The Andaman Islands, the southern jewel of India, draw loads of tourists each year with their spellbinding natural beauty, historical significance, and other beautiful aspects. This is THE PLACE where turquoise waters meet colonial history, coral reefs peacefully reside alongside dense tropical rainforests, and where every island seems to tell its own story. So, if you’ve been planning a wonderful getaway to this place, then this article is for you! Without waiting any further, let’s take you directly to our well-curated list of the best places to visit in Andama,n promising a lifetime of fun and memories.
Discover Our Comprehensive List Of The Best Places To Visit in Andaman: Excitement And Wonder Awaits
Below is a meticulously curated list of the best places to visit in the Andaman Islands, along with the necessary details. Let’s begin!
Cellular Jail
This place comes at the top of the list of the best places to visit in Andaman, standing as a silent witness to India’s struggle for independence. Cellular Jail, also known as the Kala Paani Jail, is etched deeply in history. The British built this colossal structure in 1906, where the great freedom fighters were held captive, isolating them from the mainland. The jail’s solitary confinement cells influenced its name, where each prisoner was kept alone in separate cells. Walking through its corridors today, you can almost feel the echoes of the horrific past. This was the place where countless freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Yogendra Shukla, endured unimaginable torture for the dream of India’s freedom.
- Timings: Open daily from ~9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, then 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Ideal Duration: Plan for ~1 hour for the museum and memorial, plus another ~1 hour for the acclaimed Light & Sound show in the evening
- Best Things to do:
- Guided tour of the historic prison
- Absorbing the painful legacy of the freedom struggle
- Attend the emotionally stirring evening Light & Sound show.
- Travel Tips:
- Visit in the morning when it’s less crowded
- Book Light & Sound show tickets early; pair with nearby Corbyn’s Cove Beach or Aberdeen Bazaar for a convenient half-day itinerary.
Radhanagar Beach
A surreal beach where time seems to stand still. Crowned as “Asia’s Best Beach” by Time Magazine, the Radhanagar Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Andaman Islands. This expansive beach is blanketed with clean white sand and a marvelous shoreline. The sunset at the Radhanagar Beach is something to vouch for! Families, couples, and solo travelers all find a sense of belonging here. This beach is perfect for relaxation and romantic escape.
- Timings: Open year-round; best visited between October/November and April/May
- Ideal Duration: 2–3 hours, enough for relaxing, strolling, and sunset watching
- Best Things to do:
- Swim, sunbathe, stroll on its soft white sands.
- Enjoy the spectacular sunset.
- Explore nearby trails or beaches.
- Photograph the Blue Flag–certified beauty.
- Travel Tips:
- Arrive in the afternoon to catch sunset; stay nearby to soak up the shoreline ambiance; this is one of the world’s cleanest and eco-managed beaches (Blue Flag).
Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair)
All the bird nd nature aficionados are welcome to the Chidiya Tapu in the Andaman Islands. This place is undoubtedly the best place to visit in Andaman and Nicobar in 5 days, where each second spent will be extraordinary. Known as the “Bird Island,” this spot is home to countless species of birds, parakeets, drongos, sea eagles, and many migratory varieties that fill the skies with color and song. For bird lovers and photographers, it feels like stepping into a natural aviary.
- Timings: Generally open daylight hours
- Ideal Duration: Allocate 2–3 hours (including travel)
- Best Things to do:
- Birdwatching (diverse endemic species),
- Enjoying sunset views over the sea and the surrounding scenery
- Travel Tips: Go in late afternoon to catch the sunset and more active birdlife; bring binoculars, water, and insect repellent.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is one of the best places to visit in the Andaman for water activities. Reaching this beach requires merely a 2 km trek through a dense jungle and offers a rewarding experience at the end. This gorgeous beach is the ultimate spot to try water-based activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, a glass-bottom boat ride, jet skiing, a banana boat ride, and a lot more! The vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and a dazzling skyline will set your mood like no other place. Elephant Beach in the Andaman is the place where adventure meets nature.
- Timings: Accessible by boat or by a ~2 km thrilling trek via the jungle
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours (excluding trek) is more than enough
- Best Things to do:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Sea walking
- Parasailing
- Banana boat rides
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Jet-skiing
- Travel Tips: Choose your access mode, boat for speed or trek for scenic immersion; mornings are quieter; book water sports in advance during peak season.
Kala Pathhar Beach
Kala Pathar Beach is one of the popular places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for its exquisite sunrise views. This paradisiacal beach lies on the eastern coast of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and spellsbind tourists with its simplicity and raw, natural beauty. The name of the beach is given due to its striking black rocks (“kala pathhar” in Hindi) that are scattered along its shoreline. This creates a perfect contrast to the white sands on the beach and the glowing turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal. The most amazing part is that you’ll spot an infinite array of colorful carbs crawling from the shore towards the jungle during the sunrise, creating a magical visual experience for visitors.
- Timings: No specific timings. It’s a natural, open-access spot.
- Ideal Duration: Spend 1 – 2 hours for sunrise or sunset and peaceful moments
- Best Things to do:
- Enjoy sunrise/sunset
- Wander its rocky coastline
- Relax away from crowds
- Travel Tips: Ideal for early risers or those seeking quiet time; bring a camera and enjoy solitude amidst natural beauty.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil Island is another stunning place to visit in the Andaman Islands, where slower, quieter, and more intimate natural settings can be felt. This beautiful island is accessible via ferry from Port Blair or Havelock, and is dotted with pristine beaches, each with its own unique character. Also known as Shaheed Dweep, this island is renowned for its laid-back vibes.
- Ideal Duration: Allow a full day (6 – 8 hours)
- Best Things to do:
- Visit beaches like Laxmanpur and Bharatpur for their coral reefs, white sand, stunning sunsets, and more.
- Observe sunsets and unique rock formations.
- Travel Tips: Start early; ferry tickets can sell out, book ahead; rent a bicycle or scooter to explore easily.
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Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
Located just a short ride away from Port Blair, Ross Island is another one of the most gorgeous places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 5 days. This island is relatively minor in size, but it has enormous historical significance. Once the administrative headquarters of the British, it was often called the “Paris of the East” for its well-planned avenues, grand churches, ballrooms, and gardens.
Today, these structures stand in the ruins, reclaimed by nature most dramatically. Visiting this island will be all about experiencing a walk through a living museum, where you’ll find remains of the Chief Commissioner’s house, barracks, bakery, and even a printing press. The most striking spect? These items will all be seen beautifully wrapped by the massive roots of ancient banyan trees.
- Timings: Boat-accessible from Port Blair. No specific timings.
- Ideal Duration: Spend 2–3 hours exploring ruins and history
- Best Things to do:
- Wander through British-era ruins turned jungle-archaeological park
- Learn colonial history.
- Travel Tips: Closed on Wednesdays. Therefore, plan your visit to this island accordingly.
Baratang Island
Do you know why Baratang is considered among the best places to visit in the Andaman? It’s the dense tropical forests, crossing creeks on ferries, and sometimes even spotting the indigenous Jarwa tribe from a safe distance along the way. The journey to this island is absolutely captivating, allowing tourists to experience something raw and breathtaking, such as distant glimpses of the Jarwa tribes. This is a less-crowded spot, where tourists can spend undisturbed and serene moments in nature.
- Ideal Duration: A full-day trip, often 12+ hours due to remote location and travel time
- Best Things to do:
- A boat ride through mangrove-lined creeks
- Explore limestone caves
- Eee mud volcanoes, a unique natural experience
- Travel Tips: Start before dawn; the road may be rough. Opt for a guided tour. Bring snacks, water, and waterproof gear.
North Bay Island
North Bay Island is another one of the most stunning places to visit in Andaman, where soft sandy stretches and dense greenery will truly mesmerize you. Sitting right next to the famous Ross Island, the North By Island is easily accessible and captivates visitors with its unique charm. The clear waters here offer the best opportunity for thrilling water adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. Also, the North Bay is famously featured on the Indian 20-rupee note, with the iconic lighthouse standing tall against the horizon.
- Ideal Duration: Short boat ride from Port Blair; plan 2–3 hours
- Best Things to do:
- Climbing up the lighthouse to capture the Island’s best views
- Sea walking
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Marine life view in clear waters
- Travel Tips: Closest island hopping option, great for half-day trips; book water sports early in peak season.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island comes among the top places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offering tourists a perfect seaside escape. This island is the most celebrated jewel of the Andaman Islands, named after the British general Sir Henry Havelock during colonial times. The spectacular natural charm of this island will definitely remind you of how nature looks in its purest form. The calm shoreline and plush greens will give you perfectly magical moments away from the noisy city life. To make the most of your visit to this Island, visit Radhanagar Beach, ranked as Asia’s best beach and renowned for its hypnotizing sunsets.
- Ideal Duration: Whole island stay (2–3 days ideal)
- Best Things to do:
- Beach-hopping (Radhanagar for sunset and Kalapathar for sunrise)
- Elephant for water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, birdwatching, water sports, and nightlife
- Travel Tips: Base yourself here for ease; book accommodations early in peak season; rent a motorbike or bicycle for easy commute.
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Jolly Buoy Island (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park)
Jolly Buoy Island is another one of the must-visit places in the Andaman, where magic truly resides. Lying approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Port Blair, this beautiful island is like a secret that remains to be fully discovered. Visiting this island is itself a charming experience as you will pass through dense green hills over turquoise waters. The water around the island is so transparent that you’ll be able to spot the colorful marine corals and darting schools of fish even before stepping into the sea.
- Ideal Duration: Boat access via Port Blair; half-day or full-day trip (4-6 hours)
- Best Things to Do:
- Fantastic snorkeling in a protected marine park, with clear waters and vibrant corals.
- Spot diverse species of fish, including clownfish weaving through anemones, and starfish resting lazily on the sea bed.
- Travel Tips: The island isn’t open on all days, and visits are restricted to designated days only. It’s advisable to book early, carry snorkeling gear, sun protection, water, and snacks for a hassle-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 2 places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The top two places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Cellular Jail (Port Blair) for a perfectly balanced experience. Enjoy the ocean views and watersports at Havelock Island and discover the breathtaking history of our freedom fighters at the Cellular Jail.
What are the best places to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar in 5 days?
In 5 days, you can make the most of your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here are the top places to include in your 5-day itinerary:
- Day 1 in Port Blair with a visit to the Cellular Jail and the Light & Sound Show
- Day 2 in Havelock Island with a visit to the Radhanagar Beach for spotting the most beautiful sunset and overnight stay.
- Day 3 in Havelock Island with a visit to Kalapathar for nature views and Elephant Beach for snorkeling and other thrilling water adventures.
- Day 4 in Neil Island to explore Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and the Natural Bridge.
- Day 5 in Ross & North Bay Islands + Departure, where you’ll explore a half-day trip to Ross Island to discover colonial ruins and North Bay for snorkeling and glass-bottom rides. Following this, return to Port Blair for evening departure.
What are the must-visit places in the Andaman for historical experiences?
The must-visit places in the Andaman for historical experience include Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) for colonial ruins, and Viper Island to explore the earliest prisons used by the British. Together, these sites hold immense historical significance, India’s struggle for independence, and the resilience of those brave souls who sacrificed their lives.
Are there any age restrictions for water sports at Elephant Beach?
Yes, there are age restrictions for the water sports at Elephant Beach in Havelock Island to ensure tourists’ utmost safety. Moderate exercises like Scuba Diving and Sea Walking require a minimum age of 10 years, and activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling are usually open to children above 6 to 8 years.
Ready for a perfect Andaman getaway? Why wait when you have the list of the top places to visit in Andaman ready by your side? Hurry and book now with JustWravel as the top tourist season is just around the corner.
Let us help you plan a vacation of your dreams and turn your Andaman getaway into an experience you’ll cherish forever.