Andaman Tour Packages

Must Know Before Visiting Andaman

• Port Blair, the capital of this union territory, has a major airport and seaport connected with the rest of the country and with various tourist islands via multiple daily ferries. 
• Havelock and Neil Islands are popular among tourists for their white sandy beaches and excellent diving options.
• You can enter from Port Blair via flight or ship and spend multiple nights in Havelock and Neil Islands that offer some great resorts. 
• Port Blair is generally used as a base city to catch ferries to nearby islands. You can also spend a day or two here to explore the town and nearby beaches. 
• Some Andaman packages also include day trips to Ross Island and North Bay Island or Baratang and Jolly Buoy island from Port Blair.
• Apart from BSNL, the Airtel network is now available in Port Blair and Andaman and at a few points in Neil Island. It will be difficult to get connectivity for any other cellular service.

Places to Visit in Andaman

Radhanagar Beach: Awarded with the title of 'Asia's Best Beach' by the TIMES magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands lives up to the moniker. Its vast shores of endless white grains stretch across 2 kilometres, making it a prime attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Cellular Jail: The Cellular Jail, also known as 'Kala Pani' is an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair. Constructed by the Britishers during their colonial rule in India, the jail was used particularly to exile Indian political prisoners. The jail complex is now owned by the Government of India and it is recognised as the national memorial monument that showcases the life of prisoners during the British era. A light and sound show is held here every evening.

Ross Island: Ross Island is an uninhabited island, located just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair. At first sight of the island, it is tough to believe that this abandoned place was once the seat of British power and housed everything from a bazaar, a church, stores, bakery, a water treatment plant, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery and other vital institutions. Today, everything has disappeared except a few buildings, which housed some of these landmarks. The prime attraction here is the Japanese Bunker and a light and sound show conducted every evening. 

Elephant Beach: With its brilliant coral reefs and alluring cyan waters, the Elephant beach is a prime destination for tourists wishing to engage in watersports like snorkelling, swimming, banana boat rides, speed boats and diving. For those who are here to relax, the beach offers some exciting food and drink options while one lounges leisurely on the sands. One could also engage in other adventurous activities like bird-watching, trekking and kayaking. 

North Bay Island: North Bay Island in Andaman is most preferred by tourists for its breathtaking coral reefs and exhilarating adventure activities. This island competes with some of the most beautiful islands all over the world when it comes to attracting tourists. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass boat rides are what allures tourists the most. You will find more things to do here than at Neil Island or Havelock.

Neil Island: Neil Island is a part of the South Andaman Administrative District. A part of the massive ocean separates it from Ross Island and Havelock Island. Tourists visiting Havelock often make a day-long trip to Neil Island. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this island is its three sandy beaches, namely Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and Lakshmanpur Beach. Due to its limited area, Neill Island can be covered with a simple walk. All three beaches are exquisite and extraordinarily clean and are well-connected to the mainland as well.

Chidiya Tapu: Known as the bird island, Chidiya Tapu is a picturesque little island in the Andamans, located around 25 kms from Port Blair. While birdwatching is the main allure of the location, there are some fun water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea walking, pearl hunting, and boating that one could engage in along its shores. The Sunset point of the island is considered one of the best sunset points in the Andamans. A trekking trail is also available here.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Corbyn's Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair. The facilities for water sports are also not as impressive as many other beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But if one wants to, they can go Jet Skiing or go on a short boat ride into the sea. Certain parts of the Corbyn’s Cove Beach have some seating arrangement to get a good view of the horizon from a little height. There are some shacks that sell local snacks, drinks, coconut water etc. 

Viper Island: Years before Cellular Jail was constructed, Viper Island was used by the British to keep the freedom fighters in exile. You can still see the remains of the jail which was built in 1867 by the British. It is located at a distance of 10 minutes ferry ride from Port Blair. On the way to the island, you will also come across the main port and the navy ships of Port Blair. You can also enjoy the view of the cellular jail and its tower from the boat. 

Havelock Island: Havelock Island is one of the largest and most popular isles in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.  The southern coast of the island has the charming Radhanagar Beach, while the azure beauty of Vijayanagar Beach is situated towards the east of the island. Elephant beach and Kalapather beach are two other destinations where the sunrise and sunsets are absolutely divine. Most Andaman tour packages include a 1 to 2 night stay in Havelock Island.

Things to Do in Andaman

Night Kayaking: ​​The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ mesmerising natural beauty, featuring lagoons, mangroves, beaches, flora and fauna, makes for a unique night kayaking experience. Havelock and Port Blair are famous for their night kayaking or bioluminescence tours through mangroves, small islets, lagoons and more. Tours begin around sunset, and people can opt to ride single or double person kayaks. Veer Savarkar Park (Port Blair) and Havelock Ferry Ghat (Havelock) are the most common locations to begin night kayaking tours from.

Scuba Diving: Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a popular spot for scuba diving among tourists. Most popular island among all the islands for the dives however, is Havelock. It is an ideal diving destination for everyone, right from a novice to an experienced diver. For non-certified amateur divers, charges start from about INR 3,500 for a 30 minute dive

Snorkelling: There are various centres that offer short courses and provide the equipment required for snorkelling. They consist of various programmes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers. You can experience snorkelling at North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Red Skin Island, in Wandoor, Long Island, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Neill Island, South Button, Henry Lawrence Beach, Rutland Island and Kalipur. 

Mangrove Kayaking: Known for their breathtaking beauty, immense greenery, and numerous water bodies, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal destination for mangrove kayaking. Tour packages are available for morning and night. Port Blair, Havelock, Ross Island and Baratang are some of the most popular locations for the activity. Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Park is a well-known spot for mangrove kayaking, and the trip goes through the mangroves, a narrow lagoon, tiny islets, and open areas.

Sea Walking: An absolute joy for adventure lovers who wish to avoid diving and swimming constantly, sea walking is an excellent way to experience marine life in peace. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer multiple opportunities to go down to the sea bed, walk around and discover the unique geographical elements, coral reefs, fish and other aquatic life. Instructors prepare with a short tutorial and accompany throughout the sea walk’s duration. Havelock Island, Ross Island and North Bay are ideal for sea walking.

Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat: A one-of-a-kind boat experience, a ride atop the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat on North Bay Island is an excellent way to discover the island’s diverse marine life and coral reefs without actually having to go underwater. An international-quality speedboat, the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat is the only one of its kind in India, with similar ones being found only in Australia. Suitable for adults and children alike, the ride provides an opportunity to discover various sea turtles, colourful fish and coral reefs.

Food in Andaman

• Macher jhol, which is essentially fish curry that originated in West Bengal, is made of fish, turmeric powder, coriander seeds, chillies and more.
• Andaman is also known for its own spicy fish curry which is thoroughly marinated, cooked and eaten with rice.
• Lobster is another seafood item served widely in Andaman; lobster lathered with butter, parsley, cloves and chilli flakes is grilled to make a mouthwatering treat.
• Something else which is special to Andaman and Nicobar is the fiery chilli curry which consists of green and red chillies, onions, tomatoes, turmeric, mustard, curry leaves, coconut oil etc.
• As you sit by the beach, treat yourself to some mouth watering barbeque, especially barbequed seafood like mackerels, crabs, sardines, king prawns as well as chicken and paneer. Squid fry is also a favourite here.
• You could go to Amaya Lounge Bar, Full Moon Cafe, New Lighthouse Restaurant, Bonova Cafe and Pub along with others to taste these delicacies. 

Shopping in Andaman

• You can find a variety of cane and bamboo products including bags, mats, trays, bowls, baskets etc.
• Even items made out of jute are sold widely throughout Andaman; you can shop for wall hangings, bags, mats, baskets and more.
• Key chains, vases adorned with shells, wall hangings, home decor items, ornaments made of seashell make for wonderful souvenirs.
• Jewellery including earrings, necklaces, anklets, bracelets and rings made from shells, pearls, wood etc. are also popular here.
• Since Andaman is synonymous with tribal groups, you must find yourself a tribal mask or statue to take home with you.
• Don’t forget to look for some coconut carved art by local craftsmen; you would find a plethora of items carved out of coconut including lamps, key chains, utensils, display items and other artefacts.
• Andaman is also known for its organic spices that are of high quality like nutmeg, black pepper, cardamom, clove, betel, vanilla, cinnamon etc. These are often used to make ayurvedic medicines which are sold here too.
• You can also get some cold-pressed coconut oil.
• Do shop for clothing and apparel like shirts like tropical prints, t-shirts with images of tourist attractions on the islands or with tribal prints, hats, sarongs, swimwear, slippers etc.
• Some of the popular places to shop at include Anup Eco Arts, Sagarika Emporium, Ratnam Market and Aberdeen Bazaar, amongst others.