The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a collection of roughly 572 islands located in the Bay of Bengal. Each of the islands has something that will fascinate you. In some, you will find white sand beaches while some have tropical rainforests and some are rich in historic findings. Apart from the beautiful landscape, the islands also have coral reefs that support marine life including sharks. Some of the islands located in the more remote areas are inhabited by Indigenous Andaman islanders and are not accessible to visitors. If you’re heading here for a visit, check out some of the exciting things to do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
1. Delve into the region's history at Cellular Jail
Known by the locals as Kala Pani (Black Waters), Cellular Jail was a colonial prison mostly used to detain political prisoners. Constructed in 1896, the jail is a symbol of the darkest era in the history of India. The history of the jail is palpable and you just cannot help but be overcome with a strong patriotic fervour. Some of the notable figures who were hosted at the jail include Yogendra Shukla, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Currently, the jail is maintained by the Government of India who turned it to a national memorial monument that showcases how the prisoners survived during this dark era.
Cellular Jail
Address: Atlanta Point, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744102
Website: Cellular Jail
Opening hours: 9am - 12:30pm, 1:30pm - 4:45pm (daily)
2. Learn about the islands' tribes at Zonal Anthropological Museum
Located in Phoenix Bay, Port Blair, Zonal Anthropological Museum is the most explored destination by visitors of the island. A tour of the museum gives every visitor the opportunity of learning more about the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the Khasis, the Achik, and the Jaintia communities, the major tribes that inhabited the island. The museum is home to several collections of handicrafts, arts and crafts, rare articles, photographs, and implements all describing life during the tribal era. A visit to the anthropological museum is very educative hence it is always advised to bring your kids along.
Zonal Anthropological Museum
Address: Phoenix Bay, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 1pm, 1:30pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
3. Explore the limestone caves of Baratang
Strategically situated at the heart of Andaman Islands, Baratang is an island famous for its pristine beaches, mud-volcanoes, and of course, the natural limestone caves. Located only 15 minutes’ walk from Nayadera, the caves evolve in terms of shape and size each year. Inside the caves, you will love the massive sedimentary limestone formations that form different shapes and sizes, most of them hanging from the top while some can be found growing from the ground. Given the fact that most of the caves are dense and dark inside, it is always recommended that you carry a flashlight. Additionally, it is always advisable to bring shoes with strong grips.
Limestone caves of Baratang
Address: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744210, India
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)
4. Learn all about marine life at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
If you are looking for the perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends and family, you have to check out Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The park is located near Wandoor in the Andaman Islands stretching over 15 islands. The marine national park features vast areas of marine waters with coral reefs, plenty of lushly vegetated islands, and of course, sandy beaches. Most destinations in Andaman have the mentioned features but what makes Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park so special to tourists is its proximity to the equator hence ensuring you of the perfect weather for your vacation.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Address: SH8, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 24 hours (closed on Mon)
5. Challenge yourself with a banana boat ride
There is no better way to have fun with your family or friends in the Andaman Islands than enjoying a thrilling banana boat ride. A banana boat ride is simply an inflated boat that is attached to a speedboat. The real fun comes when you have to hold on as tight as possible as the speedboat attempts to flip your boat–you would be lucky if you avoid falling off. Considering the safety equipment offered such as life jackets and a professional guide, this activity is safe for anybody above the age of 10 years.
Banana boat ride
Website: Banana boat ride
6. Try scuba diving in Havelock (from USD 120.0)
If you are looking for a thrill, something to pump up your adrenaline, you should try out one of the amazing scuba diving spots in the area. Scuba diving is a grat activity for those who love the sight of coral reefs and marine life. Havelock and Neil are some of the most famous diving sites in Andaman. These sites give you the opportunity to see lots of marine life including shrimps, devil scorpionfish, and nudibranchs.
Small-Group Havelock Island Discover Scuba Diving Experience
Duration: 30 minutes
7. Engage in various water sports at Havelock’s Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is the perfect vacation destination for those who are looking forward to enjoy water sports during their leisure tour. The beach can be easily accessed through public bus or a hired bike but the best way to reach the beach is through a 20-minute boat drive from the Havelock Island dock. Many who come here are attracted to the beach thanks to its coral reefs and the amazing wildlife. The beach also offers so many activities to indulge in such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and bird-watching. Among all the activities that can be enjoyed, sea walking is by far the best experience you can have.
Havelock’s Elephant Beach
Address: SH4, Havelock Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211, India
Website: Havelock’s Elephant Beach
Opening hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm (daily)
8. Explore Mount Harriet National Park
Ever since it was established in 1969, Mount Harriet National Park has been receiving thousands of visitors from the corners of the globe. Tourists come to experience many nature activities including bird-watching, butterfly-watching, hiking, and camping. For history buffs, there are lots to discover at the park including a traditional Nicobari hut which will give you a glimpse of the distinct culture of the Nicobarese tribes. The hut is similar to a tree and features wooden pillars to support it. With so much to learn, it is always advised to visit the park with family.
Mount Harriet National Park
Address: Hope Town, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107, India
9. Discover the gems of North Bay Island
Many will tell you that North Bay Island is the most popular island in the Andaman Islands, and that might just be a fact. Rather than just sunbathing, the island offers so many activities to indulge in such as scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, boating, fishing, and specially designed activities such as the Andaman Dolphin glass bottom boat ride and Coral Safari Semi Submarine. Sea walking at North Bay Island is another activity you have to enjoy, especially if you are accompanied by your partner. During your romantic sea walk, discover reef and varieties of fishes that cannot be found in many other places. During your visit to the island, you can opt for the company of a guide who will brief you about the history of the island.
North Bay Island
Address: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107, India
Website: North Bay Island
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
10. Sunbathe at Corbyn Cove Beach
Located just 8 kilometres (4.9 miles) from Andama’s city centre Corbyn’s Cove Beach is a secluded beach featuring crystal clear waters, coconut palms, and benches for visitors to relax. In addition to providing a cool environment to relax, the beach also offers the best location for surfing, scuba diving, swimming, and boating. When done with all the fun activities that the beach has to offer, you should head to Snake Island located only 10 minutes’ boat ride away. Snake Island is known for its colourful corals, rare fish species, and deadly snakes. It goes without saying that when you visit Snake Island, you should always have protective gears and a first aid kit just in case.
Corbyn Cove Beach
Address: Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Discover some of the most amazing things that you can do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are planning to spend your vacation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is a given fact that you will have so much to discover as you enjoy your stay. In case you run out of ideas on what to do during your stay here, above are just a few activities you can indulge in. Make sure you enjoy them.
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