Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a string of more than 800 islands between the southern tip of Myanmar and the northern tip of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Most of the islands are only very tiny, covered by forest, surrounded by coral reefs and uninhabited. Only 31 of the islands are inhabited. They are the larger islands and their inhabitants mostly indigenous tribal people, although many Indians have moved there as well. The clear waters, white sandy beaches and coral reefs make that the islands are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Flights are available between the capital of Port Blair (officially Sri Vijaya Puram) on South Andaman and Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai on the Indian mainland. Various necessary permits are issued upon arrival. It is also possible to get there by boat, which will take about four days. In that case you will need to get the permits in advance.

Some places of interest on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include the Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, Forest Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Aquarium, Science Center and Carbyn's cove in Port Blair; Bharatpur, Lakshmanpur and Sitapur beaches in Shaheed Dweep; Elephant and Radhanagar beaches in Swaraj Dweep; Hudi tikri, Red, Bird and Bat islands, Amkunj beach near Rangat; Dhaninallah mangroves and Karmatang beach near Mayabunder; limestone caves and mud volcanoes near Diglipur; Craggy island and Ross & Smith islands and various national parks and protected sanctuaries.

Accommodation and restaurants are widely available on most of the inhabited islands.