Introduction
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of spectacular islands located in the Bay of Bengal, a perfect example of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands consist of over 500 islands of great characteristics that make the tourism experiences varied to suit various types of tourists. Calm sandy beaches with aqua-blue water, colorful coral reefs, lush tropical gardens, or rich history sites are perfect for tourists seeking thrilling and memorable adventures.
When you commence your traveling with Nixtour, you will learn of the many exciting things that are on these islands so that each of your moments in these places will be something out of the ordinary. At Nixtour you become our guest and let us take you through some of the best tourist attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that will make you want more. It’s time to pack your bags for the dream destination of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Radhanagar Beach
The famous Radhanagar beach is located on the Havelock Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India – surely a typical picture-perfect beach. It is popular because of its 150 km strip of white sandy beach meeting the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is well-famed for its natural beauty and less tourist-crowded where the tourist can get relaxed amidst the palm trees and breeze of the sea. This appears to be a natural environment that complements the beauty of Radhanagar Beach. Coastal agro-forests dominate the area exhibiting a tropical vegetation cover, making it easy for visitors to find a good shade to cool off or even relax.
The beach is busiest during the sunset times because the sun draws artistic colors across the sea and borders of the beach. This is a perfect haven for photographers, lovers of nature, and anybody who would like to take a break from the busy world. Several activities that involve water are possible at Radhanagar Beach to suit those who are interested in high-octane activities as well as those who want some relaxation. It is good for swimming especially during warm periods because the water is comparatively still and the water depths are generally not very deep.
Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail, which is in Port Blair, is not just historical evidence but also stands as an indicator marking the freedom fight of India. The jail was constructed during the British reign in India at the end of the nineteenth century as a Penitentiary Jail to punish the political prisoners especially those participating in the freedom struggle of India. The design of the structure included a watchtower in the center, with 7 wings, each forming a prison cell, hence they named it Cellular Jail. It was designed to help the British control prisoners with high levels of isolation that prisoners were incarcerated in individual cells to ensure that they did not convene or form camaraderie. The Cellular Jail narrates one of the tales of the struggle and the price paid by the Indian freedom fighters.
The living conditions in the jail were appalling, including forced labor, confinement in a dark cell, and other forms of torture, meant to bring the militancy of those demanding independence to a halt. Today visitors can find the jail as a national monument as people struggled a lot to get freedom from the colonial masters. Inside the museum, there are various items such as memorials, photos, or information panels, detailing the prisoners’ struggle and their actions topple the British reign in India. The Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail is a moving sensation that helps to unfold the concept of the jail. Graphic illustrations with sound and light effects give the viewers an idea of the sufferings of the inmates and the strength that was never lost. The actual structure of the jail has been preserved in large part and the visitors can see the solitary confinement section of the jailhouse as well as the central watch tower and the rest that have been restored and provide an interesting backdrop into a significant period of India’s history.
Ross Island
The island is called Ross Island now but it has recently been renamed in honor of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the ruins of the colonial intrigue surrounded by lush tropical greenery make for an exciting visit. The Island is situated approximately 7 km from Port Blair and was a reserve for colonial British Officials in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Today, it lies in a state of ruin and is overgrown by vegetation, but still, traces of the former luxury can be seen. Visiting Ross Island is like walking into the past and is indeed a very fascinating experience. Marshy trails run across the island and passing through the interiors, visitors can view abandoned buildings that were once homes of British officials and their kind families.
Some of the island’s botanical gardens have been established by the British which are currently spread with exotic plants and trees and thereby paint an unreal picture of the place. The most exciting thing is that deer are roaming freely all across the island, and this attached a kind of quiet mystery to it. Another attractive feature is that there are several buildings constructed in a British style throughout the island. These are a church, a ballroom, and living accommodations respectively – which provide tourists with a view of the colonial age of the given civilization. In its current state, it serves as a memorial of how Brazil once used this island as a strategic point and the long-lasting impact that colonizing by Britain has left on the area.
Havelock Island
The island that was formerly known as Havelock has been officially renamed Swaraj Dweep; however, it enchants everyone with marvelous sandy beaches, rich forests, and a colorful underwater world. Havelock being the largest island in the Andaman archipelago, is bestowed with natural sceneries and activities of the travelers’ choice. It has fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters for sun tanning, swimming, snorkeling, and all water-related activities. The beach is perfect for swimming since the water is calm and the waves that crash the shore are not very powerful enough to endanger the lives of the visitors. Swimming at Radhanagar Beach uncovers coral gardens with brightly colored fish, which makes snorkeling fabulous.
However, aside from the beaches that could be seen and enjoyed on Havelock Island, there are the components of eco-tourism and tourism that could be explored. Hiking on the forested paths, one can find tiny waterfalls, birds, and trees that are not seen and found only on this island. Another recreational site is the Scuba diving and snorkeling at Elephant Beach, para-sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. It has lots of incredible sea life and beautiful corals which makes it a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts; different schools are available to offer different levels of courses for scuba divers and newcomers. There are hotels with high-end facilities for accommodation, like those of the five-star kind, to those that are within the forest resort facility kind of cottage. The visitors can feel the calmness of the island by watching the sunset, fresh seafood dishes, and evenings by the sea.
Neil Island
Neil Island also known as Shaheed Dweep is simply a beautiful island, it is the second-largest island in Andaman which is quite calm and has natural beauty. About 36 kilometers northeast of Port Blair, Neil Island is a beautiful vacation destination that is either covered with greenery or has beautiful and calm beaches. Well-known beaches of the island are Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Laxmanpur Beach. While Bharatpur Beach has many facilities for water sports, it is popular for snorkeling, and glass boat tours due to wonderful undersea vegetation and marine species. Sitapur Beach also known as Sunrise Beach is famous for inspiring views of sunrise and is also the favorite of photographers and those who like taking early morning walks. Laxmanpur Beach is more beautiful with its natural rocking formation and is ideal for sunset and quiet and calm walking alongside the shore.
But, this Neil Island is very popular for eco-tourism and adventure tourists also. While cycling around the island, it is possible to see the appearance of the villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves. One such feature at Howrah Bridge is the formation of a natural bridge over the sea which is considered a rocky formation and visitors do find it scenic. There are simple homestays with beachfront, beachside cottages, few eco-resorts located all over Neil Island. Enjoy fresh seafood and other delicious local dishes to complete the welcoming atmosphere of the island.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Wandoor Beach situated near Port Blair is distinguished as one of the best Marine National Parks that is popular for its biodiversity and colorful coral wealth. It was established in 1983 and covers the areas of 280 sq km including 15 islands and numerous underwater ecosystems. The park is an excellent destination for snorkeling and scuba diving as it invites visitors to discover the park’s coral gardens, various fish species, and marine animals including sea turtles and dugongs. Tourists can choose a boat tour to Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island both are a part of the national park and contain beautiful beaches and some of the best snorkeling spots.
Besides the marine fauna, the park and its surroundings have mangrove forests, tropical forests, and some terrestrial animals including the sea eagles and Andaman teal. The area of the park that has been under controversy and proclamation for eco-sensitive zones and conservation are efforts that try to encourage the protection of the natural environment and friendly tourism. There is also a park’s interpretation center where one learns more about the region’s marine environment, its conservation, and the need to conserve the coral reefs. Educational activities such as guided tours and nature walks make visitors understand and appreciate the ecological aspects of the park as well as the need to preserve endangered species of the park.
Baratang Island
Baratang Island falls in between South and Middle Andaman and is famous for its natural beauty, forest, and the tribal population. Situated twenty kilometers west of Port Blair, Baratang Island can only be accessed by road and by boat; it remains one of the best ways to see the Andaman Islands in their natural state. The natural attraction of limestone caves is among the most renowned on the island, having taken centuries to develop. For instance, there are mangrove creeks where a boat is used to transport the visitors deeper into the island to access the limestone caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It also presents photography, birding, and other wildlife such as the saltwater crocodile within their natural habitat on the way to the caves.
Mud Volcano is another Natural wonder found on the island where there are natural frequencies of gases and minerals making small cones of mud. The volcano trek that takes the tourists through the deep forests of the island takes them to these boiling mud pools that present a magnificent image to the visitors. Parrot Island is one of the most popular places that attract Baratang island travelers; bird lovers will capture the wonderful sight of thousands of parrots returning to their homes particularly in the evening along the Andaman Sea.
North Bay Island
North Bay Island, situated approximately 30 km from Port Blair, has the best underwater marine life and a Coral Reef that attracts tourists for Snorkeling and Scuba diving. Located a few kilometers off the shores of Aberdeen Jetty, North Bay Island has the best tourist attractions of sandy beaches and clear water that draws diving or any water sporting enthusiasts or anyone wanting to sunbathe by the beach. The island is known for its lively coral gardens and large populations of colorful fish, turtles, and rays respectively.
Apart from the marine attractions in North Bay Island, there are boat rides, and specifically the glass-bottomed boat rides enabling non-swimmers and even parents who may be carrying their children to view the beautiful underwater world from the boat itself. The island has some wonder beaches where tourists can enjoy the sun, have a picnic, and even watch the views of the Andaman Sea. North Bay Island also has a lighthouse which probably will give you a breathtaking view of the other islands and the coastline of Port Blair. Tourists can ascend to the upper part of the lighthouse to watch a striking view of the Andaman archipelago, it is a favorite spot among tourists interested in photography and interested in nature.
Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu or Bird Island is another emergent place situated at the far end of the South Andaman Island, about 25 km away from Port Blair. Being one of the most popular picnic spots in Kutch, Chidiya Tapu pretty much defines sunset views with splendid birdlife. It takes approximately an hour to drive on coconut-lined forest paths and beautiful countryside roads which present a driver’s view of tropical wildlife. The island has immense birding potential with reported sightings of various birds including Andaman drongos, parakeets, eagles, and herons.
Other than the birding, Chidiya Tapu has other sticky features that include beautiful and serene beaches with cool blue waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and even having a picnic on the beach. The two beaches that are relatively quiet and quite famous with tourists are Merk Bay Beach and Munda Pahad Beach. The most famous site in Chidiya Tapu is the Sunset Point which is a paradise for nature lovers as one can witness the golden sun setting on the Andaman Sea. This is perhaps one of the best places to take good pictures, especially during the evening when the sky is painted with leading natural colors derived from the setting sun. Another place to visit while in Chidiya Tapu is the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park, which is a park and wildlife sanctuary that abounds with native plant and animal species.
Mount Harriet National Park
Located on the eastern side of South Andaman Island, Mount Harriet National Park features tropical vegetation, scenic outlooks, and biological diversity. Established as Harriet Tytler National Park after the wife of a British officer who served in the Andaman Islands, the region’s unspoiled natural beauty and breathtaking view of the landscapes are worth viewing. At Mount Harriet which stands at an elevation of nearly 383 meters, the park occupies the third higher peak in the Andaman archipelago. Whereas, for those interested in trekking, they can trek to the top of Mount Harriet after getting through paths that are well-defined leading through tropical evergreen forests, ferns, and a variety of orchids.
It is also a perfect chance to see the native wildlife including the Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, and various types of birds. And when tourists reach the top of Mount Harriet they get rewarded with some of the finest views of surrounding islands such as the Neil Island group and the Ross Island. The viewpoint at Mount Harriet also offers a view of the union of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea and has magnificent sunrise and sunset views. However, there is the historical importance of Mount Harriet National Park it is the South Andaman that comprises the British-era guest house which was a summer retreat for the colonial officials.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Andaman and Nicobar Islands represent an example of a place where exotic wildlife combines with culture and sensual experience, giving tourists heaven-like feelings. The beaches of Havelock Island are safe and calm, while Cellular Jail tells a story full of the suffering of the prisoners, Baratang Island is more adventurous, and the top of Mount Harriet National Park offers a stunning view. Every island and tourist spot encourages you to explore further and the experiences that both Andaman and Nicobar have to offer. Every island and tourist destination promises something different and interesting and encourages one to explore the wealth of experiences that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer.
At Nixtour, we provide travel services that go beyond the ordinary to achieve your set expectations. The packages that we offer are so finely worked out that you will get a good experience and the carrying out of the given packages is going to be as smooth and enjoyable as the adventures themselves. Thus, it’s high time that you grab your bags and let Nixtour build for you an unforgettable trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands – a destination where every footstep is a new revelation and every moment a priceless treasure.
