10 Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands On Your Next Holiday

Aerial view of boats resting on the Port Blair Port in Andaman and Nicobar.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also known as India’s “Tropical Paradise”, are a cluster of islands in the serene Bay of Bengal. There are many places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that offer the perfect getaway and will surely leave you spellbound. Beyond the natural splendour and water activities, the islands have a rich historical narrative. If you are a history aficionado, you can take a walk-through time with visits to colonial-era establishments and museums. Additionally, the place serves as a melting pot of diverse cultures and indigenous tribes.

10 Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar

You can find the perfect blend of scenery, adventure and cultural experiences on these islands. Here is a list of top 10 places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for you to explore:

1. Port Blair

A sea port in Port Blair - one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.

Photo: Yercaud-Elango / Wikimedia Commons

Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Named after Captain Archibald Blair of the East India Company, Port Blair is home to major naval, sea and air bases. It serves as a vibrant hub showcasing a fusion of nature, history and cultural allure. Serving as the primary port of entry for many visitors, Port Blair acts as a gateway to Andaman and Nicobar’s most captivating destinations.

Major Attractions: Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi National Park, Corbyn’s Cove, Anthropological Museum, and Chidiya Tapu
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Port Blair Port

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair

2. Havelock Island

Mangroves in Havelock Island - a must-visit in the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Officially renamed as Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is also the largest island in this union territory. There are 7 beaches on this island, with Beach No. 7 or Radhanagar beach as the most popular and highly rated amongst travellers. The place is a paradise with beautiful marine life, pristine beaches and exciting water activities for everyone.

Major Attractions: Neil’s Cove, Vijay Nagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Havelock Jetty

3. Baratang Island

A boat going through Baratang, one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.

Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

Baratang Island, nestled within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a hidden treasure trove, presenting unique adventures for travellers. It is celebrated for its natural marvels, dense mangrove thickets, and beautiful limestone caverns. It is home to the Jarawa tribe living along the Great Andaman Trunk Road and is one of the oldest human races. The place stands out as a haven for nature aficionados and thrill-seekers looking for exciting tourist places in Andaman and Nicobar.

Major Attractions: Mangrove creek safari, mud volcanoes and limestone caves
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Baratang Harbour Jetty

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman For Honeymoon

4. Neil Island

Beach of Neil Island - unmissable in the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Renamed as Shaheed Dweep, Neil Island features among the top in the Andaman and Nicobar tourist places list because of its unspoiled and serene beauty. If you want a quieter and intimate experience, then this island is perfect for you. The place acts like a great tropical getaway from your routine life. There is a diverse range of flora and fauna that you can witness on Neil Island.

Major Attractions: Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Sitapur Beach.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Neil Harbour Jetty

5. Ross And Smith Islands

The Ross and Smith Islands, one of the most calm places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.

Photo: Singhabhinav7 / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, the Ross and Smith Islands are located on the northern Andaman side. A thin sandbar connects these twin islands, which becomes submerged during high tide, turning them into two separate islands. These islands are also the habitat of Olive Ridley turtles and if visitors are lucky, they might spot them nesting. There are bamboo huts, hiking trails and activities like scuba diving and snorkelling present at this island.

Major Attractions: Forest Department Museum, British Colony Ruins, Twin Islands Beach and Japanese Bunkers
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Aerial Bay Jetty

Suggested Read: The Festivals Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands

6. Diglipur

The beautiful tree branches stemming on the sandy beach of Kalipur in Diglipur.

Photo: Skasish / Wikimedia Commons

Diglipur is home to some of the best offbeat places for an Andaman and Nicobar trip with its unique natural beauty and serene beaches. It is the largest town in northern Andaman Islands. The town is well-known for its agricultural products, which are vital to the local economy and include rice, coconuts, bananas, and areca nuts. Located on the southern side of Aerial Bay, this town is a blend of peace and adventure.

Major Attractions: Kalipur Beach, Saddle Peak National Park, Ramgarh Beach and Alfred Caves
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Aerial Bay Jetty

7. Mayabunder

Chairs under trees and a bamboo shade on a beachside in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Photo: Jakub Michankow / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mayabunder is another great spot and you can explore it by boating along the mangroves that line the edges of the beaches. You can book elephant viewing experiences at Mayabunder for a fun time. Snorkelling and speed boat trips are two excellent methods to discover the local marine life and coral reefs, and Mayabunder offers both. November through February is turtle nesting season at Mayabunder, a fantastic opportunity to get up close with these incredible animals. You can also go hiking to explore the area’s fauna.

Major Attractions: Rampur Beach, Vajrapani Dweep, Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue and German Jetty
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Mayabunder Jetty

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Havelock At Night

8. Rangat

A serene sunset at Rangat Island, one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.

Photo: Melnikov Dmitriy / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Situated between the Middle and South Andaman Islands is Rangat Island. The island is the second largest in the Andaman Islands, with a total size of roughly 1070 square kilometres. People characterise Rangat as a “ramshackle sprawl” that stretches along the Andaman Trunk Road, with general stores and chain cafes lining the street. Additionally, Rangat is home to the 1 kilometre Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway, a serene and picturesque nature path bordered by mangrove creeks.

Major Attractions: Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Panchavati Hills and Yerrata Mangrove Park
Best Time To visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Rangat Harbour Jetty

9. Cinque Island

A Bluefin trevally fish shoal under the clear blue waters of Cinque Island in Andaman.

Photo: Masha Basova / Shutterstock / Image For Representation only

Located to the north of Duncan Island and the Passage, Cinque Island borders Wandoor Marine National Park. An amazing sandbar joins the North and South Cinque islands, further separating the island. Cinque Island’s abundant marine life and unspoiled coral reefs have earned it a reputation. Because there are fewer visitors and the island is comparatively unspoiled, the corals and other underwater treasures are preserved. At the summit of the highest hill in the northern portion of North Cinque is a lighthouse that was built in 1972.

Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkelling and game fishing
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Haddo Jetty

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Port Blair

10. Red Skin Island

Two seashells on the sandy beach of Red Skin Island amongst the serenity of Andaman.

Photo: Singhabhinav7 / Wikimedia Commons

The island gets its unusual name from its colourful coral reefs and breathtaking crimson underwater cliffs. Red Skin Island is a component of a protected area with abundant biodiversity that includes numerous other islands. The island is only available from May to October, and overnight visits are severely forbidden. It is still closed on Mondays. Families searching for a tranquil holiday place and honeymooners alike frequently travel to Red Skin Island.

Things To Do: Snorkelling, glass bottom boat ride and scuba-diving
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Nearest Seaport: Wandoor Jetty

There are many places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The place is a conglomerate of 572 islands, of which only 37 islands are currently inhabited. Although tourists can only visit a few of them, there are still plenty of activities to make these islands the perfect holiday destination. If you are looking to explore this place, choose TripXL to plan a customised itinerary and get the best experience.

Cover Photo: Nabil Naidu / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

You can choose to travel either through a government or private ferry. Another popular option is a seaplane which is available to go from Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island and other destinations. There are helicopters available too for certain routes.
Yes, you can experience the rich marine life by taking glass-bottom boat rides, semi-submarine rides, or visiting marine parks where you can observe marine creatures from underwater observatories.
There are various accommodation options ranging from budget guest houses to luxury resorts available in popular tourist destinations like Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island. Camping facilities are also available in certain areas.
Yes, permits are required for visiting certain tribal areas and islands restricted for tourism. Permits can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Port Blair or online through the Andaman and Nicobar Administration website.
This is a 15-day extravaganza organised by the Indian government to promote tourism and entertainment both for the locals and the visitors. This popular event allows you to embrace the local culture and arts like never before.

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