WHAT LIES BEYOND THE PLACES TO VISIT IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR?
- India’s only active volcano: Check ✅
- Home to the world’s largest sea turtles: Check ✅
- Depicted on the Indian 20 Rupee note: Check✅
- Bioluminescent Waters: Check✅
- India’s Southernmost Tip: Check✅
- Bioluminescent Waters: Check✅
- On your Explurger Bucket List? Let us convince you to add them!
When people think of places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar, pristine beaches often come to mind. But look beyond the white sands, and you’ll find an archipelago steeped in history, brimming with adventure, and home to some of the rarest natural phenomenons on Earth. For sightseeing places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, we have everything from colonial ruins reclaimed by nature to seas that nest the world’s largest turtles. The islands have layers that few travelers take the time to explore. This blog is for real travelers like the ones you can find on the travel social app, Explurger; those who crave something more from their trip than just sunbathing.
Here are some of the most amazing places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2024 for the Ultimate Bucket List Experience!
Barren Island: India’s Only Active Volcano
One of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Barren Island, home to the only active volcano in India. This geological wonder last erupted in 2022. The island itself is uninhabited and visiting it is not allowed, but tourists can take boat trips around the island to witness the dramatic, smoking crater from a safe distance. For sightseeing places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this ranks at the top for us.
It is located 138 km from the capital Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair). The waters around Barren Island are considered one of the world’s premier scuba diving spots. Divers are drawn to its crystal-clear visibility, encounters with manta rays, fascinating basalt formations, lava flow topography, and rapidly growing coral gardens. While this dive site is remote, it is accessible via live-aboard ships or through scuba operators based on Swaraj Island.
The Cellular Jail (KAALA PANI): A Monument to India’s Freedom Struggle
The Cellular Jail in Port Blair is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar. Known as Kaala Pani (black water), this colonial-era prison was used by the British to exile Indian freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. Built around 1906, the jail’s architecture is unique, with seven wings radiating from a central tower, resembling the spokes of a wheel. Each cell was designed to keep prisoners in solitary confinement, with minimal contact with the outside world.
Today, the Cellular Jail is a National Memorial and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s independence. The light and sound show held in the evening is an emotional retelling of the brutal history of the jail and the resilience of the freedom fighters. The Cellular Jail is not just one of the sightseeing places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands but also an opportunity to reflect on the country’s past.
Visit the museum, the photo gallery, the library, Veer Savarkar’s cell, and take a look at the architecture that the Britishers designed to torture and maim our freedom fighters.
Baratang Island: Home to India’s Only Mud Volcanoes
Mud Volcanoes are rare geological phenomena that occur due to the release of gasses beneath the earth’s surface, causing mud to bubble up and form small mounds that occasionally erupt. Baratang is the only place in India where you can witness this rare natural occurrence.
Baratang Island is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, with stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Among its highlights are the fascinating limestone cave formations at Nayadera and the expansive mangrove-covered creeks. Tourists can take a boat from Nilambur Jetty to explore the caves, navigating through picturesque mangrove forests along the way. The 1.2 km walk to the caves reveals incredible stalactites and stalagmites, resembling natural chandeliers. Additionally, visitors can see India’s unique mud volcanoes, formed by natural gasses pushing mud to the surface. Baratang Island is indeed one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar for an unforgettable experience.
Ross Island: A Colonial Ghost Town Overtaken by Nature
Once the administrative headquarters of the British in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ross Island (now renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) is an eerie yet beautiful reminder of colonial times. The island was once a bustling hub of activity, complete with British bungalows, churches, and even a ballroom. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Ross Island, and you can find remnants of their bunkers, adding another layer of historical interest to the site.
However, after the Britishers were driven off and the island was abandoned, nature began to reclaim the structures and now we have added it to our Explurger Bucket List under hidden places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.
Today, Ross Island is a ghost town, with vines and trees enveloping the crumbling buildings. It’s a place where history and nature collide most spectacularly. Walking through the ruins feels like stepping back in time, and the island’s serene beauty adds to its haunting charm. It’s a reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors, as nature slowly reclaims what was once a symbol of colonial power.
Largest Sea Turtles in the World
to enjoy. You’ll find four types of turtles nesting in Andaman: Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green Turtle, and Olive Ridley. Notably, the Leatherback turtle saw its nesting almost double in 2018, showing signs of recovery since the 2004 tsunami. Undoubtedly, this phenomenon makes these islets one of the most attractive places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.
During nesting season, female turtles lay about 100 eggs on sandy beaches, and the hatchlings emerge after 45-90 days, racing to the ocean. To experience this, visit beaches like Aamkunj, Dhaninallah, or Karmatang between December and March, ensuring minimal disturbance and respecting their habitat for future generations.
The sight of a Leatherback Turtle emerging from the ocean to nest is a humbling experience, offering a rare connection to the marine world. The Andaman Islands’ efforts to conserve these endangered species make them a haven for wildlife lovers.
Indira Point: India’s Southernmost Tip
Few travelers venture to Indira Point, but those who do are rewarded with stunning views and a sense of standing at the southernmost tip of India. Located in the Nicobar Islands, this remote point is named after former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and marks the southern extremity of the country and one of the topmost places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar.
Indira Point was severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with parts of it submerged under the sea. Today, it remains a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by the tsunami, but also a symbol of the resilience of the region. Visiting Indira Point gives you a sense of geographical importance, standing at the edge of the country and gazing out into the vast Indian Ocean.
Exploring the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and history. Beyond the idyllic beaches and vibrant marine life, the islands are home to significant cultural and historical landmarks that tell stories of resilience and adventure. Hop on to Explurger, a travel social app that caters to real travelers and uncovers the best of travel experiences.
From witnessing the majestic nesting of sea turtles to wandering through the haunting ruins of Ross Island, every site provides a unique experience. As you plan your trip, consider visiting these extraordinary locations to enrich your understanding of the islands’ heritage and ecological diversity.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands promise a journey unlike any other, making them a must-visit on your travel itinerary.
Get Out – Get Social – embrace the adventure and uncover the hidden gems that await in this remarkable archipelago.
FAQ’s About Places To Visit in Andaman and Nicobar
How many days are enough for the Andaman Nicobar trip?
A 5 to 7-day trip is generally sufficient to explore the major attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Which month is best to visit Andaman?
The best time to visit Andaman is between December and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Which part of Andaman is best?
The North and Middle Andaman regions, including Havelock and Neil Islands, are often considered the best for beautiful beaches and water activities, while South Andaman offers historical sites and cultural experiences.