Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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Islands India · Union Territory

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Turquoise water and island history

Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0
Capital

Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)

Best time to visit

November to April

Getting there

Fly into Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi or Bengaluru. Government and private ferries link the islands.

Ideal trip

4 to 6 days to cover the highlights

About Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Over 500 islands in the Bay of Bengal with white-sand beaches, coral reefs and dense forest. Only a few islands are open to visitors.

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Popular cities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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DiglipurShaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

Top places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj DweepPhoto: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0

Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep

Often ranked among Asia's best beaches, with famous sunsets on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep).

Best time: November to AprilBase: Swaraj Dweep2 daysBeachNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Radhanagar Beach is a beach located on Havelock Island, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Recognized for its natural beauty and environmental sustainability, it has been awarded the Blue Flag beach certification, an international eco-label for beaches meeting strict environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards.

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Video by Shreya Roy on YouTube

Cellular JailPhoto: Jomesh, CC BY 3.0

Cellular Jail

The colonial-era prison where freedom fighters were held. Stay for the evening light and sound show.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Sri Vijaya Puram1 dayHeritage
Directions
From Wikipedia

The Cellular Jail, also known as 'Kālā Pānī', is a former British colonial prison in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The prison was used by the colonial government of India for the purpose of exiling insurgents and political prisoners. Many notable independence activists were imprisoned there during the struggle for India's independence. Today, the complex serves as a national memorial monument. Originally built with seven wings, the building suffered extensive damage during the earthquake of 1941.

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Video by Sansad TV on YouTube

Ross IslandPhoto: Travelira, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ross Island

Ruins of the British administrative headquarters overgrown with banyan roots, with deer and peacocks.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Port Blair1 dayHeritageNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Ross Island, officially named Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is situated 3 km east from central Port Blair. The historic ruins are a tourist attraction.

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Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)Hidden gemPhoto: Dorhodor, CC BY-SA 3.0

Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

A small, slow island of coral beaches, natural rock bridges and cycling.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Shaheed Dweep2 daysBeachNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep, is an island of the Andaman Islands, located in Ritchie's Archipelago. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is located 36 km northeast from Port Blair.

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Video by Veggie Wander on YouTube

BaratangHidden gemPhoto: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0

Baratang

Limestone caves, mangrove creeks and the only mud volcanoes in India.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Port Blair1 dayNatureAdventure
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From Wikipedia

Baratang Island is an island of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the North and Middle Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island lies 150 km north of Port Blair.

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Mount HarrietHidden gemPhoto: Chinmayisk, CC BY-SA 3.0

Mount Harriet

A forested hill above Port Blair with a trek to Madhuban and views over the islands.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Port Blair1 dayNatureAdventure
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From Wikipedia

Mount Harriet National Park, officially renamed as Mount Manipur National Park, is a national park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. The park, established in 1969, covers about 4.62 km2. Mount Manipur, which is a part of the park, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago next to Saddle Peak in North Andaman and Mount Thullier in Great Nicobar. The park is named in commemoration of Harriet C.

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DiglipurHidden gemPhoto: Singhabhinav7, CC BY-SA 4.0

Diglipur

Ross and Smith twin islands joined by a sandbar, and Saddle Peak, the highest point in the islands.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Diglipur2 daysNatureAdventure
Directions
From Wikipedia

Diglipur is the largest town of North Andaman Island, in the Andaman Archipelago, India. It is located on the southern side of Aerial Bay, at 43 metres above sea level, 298 kilometres north of Port Blair. It is crossed by the Kalpong River, the only river of the Andaman islands. Saddle Peak, the highest point in the archipelago, lies about 10 km to the south. Diglipur is also a county of the North and Middle Andaman District of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory.

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Food to try

Fresh grilled fish, crab curry, coconut prawn curry, tropical fruit

Where to stay

Port Blair as the hub, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) for beaches

Getting around

Fly to Port Blair; government and private ferries between islands

Good to know

Book ferries early in peak season. Many tribal areas are strictly off-limits. Carry cash for the islands.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: quick answers

What is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

November to April

How do I reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Fly into Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi or Bengaluru. Government and private ferries link the islands.

How many days do I need for Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Plan 4 to 6 days to see the highlights, such as Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep, Cellular Jail, Ross Island.

What food should I try in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Fresh grilled fish, crab curry, coconut prawn curry, tropical fruit

Where should I stay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Port Blair as the hub, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) for beaches

More in the region

Timings, fees, permits and road conditions change. Please check official sources before you travel.