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Andamans

The Andaman Islands (often just called “the Andamans”) are the northern part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory, a remote tropical archipelago in the Bay of Bengal.

Quick Facts

  • Location: ~1,200 km east of mainland India (closer to Myanmar and Indonesia than to Chennai or Kolkata). They form the boundary between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

  • Size: The full union territory has roughly 570–836 islands/islets (counts vary by source); only about 30–38 are inhabited. The Andaman group itself has the majority.

  • Capital: Port Blair (officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram), on South Andaman Island.

  • Area: About 8,249 km² for the entire territory.

  • Population: Around 380,000 (2011 census; mostly settlers from mainland India).

  • Indigenous peoples: Ancient Andamanese tribes including the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and the highly isolated Sentinelese (North Sentinel Island is strictly off-limits; approaching it is illegal).

Why People Visit

The Andamans are famous for:

  • Pristine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water

  • Excellent scuba diving and snorkelling on coral reefs

  • Lush tropical rainforest

  • A laid-back, less-crowded vibe compared with many other Asian island destinations

Top spots:

  • Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) — the main tourist island. Home to Radhanagar Beach (often ranked among Asia’s best) and Elephant Beach.

  • Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — quieter, with beautiful beaches and coral.

  • Port Blair — Cellular Jail (historic British penal colony), Ross Island, and ferry hub.

  • Other options: Baratang (limestone caves, mangroves), North Andaman (Diglipur, turtle nesting), Little Andaman (surfing at Butler Bay).

Practical Information

  • How to get there: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport) from major Indian cities (Chennai is the shortest flight, ~2 hours). No international flights. Inter-island travel is by private high-speed catamarans or government ferries.

  • Best time to visit: Mid-October to mid-May (especially December–March for calm seas and best diving). Monsoon (roughly May/June–September) brings heavy rain and rough seas.

  • Permits: Most foreigners no longer need a Restricted Area Permit for the main tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, etc.). A valid Indian visa/e-visa is sufficient. Tribal areas remain restricted.

  • Highlights beyond beaches: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, diving (very affordable by international standards), kayaking, bioluminescent plankton, Barren Island (South Asia’s only active volcano — viewed from a distance).

The islands have a unique mix of tropical paradise, colonial history (British penal settlement), and protected indigenous cultures. Tourism is growing but still feels relatively uncrowded compared with places like Phuket or Bali.

If you’re planning a trip, looking for specific beaches, diving info, itineraries, history, or something else about the Andamans, just let me know!

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