7 Top Things To Do In Andaman

The Andamans are a tranquil group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and a major tourist attraction. Not only perfect for a honeymoon getaway, these islands are also flocked by families and groups of friends, just out to have a good time. Passing time in the Andaman Islands is not a problem; whether you plan to simply chill with a cocktail in hand or be adventurous, the Andaman Islands have a lot of stuff (other than being a beach bum) that you can do which makes it a delightful vacation spot. 7 of the top things to do in Andaman are listed below for you!

Oh yes, the Andamans are much more than just pristine shores and icy blue waters. The next time you visit these beautiful islands, take a trip down history and go see the Cellular Jail, aka Kalapani, in Port Blair. A colonial prison dating back to the British-era, this jail today pays tribute and stands in memory of the Indian freedom fighters who spent their exile there. Go soak in some tales of bygone days from the locals; you will surely hear an interesting story or two. Undoubtedly, you will come back mellowed and with an enlightened mind. There are also Hindi and English sound & light shows held here every evening, a Martyr’s memorial, a museum, a photo gallery and an art gallery.

Famous for housing one of Asia's oldest and largest sawmills, Chatham Island is a place you just cannot miss. Snoop around the island and check out the Chatham Sawmill, set up by the British in 1836. Soak in the timbered air of the Forest Museum through the myriad masterpieces made of Andaman wood, or indulge in some forest related activities through scale models at the museum. There’s also a large bomb crater from WWII alongside the forest museum. If you are in the mood to shop, Sagarika Emporium is a great place to start.

Located on the North Andaman Island, Saddle Peak is the highest point in the entire Andaman and Nicobar archipelago at a height of 732 meters. The peak is surrounded by Saddle Peak National Park, the prime tourist attraction of North Andaman. Get your hiking boots out and trek the 8 km long trail through the gorgeous sub-tropical forest. Experience lost temples, perennial water streams, and spectacular tropical flora along the trail. And yes, once you reach the peak, the views of the archipelago from the top are simply breathtaking!

If you are the gutsy, adventurous kinds, you can get your adrenaline going in the Andamans. Lots of islands here offer a wide range of water sports and activities, so you can choose to do whatever floats your boat. Pun very much intended. Port Blair has a humungous complex devoted only to water sports called the Andaman Water Sports Complex. You can go kayaking, speed boating, rowing, parasailing, water skiing, wind surfing and much more. Besides the complex, Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Neil Island, and other places offer snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. So you can see, there is no dearth whatsoever even for the adventurous masses

Located in the Wandoor region of Andaman Islands near Port Blair, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is an amalgamation of 15 small and large islands, with sea creeks open through the area. The islands are largely uninhabited with just a minuscule population of 3000 living in 8 adjacent villages. The park was created to preserve the nesting sea turtles and corals of the area. Experience the rare and spectacular corals & underwater marine life through glass bottom boats, or indulge in some scuba diving and snorkeling if you are the more adventurous type.

One of the most exciting experiences in Andaman, sea walking is to tread on the seabed and see the vividly hued fishes swim by you! Sea bed walking is a fairly unique yet uncomplicated activity - much simpler than scuba diving as there are no breathing techniques involved. What’s more, you don’t need to have any swimming skills to indulge in this delightful activity, and it’s safe to enjoy for 7 to 70 year olds alike! The full-face window in the sea walker helmet offers close up views of beautiful orange clownfish, sea anemones, star fish, and shell fish swimming around.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the most exotic and remote destinations in the world. The archipelago comprises of more than 500 islands and has probably one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world! Needless to say, for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, the Andaman Islands are nothing short of paradise. The underwater world here offers countless species of marine life, coral reefs, remnants of old ships and hills created from volcanic Lava. You can choose from a variety of dive sites around Havelock Island, Cinque Islands, Corruption Rock, Fish Rock, and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor.