Andaman And Nicobar Islands Travel Guide

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form a remote Union Territory of India, stretching across roughly 800 kilometres of the Bay of Bengal. The archipelago comprises more than 500 islands, though only a small number are open to visitors. The landscape is dramatic: old-growth tropical rainforest meets shallow turquoise lagoons, and the coastline alternates between white-sand beaches and mangrove creeks.

Port Blair, on South Andaman, serves as the administrative capital and main entry point. From here, travellers typically fan out to Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), the two most visitor-friendly islands, before returning for onward travel. The Nicobar group is largely restricted and requires special permits.

The islands sit at a biogeographic crossroads between South and Southeast Asia, which gives them unusual biodiversity both on land and underwater. The marine ecosystems here — including healthy coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves — support dugongs, sea turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish. On land, endemic bird species, saltwater crocodiles, and the critically protected Jarawa and Sentinelese tribal communities occupy protected zones that are strictly off-limits to outsiders.

Note on the title: The Maldives is an independent sovereign nation in the Indian Ocean and is entirely separate from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This guide covers the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) only. If you are looking for the Maldives, please see our separate destination guide.

Permits

Indian nationals do not need a special permit for the main tourist islands (South Andaman, Havelock, Neil). However, visiting certain tribal reserve areas, the Nicobar group, or specific protected forest zones requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP). Regulations change periodically — verify current requirements with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration's official channels before travel.

Foreign nationals historically required a RAP for the islands, though rules have been relaxed for most major tourist destinations. The situation remains subject to revision. Check the latest guidance via India's Ministry of Home Affairs and the official Andaman administration website, and review TravelerPulse's Visas section for current entry context.

Vaccinations and health

• The islands are in a low-malaria-risk zone, but consult a travel health professional well before departure.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit; medical facilities outside Port Blair are limited.
• Sun protection and hydration are essential year-round given the equatorial climate.

What to pack

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing; reef-safe sunscreen (important for coral conservation)
• Sturdy water shoes or reef sandals for rocky shore entries
• Cash in Indian Rupees — ATM access outside Port Blair can be unreliable
• Waterproof dry bags for boat transfers and water activities

By air

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair (IXZ) is the primary gateway. Direct flights operate from major Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi, with some services from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Flight duration from Chennai or Kolkata is approximately two hours. There are no direct international flights; travellers from abroad will need to connect through a major Indian hub.

By sea

Passenger ships operated by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' Shipping Services connect Kolkata and Chennai with Port Blair, though journeys take three to four days and are generally considered slow travel. Confirm schedules and book well in advance through official channels, as sailings are infrequent and popular.

Interisland ferries

Government ferries and private speedboats connect Port Blair with Havelock Island (roughly one to two hours by speedboat) and Neil Island (shorter crossing). Private operators offer faster catamaran services. Book interisland ferries in advance during peak season (December–February) as they fill quickly.

Within Port Blair, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the main forms of transport; negotiate fares in advance or confirm rates before boarding. Rental motorcycles and scooters are available on Havelock and Neil islands and are a practical way to cover distances on those smaller islands.

On Havelock and Neil, distances are manageable and the pace is slow. Many guesthouses and resorts are clustered near the main jetty or around key beaches. Walking or cycling between points of interest is feasible in the cooler parts of the day.

Interisland movement relies entirely on ferries and speedboats. There is no fixed bridge or road link between the main islands. Plan interisland legs with buffer time, especially during the monsoon season when services can be cancelled due to rough seas.

Beaches and water activities

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), Havelock Island — consistently cited as one of India's finest beaches; good for swimming at low tide, beautiful sunsets.
• Elephant Beach, Havelock — accessible by boat or a forest trek; one of the most accessible snorkelling sites in the archipelago.
• Laxmanpur Beach and Natural Bridge, Neil Island — a quieter alternative to Havelock; the natural rock arch formation is a photogenic landmark.
• Scuba diving is available at multiple PADI-certified dive centres on Havelock. Sites include Barracuda City, Johnny's Gorge, and the Wall; suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike.
• Sea kayaking through mangrove creeks is available on South Andaman and Havelock.

History and culture

Cellular Jail, Port Blair

The Cellular Jail is a colonial-era prison built by the British, used to exile political prisoners during the independence movement. It is now a national memorial and museum. A sound-and-light show recounting its history runs most evenings — timings and availability should be verified locally or on the official site.

Anthropological Museum, Port Blair

Provides documented context on the indigenous peoples of the Andamans. This is the appropriate way to learn about communities such as the Jarawa and Onge, whose lands are strictly protected and must not be visited or photographed.

Nature and wildlife

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor — glass-bottom boat tours offer views of coral gardens without entering the water; snorkelling is permitted at select sites.
• Mount Harriet National Park — the highest peak in South Andaman; birdwatching and forest walks.
• Night-time turtle nesting observation (seasonal, regulated) at designated sites — inquire with local forest department offices.

The food in the Andaman Islands reflects the diverse communities that have settled here over generations — Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayali, and Nicobarese influences all appear on local menus. Seafood dominates: fresh fish curries, prawn preparations, crab, and lobster are widely available, particularly in Port Blair's markets and on Havelock.

Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair is the main commercial hub and has a good concentration of local eateries, juice stalls, and small restaurants serving thalis and seafood. On Havelock and Neil, restaurants near the main jetty and beach areas cater to a broad range of tastes, including travellers seeking vegetarian or lighter options.

Fresh coconut water is plentiful and a practical way to stay hydrated. The islands are part of India, so alcohol is available at licensed establishments and permit shops; it is not available everywhere. Tap water is not considered safe to drink — rely on sealed bottled water or filtered water provided by your accommodation.

Connectivity

Mobile data coverage is improving but remains patchy outside Port Blair and the main tourist zones on Havelock. Expect limited or no connectivity on smaller islands and during sea crossings. Download offline maps and any documents you may need before leaving the capital.

Money

ATMs exist in Port Blair and on Havelock, but they can run out of cash, experience outages, or be inaccessible during rough weather. Carry sufficient cash before departing Port Blair for any outer island. Card payments are accepted at some larger hotels and dive centres but are not reliable everywhere.

Responsible travel and protected areas

• The Andaman Trunk Road passes through Jarawa tribal reserve land. Stopping, photography, and interaction with Jarawa people along this road is illegal and harmful. Follow all signage and government instructions strictly.
• Do not touch or stand on coral reefs; use reef-safe sunscreen to limit chemical damage.
• The Sentinelese of North Sentinel Island have made clear their desire for no outside contact. The Indian government enforces an exclusion zone around the island. This must be respected absolutely.

Emergency contacts

Verify locally: Port Blair has a government hospital. Dial 112 (India's unified emergency number) for police, fire, or ambulance. Medical evacuation from outer islands to Port Blair may be required in serious cases — travel insurance with evacuation cover is strongly recommended.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are generally considered safe for travellers. Petty crime is uncommon relative to mainland India, but standard precautions apply: secure valuables, use reputable transport, and keep copies of important documents.

The sea presents the most consistent risk. Currents, underwater rock formations, and sudden weather changes can create dangerous swimming and diving conditions. Always heed local beach flags, ask dive operators about current conditions before entering the water, and avoid swimming alone in unfamiliar areas. The monsoon season (roughly May to September) brings rough seas that regularly cancel ferry services — build flexibility into your itinerary.

Saltwater crocodiles inhabit mangrove creek areas across the islands. Heed all warning signs posted by the forest department, especially near mangrove shorelines, and do not wade or swim in creek areas at dusk or after dark. Attacks, while rare, have occurred.

Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is genuinely important here given the distance from advanced medical facilities on the mainland.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to some of the world's most isolated indigenous communities — the Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Shompen, and Nicobarese peoples. Most of these groups live under varying degrees of legal protection, with access to their territories restricted by Indian law.

Visiting travellers have no right of access to tribal lands, and interaction with tribal people — particularly the Jarawa along the Andaman Trunk Road — is prohibited. Beyond legality, contact has historically introduced disease and caused severe harm to these small populations. This is a matter of human rights, not tourism etiquette.

The settler population of the islands is diverse, drawn from across India over generations of planned resettlement, and has its own distinct multicultural character. Modest dress is appropriate in towns and markets, and as a general rule in places of worship. The overall social atmosphere is relaxed compared to many Indian cities.