5 Places you Must Visit in the Andamans

Arguably the most tourist-frequented place in the islands, your visit to Andaman is not complete until you have seen the famous Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Built by the British to house political prisoners in 1857, today it stands as a testament to India’s freedom struggle.

Visitors can look at the prison cells that belonged to veteran freedom fighters and walk through corridors that the jailers walked in. Also recommended is the famous sound and light show that takes places in the Cellular Jail every evening, with dramatic narrations of the jail’s events.

Timings: 9 am – 5 pm.

Closed on Mondays.

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Arguably the best beach in all of the Andaman Islands, the Radhanagar Beach has stunned each of its visitors with its soft sands and crystal clear waters. The sunrise and sunset views from here are to die for and the water is also very favorable for a swim at all times.

One cannot just swim but also picnic, sunbathe and take photographs here and no time spent on this beach can be too long. The beach has rightly been voted by major publications as one of the best in the world and should simply not be missed.

Timings: 4 am – 7 pm.

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A trip to Ross Island makes for an interesting journey to the past as it used to be the seat of power for the British in the islands. In its heyday, it was known as the Paris of the East but today, ruins from the bygone era welcome every tourist, along with several colorful birds and deer. Maintained by the navy, its new sound and light show has been garnering great reviews from tourists who have witnessed it.

Timings: 4 pm – 7 pm.

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Abundant and exotic marine life has to be one of the best things about the Andaman Islands. No visit to the island is complete without a glimpse of this magical underwater world and there are many ways to experience it. While diving and snorkeling are the most popular options, off-beat activities like glass bottom boat rides and sea walking are also possible.

The best part is you do not have to go out of your way to experience marine life on your Andaman trip as it can be arranged from Port Blair, Havelock or any of the other islands. One must definitely not miss this chance.

Read More: Port Blair, Havelock

Between December and March every year, thousands of sea turtles visit the Kalipur beach in Diglipur for the turtle nesting season. While nesting also happens in Mayabunder’s Karmatang beach, Kalipur is highly recommended. And if you are in Diglipur, you can also check out Ramanagar beach – another nesting hotspot. Which is one of the most amazing natural phenomena and a heartwarming sight.

In the nesting season, forest officials collect eggs laid by sea turtles and keep them in hatcheries, away from predators like birds and dogs. When these eggs have hatched, the baby turtles are all let back into the sea. You can both see the turtles laying eggs in the night and if lucky, even assist these workers by picking up baby turtles in your palm and leaving them on the shore, only to watch them scurrying into the ocean.

Read More: Kalipur Beach, Diglipur, Mayabunder, Karmatang Beach