If you are imagining the white sandy beaches in the Emerald isles kissing the crystal clear cyan water then Pardon Me!!! You don’t have any other option other than the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar. These islands can even change your lewd mood to an adventurous one as they provide you a host of splosh-gosh pelagic activities. And then you are out in the heathen emerald world… and your Jove-dove-judo persona will seethe to a treasure trove perk just when you enter the battle history of the ill-reputed ‘Cellular Jail’, which is now a World Heritage site and a memorial to the prisoners (freedom-fighters) of the Indian Independence Movement.
The indigenous cultural life of the original inhabitants lacks having a halo of vehement apostasy. Some of the tribes have become extinct because of unregulated deforestation and few others, the Jawara and the Sentinelese, have spawned to be of knockdown-dragout nature to survive against the outside world and few having assimilated into the contemporary Indian society. The other inhabitants living in the heathen hone harmony are the Indians and immigrants of Myanmar and Sri Lanka. A treasure chest is simply waiting for you to be discovered in these mystic islands.
Amidst the sylvan ambience rejuvenate once again out from the wonky-wispy imagery and trail to the salmon shoal of coral reefs and adhere the colorful world of sprinkling hues including dolphins and varieties of turtles like The Green Sea Turtle, The Hawksbill Turtle, The leather Back Turtle and The Olive Ridley Turtle. If you are of sposh-gosh nature then you are just about to be entertained by jellyfishes and poisonous sea snakes like Laticauda colubrine and Sea Krait. These reptiles are the “Reel Life of Andaman”.
Extolled as “Asia’s Best Beach” in 2004 by the TIME Magazine, the Radhanagar Beach is one of the must visit beaches in Andaman that lies on the western coast of Havelock Island. The clean and composed ambiance, far from the tourist hum drum, with farseeing white and silky sand gleaming beneath the turquoise blue waters is a perfect beachscape to take those long walks at an ideal sunset brimming over the horizon. The Radhanagar Beach is also known for hosting underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving that lets the adventure seekers to explore the colourful marine world.
The unmatched and paradisaical beauty of the Ross and Smith island beach, which is a natural sandbar connecting the two lonely islands, is yet another unruffled beaches in Andaman… rolling up beach lovers from all over the world. The Ross and Smith Island beach is a few nautical miles from the Diglipur Jetty and one can enjoy boat rides on the crystal clear blue water tinged with green. It is a haven for leisure and adventure activities like sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
One of the popular beaches in Andaman, the Laxmanpur Beach, which is close to the Bharatpur Beach… is the perfect getaway on your trip to Andaman, as you are left with sufficient time and space to be on your own and enjoy the privacy even during the peak tourist season. The Laxmanpur Beach is comparatively longer and wider than Bharatpur Beach, hence ideal for a long and refreshing walk.
Another serene and spectacular beach in Andaman that is located in the western coast of Long Island and is well connected by regular ferries from Rangat, Middle Andaman, the Lalaji Bay Beach is a must-visit destination for the skinny-dippers. From Long Island jetty one need to hire a dunghi or walk for over an hour through a mangrove creek to reach the Lalaji Bay beach.
One of the least travelled beaches in Andaman, the Guitar Island beach is a long, narrow and creamy beach that can only be accessed from Long Island Jetty by dunghi. This beach is an ideal escape for couples looking for some privacy and seeking to build some impractical romantic ideals and attitudes.
Although it is one of the popular beaches in Andaman… the Wandoor Beach is still known for its scenic panorama that is ideal for swimming and coral sighting. Close to the Wandoor Beach… one can go for snorkeling and scuba diving at the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park that covers roughly 15 small nearby islands including Jolly Buoy, Boat, Alexandra, Red Skin, and Tarmugli and explore the beautiful coral world.
The Aamkunj beach in Rangat is one of the best eco-tourism destinations in India that is managed by the forest officials at Rangat under the guidance of the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer). Being one of the turtle nesting beaches in Andaman, the Aamkunj beach pulls in a large number of environmental enthusiasts. Close to the beach is the Eco Park that provides a friendly environment and is equipped with eco huts, trunk benches, log sofas, log teapoys and log stools.
The party animals will turn this dull beach wild and eventful. Yes! There is nothing much to explore at Karmatang Beach BUT if you are travelling to Andaman with a group of hippies then this beach must not be missed. Nonetheless… the Karmatang beach, unlike other beaches in Andaman, is a beautiful and clean beach with lush coastal vegetation and having several small huts. It is approximately a 30 minutes drive from Mayabunder.
The narrow and long Merk Bay beach is a place SOMEWHERE ELSE than other popular beaches in Andaman. Access to the Merk Bay beach is only possible by a dunghi from Long Island jetty is as enjoyable (during low tide) as it is hazardous (during bad weather condition). The Merk Bay beach lies in the North Passage Island, one of the uninhabited islands in Andaman, which is close to Strait Island (home to the Great Andamanese tribe,one of the indigenous tribes of India), Guitar Island and Long Island. It is also an ideal beach where one can go for scuba diving and snorkeling.
If you are one of the soul surfers then the Butler Bay beach in Little Andaman is a must visit for you; the beach can be accessed from Hut Bay. It is a fairly exposed beach with soft brown sand and dense greenery around and reef break that has fairly consistent surf. Further… activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are also possible at Butler Bay beach. It is a concave shaped beach; hence one can see the entire beach from any given point.
One of the sprawling white sand beaches in Andaman and close to the Alfred Caves… the Pathi Level Beach is a must visit place in Andaman for all travellers. Being an isolated beach, it is known for its abundant and unspoilt natural beauty and can be accessed by a dunghi from Kishorinagar via Ram Nagar beach.
The Casurina beach is yet another sprawling white sand beach in Diglipur and is a retreat for adventure freaks heading to climb the Saddle Peak, which is the highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Unlike other beaches in Andaman, the Lamiya Bay beach in Diglipur is little known to travellers and is layered with brown sand, rocks and dead corals. The environment of this beach builds an intense moment of solitude to travellers paying their visit. The Lamiya Bay beach can be reached via the same road that heads to Kalipur beach.
The Raman Bageecha beach leaps out from the dense grove making it an ideal beach to relax and enjoy the seizing ocean breeze and eye catching horizon. The beach can be accessed by foot after a few minutes’ drive from Rangat Jetty.
Close to Mayabunder, the Stewart Island beach is yet another isolated beach in Andaman in the midst of the uninhabited island. It can be accessed from Mayabunder Jetty and is recommended to start early in the morning and be back before sunset.
It is a small and marooned beach that is located in the uninhabited Avis Island, known for coconut plantation… some 30 minutes by boat ride from Mayabunder Jetty. The beach provides a serene atmosphere, and although it is not an ideal beach for swimming it still makes for a good excursion.
It is another popular beach in Andaman that is famed for coral viewing. Leisure travellers can hire a glass bottom boat for coral viewing and further adventure seekers may go for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to explore the coral world in details.
One of the closest beaches from Port Blair that is dipped in natural beauty, the Corbyn’s Cove beach is the most visited beaches in Andaman and is popular for several water sports and activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass bottom cruises. The beach, brimming with dense palm groves, is further arrayed with several restaurants and bars and there are several resorts… thus making it a whooping tourist hub in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Close to the beach is the famous Cellular Jail… one of the heritage attractions in Andaman that fleshes out the gore colonial era. On your visit to Corbyn’s Cove beach… don’t miss the colourful Snake Island nearby.
Not to be missed!!! A real feast for the travellers’ eyes… the natural Limestone Caves in Baratang Island is among the major tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The route to these caves passes through the Tribal reserves and a dense forest that is crisscrossed by several creeks… making it an exciting trail. If you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of a sun-bathing crocodile with its jaws wide open.
Covering approximately 282 square kilometers and dotted with 15 small islands, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is home to some of the endangered marine species including the sea turtles. Activities like scuba diving and snorkeling at the Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands respectively… allows tourists to explore the beautiful and colourful aquatic world. Further… a leisurely cruise on the glass bottom boats makes it an ideal way for children and elderly people to seek the beauty of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Islands like Tarmugli, which is the biggest island in the area; and Twins, an important breeding ground for turtles, are worth visiting on your trip to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.
Named after the third highest point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Harriet… the Mount Harriet National Park is known for its Andaman wild pigs, saltwater crocodiles, turtles, Tytler’s leaf warbler and robber crab. The park covers an area of approximately 47 square kilometers which is covered with a dense tropical moist montane forest.
Access to this reserve requires a permit from the government as the island is home to the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompen people. Nonetheless… the reserve covers a vast area of about 885 square kilometers providing shelter to many endemic animal, bird and plant species. Some of the major wildlife attractions are the Nicobar scrubfowl, the Edible-nest Swiftlet the Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque, saltwater crocodile, giant Leatherback Sea Turtle, Malayan box turtle, Nicobar tree shrew, reticulated python and the giant robber crab.
Teeming with tourists and aligned by a dense forest… the Kaala Pathar beach, like the Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Radhanagar Beach, is one of the best beaches in Andaman. The beach is comparatively small, yet the silvery sand and turquoise water make the place exquisite and idealistic for beach lovers.
It is one of the newly developed eco-tourism destinations in Andaman that houses eco guesthouses and one can indulge in several activities like elephant safaris, wilderness trail, rock climbing and angling. The Ray Hill thus allows you to explore the forest in detail, laying bare the beauty of nature and wilderness at its best.
A cruise along the Austin Creek is a must for environmental enthusiasts. The voyage through the evergreen mangrove fringed creek… lets the traveller to get acquainted with the exotic flora and fauna all around that includes several species of birds and crocodiles.
Home to the Nicobari Tribes and migrant Tamilians… Katchal Island is a must visit place on your tour to Andaman and Nicobar islands if you are an ardent traveller seeking to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous people. A visit to this island requires special permit from the government but if ever you get a chance, visit Katchal Island … the Katchal Island won’t let you down as it offers and eye-catching scenery, unspoiled nature, spine-chilling wilderness and indigenous lifestyle.
Built in between 1896 and 1906 by the British, the Cellular Jail was used to exile political prisoners during the struggle for India’s independence. Today it is a national memorial and is open for tourists.
If you are keen to know about the history of the indigenous people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands… then a visit to the Anthropological Museum is a must. The place houses several artifacts, models, and pictures exhibiting all the aspects of tribal life in detail.
Managed by the Indian Navy… the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum gives you a complete knowledge about the history and geography of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands along with beautiful corals and fishes.
The most famous temple in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sri Vetrimalai Murugan Temple in Port Blair represents the lost Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the major tourist attractions.
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