Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Sun, Sand and the Bay of Bengal
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, one of the world’s most reclusive and beautiful beach destinations, form one of the two sets of islands that are a part of the Republic Union of India. Geographically closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to the Indian mainland, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands contain a total of 600 islands. One of India’s little known gems, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to some of the most reclusive and unspoilt beaches.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are divided into The Andaman group of islands and the Nicobar group of islands. A limited yet developed tourism infrastructure makes any visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a rather fun-filled one. With their lush greenery and postcard-perfect scenery, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands make for an ideal vacation spot. Many of the beaches are best-suited for long swims and walks; one can also avail of the many water sports options available at some of the beaches.
Places to visit in Andaman & Nicobar
Andaman & Nicobar Islands are dotted with multiple very empty beaches; some of these beaches have been regularly featured in travel magazines as among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, contains many prominent historical site including the Cellular Jail and the World War II era fortifications. The other major tourists towns are Diglipur, Rangat and Mayabunder.
Some of the most prominent and beautiful beaches on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands include
- Radhanagar Beach
- Ramnagar Beach
- Karmatang Beach
- Harminder Bay Beach
Andaman & Nicobar- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
English is decently spoken in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and as such communication should not be a problem. Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Andaman & Nicobar Islands; however, the food may be expensive, and as such, local cuisine is a rather better option. The waters surrounding the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points. In some cases, scuba diving too is a good option. The Nicobar group of islands is beyond limits to tourists owing to security, anthropological or environmental reasons. Hence, one is advised to take due precautions.
Best time to visit the islands
Andaman & Nicobar Islands can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as Andaman & Nicobar Islands is not that accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of the country’s premier offbeat getaways. Consequently, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are not at all crowded even during the peak months.
Best way to reach
- By Air: Port Blair Airport is the only airport. Flight connectivity to Chennai and Kolkata is rather decent.
- By Rail: There are no railways on these island.
- By Road: The road network within Andaman & Nicobar is rather excellent and all the important cities and other beach resorts do boast of road connectivity. Local transport largely consists of unregulated and regulated buses and hitch-hiking. Perhaps, the best way to enjoy Andaman & Nicobar is by hiring a cycle or on foot.
- By Sea: Andaman & Nicobar is one of the most important cruise ships destinations in India, and during the peak season many cruise ships make a visit to the region. There is a rather decent intra-city ferry network to hop from one island to another.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. Andaman & Nicobar abounds in family vacation beach resorts, beach retreats, beach vacation homes, beach hotels and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach holiday packages, beach tours and beach holidays. A very interesting feature of Andaman & Nicobar is that there are many beach camps and beach resorts that dot all over the long sandy stretch. Many such beach camps and beach resorts offer private beaches that are out of bounds for outsiders.