The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from October to May. This period covers the post-monsoon season and the pre-monsoon summer season, offering comfortable weather conditions suitable for touring and water activities. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rainfall and potential cyclones.
Indian citizens do not require a permit to visit the Andaman Islands. However, if you wish to visit Nicobar Islands or other tribal areas, you will need a special permit which can be obtained from the Andaman & Nicobar Island Administration. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman Islands, which is typically granted on arrival at Port Blair by air or sea, valid for a period of 30 days.
Popular tourist attractions include the Cellular Jail National Memorial, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, Ross Island, Neil Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Baratang Island (famous for limestone caves and mud volcanoes), Mount Harriet National Park, and various snorkeling and diving sites around the islands.
Yes, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are considered safe for tourists. However, travelers should follow standard safety precautions like avoiding isolated areas, protecting their belongings, and adhering to safety guidelines during water activities. It is also advisable to stay up-to-date with local news and weather reports, especially during the monsoon season.
Tourists can engage in various activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, trekking, island hopping, and visiting historical sites. The islands are known for their rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs, making water-based activities particularly popular.
Tourists can experience the Island Tourism Festival, held in Port Blair, which showcases the cultural richness and ethnic diversity of the islands. Other festivals include Subhash Mela, held in January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and the monsoon festival Monsoon Festival 'Katchi Ghodi', among others.
Accommodations range from budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and hostels to luxury resorts and beachfront cottages. Havelock and Neil Islands are among the places with the most varied range of accommodations. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Travel between islands is usually done by ferries, including government-operated and private services. Helicopter services are also available for inter-island travel and offer an alternative for those seeking quicker transport or for reaching remote islands.
Mobile networks and internet connectivity are available in Port Blair and other tourist-centric regions, but can be unreliable or slow. Some remote areas may not have network coverage. It is advisable to make arrangements for communication and navigation considering these limitations.
The local cuisine is predominantly seafood-based, and visitors can enjoy dishes made from fresh fish, crabs, prawns, and lobsters. There are also Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines available for tourists. Do not miss the local delicacies like fish curry, coconut prawn curry, and other seafood preparations.
