Quick Facts
- Capital: Port Blair
- Largest City: Port Blair
- Official Languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobarese
- Formation: Union Territory (1956)
- Nicknames: “Emerald Islands”
- Borders: Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea
- UNESCO Sites: None, but the Cellular Jail is a National Memorial
Contents
History & Heritage
Known for the historic Cellular Jail, the islands were once a colonial penal settlement during British rule.
- Cellular Jail: Symbol of India's freedom struggle.
- Tribal Heritage: Home to tribes like Jarwa, Onge, and Sentinelese.
Geography & Climate
Comprising 572 islands, the archipelago is rich in tropical forests, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
- Climate: Tropical, humid summers and mild winters.
- Special Features: Active volcano on Barren Island.
Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
- Havelock Island: Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving.
- Neil Island: Natural bridge and coral reefs.
- Ross Island: British-era ruins.
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mud volcanoes.
- Cellular Jail: Light & Sound Show.
- Barren Island: India’s only active volcano.
Festivals of Andaman & Nicobar
- Island Tourism Festival: Cultural and food celebrations.
- Subhash Mela: Held in Havelock in honor of Netaji.
Cuisine – What to Eat
The islands offer fresh seafood and coastal dishes with a tropical touch.
- Staples: Fish curry, coconut-based dishes.
- Specials: Lobsters, crabs, prawns.
Arts & Culture
- Handicrafts from shells and coconut.
- Local tribal dances and traditions.
Adventure & Water Sports
- Scuba diving and snorkeling at Havelock.
- Sea walking and parasailing.
- Glass-bottom boat rides.
How to Reach
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair).
- By Sea: Ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
Best Time to Visit
October to May is best for pleasant weather and water sports.
Sample Itineraries
4 Days – Port Blair & Havelock
- Day 1: Cellular Jail, Ross Island.
- Day 2: Havelock – Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 3: Scuba diving & Neil Island visit.
- Day 4: Baratang caves.