Tuesday, February 4, 2020

16 Things You Can Do in Andaman Islands

So you've been thinking about going to the islands, but don't know where to start planning? Or what to do while there? I've got you covered in this post. Read on...

Start by fixing your dates. If you plan to explore more than one island, plan your vacation for at least 8 days if your budget allows it.

Then, get down to planning on which day you're going to visit which island. My family and I stayed in Port Blair (where the only airport in this island is) and Havelock Island so we divided our time between these two islands depending on the amount of activities in both the places.

Havelock is not a very big island, nor is there much to do there besides water activities, so I suggest not spending much time there. To look out for though is Elephant Beach, which has the clearest water I've ever seen in India. See for yourself...
  Clear waters on Elephant Beach

Connectivity: Internet connection all over the island is pretty poor so do your research and bookings well before you go there. Government ferries, which are the cheapest mode of transportation there to get from one island to another (Port Blair to Havelock, in my case), have to be booked (and can apparently only be booked) 2-4 days in advance. Do not get swayed by private cruise and ferry operators and guides who will tell you that there's no such option. 

Hotel bookings: As far as booking hotel rooms is concerned, do not book rooms via Oyo. They don't pay the hotels. Also, stay away from Booking.com because when we booked a room via the site/app for our last hotel stay in Port Blair we were told at the reception (and a Booking.com representative confirmed it) that the payment that was made was reversed and so we'd have to pay by cash. MakeMyTrip seems more reliable and the name was often spotted on the islands on cars meant for tourists.

Time constraints: Find out in advance before going to Andaman what time beaches, museums, etc. close so you can plan your time accordingly. Radhanagar Beach closes at 5 p.m. Kalapathar Beach at 2 p.m. If Ferar Beach is on your list of must-visit places, head straight for it as soon as you land on Neil Island as you won't get much time on the island. You'll have to rush back to your boat which will arrive as per schedule. Don't underestimate the importance of a watch even on vacation.

Getting around: Carry your license. It will be easier to get around on scooties in Havelock especially if you're staying in interior areas. Cycles are also given on rent here but be careful riding as some roads are very narrow. The roads leading to Golden Pebble, where we stayed, were very narrow. Transportation is easier to come by in Port Blair so no worries there. I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of the place's local map.

Things to do in Port Blair

1. Visit Ross Island



2. Visit the Anthropological museum

3. Explore Samudrika Marine Museum


4. Eat at Ananda restaurant (local restaurant in Aberdeen Market)

5. Eat at Anju Coco restro, one of the swankier places on the island

6. Visit the Cellular Jail

7. Drop by North Bay Island; go snorkeling and scuba diving here

The guides/boatsmen will tell you this is the only place for water activities such as these but don't be fooled. You can do the same on Havelock Island as well.

8. Visit the Science Centre

9. Shop for souvenirs on Corbyn's Cove Beach

Drink coconut water at Corbyns Cove. It costs only Rs.30.


10. Hang out at the Port Blair Park



11. Enjoy your time aboard a cruise liner while travelling from Port Blair to Havelock


Things to do on Havelock Island

12. Witness the beautiful sunrise at Kalapathar beach.

Be wary of the poisonous fish here. We were told not to swim or go in the water here because of this. 


13.Eat at Squid Seafood restaurant in the local market

14. Get wet in the sea at Radhanagar Beach, considered one of the best beaches in Asia.

Witness the sunset at this beach. Go early; the sun sets as early as 4 p.m. in Andaman.


15. Enjoy the view of the marine life through a glass bottomed boat on Elephant Beach


16. Go snorkeling and scuba diving on Elephant Beach, if you haven't already

We were told Havelock is the best place not only in Andaman, but the best place in India to do scuba diving. That said, be wary that if you have any issues mentioned on the checklist by PADI authority, you won't be able to scuba dive. Also, if you're over a certain age you can't snorkel here.

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