Best places to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island


Andaman and Nicobar Island is one of the famous destinations for holding stunning beaches. There are 572 islands, majorly divided into five broad categories - Great Andaman, Little Andaman, Ritchie's Archipelago, East Volcano Islands, and Sentinel Islands. Great Andaman is known for Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the best islands that have the classiest beaches, simply the ideal holiday destination for indulging in watersports activities.

Main tourist attractions of Andaman & Nicobar Island

Port Blair

It is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Island. Cellular Jail is one of the main attractions of the place. The main motive of the establishment of this place is solitary confinement of the prisoners. Port Blair is also considered as a gateway to other tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Island. Ferries operate mainly from Port Blair to other Islands.

Havelock Islands

Havelock is a home to Radhanagar beach. It is one of the most popular beaches of India. The beach is situated around 12km from the Havelock Islands and is a must visit site. There are huge activities that one can do here such as Scooba diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing, etc. Main attractions of Havelock are:

  • Radhanagar Beach
  • Elephant Beach 
  • Kalapathar Beach
  • Vijayanagar Beach

Ross Island

Ross Island is famous for the ruins of Penal colony that precedes the cellular jail or ‘Kaala Paani’. The jail had many notable political prisoners from India’s struggle to independence. The place has no matter how notorious but during the colonial period, it is considered as a picturesque location which is one of the most important tourist destinations in Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Great Nicobar Island

It is one of the largest Nicobar Island of India. The Island is populated with a population around 10,000. The Nicobar Island is known widely for its rainforest that houses a diverse wildlife. It is also a part of world’s biosphere reserve. Main attractions of the place are biosphere reserve, Indira point and Campbell bay.

Rangat

The scenic beauty of Rangat is perfect for flaura and fauna. It is located on the middle Andaman Island and is famous for Cuthbert bay beach which is a breeding ground for turtles.

Best time to visit Andaman& Nicobar Island

The best time to visit Andaman Nicobar Island is considered from November to May. Monsoons are however recommended to be avoided for Andaman Nicobar tour because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains and strong winds.

Main festivals celebrated in Andaman and Nicobar

Ganesh Puja

Ganesh Puja is celebrated on “Chaturthi Thithi” every year. People from the south call this puja “Vinayaka Chathurthi”. The image of Lord Ganesh is made from black clay with a lot of glittering decoration. People buy the Ganesh image in a size according to their economic conditions.

Panguni Utthiram

This is the biggest and the most important festival in these islands. This festival is celebrated to honor the Lord Sri Vetrimalai Murugan (Lord Karthik), a son of Siva and Parvathi. Sri Vetrimalai (victory hill) Murugan Temple is the oldest temple in these islands.

Ram Navami

It is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Lord Rama by performing special puja and arti only in Ram temples located in Aberdeen Basthi, Kumrakheti, Haddo and Dairy Farm. Temples are decorated with colourful lights and musical instruments are played. Songs on Lord Rama and Sita are also sung.

Sri Guru Nanak Jayanti

 This is celebrated by the Punjabis. It commemorates the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak. This festival is celebrated on 25th November of every year, with great enthusiasm. Police Gurudwara in Aberdeen Bazar, Dr. Diwan Singh Gurudwara behind the State Bank of India, Main Branch, Gurudwara in MES area are illuminated with beautiful color lamps. Songs, prayers, readings, bhajans etc., are the special features on the occasion.

Kali Puja

This festival is associated with the worship of Maa Kali as the destroyer of the evils. This festival is celebrated in the months of October-November every year. The Bengalis take keen interest and celebrate it enthusiastically. The image of Maa Kali showing her angry action of killing a Rakchashan is installed at different places. Kali temple at Prem Nagar is decorated with coloured lamps. Prescribed pujas and artis are performed. Hindus, particularly Bengalis, visit this temple and other places where the images of the goddess are installed and worshipped.