures of this place.
An exciting feature of the beach is the precise balance it maintains in offering its tourists both adventure and relaxation. Speed boat rides and Jet skiing are available for travelers on a visit to Corbyn's Cove. Parasailing is also available seasonally in Corbyn’s Cove Beach. You can also do SeaKart as a part of your activity while visiting this place but to avail of this activity, you need to pre-book in advance. Tourists can either go swimming or admire the beauty of this place by simply sitting and doing nothing.
Flag Point
Location : Port Blair
Timings : Open 24 hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
The Andaman Islands hold a great history about the freedom fighters and the era of pre-independent India. Several historical events took place here that is still remembered and treasured until today. This flag point is of great historical significance as this is the exact spot where Netaji Subash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag for the first time in Indian soil on the 30th December 1943. Today, at an altitude of 150 feet in the South point area in Port Blair stands a flag pole that is visible from the Rajiv Gandhi Water sports complex wherein you can spot a statue of Netaji. This flag pole stands proud and tall and the Indian flag continues to flutter gracefully.
The honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unfurled the Indian flag on the flag point on its inaugural day, the 30th day of December 2018 to mark the 75th anniversary of Azad Hind Government and the first flag hoisting in Indian soil.
Radhanagar Beach
Location : Havelock Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Tucked in Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is regarded as the best beach in India. It is a pristine stretch of sand backed by turquoise water and lush forest. Radhanagar Beach is commonly called Beach No. 7 and it looks straight out of the postcard. Times Magazine has awarded it the title of the ‘7th best beach in the world’.
Dotted with a lush green Mahua forest, the beach offers tourists a tranquil ambiance to relax and unwind amidst nature. Take a walk barefoot and relish the sight of the aqua waves brushing against the feet. The scenery is so surreal that it will allow you to reconnect with the poet within yourself. No wonder, you can choose Radhanagar Beach for a complete makeover of mind.
Elephant Beach
Location : Havelock Island
Timings : 0900Hrs to 1400Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days except public holidays
Elephant beach is a secluded beach with clear blue waters and sugary white sand. Ancient trees cast plenty of shadows and some old ones are lying around the shore making the beach look more enchanting. Unfortunately, the beach is a fraction of what it used to be, as the shoreline was largely swept away by the 2004 tsunami. The corals here remain one of the best on the island with the reef being close to the shore, making this an excellent spot for snorkeling. To reach elephant beach one has to take a sharing / chartered speed boat from near the Havelock Jetty which takes approximately 30 minutes one way!
Elephant Beach is the hub for water sports at Havelock and gives visitors a closer look at the thriving underwater life. From snorkeling, sea walking and glass-bottom boat rides, the options are many. If you have a thing for adventure, we recommend you to take part in sea walking and experience the underwater world like never before. There are small stalls scattered across the beach that sells snacks and refreshments. Wander around and indulge in the local specialty while basking in the sun. Trust us, the feeling is heavenly. The smiling faces of the locals will also rejuvenate you instantly.
Kalapathar Beach
Location : Havelock Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Kalapathar Beach is an incredible place to visit in Havelock. It is one such beach that is often missed by tourists. Named after the black rocks that adorn the seashore, Kalapathar Beach is the ideal spot to enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise. Hence, it is also known as Sunrise Beach. The road leading to the beach is lined with trees and paddy fields that soothe the sore eyes. Here you can experience nature at its purest form and find peace in the serene environment. The majestic sight of the sun rising out from the horizon and illuminating the sky with golden hues in contrast to the striking blue ocean beneath looks exactly like a movie set.
The silvery coastline bordered by different shades of blue offers the ideal ambiance to relax and take in the serenity. With rocks scattered all over, it is not advisable to swim in the striking blue water. Sit by the beach and feast your eyes at the dark jagged rocks that make up this region. You can also use your photography skills and capture stunning pictures. Indeed, Kalapathar Beach is one of the most exotic.
Neil’s Cove
Location : Havelock Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Neil’s Cove is an extended part of Radhanagar Beach. Walk northwest for around 10 minutes and you will end up in a gorgeous lagoon straight out of a postcard. The shallow and calm waters of the lagoon is perfect for snorkeling. The area is also packed with diverse flora contrasting the shimmering water of the sea. However, Neil’s Cove is frequented by saltwater crocodiles. Hence, it is strictly prohibited to visit the attraction after sunset. Kindly note, we do not advise you to swim here. It is again the most scenic place which is best for photography.
Laxmanpur Beach
Location : Neil Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Snuggled in Laxmanpur Village (2 kilometres from the jetty), Laxmanpur Beach, also known as the sunset beach is an effortless blend of calmness and serenity. It is one of the exquisite Neil Island beaches known for its drool-worthy sights. The silken blonde beach with shallow waters and dead corals offers the perfect setting for a memorable beach holiday. Laxmanpur Beach is filled with surprises. During low tide, tourists can witness a different side of this beach. Aquatic animals and corals will greet you with their sheer beauty. Keep an eye for the sea anemones that are ornately colored and looks perfect for your Instagram feed.
Laxmanpur Beach has the reputation of being one of the best snorkeling points in the Andaman Islands. Not only the tranquil water is brimming with colorful aquatic species but you might also spot a friendly sea cow (dugong) feasting on the seagrass. The beach is also popular for its purple sunsets whose beauty is beyond words. The fading sun rays painting the sky with varying hues are not only admirable but also one of the highlights of your Neil Island trip. There are numerous shell shops and tea stalls on the beach where people can be found shopping or sipping a hot cup of tea while relishing the tranquil sea. From Lakshmanpur Beach you can spot Havelock Island.
Ramnagar Beach
Location : Neil Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Though many resorts dot its shoreline, Ramnagar Beach is one of the less-visited places in Neil Island. Stretching over the village of the same name, Ramnagar Beach or Beach 3 is known for its sharp corals. The region is carpeted with golden sand that meets the blue-green sea. The water is crystal clear and the compelling sight of the dead corals will offer immense photography opportunities. The primeval jungle in the background adds to its fascinating charm. Ramble around or chill in the sun-soaked beach while relishing the exotic views.
This region is brimming with colorful marine creatures and tropical fish. Due to its great visibility, the beach offers snorkeling opportunities to the tourists. However, it is apt for experienced swimmers because the waves are bigger and one has to swim further to get a glimpse of the live corals. Ramnagar Beach is usually secluded and perfect for tourists seeking solitude or intimate moments with their loved ones. You can also immerse in sweeping sunset views amidst the scenic locales and calm surroundings.
Sitapur Beach
Location : Neil Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Located at the tip of the island, Sitapur Beach or Beach 5 is one of a kind. It is a jewel in the list of Neil Island Beaches. Sitapur Beach is popularly known as the ‘sunrise beach’ because every morning, it rewards visitors with jaw-dropping sunrise views. This beach has earned accolades for its shimmering water, silvery sand and limestone formations that will prompt you to go for a swim.
Sitapur Beach is the ideal place to relish nature’s quietness amidst the shady palms and striking blue sea. The sound of waves splashing against the large rocks is music to the ears and the setting is grand, to say the least. Sip on a piping hot cup of tea from the nearby vendor and sink in the intimidating sight. Everything is therapeutic to the mind and soul. Hence, Sitapur Beach is one of the notable places to visit in Neil Island.
Bharatpur Beach
Location : Neil Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Fancy getting to a beach painted in varying shades of blue and white? Bharatpur Beach will make your dream come true. It is often regarded as the best beach and one of the magnificent places to visit in Neil Island. Half a kilometer away from the main jetty, Bharatpur Beach has earned praises for its postcard-perfect views and thrilling water sports. The shallow water and the gentle waves caressing the shore make the beach ideal for a family holiday. The fluffy cotton clouds enveloping the blue sky contrasting the greenery is rejuvenating to the eyes and mind.
From scuba diving, snorkeling to glass-bottom boat rides, pick one or all and let the process unfold before you. The shallow water is filled with countless multi-colored fish and growing corals that redefine charm. Bharatpur Beach is a visual delight and will compel you to be poetic in your way. It is one such beach that should be on your bucket list!
Natural Bridge
Location : Neil Island
Timings : 0500hrs to 1700hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Natural Bridge is one of the best-kept secrets in Neil Island. The rocky formation stands on Laxmanpur Beach and frequented by visitors during low tide. It is commonly known as the Howrah Bridge, as named by the Bengali community living in that area. Natural Bridge is not just a simple structure but a spectacle to watch. Thus, it often tops the list of the attractions in Neil Island. To reach the Natural Bridge, tourists have to climb up a path and walk through a jagged terrain packed with dead corals and rocks and the best places to unwind and relax and take some selfies and photographs. Not recommended for Senior citizens. This place has a unique specialty in itself and a must place to visit.
Ross and Smith Island
Location : Diglipur
Timings : 0800Hrs to 1500Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
This is one of the most beautiful places in Andamans. Ross & Smith Islands are joined by a sandbar that is visible during low tide but gets submerged during high tide. The sand bar in the form of a crescent is the main attraction of the place. Water is crystal clear and gem green in color. The beach is surrounded by tropical forests. Ross & Smith Islands are home to the Olive Ridley turtles; one can even witness the turtle nesting in the season. Sunbathing in Ross & Smith Islands is a wonderful experience.
It ensures that one side of the sand bar, where the boats approach, has calm waters thus making it ideal for swimming for children and even for adults who are not too sure about venturing into the sea. The depths are also shallow to a large distance away from the sandbar so kids can enjoy themselves completely. For the more adventurous kinds, the other side of the sandbar has waves that are not too fierce and easily manageable. Ross Island is accessible by the sandbar, a short ten-minute walk. The beach along Ross is also rocky and unfit for swimming.
Kalipur Beach
Location : Diglipur
Timings : 0500Hrs to 1700Hrs
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Kalipur beach lies behind the tranquil village of Kalipur, and can easily be reached by taking a local bus from the main Diglipur bazaar. Primarily known for turtle nesting, it is one of the few beaches in the world, where four species of sea turtles (Olive Ridley, Leather Back, Hawksbill and Green Turtles) come to nest their eggs. For this purpose, the government has built a hatchery there and if lucky you can witness turtles laying their eggs (late at night) or baby turtles being set free into the sea (early morning).
The beach has volcanic grey colored sand and crystal-clear water. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. During low tide, the beach looks sullen with dead corals breaking the surface and some mangrove trees embracing the shore. Jellyfish are also found in abundance.
Saddle Peak
Location : Diglipur
Timings : Sunrise to Sunset
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Saddle Peak is the highest peak that is there in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a part of a town called Diglipur that is situated in the Northern Andaman area. The peak offers a panoramic view of an abundance of natural beauty around. It is quite famous amongst the hikers and trekkers who are looking for an exhilarating adventure. To visit this place, you need to have permission from the forest department and pay a certain permit charge. To complete this trip till the peak and come back, you have to start early in the morning, because the sun sets early around 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm and you have to reach the base of the peak before 4:30 pm for safety reasons as per the forest departments guidelines. The cab takes you till the base of the hill from where you are supposed to start the trek. You have to walk within the forest at the sea level itself for about 1 hour 30 minutes before you reach a stream, after reaching the stream the climbing to the Saddle Peak ultimately begins. Until you reach the stream things will be very easy and you will enjoy your walk amidst nature. For this trek, you can get a guide who can accompany you during your trek to make sure you are on the right track. The guides take you to the right places to peep through for a view, the right place to sit down and relax when you are too tired to start again and complete the trek. After a trek of 3 hours, you reach the 1st stage of the trek - a picturesque viewpoint which gives a very beautiful view and from here you can also see the second peak and the final top peak of the Saddle Peak. While trekking through the jungle, you will come across many tree species (including sandalwoods) and several edible wild fruits (don’t eat anything straight from the tree without having proper knowledge). These trees are huge and make ahead circle which keeps the forest cool and saves you from the sun even on a bright sunny day which makes your trek a bit easier. From here you need to trek another 3-3.5hours to reach the top of the saddle peak. There are only 1-2 eco shades erected that have bamboo seating. Though when we reached here, these sheds and sit-outs were broken. There is a freshwater stream that flows in between some big and small rocks and the roots of the trees that draws water from the rains.
Long Island
Location : Long Island
Timings : Subject to Ferry Timings
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
Long island in Andaman is one of the most offbeat locations in the archipelago. This destination is not yet discovered by many who know about the Andaman Islands, fairly because of many reasons. The foremost reason that we see is the remote locality of Long Island and the poor connectivity of this destination. Besides, limited accommodation facilities are available on Long Island. Until 2019 this destination has decent popularity among foreign nationals. However, many Indian travelers don't plan Long island in their itinerary as a visit to Long Island will require 10 or more days' visit to Andaman.
Long Island can also be considered as the gateway to many hidden and unexplored beaches like the Lalaji Bay Beach, The Guitar island and the Merk Bay Beach at North Passage Island. The exotic and untouched virgin beaches, the lush green tropical forests make it a perfect combo for natural rejuvenation and it is a golden feather in the crown of Andamans.
This island is a small rural settlement which is not connected by any road network to any of the islands. There is no blacktop road on the island. Only a concrete footpath connects different parts of the area. The roads leading towards the wood is still a ‘kaccha’ road (mud road). The Casuarina trees (popularly known as the Jhau tree or she-oak) alongside the footpaths make it an adoring natural walkway. These trees also act as windbreaks for the island as it is amidst the open sea. Here in Long Island, all movements are on foot. There is no vehicle available which makes this island the best example of eco-tourism. One should not be expecting any luxury while entering this island.
You can spend your time experiencing the beauty and serenity of Long Island. Pass your time swimming, lazing around in the beaches, island hopping in a private chartered boat, taking nature walks, trekking, viewing a sunset from the island, indulging in nature photography, and much more to soak in the essence of being so near to nature.
The first way to reach Long Island from Port Blair is to hire a private chartered boat to Long Island from Port Blair. This could be fun, however, a little expensive. In case you are a group of around 8-10 people then the tour will be fun and the cost will get divided as well. You could consider this option and sail through the archipelago of the islands before reaching Long Island. For the fishing enthusiast, you can consider game fishing during the trip as well. If you are interested in game fishing, then make sure you inform your vendor in advance so that they get the boat equipped with fishing gear for making your journey more adventurous.
The second way is to take Government Ferry to move directly from Port Blair to Long Island. This voyage, however, will be an entire day-long journey. The ferry follows the following route: Port Blair - Neil Island - Havelock Island - Rangat - Long Island. There’s a catch here that the sailing is not done every day and the ticket opens only on the day of departure. Which means, for those who come on an extended vacation to Andaman, can consider this option. However, visiting Long Island could be difficult for travelers who are planning to visit the Andamans for around 4 - 10 days only. However, those who are repeat visitors to the Andamans and have seen everything else can take this as an option.
Little Andaman
Location : Little Andamans
Timings : Subject to Ferry Timings
Days on which the place is Closed : Open all days
As far south as you can go (for now) in the islands, Little Andaman, 130km south of Port Blair, has an appealing end-of-the-world feel. It’s a gorgeous fist of mangroves, jungle, and teal, ringed by sandy white beaches as fresh as bread out of the oven, with fantastic surf. Badly hit by the 2004 tsunami, Little Andaman has slowly rebuilt itself. The main settlement is small, pleasant, southeast-coast Indira Bazaar, 2km west of Hut Bay Jetty. Dugong Creek in the North and South Bay area is tribal reserves for Onge and there is also a Nicobarese settlement, both of which are off-limits to tourists. The island’s relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals and the simplicity of the place usually persuade visitors to stay longer than intended at first.
To reach Little Andaman (Hut bay) one has to take Government Ferry which usually takes 6 – 8 Hrs to reach and the schedule for the same is not fixed. 2. Also, another option is to take a helicopter, however, do note that there is limited seat availability and the first preference is given to the locals.Fishing boats can take you to other parts of the island from Hut Bay, otherwise, your feet are your best friends.
You can rent motorbikes for fixed price and bicycles. Check the bike (e.g. the brakes!) before you accept it. Most of the bikes are far from perfect condition. Buses, Rickshaws, and Jeeps get you around the island.
Waterfalls are the main attraction in Hut Bay beach. There are two waterfalls near to Hut Bay- White Surf waterfalls and the Whisper Wave waterfalls. You may also trek to the top of the waterfall, which is kind of a pool up on the hill. You can visit Netaji Nagar beach, which is 11km from Hut Bay.
Activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are possible on the island. Buttler Bay, 14 km from the Hut Bay jetty is also a good place for sunbathing, coral viewing, surfing, etc.
PORT BLAIR CLIMATE & TEMPERATURE
- Port Blair, Andaman Islands is at 11°40'N, 92°43'E, 79 m (259 ft).
- Port Blair has a tropical monsoonal climate (Köppen-Geiger classification: Am).
- The annual mean temperature is 26.2 degrees Celsius.
- Average monthly temperatures vary by 2.7 °C. This indicates that the continentality type is hyperoceanic, subtype extremely hyperoceanic
- Total annual Precipitation averages 2872 mm (113.1 inches) which is equivalent to 2872 Litres/m² (70.44 Gallons/ft²).
- On average there are 2405 hours of sunshine per year. Visit the sunshine and daylight section to check monthly details including how high in the sky the sun reaches each month.
- Were you to burrow down through the center of the Earth from Port Blair you would pop up nearest to the climate station at Trujillo, Peru where you would find a Subtropical desert climate.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN PORT BLAIR, ANDAMAN ISLANDS
- The average temperature in Port Blair, Andaman Islands is hot at 26.2 degrees Celsius
- There is a variation of mean monthly temperatures of 2.7 °C which is an extremely low range.
- There is a range/ variation of diurnal average temperatures of 7.5 °C.
- The hottest month (April) is hot having an average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.
- January is the coldest month (fairly hot) with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL
| MONTHS | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Average Temp in Celsius | 29.2 | 30.1 | 31.1 | 32.2 | 31 | 29.5 | 29.2 | 29.1 | 29.2 | 29.6 | 29.4 | 29.1 |
| Min Average Temp in Celsius | 21.3 | 21 | 21.8 | 23.4 | 23.3 | 23.1 | 23 | 22.9 | 22.4 | 22.2 | 22.3 | 22.3 |
| Chances of Clear Skies | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% | 60% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 70% | 80% | 85% |