Best Time to Visit Andaman And Nicobar
You can divide the seasons in Andaman into two;Summer and Monsoon. Being a tropical island, Andaman doesn’t witness the winter season. If you’ve been to Vishakhapatnam or Bengaluru, you can identify with the kind of climate prevalent in the islands. It’s pleasant, mildly humid and offers good sea-breeze for tourists to just chill out, sinking into the vast expanse of the ocean. During summers, the clear blue sky and the turquoise water reflect hues of blue, contrasted by the white sands. This makes for a picturesque destination not just for couples on their honeymoon but for families who have elderly people in their groups as well. The place is not too sweaty or sultry and is perfect to grab a beverage and layback on the shacks.
Andaman & Nicobar in Summer(April-June)
Summer is considered to be the best time to visit Andaman. With absolutely zero rainfall, the weather conditions are perfect for dives, sightseeing or just a relaxed day in your resort. The season starts in the month of January and lasts till late April. Being a vacation for most schools and colleges in India, this is the time tourists flock the island for holidaying. This is also the time watersports are open for Andaman tourists. You can also check out more ways on How to Reach Andaman & Nicobar
Temperature
During summer, the mean temperature ranges between a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. With an average relative humidity of 80%, this is the popular time to visit Andaman and check off all your beach goals from your travel bucket list.
Weather
The weather is very, very calm during this time and in the month of October allowing you take part in watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and more.
Why You Should Visit Now
You should visit Andaman during the summers to witness this pristine destination in all its glory. If you’re a beach person, you’ll love the ambience, the crowd and the environment that gets set up naturally during the summers. Andaman during summers is that one picture you see on blogs and magazines that have boats anchored on white sandy shores of clear turquoise waters; it’s that image of hammocks facing the Bay of Bengal tied to coconut trees and it’s that image of an infinity pool with a glass of Riesling overlooking the limitless of the ocean. Imagine that!
You should also visit Andaman now to witness the festive spirit of the island through its festivals and events like the Island Tourism festival, which is a two-week festival all about the cultures and traditions of the region, the SubashMela, an event to commemorate the birth of Subash Chandra Bose and something known as the Block Mela, an event organized to capture the essence of the lifestyle of the locals and their diversities in culture.
Know Before Your Visit
As mentioned, the weather in Andaman is very calm at this time and you don’t have to let your paranoia get the best of you. Just pack your bags and get lost in this paradise. This is the best time to visit Andaman and be there!
Tips
Being sunny, carry light cloths and flip-flops. Keep all your heavy apparels at home and travel light with a baggage or two. Carry sunglasses, sunscreens, hats, deodorants and always carry adequate water to keep yourself hydrated. You tend to dehydrate soon in tropical climates.
Andaman & Nicobar in Monsoon(July - September)
Monsoon is second of the two seasons Andaman experiences. If you didn’t know, Andaman receives rainfall from the monsoons twice. Yes, it gets rainfall from both the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon. While northeast monsoon lasts from November to January, the southwest monsoon lasts from May to September. If you didn’t know, the southwest monsoon occurs first in the Andaman and then reaches the mainland of India.
Temperature
During this time, you can see the temperatures going up or down between 22 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius, making it good for both citrus-based drinks and a cup of hot chocolate.
Significance
Andaman during the monsoons is comparatively a little dull. Thanks to the tropical storms and rough rainfall that lasts to an average of 180 days a year, there is reduced influx of tourists. Travelers who are really seeking some unique experiences and want to unwind from their routine, mundane city life visit Andaman forrejuvenation and self-exploration. The times of solitude in resorts and beaches with a book in a hand are compelling for a lot of travelers out there to reach Andaman.
For a few golden moments of silence, solitude and bliss! Regardless of whether you are traveling solo or with a group of friends, the vibe during this time in Andaman will seek a better you and get you into introspection. A perfect time to evolve in the middle of nowhere.
Know Before Your Visit
As this is not a popular tourist season, water sports may not be available. It is during this time that there are huge tidal ways and unpredictably fierce winds. Hotels give out there rooms at reduced prices to attract more tourists. However, it’s also the time ferry operations are disrupted frequently by the rough waves so keep that in mind. If you had imagined the visuals we suggested, now do the same with dark hovering clouds instead of blue and the magnificence you will come up with will be your Andaman during the monsoon.
Tips
Though not risky to venture out to Andaman at this time, you may not have the perfect vacation if you come with a touristy mind. If youare into traveling raw and experience people, culture, and lifestyle in their purest form, this is the best time to visit Andaman. Carry windcheaters, raincoats, umbrellas, mosquito repellants, power banks, torch light and enough snickers during the monsoon. If you are not able to go out for food, you can probably fill your stomach with nutrition bars until the rains stop. Avoid bringing expensive cameras and gadgets in this season.
With lovely green islands kissing the pristine blue water, and complete isolation, Andaman & Nicobar Islands amidst the Bay of Bengal are one of the most favored destinations India for a honeymoon, and family holidays yet reaching here can be little problematic. Apart from airways, and waterways, there's no other mode of transportation through which one can reach here. The Port Blair is the main hub connecting Andaman & Nicobar Islands with the rest of the India. See below for complete details:
BY AIR:
Veer Savarkar International Airport or Port Blair Airport is the major, and the only airport in Andaman and Nicobar. Airlines like Spice Jet, Air India, Vistara, Jet Airways, IndiGo, and GoAir operate regular flights to Port Blair from prime cities of India like Chennai, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Cochin and Delhi. To approach the islands from the Port Blair, one can take ship.
BY WATERWAYS:
Andaman & Nicobar Islands can be reached by sea route too. it's time-consuming journey but the views that one get are worth all the efforts.. From Chennai, and Kolkata one can take a ship to Port Blair and vice-versa. It will take approximately 50-60 hours to reach Port Blair by ship.
If you are planning to start your journey from the departing station itself then you can opt for a sail. To get to the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar there are sail options that depart from three major seafront cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. These cities provide regular passenger ships that run to and fro and the journey takes about 50 to 60 hours during good weather but there may be delays to more than 70 hours depending on the weather condition. There are three to four trips to and fro every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and only one trip for Visakhapatnam in a month. The journey hours and distance from these respective places are mentioned below:
Destination Approx Time (Hours) Approx Distance
(Kolkata – Port Blair) ( 66 hrs) (1,255kms)
Vishakhapatnam –Port Blair (56 hrs) ( 1,200kms)
Chennai – Port Blair 60hrs (1,190kms)
Ship classes vary from bunks to deluxe and the price range from cheap to expensive. However, if you plan to go for bunk, the three-day journey may not be as expected, with little privacy and unpleasant toilets. The second class has six beds, first class with four beds and deluxe class with two. To get better information on the price range, below we have made a list with the prices.
ENTRY PERMIT FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
For Indian National, there are no restrictions on entry in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the entry to the tribal reserve area is prohibited.
ENTRY PERMIT FOR FOREIGNERS
As per the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order 1968, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for non-Indians to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The permits can be obtained from the immigration office at airport, or waterways port/stations for 30 days, subject to availability of valid visa. The permission can also extend for another 15 days with permission from Superintendent of Police, Andaman District, Port Blair. Tourists can also obtain RAP from foreigners Registration offices, and immigration office from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, where it can be duly submitted as well.
PLACES COVERED UNDER RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT ARE
For Day and Night Visits, Entire island of Middle Andaman excluding Tribal Reserve, Entire island of South Andaman, excluding Tribal Reserve, Municipal area, Port Blair, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park except for Boat, Hobday, Twin Islands, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto (Night halt in these Islands subject to special permission from the UT Administration), Mayabunder, Diglipur Rangat, Baratang Island, North Passage Island, Little Andaman Island excluding tribal reserve.
FOR DAY VISIT ONLY
Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Ross Island, Barren Island – restricted to visit on board vessels only, with no landing ashore. Narcondam Island, Interview Island, Brother Island, Sister Island, Madhuban.
Top Tourist Attractions in Andaman
Location: Havelock Island
What to Enjoy: Beach, Lush Vegetation, Clear Water and Serene Nature
Top Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Picnicking, Beach Walking, Sun Bathing and Swimming
In 2004, Time Magazine choose Radhanagar Beach to be the best beach in the world. Still, the beach is one of the top spots to visit in this group of islands. If you are someone who loves underwater activities, you ought to visit this beach. This beach lies on the west coast of the island and is famous for the white sand and clear water. You can always find people picnicking in the beach.
Location: Ross and Smith Island
What to Enjoy: Lush Vegetation, Clear Water, Sunset and Calm Surrounding
Top Activities: Boat Ride, Sun Bathing, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling, Picnicking, Beach Walking and Photography
A little away from Diglipur Jetty lies a serene and small island, Ross and Smith. The beach is famous for a greenish blue tinted water body, small strip of beach and most importantly, the shallow water. This shallow water allows many underwater activities. Spotting tropical fishes underwater is very common in this region. This is a haven for those who want a leisure and lazy afternoon.
Location: Neil Island
What to Enjoy: Long Beach and Mild Vegetation
Top Activities: Beach Strolling, Picnicking, Swimming and Sun Bathing
Though the beach is aesthetically pleasing, the beach is rarely filled with tourists. This is due to the proximity of the more famous Bharatpur beach. The Laxmanpur beach is larger and longer than Bharatpur beach and thus, this silent beach has become a haven for honeymooners. You can always find couples picnicking here. If you are on a romantic vacation, you ought to visit this beach. Not many water activities are available in this beach area.
Location: Long Island
What to Enjoy: Mangrove Creek, Clean Water, Ferry Sighting and Serene Nature
Top Activities: Ferry Rides, Sun Bathing, Beach Strolling, Snorkeling, Swimming and Picnicking
Although the island is named as Long Island, this beach in particular is very small and can be scaled on foot. The top activities to enjoy here are focused on the shallow waters in this region. Riding on a ferry to reach this place is the best activity for those who are traveling with children. The place is also famous for lush vegetation. There are a few restaurants near the beach, which allow tourists to enjoy long picnics here.
Location: Port Blair
What To Enjoy: Coral Forests, Marine National Park, Natural Caves And Mini Islands Surrounding The Main Beach Like Alexandra, Tarmugli, Jolly Buoy And Others.
Top Activities: Coral Diving, Boating, Swimming, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Photography And Others.
Wandoor is a small village located near the southern point of the South Andaman. This village is filled with accommodation options and is famous for the beach and small islands near the beach. The main attraction in the beach is the national park. From the national park, you can get access to nearby islands. Boat can be hired here. Forest permits for forest walks and strolling are also available in the park. Jolly Bouy is a small island near the beach, which is famous for sponge corals, red corals, blue corals and many tropical species. You can find many zebra fishes here where snorkeling. Snorkeling near Red Skin Island is also very famous activity. If you are not a fan of snorkeling, you can hire a glass-bottomed boat to watch the corals and fishes and you row.
Location: Rangat
What to Enjoy: Eco Park, Beach, Log Sofa, Turtles And Vegetation
Top Activities: Spotting Turtle Nesting or Turtle Walk, Visit to Eco Park, Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunbathing, Beach Picnic and Jetty Ride
Jetty ride from Cutbert Bay to the beach is the first attraction to enjoy. The eco-park in the beach provides a great experience to the tourists. It is a vast beach with dark sand. It is a shallow water beach and thus, snorkeling and swimming are very common here. There is a tree house in the eco-park that attracts people to get a panoramic view of the whole beach. If you visit during the right season (December and January), you can spot turtles walking towards the water after hatching.
Location: North Passage Island
What to Enjoy: Uninhabited Island, Lush Beach Vegetation, Guitar Island And Others
Top Activities: Adventure Strolling, Camping, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sunbathing and Others
Out of the hundreds of uninhabited islands, this is the best. If you are an adrenaline-pumping enthusiast, this is the best beach to be on. Due to the shallow waters, you can easily spot tropical fishes while swimming. Many tourists, camp overnight here for the thrill factor. Forest trekking is strictly a game for iron hearts. This island is accessible only during low tide. If you are visiting during early winter season or rainy season, this beach cannot be reached. You can find jetty rides to this island from Long Island.
Location: Little Andaman
What to Enjoy: Concave Beach, Good Tides, Vast Beach and Beach Vegetation
Top Activities: Surfing, Jungle Trekking, Elephant Rides, Camping, Boat Rides, Sun Bathing, Swimming, Beach Picnicking And Others.
Located at a distance of 134 km from Port Blair, this beach is a huge spot for surfers. The beach is also very close to a waterfall. During tourism season, you can hire elephants to ride along the beach. If you are an avid photographer with underwater lens, this beach is a heaven for you. There are many resorts near the beach and thus, luxury vacation is possible in this beach. Mosquito repellent is essential if you are visiting right after the rainy season. Boat and jetty rides are available to the island from Port Blair. The journey stretches for 6 hours
Location: Port Blair
What to Enjoy: Old Jail Cells
Top Activities: Light and Sound Show, Photography and Exploration
Andaman was a dreadful jail spot during British rule. Freedom fighters were sent to Andaman jail during the struggle. Today, it stands as a heritage spot and as a reminder of the independence struggle. The spot is open from morning 9 to evening 5. English and Hindi based light and sound shows are organized for the tourists to educate about the struggle and the history of the place. The jail is closed during Mondays and all government holidays..
Location: Havelock
What to Enjoy: Beach, Water, Corals, Serene Nature and Others
Top Activities: Scuba Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling, Underwater Photography, Boating, Sun Bathing, Picnicking and Others.
It is one of the very famous beaches in the place. If you love scuba diving, you ought to visit this place. There are spots for professional divers to enjoy and there are numerous places where training for amateur divers is provided. Certification courses are also available. This place has a rich coral forest and the most wonderful underwater life. If you love underwater photography, this place is a paradise for you.
Location: Port Blair
What to Enjoy: National Park, Elephants, Mountain, Photogenic Sceneries and Exotic Fauna
Top Activities: Safari in The Park, Trekking, Elephant Ride, Bird watching And Others
The first main attraction in Mount Harriet is the national park. Elephant safari through the park is an important attraction here. Top animals to spot here are Asian elephants, deer, ferals and others. This place is best for birdwatching. Top birds to spot are Andaman wood pigeon, Andaman scops owl, Andaman drongo, white headed starling, Andaman treepie, Andaman boobook and others. Other common fauna are field frog, turtles, lizards and others. Top aquatic fauna are eel, snakehead, sleeper, gobies and others.
The next main attraction of Mount Harriet is the trekking trail from the mountain to Madhuban. If you love trekking, you ought to visit this spot. This trekking trail stretches for 16 km and you can spot a lot of animals and trees during this activity. You can also hire elephants to cover a considerable distance in the trail.
Location: Near Port Blair
What to Enjoy: Light House, Beach, Reef, Octopus Garden, Tropical Fishes And Nature
Top Activities: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Underwater Photography, Sea Walk, Boating, Swimming, Trekking, Jungle Trekking and Others.
Many island cruise trips cover this beach. This beach is very famous among tourists and during tourism season, the crowd is inevitable. The snorkeling, sea walk and others will be closed to tourists during rainy season. Boating in a glass-bottomed boat is recommended during winter season to spot the corals. It takes four hours to scale the whole island and enjoy all activities. Hindi guides are available in the island. There is always boat facilities available from and to Port Blair. Trekking to the lighthouse in the island and jungle trekking are famous land activities here.
Location: North Andaman Islands
What to Enjoy: Crocodile Sanctuary, Turtle Nesting Spots, Natural Caves, Diglipur Church, Banana Groves and Pathi Level Beach
Top Activities: Trekking, Spotting Turtles, Nature Sightseeing, Exploration and Others
Diglipur has the only river in the group of islands. The Saddle Peak in this area is the highest point in North Andaman. The place is famous for turtle walk and nesting. If you are visiting between December and February, you can watch hatched turtles walking towards the ocean. Bird nest soup is very common delicacy in this region. One can trek through the Saddle Peak national park after obtaining permission from forest department.
Location: Port Blair
What to Enjoy: Sunset, Birds, Beach and Nature
Top Activities: Bird watching, Sunset Spotting, Trekking, Ferry Ride
Chidia Tapu is for adventure lovers. The place is filled with forest and a thin line of beach. The Black Mountain in the region is famous for trekking and spotting birds. People visit this place during afternoon to catch sunset. Ferry ride to and from the place is also exciting. The ChidiaTapu is also called as the Bird Island and sunset point. The best time to visit the place to spot birds is summer.
Location: South Andaman
What to Enjoy: Ancient Buildings, Hilltop Gallows, Beach, Ferries and Others
Top Activities: Cellular Jail, Ferry Ride, Picnicking, Photography, Exploration and Others.
Cellular jail of Andaman is located in this island. Apart from this, this island’s beach are very famous for ferry rides and picnicking. If you are an adventure seeker, there are a lot of ancient building that are rumored to be haunted. You can explore those, if desired.
Do’s & Don’t - Travel Tips for Andaman & Nicobar
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the best holiday destinations to visit in India. It is filled with white sandy beaches, fun-filled activities, wildlife reserves and scrumptious local cuisines. Hence, before you visit this union territory it will be nice to know few things about the lifestyle of local people in order to no to interrupt their peaceful life. Some must do’s and don’ts every traveller must know before visiting the Islands to have a responsible tourism are as follows:
DO'S AND DON’TS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM ARE:
Foreign Nationals should enter the islands with required permit from the immigration authorities.
Do not enter in restricted or tribal areas around the Islands.
In order to keep the streets clean, dispose of the garbage and plastics at proper places.
If you happen to visit during summers make sure to carry all the necessary items like sunscreen lotion, a sipper, and sunglasses.
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