Andaman and Nicobar Sightseeing Tours

Andaman is located in the eastern part of the Indian mainland isolated from Bay of Bengal. Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and is a highly visited place. The small number of Andaman is spread over north of the archipelogo belonging to Myanmar. Andaman Islands is also the home of Sentinelese and other trible group having least contact with outer world

 You can have a trip to Andaman Island by air and boat. One can take up flight from Chennai and Kolkata.

By Air: Andaman can be reached by first getting down at Port Blair. Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is connected to Kolkata and Chennai airport. Air India, Spice Jet, Jet Konnect, Spice Jet and GoAir are available flight services.

By Sea: One can reach Port Blair for Andaman by sea, having regular ship services from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. There are 2 ships- MV Nancowry and MV Swarajdweep - from Chennai and the MV Nicobar and MV Akbar from Kolkata.

There are inter-connectivity options to reach different islands on Andaman. Directorate of Shipping Services, A & N Administration operates regular ferry services from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair in the inter-island and foreshore sectors connecting all populated island/tourist places.

Indian passport holders do not require permit to visit Andaman. Overseas tourists do require an Indian visa to visit Andaman Islands. The visa can be obtained from Indian consulates and high commissions overseas. This visa is valid for 15 day period or 6 months. Apart from visa, RAP (Restricted Area Permit) is also important. To get RAP, the permit authorities are-
• MHA & FRROS
• All Indian Missions Abroad
• Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai
• Immigration Officer, Port Blair

To get RAP for Andaman Islands, one must visit to Port Blair and is issued for free of cost to foreign travellers.

Yes, it is extremely safe to travel to Andaman. With the increase in tourists, security officials here offer good security process, helping tourists to have a safe journey. There are security posts and other security measures taken to ensure that tourists have a safe travel to Andaman.

Carry usual clothes, but also according to the weather condition. Carry personal accessories and documents. Sunscreen cream and lotions are very important, if visiting during the summer season. Let us check the lists to carry things in Andaman:

Sunscreen – Tropical sun is sharp and the salt in the air could add to burning of skin. Carrying a waterproof sunscreen for lasting results is advisable.
Insect repellent – While the tropical forest region is known for its’ mosquito and insect diversity, the beaches of Andaman Islands can get unpleasant due to sand fly attacks.
Flip flops/ rubber chappals – These are the best beachwear in the world and has proven best here in the Islands. High heels on a beach walk could cause discomfort.
Beach mat/ Hammock – Spending time on the beach would be even better if the sand is kept away. Carrying a beach mat to lie on or a hammock to tie on an extending branch on the beach would make all the difference.
Cash – There are only two ATMs on Havelock – SBI and Axis bank out of which SBI is reliable. There are days when both ATMs do not work.
ID Proofs - Make sure to carry ID proof in case if the security officials or hotel representatives would ask for identification.
Medication - Do carry medication along. Though there are proper health care centers available, it is important to carry medication.

Some of the important points to consider when planning trip for a hassle-free travel to the Island are:

• Things to carry: From clothes to cash, make sure you’re equipped with the right accessories, clothes and enough cash. Also ID proofs are important.

• Permit Document: RAP is important to issue, especially for overseas tourists because there are certain restricted areas which are not allowed to visit. List down the places to visit and not to visit.

• Accommodation and Flight: Check twice regarding your flight duration and time. Book your accommodation way in advance because Andaman is the most visited tourist place, so last minute booking make result to fetching high amount or unavailability of rooms.

From resorts to budget hotels, there are many accommodation options available in the Andaman. You can book your accommodation way in advance to avoid any last minute goof-up. Havelock Island and Port Blair are the major stay destinations. Barefoot, The Jalakara, Andaman Galley, Havelock Island Beach Resort are some of the options for accommodation. There are also private and government lodges too offered in affordable rate.

There are some good sigthseeing options in Andaman for tourists. Some of the options are:

Cellular Jail National Memorial: It’s the former British prison that is now a shrine to the political dissidents it once jailed. Even though several parts of it have been destroyed by the Japanese during the World War II, it still stands tall reminding our brave and gallant forefathers.

Mount Harriet and Madhuban: Andaman offers best trekking experience for tourists. It’s a gorgeous route where you can witness exotic flora and fauna of the land amidst spectacular sceneries. Elephant safari is also an option at Mount Harriet.

Sea Walking at North Bay Beach: North Bay Beach you can walk under the sea and finally visit ‘Octopus’s Garden’. It is easy to swim here and explore the underneath world.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: The park covers area of 280 sq km with 15 islands of mangrove creeks, tropical rainforest and reefs supporting 50 types of coral.

No! Cellular Jail can be visited between 9 Am to 1 Pm and 2 Pm to 5 Pm. One can explore the entire area of Cellular Jail. The entrance block of the National Memorial houses, Freedom Fighters Photo and Exhibition Gallery in the Ground Floor. You may need entire day to explore the cellular Jail.