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The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. Port Blair is the chief community on the islands, and the administrative centre of the Union Territory. The Andaman Islands form a single administrative district within the Union Territory, the Andaman district (the Nicobar district was separated and established as a new district in 1974). There are 576 islands in the group, 26 of which are inhabited. They are located 950km from the mouth of the Hooghly River, 193 km from Cape Negrais in Myanmar (the nearest point of the mainland), and 547 km from the northern extremity of Sumatra. The length of the island chain is 352 km and its greatest width is 51 km. The total land area of the Andamans is 6408 km².   Factoid: "The Andamans is the only place in India with an active volcano. Barren Island, northeast of Port Blair, became active in 1990s after being quiescent for almost two hundred years. " Name: The name Andaman presumably comes from Handuman, which is Malay for the Hindu god Hanuman. The name Nicobar is Malay for land of the naked (people).

When to Go

Best Time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between May and October, forest fires in neighboring Sumatra can also cause dense haze, although this is unpredictable and comes and goes rapidly.

The temperature averages around:

Tropical - between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Summer (March To June): Warm
Monsoon (May To October): Warm
Winter (November To February): Mildly warm & pleasant

What to Pack

We have compiled a “what to pack” list specifically made for the needs of a traveler in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton clothing

• Insect Repellent

• Bathing Suits

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

How to Reach Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

BY AIR

Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. Presently flights are operated by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.

Distance by Air Between Calcutta & Port Blair: 1303kms
Distance by Air Between Chennai & Port Blair: 1330kms

BY SEA

Regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. The voyage takes about 50 to 60 hours and the ship normally berths at Port Blair for about two to four days.

Distance by Sea Between Port Blair & Chennai: 1190kms
Distance by Sea Between Port Blair & Calcutta: 1255kms
Distance by Sea Between Port Blair & Vishakapatnam: 1200kms

Dos & Don'ts for the Visitors

Do’s

• Treat the National Parks as they are sanctum sanctorum of our precious natural heritage.

• Obtain permits from the Chief Wildlife Warden for those having interest in photography/ videos/ investigation inside a sanctuary or a Marine National Park .

• Make use of the service of authorized tourist guides.

• While driving, follow the traffic rules, keep left. Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport etc.

• Consult life guards before entering the sea.

• Swim in safe areas only.

• Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forest. This will make your visit more enjoyable.

• Help Island to keep the beaches and the environment clean.

• Dispose off the garbage and plastics at proper places/dustbins.

• Take care of the coral reef, not just for yourself, but also for all who follow.

• Encourage efforts to save coral reefs and tropical forests.

• Obtain a transit pass from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Port Blair ,to transport any wild animal/trophy/article etc. outside the islands.

• Foreign nationals are requested to obtain the required permit before entering /soon after landing on the islands.

• Avail the services of authorized scuba dive centres only.

• Avail the service of Scuba Dive Instructors having certification of international professional organizations like PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for safe diving experience.

• Your concern for nature conservation is highly appreciated. Please inform local authorities/staff positioned in protected areas if you notice any undesirable activity.

Dont’s

• Foreign nationals may not enter the islands without permit.

• Do not enter the National Parks without permission.

• Do not take pictures of the airport, government dockyard, defense establishments, naval wharf, Dhanikari Dam and Chatham Saw Mill.

• Do not collect, destroy or remove any living or dead animal/plant.

• Do not collect dead coral or touch/break live coral. Please do not stand on the coral reef while snorkeling/Scuba diving.

• Do not take video or film without permit, wherever such permits are required.

• Do not take video, film or photographs inside Tribal Reserve areas or of the indigenous tribes. Do not carry sea fans and seashells unless specific permits are obtained from the Fisheries Department.

• Do not throw garbage and plastics in public places, beaches and into the sea.

• Do not swim after consuming liquor.

• Do not swim in unsafe waters during monsoon.

• Nudity on beaches and public places is forbidden.

• Do not Light fire in Protected Areas as it not only destroys forests but also damages wildlife habitat.

• Person who commits breach of any of the conditions of the Wildlife protections shall be punishable by law.

Festivals & Culture of Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unique culture, where all religions, languages, ethnic groups live in total peace and harmony and hence it is rightly called Mini India. Port Blair has a cosmopolitan character where people of all walks of life live together in peace and tranquility. All major festivals are celebrated with equal zeal and fervor and attended by all religious groups. Certain fairs and festivals, which are special to these islands, are:

Island Tourism Festival: A fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration every year (December - January) gives a festive look to the Islands. Govt. agencies and private entrepreneurs from the islands and Mainland India also attend the exhibition organized during the festival. The exhibition highlights the developmental aspects of these islands. Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by the talents of these islands including tribals. Water sports competitions like Nicobari Hodi race are organized. Other attractions are Magic show, Puppet show, Floating restaurant, Baby show, Dog show, Canoe Race, Scuba Diving etc. The festival projects the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination.

Subhash Mela: January every year

Organised in Havelock every year on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. A week long festival filled with cultural programmes.

Vivekanada Mela: January every year

Organised at Neil Island to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanada.

Block Mela: January/February every year

Held at Diglipur, this highlights the developments that have taken place in the rural areas and displays the typical rural life of these islands.

Entry Formalities to Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

Indians: Indian nationals need no permit to visit Andamans. However, permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are given in exceptional cases. Application on a prescribed form may be addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair.

Foreigners: All foreign nationals can stay in the islands for 30 days. This can be extended by another 15 days with permission. Foreigners require a permit to stay from the immigration authorities. In addition, permits can also be obtained from: Indian Missions Overseas, Foreigner’s Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and the immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

The places covered by this permit for night halt are: South Andaman Island, Middle Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserve), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding islands – Boat Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) Night halt in the Park is with permission only.

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