Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the primary
destinations of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is famed for its pristine
beauty that goes unmatched when it comes to untouched and unexplored natural
beauty and virgin forests of earth. It is a striking contrast of verdant
greenery, sandy whiteness and blue vast ocean body. Due to its more than fair
share of popularity among tourists and travelers, Havelock has developed
luxurious tourist resorts and hotels to pamper the guests living in the lap of
intense natural beauty. Havelock is the largest of islands and falls under
must-visit destinations. A tour to Andamans would definitely be incomplete
without a visit to the Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach of Havelock Island.
The sublime beauty of the Radhanagar Beach combines with its perfect setting
spread against the primitive jungles. The background is filled with a thousand
sounds of jungle animals and birds and the secluded beach has “Beware of
Crocodiles” marked at places. These factors make Radhanagar Beach one of the
most coveted destinations of not only Andamans, also of world.
Neil Island
Neil Island is another very scenic natural
paradise with captivating white sandy beaches and lush green forests. Neil
Island can be reached easily from Port Blair or from Havelock via regular ferry
services of various categories. Neil Island offers its own special appeal with
some very popular beaches and a crystal clear waters that resonates with
millions of teeming wild life and exquisite corals. Neil Island came to be
inhabited in the late 1960s. Apart from snorkeling and scuba diving, Neil
Island also offers glass bottom boat rides to its guests who are not
adventurous enough to enter the waters but would still want to enter the
visually ecstatic world of corals and fishes.
Ross Island
Ross Island caries the rich heritage of the
British legacy since the time when India was under the British Rule. It was
named after Sir Daniel Ross who was British Marine Surveyor. As you go through
the historical and architectural ruins, you easily get transported to the world
of the pre-independence Indian era. Ross Island is definitely a must visit if
you are in Andaman and Nicobar islands. The sojourn of the Ross island becomes
extremely interesting as you walk through British era Church, Hospital, Bakery,
Press, Swimming Pool, Troop Barracks, Ballroom, Chief Commissioner’s House and
Government House. Rest in the shade of palm-lined beaches and watch the
pipeline of waves crashing on the shores and look around for deer, peacock and
ducks all around you. Ross Island is just 2 kilometers from port Blair and can
be reached easily by boat in fifteen minutes. It is a point that is covered
during your stay in Port Blair.
The North Bay Island
The North Bay Island gives an intensive feel of
summer and sand. The corals at North Bay are exquisite and are spread through a
long coast line in an extensive stretch. Dive a bit to catch some glimpses of
lobsters, clown fish families, stone fish staring at you from behind the
corals. The experience is a rightful mix of thrill and fun for all divers, especially
the first timers.
Baratang Island
this exotic island is famous for its exquisite
secluded beaches, mangrove creeks, mud volcanoes and limestone caves — each of
which is unique and worth a visit. The experience of the mud volcanoes and
limestone cave is so enigmatic that it is worth a peep for the adventurous and
brave at heart. Guides are provided and permission needs to be secured from the
Andaman Forest Department for limestone cave exploration.
Viper Island
Viper Island is scarred with the notoriety of
being the witness to the inhuman punishment and torture meted out to the Indian
freedom fighters in the British pre-independence era. The island is said to
derive its name from the ship named H.M.S. Viper in which a Britisher Archibald
Blair had landed at Andaman and Nicobar Islands way back in 1789. The ship is
said to have drowned near the island. Viper Island is as tainted with the blood
and sacrifice of the brave national heroes as is the Cellular Jail. It was the
jail where the prisoners were captive before Cellular Jail of Port Blair was
built. It contains the ruins of gallows on top of a low hill. The worst form of
torture was given to the political prisoners in which they were chained
together through iron couplings that earned the name Viper Chain Gang Jail. The
prisoners were also subjected to hard labour. Apart from the historical taint,
Viper Island is also blessed with immense natural grandeur. The old jail
building tour is interesting enough. It can be reached by a short ferry ride
from the Aberdeen Jetty of Port Blair. The island though not very well
maintained now and sort of destroyed during the latest Tsunami that had hit the
Andamans is yet worth visiting on account of its deep historical significance.
Ross and Smith Island
Ross and Smith are the twin islands of Andamans. Both the islands are connected by a sand bar that makes it extremely picturesque. Ross and Smith Islands attract a lot of tourists from all across the world. The sand bar gets submerged during high tide and then resurfaces during low tide. One can simply walk over from one island to the other via the sand bar. Enjoy photography of secluded beaches and glorious sunsets for which the pair of islands is famous. The island is also known to be the home of Olive Ridley Turtles and you can enjoy the view of turtle nesting and hatching of baby turtles and their march to sea if you are lucky enough.
Cinque Island
Cinque Island is not that highlighted maybe
because there are similar other islands which are marketed aggressively and
Cinque Island gets shadowed. It is a natural paradise and compares to the
beauty of the more hyped islands. Blessed with white sandy shorelines,
captivating coral reefs and the extensive azure oceans this island will catch
fancy of all who treads.
Rutland Island
This magnificent island is situated very close
to Port Blair. It is just 20 kms away from port Blair and can be conveniently
reached by boat. It is popular for being the home to the native Jangil tribe of
Andamans. The tribal population is concentrated in the island interiors.
The Mount Harriet National Park
The Mount Harriet National park was established
in 1969. Mount Harriet Peak is located in the park is the third highest
mountain peak in the Andaman archipelago. It is a reserve forest with mountain
ranges and beautiful coastlines. The infamous Kalapathar, which is bloody and
still considered a curse, from where the Indian prisoners under the British
rule were pushed to their horrific death on the ravines is located around 2
kilometres away from the park.
Chidiya Tapu
“Chidiya” in Hindi means bird. And as is implied by the name, Chidiya Tapu is the ideal place for bird watchers for viewing rare migratory birds and also the common indigenous birds, which are the attractive feathered residents of the island. Chidiya Tapu harbours a very exquisitely beautiful beach and attracts tourists in large numbers. The spot offers captivating views of sunrises and sunsets. The mix of dense deep evergreen forests on one side and the beauty of stunted hills on the other side flanked by mesmeric beaches make this spot idyllic.
Rangat
Rangat is quite a large island in the Middle Andamans.
It is blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of with pristine beaches, lush
green vegetation, cascading waterfalls and interesting flora and fauna. The
population is scanty and composed of simple and down-to-earth people from Tamil
Nadu and Kerala. The main occupations of the populace are fishing and
cultivation. Rangat is an ideal location for nature lovers and tourists
obsessed with exploring lesser-trodden places on earth. The gentle sea breezes
and the warm sunshine on the sandy beaches and the ever extending ocean front
offer a sense of peace and tranquillity that attract a lot of tourists from all
across the globe. Rangat also offers deep green forests and clear blue skies
and perfect locations for chilling on the beach and sunbathing or relaxing.
Photography, trekking, enjoying the Panchvati Waterfalls are some other
attractions
Mayabudner
Mayabudner is located in the northern side of
the Middle Andamans. Even though it is a bit far from Port Blair (approximately
242 km away) it is definitely worth a visit. Mayabunder can also be reached in
three hours from Rangat. Mayabunder makes for a perfect location for beach
holiday, far from the maddening society and civilization, in the lap of nature.
It offers fascinating mangrove creeks and entrancing beaches and isles.
Mayabunder is also the home of former Burmese Karen Tribes. These tribes were
known to serve the British as logging labourers in the pre-independence era.
Diglipur
Diglipur is a haven for tourists and travellers who are looking to spend a vacation that is intensely close to nature and provides absolute peace and solitude. Diglipur presents an agricultural face with orange plantations and stretches of very green rice fields. Situated in North Andaman, Diglipur, construes a dream vacation with infinite sea beauty, unbridled view of wide expansive seas, foam lapped shoreline and pleasant sea breeze.
Aamkunj Beach
Aamkunj Beach has a magnificent coastline and is
loaded with surreal natural beauty, exudes peace and is a paradise for bird
watchers. It is located close to Rangat, just about 8 kilometres from Rangat
while one travels towards Mayabunder. The Nimbutala Helipad is just a kilometre
away from Aamkunj Beach. This beach offers very cool swimming location and is
also appropriate for sun bathing and relaxation. Amkunj Beach was provided with
basic tourist facilities in the form of eco-friendly huts, wooden sofa and
tepoys and natural groves. These groves were named after trees that are found
locally such as casurina, jamun and pandanus. The beach is a favourite local
haunt too of the villagers apart from the tourists travelling from outside.
Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walkway
Dhaninallah Mangrove Nature Walkway/Walk is an
exquisite beautiful walkway among lush mangrove with the air filled with the
scent of sea. This place can be reached by taking a short detour via the
Andaman Trunk road after crossing the famous tourist destinations of Rangat and
Amkunj Beach. It is actually located around 20 kilometres from Rangat. It is a
superbly long walkway and one of its kind in the whole of India and hence very
unique. The name Dhaninallah came into existence after the name of a variety of
mangrove locally called Dhanipatti. This Walkway straightway leads to a
captivating and long beach known as Dhaninallah Beach, which is famous for
being a turtle nesting ground. The walkway is exceptionally beautiful at par
with the beauty of the beach. The walkway has been constructed among the
mangrove which is around 715 metres long leading to the beach front crossing
creeks and mangroves. One can have a close look at the mangroves on both sides.
The walk gets thrilling and is super exciting. Both sides of the walkway is
fringed by lush green thick mangroves of every height and also contains small
resting huts. Enjoy pristine nature and an air filled with bird chirpings
emanating from the mangrove surrounding forests. Once you reach the beach you
shall be doubly bowled over by the emerald blue waters of a tropical sea. The
beach is very clean with silvery white sands.
Panchavati Waterfalls
Panchavati Waterfalls is located on the Panchavati
Hills and commands a unique and beautiful location. Even though it is located
200 kilometers away from Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. The waterfall tumbles down from quite a great height and is a natural
wonder. The beauty of waterfalls and the lush green surroundings attract a lot
of tourists from far and near. It is an ideal location for trekkers too and if
you intend to trek you need to wear comfortable shoes. Also, the waters of the
waterfall are inviting and in case you are tempted to take a dip, carry an
extra change of clothes. There is no stipulated time for entry or fee or
restriction for entry. It can be visited anytime from sunrise to sunset. The
location is ideal for nature photography, fishing and tasting the local culinary
delicacies.
Cuthbert Beach
Cuthbert Beach is a pleasant sandy beach
commanding an unhindered view of the beautiful azure blue seas. It is a 8
kilometre long picturesque beach fringing the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
The walk on the beach is replete with the greenery of coastal zone vegetation.
The beach is provided with eco-friendly huts for resting purposes and also
provides information to tourists arriving at the beach for exploring the
natural beauty from far and near.
Long Island
Long Island is not that big, about 18 square kilometres. It can be designated as a modern village and enjoys certain facilities that are not really available in most villages of Bay Islands. Among the modern facilities, Long island has its own power house and bank and wireless facilities. It also boasts of a well-equipped Boat Building Yard. Long Island has bounty of natural beauty that includes rice coral reefs, exclusive beaches, enigmatic caves, lush greenery, mangroves and lines of azure blue skies melting with the similar blue seas. Adventure tourism gets a boost on account of the exquisite beauty of the island, virgin dense deep tropical forests and a rich marine ecosystem. The tidal swamp forests merge daintily with the evergreen green forests to give the island a wholesome green-surrounded-by-blue effect.S