If you want to experience the joy of vacationing in the Maldives without actually going there, indulge in the best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar. From snorkeling to scuba diving; from trekking to bird watching; from swimming in the crystalline blue waters to enjoying sea walking and glass bottom rides, you name it, Andaman Islands got you covered with everything! This Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal is a cluster of around 500+ islands, and out of them, only 37 are permanently inhabited by the human presence.
Like the Maldives, Andaman also has shimmering blue waters, swanky beach resorts that are their destination. You will definitely get a slice of Maldives in Andaman. Hard to believe? Check out the list of best activities to do in the Andaman Islands for your next vacay:
Here are the top 26 Things to Do in Andaman Nicobar Islands that you must visit
- Unfold the Reminiscences of the Freedom Fighters at Cellular Jail
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Marvel at the Limestone Caves
- Get Charmed by the Radhanagar Beach
- Discover Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Dive into the Marine World to Enjoy Scuba Diving
- Spend Time in Havelock’s Elephant Beach
- Try Sea Walking
- Put on Your Binoculars for Bird Watching Season
- Embark on Trekking
- Soul Searching at Chidiya Tapu
- Ride the Jet Ski
- Taste the Thrill of Snorkeling
- Go for Fishing/Angling
- Enjoy Glass Bottom Ride
- Hike to Saddle Peak National Park
- Shopping in Aberdeen Bazar
- Beach Nightout at Long Island
- Accumulate Seashell at Wandoor Beach
- Spot Entire Galaxies Right Under Your Feet at Havelock Island
- Walk Through the Natural Bridge at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Excursion to Parrot Island
- Explore the Twin Islands (Ross and Smith Island)
- Get Mesmerized by the Sea Shells at Kalapathar Beach
- Pay A Visit to Barren Island Plateau
- Tour the Sippighat Farm Near Port Blair
1. Unfold the Reminiscences of the Freedom Fighters at Cellular Jail
Narrating the poignant tale of the Indian history of Independence, Cellular Jail must be visited on your trip to Andaman. Known as Kala Pani, the brutal prison is now been transformed into a museum. Check out Freedom Fighters Photo and Exhibition Gallery, Library on Freedom Movement, Old Photographs Gallery and an eternal flame of Freedom-Swatantrya Jyot erected in memory of all freedom fighters and martyrs.
Do not miss the touching Light & Sound show. In a Peepal tree’s narration, voiced by the veteran actor Om Puri, hear the stories of the prisoners tortured to death in the jail.
- Best time to visit Cellular Jail: October to April
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday; 8:45 am – 12:30 pm & 1:45 pm – 5 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 10 for entry; additional costs of INR 25 & INR 100 respectively for cameras & video-cameras
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2. Explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
The Mahatma Gandhi National Park embodies the essence of Andaman. The rare ecosystem of the islands can be explored here. Though wrecked after the 2003 Tsunami, it has been restored and re-opened. Abundant species of the Bay of Bengal make their home in the national park. Rare species of flora, fauna and marine life are found here.
Get prior permission to visit the national park. Ferries are available to reach the park environs. One can go for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming in the Jolly Buoy Island or the Red Skin Island.
Best time to visit Mahatma Gandhi National Park: November to March
[ Know more about how to plan a trip to Andaman Nicobar ]
3. Marvel at the Limestone caves
The fascinating Limestone Caves of Baratang are nature’s rare beauty. Exploring the intriguing caves is one of the captivating things to do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Limestone is a sedentary rock originally formed at the bottom of the sea. Deposits of marine life, shells, skeletons and coral after a million years have created this unique spectacle.
Marvel at limestone deposits of many different hues, textures and degrees of purity. A common characteristic is that it gets easily dissolved by rainwater. In addition to the cave exploration, the ride in a speed boat to the cave is thrilling to experience.
Best time to visit Limestone Cave: November to March
4. Get Charmed by Radhanagar Beach
Visiting the Radhanagar beach in Havelock Island is one of the unmissable things to do in Andaman. The beautiful beach has been titled “Asia’s best beach” and the “7th best beach in the world” by Time Magazine. The silvery stretch of sand draws a lot of tourists and beach lovers.
Take a ferry to the island and then spend time on the beach. The extraordinary curve of white sand cerulean blue waters, lined by lush forest and palm trees is a postcard-perfect view. Sunbathe in the sands and marvel at the sunset or go in for a quick swim.
Best time to visit: October to May
Must Read: Sea Kart in Andaman
5. Discover Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Corbyn’s Cove is Andaman’s most coveted beach. The coconut-palm fringed beach is ideal for swimming and sun-basking. Tourist facilities like hotel, restaurant, bar, changing room, adventure water-sports are available here. The intriguing draw is the historical relics of Japanese Bunkers, seen en-route the beach. Situated right across this beach is Snake Island popular for scuba diving.
Tourists can enjoy delightful food at the Waves Restaurant & Beer Bar run by the Tourism department at reasonable rates. Spend time reveling in the blissful ambiance. The feel of Andaman’s thrilling beach remains in the cherished memories of tourists.
Best time to visit Corbyn’s Beach: October to May
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Exotic Andaman Nicobar Tour6. Dive into the Marine World to Enjoy Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Andaman is a unique lifetime experience. The waters surrounding the Andaman archipelago are unrivaled. It is the blessed habitat of one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. The unexploited coral reefs and breathtaking underwater marine life inspire travelers to try out scuba diving.
There are numerous scuba diving centers in Andaman from where you can get your PADI certificate. There are no pre-requisitions for the activity, even the knowledge of swimming is not needed. On your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not miss this one of the best water sports of the islands.
Best time to visit Scuba in Andaman: November to March
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7. Spend Time in Havelock’s Elephant Beach
Considered as one of the unique beaches in Andaman, Elephant Beach is untouched by commercialism. Situated at one isolated corner of Havelock Island, jetties or a short trek is the best way to reach. Popular for snorkeling, Elephant beach also has a vast population of Elephants.
It is blessed with some of the vibrant coral reefs in Andaman. The beach is just not known for its pristine beauty but also for its peaceful environs. Enjoy the gentle waves, walk on the silver sands dotted by bare trees and the vast horizon creating a sense of tranquility.
Best time to visit Elephant Beach: October to May
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Andaman Tour With Neil Island8. Try Sea-Walking
The Sea walking activity is an exciting adventure sport in the Andaman Islands. There is absolutely no experience required or the use of complicated equipment to handle. It is a golden opportunity to walk on the unspoiled seafloor enjoying a close-up view of the underwater world without any hassle. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most popular water sports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It’s perfectly safe as well because the instructors are constantly available. Also, you could keep your glasses or contact lenses. Dress up according to your comfort, there are no fixed costumes for this activity.
- Best time to visit for Sea Walking in Andaman Nicobar Island: October to May
- Costs- 3500- 4000 INR
Must Read: How to reach Andaman Nicobar Island
9. Put on Your Binoculars for Bird Watching Season
Andaman and Nicobar owing to its blessed location is a haven for a variety of birds. Home to over 240 species of birds, of which 18 are endemic, there are numerous beautiful creatures to spot. Andaman’s Bird Island or Chidiya Tapu is the best spot for bird-watching.
Blessed with forests, mangroves and plentiful species of birds, hear the constant chirruping and sights of birds found in every shape, size and color. Look out for parakeets, drongos, doves, eagles and many more birds that have made this island their home. Bring your binoculars and be quiet to get up close with them.
- Best time to visit Bird Watching in Andaman Nicobar Island: September to November and February to April.
Read more about Bird Watching in Andaman Nicobar Island
10. Embark on Trekking
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are blessed with the opportunity of exciting trekking. The unique topography offers the thrill to explore. Mount Harriet to Madhuban is an interesting wilderness trek of 16 Km. For the hardcore adventure lovers, Chidia Tapu to Kala Pahad (Black Mountain) is an exhilarating trail.
Trek through Havelock through mangrove mesh to reach the Elephant beach. Trekking from Baratang to the limestone caves is also amazing. At 732m Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman, and a thrilling trekking trail.
Best time to visit for Trekking in Andaman Nicobar Island: November to March.
11. Soul searching at the Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is one of the best places to enjoy fabulous sunset views in the Andaman. 40 km away from Port Blair, it is a beautiful place for soul searching. Known as “Sunset Point” and “Bird Island”, a visit to Chidiya Tapu is one of the unmissable things to do. The island is mostly famous for some of the most wonderful sunset views of the archipelago.
Nature appears to bear all her hidden charms during sunset. The beauty of the sun setting against the backdrop of the multi-hued sky will for long remain etched in your Andaman trip memories.
Best time to visit Chidiya Tapu in Andaman: October to May
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Andaman Tour With Taj12. Ride the Jet Ski
Jet Skiing is one of the best adrenalin water sports Andaman has to offer. Ride the ultimate machine on the gleaming blue waters of Andaman. Riding a Jet Ski features the wishes of every water lover. Experience the thrill alone or with an experienced pilot. The lagoons of Andaman are ideal for the sport.
There are many places on the islands where you can ride the Jet Ski. Every beach has its own watersport complex where you can find the required gear for your sport.
Best time to visit Jet Ski in Andaman: October to May
13. Taste the thrill of Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a water sport activity that has no limits of age or fitness level. Any trip to Andaman and Nicobar islands remains incomplete without a session of snorkeling. Gear up with the required mask and explore the underwater world. There are varieties of colorful fishes and various other marine species. Andaman offers the rarest varieties of corals.
Snorkeling can be carried out at most of the beaches in the Andaman Islands. The waters are very warm, calm and without currents, offering the perfect conditions for the sport. Havelock Island, Elephant Island, Neil Island and Corbyn’s Cove are the best places to go snorkeling.
Best time to visit Snorkeling in Andaman: October to May
14. Sport Fishing or Angling
Andaman offers world-class sport fishing and angling. Many varieties of fish call the pristine waters home. For the hardcore angler, the waters drop off 1000-2000 meters from the East and West coasts of the main islands.
Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Dorado are easily caught in Andaman waters. Andaman’s fishing communities follow a firm catch-and-release policy. This helps ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to test themselves against these magnificent fishes.
If game fishing is your scene, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are perhaps the last of the earth’s best environments still available.
Best time to visit FIshing and Angling in Andaman: November to March
15. Enjoy Glass Bottom Boating
A relaxing and thrilling thing to do in Andaman is glass-bottom boating. Boats with glass bottoms sail through the sea. You can board these boats and enjoy the views of the waters and the marine life. Fishes swim under the boat surfaces.
You can also spot undisturbed corals without even stepping in the water. Glass bottom boat rides can be boarded from Water Sports Complex to North Bay Coral Island or from Port Blair to Jolly Buoy Island.
Best time to visit Glass Bottom Boating: November to March
16. Hike to Saddle Peak National Park
You must hike the highest point of Andaman and Nicobar, Saddle Peak, at an elevation of 732 m (2,401 ft). A visit to Saddle Peak is one of the bucket list things to do in Andaman and Nicobar with friends.
It’s totally worth it because if you have shutterbugs in your travel clan, you will have good moments to capture unique flora and fauna. Saddle Peak National Park is a tropical forest setting, and you can reach its base point where the 3 hour (approx.) trek starts.
You must set the alarm early because the journey via traversing through the jungle is approximately 8 km, and you have to return before 4:30 PM.
Check your shutter speed game and capture the Andaman wild pig, Andaman hill myna, and Andaman imperial pigeon in their natural habitat. You and your friends have to obtain the permit from the base point at minimal costs.
- Entry Ticket to Saddle National Park (approx.) Per Person: INR 50 for foreigners, INR 25 for Indians, and INR 10 for children
- Gadget Charges: INR 10 for still camera, and INR 25 for video camera
- Best Time to Visit Saddle Peak National Park: October to March
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17. Shopping in Aberdeen Bazar
If you are looking to unlock the best activity in Andaman, become a shopping spree at Aberdeen Bazar. This shopping arena is located in the heart of the capital town, Port Blair. You will find cheap souvenirs like wood carvings, handicrafts, clothing.
Checking your bargaining skills at Aberdeen Bazar shops is one of the famous things to do in Andaman. Also, this is the place where budget-friendly hotels for backpackers are in abundance. Moreover, don’t forget to tickle your tastebuds with the street food of Aberdeen Bazaar.
Best Time to Visit: All the year-round
18. Beach Nightout at Long Island
Distanced 82 km from Port Blair and 85 kilometers from Havelock Island, Long Island is an unexplored tourist place to visit in Andaman. The only way to reach it is to board a ferry from the Port Blair and Havelock Island Jetty. The lush green forested vegetation, the chain of prismatic beaches like Blue Planet Beach, Lalaji Bay Beach make Long Island a must-visit place.
Plan a day trip to Long Island with your near or dear ones to try snorkeling and beach night out at the resorts that share its boundaries with the shimmering blue beaches. You can even rent scooters or motorbikes to explore the island at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
19. Accumulate Seashell at Wandoor Beach
Remember the good old days when people used to have hobbies instead of browsing social media? If you are resonating with us, then the seashell collection was one of the famous hobbies amongst kids and adults alike.
And when you are in Andaman, Wandoor Beach, a few km away from Port Blair, is a great place to have your hands on the same hobby. If you have kids with you, the beach is also a great place to take an evening stroll and watch the sunset with your loved one.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
20. Spot Entire Galaxies Right Under Your Feet at Havelock Island
Yes! We are talking about the bioluminescence phenomenon. Havelock Island in Andaman is a good place to experience bioluminescence on the new moon or no moon night. This strange phenomenon makes the waves ripple in blue light.
This unique phenomenon occurs from an algae bloom of plankton. If you are a couple or on honeymoon and looking to indulge in romantic things to do in Andaman, visit Havelock Island’s Elephant Beach for this activity.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
21. Walk Through the Natural Bridge at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Only open in low tide season, Natural Bridge at Shadeed Dweep, aka Neil Island, is called the Howrah Bridge of Andaman. It is a rock formation that is formed by repeated lashing waves over the years.
You must visit the Natural Bridge at Neil Island in quest of witnessing sunset with your near or dear ones. The best thing to do here in low tide is coming across fish and other marine creatures without scuba diving and snorkeling.
Imagine yourself gazing at the turquoise blue Andaman sea in the backdrop. This rock formation starts at Laxmanpur Beach number II in Neil Island, and the only way to get there is a rocky surface and dead corals. We strongly suggest you visit this place in Neil Island on a guided excursion to enjoy the best experiences.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
22. Excursion to Parrot Island
As the name suggests, Parrot Island is the native place for varieties of parrots. It is located near Bartang and is a small mangrove island.
You can reach here via jetty from Baratang Island within 30 minutes. If you and your holiday tribe belong to the shutterbug’s family, then capture the distinct breeds of the parrots at Parrot Island in the quest for top things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Island.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
23. Explore the Twin Islands (Ross and Smith Island)
These are the twin islands located in the north tip of the Andaman, where turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the holiday highlight. The best feature of Ross and Smith Island is they are two distinct islands connected by the natural sand bridge. If you want to witness the non-submerged sand bar for photography, visit during low tide season.
One can reach this twin-island via speedboat from Aerial Bay Jetty. Moreover, these two islands are unspoiled by mass tourism, and hence, you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and other watersports adventures.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
24. Get Mesmerized by the Sea Shells at Kalapathar Beach
Located on the eastern coast of Havelock Island, Kalapathar Beach is one of the lesser-explored beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Island. Hence, if you want to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, you must tickle your wanderlust here. Kalapathar Beach is backdropped by the lush green dense foliage. The stretch of sand is white, and the water here is aquamarine blue.
And the distinguishable feature? You will be mesmerized by the seashells at Kalapathar Beach at its seashore. On your trip to Radhanagar Beach, club Kalapathar Beach also is within 15 km, approximately from the blue flag coveted Radhanagar Beach.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
25. Pay A Visit to Barren Island Plateau
How about witnessing the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent? Does the idea tickle your wanderlust? If yes, then pay a visit to Barren Island Plateau by boarding a private ferry boat from Port Blair. There is no human inhabitation here, and hence, it is called Barren Island. As far as your eyes go, the back sand beaches here are the principal highlight.
Barren Island comes under a restricted zone, and hence, a permit is required to obtain. Alongside, you must start your trip early in the morning and return by 3 PM (approx.). There might not be interesting things to do at Barren Island, but the experience of visiting is itself a unique activity to do in Andaman.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
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26. Tour the Sippighat Farm Near Port Blair
Just an easy drive away from Port Blair, approximately within 15 kilometers, Sippighat Farm is an excellent place to brush up your knowledge about horticulture and agriculture. The Government of India owned these farms and allotted a distinct section of land for distinct farming of spices and medicinal plants.
You can learn the farming techniques that too with a live demonstration in pursuit of unique things to do in the Andaman holidays. Lastly, Sippighat Farm is a good place to visit with friends, family on the way to Wandoor Beach.
Best Time to Visit: October to March, April to June
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Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
This is great overview of andaman nicobar island.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Hey Dipti
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.
Wow these are some amazing things to do in Andamans, will surely try to cover them in my trip! 🙂
Hey Sharvi,
Thank you for your kind words. Hope you cover all the points mentioned on our blog on your trip. Will be glad to hear some of your experiencea. Till then, follow our blog for more posts.
Hey Debashree. Good list there. I think you missed a couple of cool things though – the Baratang mud volcanoes and the active volcano. Snorkelling around Barren Islands is also a great highlight. Andaman is also home to the edible nest swiftlets which are found in the limestone caves.
Wow glorious picture and blog.. Andaman is one of the most beautiful destination in India there is lot of things to do. and beaches i’m also planning to visit Andaman this year. thanks for sharing this post with us.