Andaman: Islands, Marine Nature and History

Andaman offers a range of highlights for your trip: marine nature, mangroves, history and beaches. If you’re looking for hotels, you can start by considering which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay.

Marine Nature, Mangroves and Excursion Planning

Established in 1983, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is an important area for observing marine diversity. Authorized tour operators offer boat trips to Jolly Buoy Island in the park; check whether operators are available before planning your visit. Wandoor Beach lies about 25–30 km southwest of Sri Vijaya Puram and is the main access point to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

In Rangat, the Dhani Nallah Mangrove Nature Walkway is considered the longest mangrove nature trail of its kind in India. On Baratang Island, the mud volcano is a unique natural attraction in the Andaman Islands. This gives you a choice between a mangrove trail and a striking natural attraction.

A seven-day cycling adventure covering more than 315 km takes you through the scenic Andaman Islands. Route operations and logistics may change; check the details before planning.

History and Museums

Chatham Saw Mill is considered a major attraction and one of the oldest sawmills in Asia. On Chatham Island, the Forest Museum displays wooden artifacts and carvings, as well as information about the forest resources of the Andaman Islands. Samudrika Marine Museum showcases corals, shells, fish species, marine animals and artifacts from Indigenous groups.

Cellular Jail in Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly Port Blair, is considered a powerful symbol of India’s freedom struggle. The museums offer different perspectives: forest resources and woodcraft alongside marine life and artifacts from Indigenous groups.

Beaches and Island Activities

Natural Bridge on Shaheed Dweep (formerly Neil Island) is best explored at low tide, when marine life and rock formations are clearly visible. Sunset viewing is possible at Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island), which is known for its sunsets. Snorkeling is possible at Elephant Beach on the north coast of Swaraj Dweep.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Regional Context

In the wider destination of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park encompasses 15 large and small islands; the park’s landscape features include sandy beaches, mangrove-lined coves and tropical forests. In the wider destination of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mount Manipur, at 1,257 feet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The dense forests of Mount Manipur National Park are home to the Andaman wild pig, the Andaman hill myna and the Andaman imperial pigeon.

In the wider destination of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, was converted into a National Memorial and Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram. A sound and light show at Cellular Jail in Sri Vijayapuram depicts the history of India’s freedom struggle. The Anthropological Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram preserves tribal artifacts and offers insights into the ways of life of the Indigenous population. Sagarika Government Emporium in Sri Vijaya Puram displays shell jewelry and decorative items as examples of local craftsmanship.

In the wider destination of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, swimming and sunbathing are possible at Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island). There are safe, net-protected swimming areas with a gradually increasing water depth; towel rentals are limited. In addition to snorkeling, Elephant Beach offers sea walking, parasailing and underwater scooter rides. North Bay Island near Port Blair offers activities such as scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides.

In the wider destination of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karmatang Beach is a nesting site for the leatherback turtle, the largest sea turtle alive today; nesting activity is seasonal. The extensive rubber plantations of Wandoor offer insights into rubber cultivation. A permit from the Forest Department is required to visit the Limestone Caves; it can be obtained at Baratang Jetty before the boat trip.

Your choice can therefore be guided by the experiences you’re most interested in on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Port Blair

View the broader trip overview: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.