With beautiful beaches and a lovely landscape, the Andaman Islands offer travelers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Are you looking forward to visiting Andaman but have concerns regarding your trip?
Read on to know the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Andaman.
The airport at Port Blair is well-connected to all major cities of India. Ships are available from Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai, but tickets must be booked in advance. Since a 3-day journey is exhausting, I prefer flights as they are the more convenient option.
No. Indians do not require a passport to visit Andaman.
Foreigners are required to carry their passports with a valid Indian visa. A Restricted Area Permit will be issued at the airport or port, valid for 30 days, and can be extended for a further 15 days upon expiry. There will be no further extensions. You need to go back to any Indian city and board a flight again if you wish to explore Andaman.
The Andaman is a tropical island. July to September is the rainy season. The best time to visit is from October to May, especially if you are interested in exploring the different water sports offered. The visibility is good and the seas are calmer. But you can expect light showers in November and December.
Indian rupee is the currency used in Andaman. Always carry cash with you as ATMs are only available at Port Blair and Havelock islands. The facility for the exchange of currency is only available in Port Blair. Credit cards are only acceptable in big hotels and resorts.
Though you can get rickshaws or auto rides, it is better to hire a prepaid taxi. Taxis are also included in tour packages. There are private and government ferries that take you from Port Blair to other islands. But the ticket is available only at the counter on a first-come first first-served basis.
You can hire a bicycle on a daily basis at Port Blair and Havelock. Carry a license and helmet if you wish to hire a bike. There are no petrol stations and the fuel is sold in cans. If on a shoestring budget, you can travel by bus from Port Blair to Northern Andaman.
Being an island, it is a heaven for seafood lovers. Besides that, a variety of Indian and continental food is also available. Finding vegetarian food in Andaman will not be a hassle.
You can wear light cotton clothing, sun dresses, shorts, or shirts when sightseeing in Andaman.
Keep hats, caps, and sunglasses handy, in order to stay protected from the sun. Bathing suits should be restricted to the beaches only. Dress modestly if you plan to visit any religious place.
In a week-long trip, you can cover the main attractions and tourist islands on the Andaman like Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. If you wish to explore the various north and south islands, then plan for a 10-day trip to the Andaman.
The official languages of the island are Hindi and English. Bengali is the most common spoken language. You will also find people speaking other languages, like Tamil and Malayalam.
The sun rises and sets early in the Andaman Islands. Loud parties till the wee hours of the morning are not mainstream in these areas. You may find bars at the hotels and even DJs, but the avenues will be restricted to Port Blair and Havelock islands.
On the other hand, if you are looking for offbeat experiences like spending time with your loved ones in parks, taking a cruise, or scuba diving at night, then you will not be disappointed.
All Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, etc., are celebrated. There are also other festivals like the Island Tourism Festival, Subhash mela, beach festival, music festival, food festival, and World Tourism Day that are celebrated with much gusto on the island.
Port Blair is a gateway to the beautiful Andaman Islands. If you are interested in history, the Cellular Jail Museum is a must-visit. You can enjoy a light and sound show here in the evening. Other nearby places of interest are Japanese war bunkers, Chatham Saw Mill, Samudrika Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Chidya Tapu, Corbyn Covey Beach, Ross Island, Viper Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Bouy Island, Rutland Island, Barren Island, and Red Skin Island. You can also shop for souvenirs in the local bazaar at Port Blair.
You can buy local wooden artifacts and handmade decoration pieces made of coconut, Nicobari mats, shell ornaments, sarongs, hats, and pearl jewelry. If you are interested in taking back home the cuisine of Andaman, then do look for spices at the local markets.
Radhanagar is one of the best beaches of the Andaman. If you want to enjoy the calm waters and the sunset over the horizon, this is the place to be. Other popular tourist beaches of Andaman include Elephant Beach, Kala Pathar, Wandoor, Corbyn’s Cove, Vijayanagar, Sitapur, Kalipur Beach in Diglipur, and many more.
If you are an adventure junkie, then Andaman will live up to your expectations. Boat riding, snorkeling, undersea walking, jet skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, seaplane rides, and swimming in the pristine, clear waters are some of the activities you can indulge in when in Andaman.
Andaman has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers. If you are planning a budget trip, then you will find a lot of pocket-friendly accommodation options. Book your flights in advance to save up on those air ticket costs. Cost might add up depending on the type of water sports and activities you partake in.
On the other hand, if you are looking for luxury options, Andaman has beach resorts, private island experiences, and gourmet food you can relish.
Yes. Andaman’s popularity as a tourist destination has spread all around the world. Tourism police and lifeguards are available at all major attractions in Andaman.
As a tourist, it is your responsibility to take care of your belongings. Locker services are available at hotels, resorts, and other attractions. Most importantly, adhere to the rules stated by the officials. Do not litter on land or sea. Help protect the marine life in Andaman and keep the place garbage-free.
