Interesting facts to undisclosed tips, a first-time traveller’s guide to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located around 1400 km east of mainland India in the Bay of Bengal is an archipelago of islands that is not only significant to the country's rich biodiversity but also its history and culture. The remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands are scattered like gems in the vast ocean, offering visitors a chance to explore crystal-clear turquoise waters, trek through dense forests boasting diverse flora and fauna and learn more about the indigenous tribes who lend the islands their identity.

As one starts descending from the sky to land at the Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), the clear air and pristine waters give a glimpse of what is to follow. Despite low internet connectivity, there is never a dull moment for travellers here.

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Out of the total 836 islands in the group, only 38 are inhabited. Of these, only 32 islands are open and can be accessed by tourists. The Nicobar district is a restricted area for tourists, and visitors require a special Landing Permit. The Campbell Bay in the Great Nicobar Island is an exception. Indians do not require any special permits to visit the Andaman Islands which are open to tourists. However, there are tribal reserve areas throughout the islands that are restricted territory.

On her visit to Andaman, this writer discovered interesting facts and things that no one usually knows about the region before visiting. From transportation to must-visit destinations, here is a handy guide for people planning to visit Andaman for the first time.

Best time to visit Andaman

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical climate. October to May is considered to be the peak season as the weather is warm and pleasant. The monsoon season starts in May and continues till September, and this is considered the off-season. It is generally not recommended to visit the islands during this time due to the weather and unpredictable behaviour of the seas.

Places to visit in Andaman

Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram)

The capital of the union territory, Port Blair, is tourists' first contact with the islands. The city is home to many tourist attractions. Here are some of them:

Cellular Jail - A dark, yet important, part of India's freedom struggle, the Cellular Jail, now turned into a museum, offers glimpses into the torturous treatment meted out to political and other prisoners sent here from the mainland as punishment. Don't miss the light and sound show in the evening, which narrates the history of the island and life at this prison.

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Samudrika Naval Marine Museum - If exploring marine life fascinates you, this is the place to be. From fishes to corals and shells, this museum gives insights into the rich marine biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Anthropological Museum - From Andamanese, Onges and Jarawas to Sentinelese, Shompens and Nicobarese, the indigenous tribes of the islands are an integral part of the region's demography and culture. The Anthropological Museum informs tourists about their lives. It also gives insights into different communities that have settled here over the years. Don't miss this if you truly want to understand the region better.

Anthropological Museum, Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) (Pic: Raaina Jain)

In addition to this, there are many beaches around the city like Chidiya Tapu and Corbyn's Cove.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

This is one of the most attractive islands for tourists. It is home to many pristine beaches. Don't miss the sunrise at Kala Pathar Beach and the sunset at Radhanagar Beach. The Elephant Beach, which can be accessed by boat, is famous for water sports like snorkelling and sea walking. Don't forget to carry a change of clothes as you won't be allowed on the boat in wet clothes. Scuba diving in Andaman is considered to be one of the best in Asia, so it is a must-try activity. There are many diving schools and organisations at Havelock that can help you in the process. The cost for scuba diving ranges from Rs. 3000-5500 depending on the area and depth. You will not be allowed to go in if you have any eye, ear or skin problems, or other medical issues as listed in the form you'll be asked to fill.

Sunset at Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island (Pic: Raaina Jain)

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

The smaller and lesser populated brother of Havelock, Neil Island is another unmissable destination in Andaman. Bharatpur Beach is one of the most popular beaches here. It also offers water sports, a glass boat ride being the most unique one. Laxmanpur Beach-I offers the most stunning sunset. Another tourist attraction is the Natural Bridge, which is essentially a natural rock formation at Laxmanpur Beach-II. Please note that one has to trek down from the main road and walk over dead corals and rocks to reach the site.

Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach-I, Neil Island (Pic: Raaina Jain)

Baratang Island

Baratang Island in the Middle Andaman district offers many interesting tourist spots. To reach the island, the car passes through a Jarawa reserve forest area. Photography, videography, or any interaction with the tribals is strictly prohibited. Baratang is home to the famous Limestone Caves, for which one has to hike 1.5-2 km from the boat drop point. It also has active mud volcanoes. It is interesting to note that Andaman is the only place in India that has active mud volcanoes. The boat ferries through mangroves to reach the Limestone Caves point, offering stunning views.

Apart from these, one can also plan one-day trips to other islands like North Bay, Long Island and Ross Island.

Transportation

While there are two-wheelers and cars available on islands, all inter-island travel happens through boats and ferries. It is important to make bookings in advance to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

Shopping and culture

There are souvenir shops outside almost every beach. There are also local markets that one can visit in Port Blair. It is a culturally diverse place. This writer visited Andaman during Durga Puja and witnessed the city come alive with beautiful decorations, devotees gathering to offer prayers and musical celebrations. "Every festival is celebrated here as people from all castes and religions live in Port Blair," a local informed. Bengali is one of the most commonly spoken languages and the region also has South Indian influences.

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Things to keep in mind while visiting Andaman

Since Andaman and Nicobar Islands have become a popular tourist attraction, a lot of information and travel guides are publicly available. However, there are some things that no one prepares you for.

• Internet connectivity - There is little cellular and internet connectivity in Andaman. At Neil Island, only BSNL and Airtel networks work. In some places, only Jio receives the signal. One should be prepared for the same.
• Nightlife - Shops and restaurants all shut down by 10 pm.
• Tea and coffee - If you are tea or coffee lover, this might be an important point. Most stalls and restaurants in the area use milk powder to prepare these beverages, instead of liquid milk. The region is remote and footfall unpredictable, hence milk powder seems to be a more viable option for them.
• Coconut water - The coconut water here is sweet and delicious, and one must not miss trying it.
• Plan - Make all the bookings in advance and research well before going. Travel agents may not always disclose all important spots. For example, Baratang Island was not initially included in this writer's itinerary but was added later after researching.
• First aid - Carry all basic first aid items and medicines with you. There are very few pharmacies at Havelock and Neil and they are not open 24 x 7. So, your kit can come in handy in case of emergencies.

Interesting facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• The lighthouse that you see in the old Rs. 20 note is a view of the North Bay Island.
• Andaman was reportedly named after Lord Hanuman. You can get to know more about this at the light and sound show at Cellular Jail.
• Barren Island in Andaman is the only active volcano in South Asia.
• Andaman is also the nesting site of the endangered leatherback sea turtles. They are the world's largest turtles.
• The North Sentinel Island is home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe, which has had no contact with the outer world. They shoot arrows at anyone who comes within close range of their territory.

Respect local culture and biodiversity

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an eco-sensitive zone. Responsible tourism is important to maintain the beauty of the region and sustain flora and fauna life here. Additionally, one must not disturb the local practices and culture, or try to make any contact with the tribals.