Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A Complete Island by Island Guide

Let me be honest with you, when I first looked at a map of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, I was overwhelmed. There are 572 islands in this archipelago, scattered like green jewels across the Bay of Bengal. Only a handful are open to tourists, but trust me, those few are more than enough to steal your heart completely.

From the historic streets of Port Blair to the crystal clear waters of Havelock, from the sleepy charm of Neil Island to the protected wilderness of Baratang, every corner of this island chain has something unforgettable to offer. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you have come to exactly the right guide.

Here is my complete, honest, guide to the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

1. Port Blair: The Gateway City

Port Blair is where every Andaman trip begins and ends. It is the capital, the hub, and honestly a destination in itself that most tourists rush through too quickly. When people ask me where to start their list of places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is always my first answer.

Must Visit Places in Port Blair

• Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) The soul of Port Blair. This colonial era prison held India's freedom fighters in brutal conditions. Walking through its corridors gives you chills. The Light and Sound Show every evening is deeply moving, don't skip it. Book tickets in advance. Entry: Rs. 30 (Indians) & Show: Rs. 250 to Rs. 350

• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) A short 15 minute boat ride from Port Blair, Ross Island was once the administrative headquarters of the British. Today it is a hauntingly beautiful ruin, crumbling churches, overgrown bungalows, and spotted deer roaming freely among the ruins. Entry: Rs 50 &Boating Charges: Rs. 150 to Rs. 200

• North Bay Island Famous for its coral reefs and water sports. Glass bottom boat rides, sea walking, snorkeling, this is where Port Blair gets exciting. Best visited as a morning trip. Boat and Activities: Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,000

• Corbyn's Cove Beach The closest beach to Port Blair city is a small, pretty crescent of sand lined with coconut palms. Great for an evening walk or a quick swim. Calm and accessible. Entry: Free

• Samudrika Naval Marine Museum A wonderful little museum covering the marine life, tribal history, and geography of the islands. Underrated and worth 2 hours of your time. Entry: Rs. 50

• Sagarika Government Emporium The best place to buy authentic Andaman souvenirs, shell jewelery, coconut shell crafts, sea pearl products. Fixed prices, no bargaining stress.

2. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The Crown Jewel

If Andaman has a superstar, it is Havelock. Renamed Swaraj Dweep, this island is where most travelers spend the bulk of their time and for very good reason. The beaches here are genuinely among the best in Asia. Havelock alone makes it one of the most talked about places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Must Visit Places in Havelock

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) The one. The legendary one. Time Magazine called it Asia's best beach and honestly, standing there at sunset, I understood why. The water is a deep turquoise that gradually turns gold as the sun drops. The sand is soft and white. There are no vendors harassing you, no loud music, just the ocean. Entry: Free & Best time: 4 PM to sunset

• Elephant Beach Accessible by a 30 minute boat ride or a 45 minute trek through the jungle. I recommend the trek at least once. The coral reef here is exceptional for snorkelling, colourful fish, sea turtles, and clear visibility. One of the best snorkelling spots in all of India. Boat and Snorkel Package: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500

• Beach No. 5 (Vijaynagar Beach) Long, wide, quiet. This is where you come when you want the beach all to yourself. The walk along this stretch at dawn, just you, the waves, and the forest, is something I will never forget. Entry: Free

• Scuba Diving Sites Havelock has some of India's finest dive sites. Nemo Reef, Johnny's Gorge, Aquarium, and Lighthouse are among the most popular. Whether you are a beginner doing your first open water dive or a certified diver chasing manta rays, this is your place. Cost: Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 5,500 per dive

• Kalapathar Beach A more secluded, rocky beach, not ideal for swimming but absolutely stunning for photography. The contrast of black rocks against turquoise water is dramatic and gorgeous. Go at sunrise. Entry: Free

3. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): The Quiet One

Neil Island is everything Havelock is not, unhurried, tiny, and blissfully uncrowded. There are no ATMs, barely any traffic, and the loudest sound you will hear is the wind through the palm trees. I absolutely loved it. For travelers looking for peaceful places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Neil Island belongs at the top of the list.

Must Visit Places in Neil Island

• Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) A natural rock formation shaped like a bridge over the sea, formed entirely by coral over thousands of years. Best visited at low tide. It is dramatic, beautiful, and completely free. Entry: Free & Best time: Low tide morning

• Bharatpur Beach The main beach of Neil Island, calm and shallow, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. The water here is like a swimming pool. Great for families and those who want gentle waves. Entry: Free

• Laxmanpur Beach The go to sunset spot on Neil Island. The reef here creates a dramatic silhouette as the sky turns orange and pink. Locals and travellers gather here every evening, bring a coconut and just sit. Entry: Free

• Cycling Around the Island The absolute best way to explore Neil Island is by bicycle. The entire island takes about 2 hours to cycle around. Paddy fields, fishing villages, jungle paths, it feels like a different world entirely. Cycle Rental: Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per day

4. Baratang Island: The Hidden Wonder

Baratang is where Andaman gets truly wild and untouched. Located about 100 km north of Port Blair, getting here is half the adventure. You pass through tribal reserve forest on a convoy road, cross a creek by ferry, and journey through dense mangrove channels by boat. Among all the offbeat places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Baratang stands in a category of its own.

Must Visit in Baratang

• Limestone Caves Millions of years old and genuinely awe inspiring. The stalagmites and stalactites inside are surreal formations. You reach them by a boat ride through mangroves followed by a short jungle trek. One of the most unique natural experiences in India. Tour Cost: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 (with transport)

• Mud Volcano One of only a few active mud volcanoes in India. Bubbling grey mud oozing up from the earth is strange, prehistoric, and fascinating. Included in Baratang tour package

• Parrot Island At dusk, thousands of parakeets return to roost on this tiny island, the sky literally turns green. It is one of nature's most spectacular free shows. Boat rides leave from Baratang jetty around 5 PM. Boat: Rs. 200 to Rs. 400

5. Diglipur: For the True Adventurer

Diglipur is in North Andaman, remote, raw, and rarely visited. If you want the road less travelled, this is it. For adventurous souls looking for extraordinary places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Diglipur delivers like nowhere else.

Must Visit Places in Diglipur

• Turtle Nesting at Kalipur Beach Between December and February, Leatherback sea turtles, the world's largest, come ashore at Kalipur Beach to nest. Watching this ancient ritual under a star filled sky is one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Permission required from Forest Department

• Saddle Peak The highest point in the Andaman Islands at 732 metres. A challenging but rewarding trek through dense tropical forest. The view from the top is worth every sweaty step. Trek Permit: Rs. 250 | Guide recommended

• Ross and Smith Islands Twin islands connected by a natural sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide. The visual of walking between two islands on a strip of white sand surrounded by blue sea is extraordinary. Boat from Diglipur: Rs. 500 to Rs. 800

6. Long Island: The Off Beat Gem

Not many tourists make it to Long Island, which is precisely why you should consider it. Laid 

back, largely undeveloped, and home to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Long Island is one of those hidden places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that will make you feel like a true explorer

Must Visit Places in Long Island

• Merk Bay Beach A 45 minute trek through jungle brings you to Merk Bay, a pristine, empty beach with perfect white sand and turquoise water. No shops, no crowds, no noise. Just paradise in its purest form. Entry: Free | Trek required

7. Little Andaman: For the Brave

Far south of the main islands, Little Andaman is remote and largely off the tourist radar. It has some spectacular waterfalls and surf spots, but infrastructure is limited. For the genuine adventurer only. If you have exhausted the popular places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and want to go deeper, Little Andaman is your answer.

Must Visit Places in Little Andaman

• Butler Bay Beach is a long, wild beach with consistent surf waves, popular with experienced surfers.

• Whisper Wave and White Surf Waterfalls are stunning jungle waterfalls you can swim in.

Recommended Island Combinations by Trip Duration

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Permits: Indian nationals are free to travel to the main islands without needing a permit. Foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit, which you can get at Port Blair airport on arrival.

• Cash: Carry enough cash, ATMs are limited on Havelock and almost nonexistent on Neil Island.

• Mobile Network: BSNL works best across islands. Airtel works in Port Blair and Havelock. Jio is patchy.

• Best time to go : October through May. Steer clear of June to September; the monsoon season often grounds the ferries.

• Photography: In certain tribal reserves, taking pictures is a no-go. Please respect these rules.

Best Time to Visit Andaman

The absolute best window is October to May. The sea is calm, skies are clear, and the beaches are at their most beautiful. December to February is peak season with perfect weather but make sure you book everything well in advance. April and May are great if you want lower prices and fewer crowds.

Avoid June to September completely. Monsoon season means rough seas, cancelled ferries, and zero visibility for water activities. Not worth the risk.

Why Choose Andaman?

1. Water You Won't Believe That impossible shade of turquoise, you have to stand in it to believe it. And the best part? It is right here in India.

2. World Class Diving on a Budget Dive sites that compete with Maldives and Thailand at a fraction of the price. Scuba diving starts at just Rs. 3,500 here.

3. Uncrowded Beaches No chaos, no noise, no shoulder to shoulder crowds. Just you, clean white sand, and the open ocean. Genuinely rare in today's world.

4. No Passport Needed International beach experience on an Indian passport. No visa, no foreign currency, no drama. India's best kept secret.

5. Nature Like Nowhere Else Limestone caves, mangrove forests, mud volcanoes, coral reefs, sea turtles all in one destination. It is nature's greatest variety pack.

6. Wildlife That Surprises You Leatherback turtles nesting on moonlit beaches, bioluminescent plankton glowing in the waves, rare endemic birds. This is the wild side of Andaman most tourists never see.

7. Safe for Every Traveler Solo travelers, female travelers, families, couples. Andaman is welcoming, safe, and genuinely friendly for everyone.

8. Incredible Value for Money A full 7 day trip covering three islands, including flights, hotels, food, and activities comes between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per person. Try getting that experience anywhere else.

How to Reach Andaman

Air travel is the quickest and most convenient way to get there.

Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru all have direct flights. Delhi and Mumbai flights typically require a stopover. The entire journey takes roughly two to three hours, depending on where you're flying from.

Government ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The journey takes 3 to 4 days on the open sea. It is a budget friendly option but very time consuming. Recommended only if you genuinely enjoy a slow sea voyage and have extra days to spare.

Before You Go: Quick Checklist

To snag the best flight deals, aim to book your tickets at least two to three months before your departure.

If you're planning to use the Makruzz or Nautika ferries, it's wise to reserve your seats a few weeks in advance.

Since ATMs are few and far between on Neil Island and not exactly plentiful on Havelock, be sure to bring enough cash.

For daily wear, pack lightweight, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen.

A BSNL SIM card offers the most reliable mobile service across all the islands.

Remember to pack a waterproof pouch for your phone, especially if you're going to be around water.

Conclusion

Andaman is not just a trip. It is a reminder that the world is still breathtakingly beautiful, that slowing down is not a waste of time, and that the best experiences in life are often found not in the most famous places but in the ones you almost did not book.

No matter how many lists of places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands you read, nothing truly prepares you for the moment you step onto that white sand and look out at that turquoise water for the very first time.

You will arrive as a tourist. You will leave feeling like the ocean gave you something back.

Go. The islands are waiting for you.

Plan Your Trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Paradise Yatra

Planning a trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and hoping to visit all the beautiful places this island chain has to offer? Getting your plans in order ahead of time really does make everything smoother and more enjoyable. A well planned itinerary takes away all the uncertainty, from booking the right hotel to arranging inter island ferry tickets, covering local attractions, planning water activities, and making sure all your permits are in place before you arrive.

The Andaman Islands look simple to plan on paper but there are a lot of moving parts. Ferry timings, activity bookings, island permits, hotel availability during peak season. Missing even one of these can throw your entire trip off. That's precisely why choosing the right travel companion is so crucial.

If you're contemplating a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or nearby locales, consider contacting Paradise Yatra. They offer tailored travel planning and tour packages. Their team knows the islands inside and out, and they'll take care of everything, ensuring you can simply arrive, soak it all in, and truly enjoy every moment.

Contact Paradise Yatra

Phone: +91 9873391733

Email: sales@paradiseyatra.com

If you're curious about other spots in the area, take a look at our Andaman Tour Packages. Still on the fence about your next trip? Browse our Trending Tour Packages to see what's currently popular with fellow travelers.

From a laid-back beach vacation to an adventurous scuba diving experience, a romantic honeymoon, or an extensive island-hopping tour through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Paradise Yatra team is ready to help you plan a comfortable and unforgettable trip.