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11 Best Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar is an enormous group of almost 300 islands situated in the Bay of Bengal.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a perfect example of “coastal Paradise,” with palm-lined beaches and pristine expanses of white sand that unleashes the serenity of the panoramic landscapes and blue oceans all around.

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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar islands,

  1. Ross Island
  2. Cellular Jail
  3. Barren Island
  4. Mt Harriet National park
  5. Chidiya Tapu
  6. Rangat
  7. Corbyn’s Cove Beach
  8. Ramnagar Beach
  9. Alfred Cave
  10. Coral Island
  11. Havelock Island

Let’s see each of these places in detail…

1. Ross Island

Ross Island

Ross Island, formerly known as Captain Daniel Ross’s Island has been recently named “Netaji Shubash Chandra Bose Dweep” by the Prime Minister of India.

It is one of the beautiful inter-island destinations you can see while visiting Andaman.

This island is also one of the abandoned ghost towns in India.

Ross island still has the old buildings that the Indian inmates built here.

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Their ruins, surrounded by the deep roots of Peepal and Serie trees, transport us to a bygone era.

Magnificent man-cave formations, an ancient church, and the dark histories of the location create a spooky atmosphere altogether. 

You can stroll along and capture these age-old treasures and visit the sanctuary that shelters a variety of birds and animals, such as peacocks and deer.

2. Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail

Cellular Jail is a three-story prison built by the Britishers in 1906. The prisoners, who were mainly freedom fighters, had silently watched the most devious and terrible atrocities that occurred in this jail.

Cellular Jail is also known as “Kala Pani” because the ocean water in this area is so deep and black, 

It now serves as a National Memorial for the country.

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The light and sound show occurs twice a day inside the jail, at 6 PM (Hindi) and 7.15 PM (English). 

Additionally, there is a museum, an art gallery, and a photo gallery, all of which are open daily from 9.00 AM to 12 NOON and 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM, except on Monday.

3. Barren Island

Barren Island is located 138 kilometers northeast of Port Blair.

It is the only active volcano in India.

Tourists have to travel by ship to experience the captivating beauty of the island and the view of the volcano.  

Only with the agreement of the forest department and after obtaining the required permits you can visit the island by charter boats. 

If you visit by private charters you can engage in fishing. Additionally, snorkeling is also a wonderful option. 

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Advanced divers can also go diving at Barren Island. 

The number of bird species and their population had decreased due to the eruptions.

Only six of the 16 previously recorded species have been found, with the Pied Imperial Pigeon being the most prevalent.

4. Mount Harriet National park

Mount Harriet National park

Mount Harriet National Park was established in 1969. 

Mt Harriet is the third-highest mountain peak in the Andaman archipelago and houses this popular park. 

While exploring the park, you can witness the stunning coastlines, alluring mountain ranges, a vast diversity of endemic flora and animals, and a variety of vibrant butterflies.

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A tribal community is also housed in the interiors of Mount Harriet. 

You can click amazing photos of a diverse diversity of birds, including wood pigeons, cuckoo doves, Andaman parrots, and white-headed starlings.

There are protected by the evergreen primeval forests of mixed tree species. 

5. Chidiya Tapu

Couple at Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu, located around 25 kilometers from Port Blair, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and people looking for solace.

The Hindi for “Chidiya” is “bird.” Furthermore, as the name suggests, this Tapu is the best location for bird watchers to see both uncommon migratory species and the common local birds.

These birds are the lovely feathered inhabitants of the island.

Chidiya Tapu is home to a breathtakingly gorgeous location in between the beautiful stunted hills on one side and the mesmerizing beaches flanking them on the other.

You can see at least 46 different endangered birds, animal species, seasonal orchids, and other plant types here.

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6. Rangat

Rangat is located in Central Andaman. It is endowed with the natural abundance of pristine beaches, luxuriant greenery, tumbling waterfalls, and fascinating flora and animals.

Many travelers from all over the world are drawn to the area also due to the calm sea breezes, and the bright sunshine on the exclusive sandy beaches along the oceanfront.

Nature enthusiasts and travelers obsessed with discovering less-trodden areas of the world will find Rangat as the perfect destination.

It is an ideal place for lounging on the beach, basking in the sun, or simply unwinding amidst nature.
You can take pictures, go on a hike, and visit the Panchvati Waterfalls.

There is also a 13-meter-tall mangrove watch tower that provides a bird’s-eye view of the mangroves and the surrounding forests.

7. Corbyn’s Cove Beach

Corbyn’s Cove Beach is a quiet and pristine gem in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands despite being close to the City Centre.

It is a well-known tourist destination in Andaman.

The beach is endowed with a soft, sand-covered shoreline, azure seawater, and lush, green coconut palms that flank the shore.

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Tourists can unwind themselves and enjoy various water activities available at the beach.
Scuba diving, surfing, speed boat excursions, and boating are among the popular adventure sports at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.

This beach is also ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing by the water while resting on benches along the shore.

Small shops selling vibrant trinkets and eateries and serving a range of sea foods to snack on along with juices, coffee, coconut water, and shakes are also in plenty.

8. Ramnagar Beach

Ramnagar Beach

Ramnagar Beach beach on Neil Island is quite a lovely one. The water is tranquil blue and attractive, lined with golden yellow sands.

Numerous trees line the beach, offering plenty of shade where one can relax and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle while sipping on a beverage. This beach also offers a beautiful view of the sunset.

Due to the exceptionally clear and transparent seawater, you can see abundant colorful marine life.
It is a great place for snorkeling too.

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Swimming is not recommended because of the underwater spiky corals.

To view the best corals, one must dive deeper into the ocean from the S-shaped coral reef.

Only experienced divers and swimmers may be able to safely navigate the waters due to monster-like waves at specific points.

9. Alfred Cave

Alfred Cave is at Ramnagar Beach in Diglipur, a famous one in Andaman.

To reach the caverns from Ramnagar, you must hire a local guide or a forest guard. The entrance to the caves is extremely small.

It takes only one day to explore the caves. So in order to see the caves, you must leave early and return by sunset.

This collection of mysterious 41 caves surrounded by a thick forest creates a mysterious ambiance for the visitors.

Numerous swiftlets, jagged stalactites & stalagmites, and fruit-eating bats are found in the caverns.

The best time to visit a cave is from October to March.

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10. Coral Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the home to more than 560 different types of coral and their beauty and diversity are breathtaking.

The beautiful coral species and the marvelous sunlight create a beautiful color palette together.

Coral reefs make up around 2,000 square kilometers or almost 6% of the total land area on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

It’s a stunning sight to see the reefs that flank the eastern and western borders of the island.

Corals, clams, sponges, snails, anemones, crabs, starfish, worms, shrimp, and lobster are common reef inhabitants.

Diverse fish species, including butterflyfish, surgeonfish, groupers, and damselfish, can also be seen.

11. Havelock Island

Havelock Island

One of the main draws to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Havelock.

This island has always been one of the must-see places for having the unrivaled and pure beauty of nature.

The dense foliage, soft glittering sand, and turquoise water of Havelock are popular among tourists.

It has opulent hotels and resorts to welcome its visitors with luxurious staying options and to enjoy the area’s stunning natural surroundings.

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Under the guidance of qualified instructors, snorkeling and scuba diving on the island can become once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

You can Watch a plethora of sea life, some of which are camouflaged and some of which move or peep with fun.

These are some of the popular and most visited places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Some of the islands have been commercialized and developed as major tourist destinations, but the majority are uninhabited and thus perfect examples of untamed nature.


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