Cellular Jail is a colonial prison, now transformed to a national memorial, situated on South Andaman Island. It was used by the British to detain political prisoners and freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement. A light and sound show is held every evening to showcase the history of the jail in the struggle for Indian independence.
Named as 'Asia's Best Beach' by TIME magazine, Radhanagar Beach is a must-visit beach in Havelock Island, known for its turquoise blue waters and white sand. Enjoy various beach activities, and don't forget to scuba dive to witness the vivid coral reefs marine life in Andaman's clear blue waters.
Set in the Bay of Bengal, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to exotic marine life, comprising over 15 islands in total. The park isn't accessible throughout the year and remains closed during monsoon season, so check ahead of time. Take a glass-bottomed boat ride to gaze at the island's coral reefs and marine life.
Get away from the beach with a visit to Baratang Island, known for its mud volcano and mangrove creeks. Travelers can take a speed boat ride through lush forest to Lime Stone caves and witness the natural wonders carved by the creeks over time. Note the cave may be closed and check ahead of time.
Ross Island is a former British administrative headquarters in Andaman, holding ruins of old buildings, a church, a cemetery, and a ballroom. Walk through history and explore the past through a guided tour, notable wildlife such as spotted deer, peacocks, and exotic birds can be seen here. Afterward, travel to the Anthropological Museum which exhibits the cultural heritage of Andamanese tribes like Jarawas, Sentinelese, and Onges.
Chatham Saw Mill is one of the oldest and functional sawmills in Asia. Learn about the processing of timber and the timber history and transport. Afterward, visit the Samudrika Marine Museum, which focuses on the marine diversity of the Andaman Islands. Examine different aquatic life species and understand the anatomy of marine creatures.
Most inter-island travels happen via ferry, from Port Blair to the Havelock Islands, Baratang Island, and Ross Island. Some people even take the helicopter service from Port Blair to Havelock Island for quick and easy travel. Renting a scooter or car is also a good way to explore the islands. The cost of travelling by the mentioned is fairly cheap, with ferries ranging from ₹400 – ₹800 and rentals ranging from ₹500 – ₹1200 a day.
If you have more time on your hands, plan a day trip to North Andaman, which is Rangat, or Little Andaman Island, which is remotely isolated with peaceful natural surroundings. All these trips may take an entire day. Cut the Anthropological Museum and Chatham Saw Mill in case of time constraints, although they hold valuable history.
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) is the sole airport of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated 2 km south of Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman. The airport connects you with the major cities of India such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. It's approximately 6 km away from the city centre with a travel time of around 15-25 minutes via taxi.