Andaman Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Islands, known as the island of blue water, are a land of green mountains floating like cotton on the horizon. This archipelago of silver sand and blue water was once known as Kalapani to the British. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are formed with 572 small and large islands located in the Bay of Bengal.

Andaman consists of some islands in the north and the capital of this part is Port Blair. And Nicobar is formed with the southern island, the capital of Nicobar is called Kar Nicobar. Andaman and Nicobar Islands' only international airport is located at Port Blair, the capital of Andaman. This small, tiny and beautiful airport is called Veer Savarkar Airport.

Apart from colorful fish in the open sea, coral water sports, the Andaman Islands have Barren Island, India's only living volcano, and Cellular Jail and Viper Island, a reminder of the freedom movement. Viper Island has a 14-story lighthouse. From the top of the lighthouse one can enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also visit Port Blair, the capital city of the islands. This beautiful and well-organized city is built around the sea and mountains.

One can visit Andaman's beautiful Ross Island, which was once known as the Paris of the East for its natural beauty and luxurious living facilities.

Radhanagar beach located on Havelock Island has been rated as the best beach in Asia in a Time magazine survey. There are blue waters, white sands, dense forests and dreamy ocean beaches with blue skies. 3 ships depart daily from Phoenix-Bay Jetty in Port Blair to Havelock. If necessary, you can contact: 03192-231794.

Andaman's Blue Island is famous for its living corals. This small island is sparsely populated so tourists can easily enjoy the beauty of corals and colorful fishes. Ships from Havelock to Neil Island depart daily at 3pm.

Long Island is a very popular place for tourists to see dolphins. And North Bay Island offers scuba diving and various water sports. Besides, if you have time, you can visit Kachal Island which is famous for its biodiversity and sea bathing.

November to March is the ideal time to visit Andaman Islands. All foreign tourists need special permission to enter Andaman. It is very easy to get this permission at Andaman Airport or Seaport. However, there are government restrictions on travel to Nicobar for general tourists.

It takes two hours to reach Andaman Island by air from Kolkata . It takes 4 days to go to Andaman by sea. Apart from Calcutta, there are services to Andaman by ship from Visakhapatnam and Chennai. There are 3 to 4 ships per month from Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair. And there is one ship a month from Visakhapatnam. So if you want to go from here, you have to collect tickets a month in advance.

Shipping Corporation of India Limited Office Address & Phone Number: Kolkata Office: Shipping House, 13 Strand Road, Kolkata-700001, Phone: 033-22482354, 22488013. Chennai-Office: Jawahar Building, Rajaji Sandai, Chennai-600001, Phone: 044-25231401. Mumbai Office: APK House, 5th Floor, Dinsa Wacha Road, Mumbai-400020, Phone: 022-22822101, 22823316. Port Blair Office: Aberdeen Bazar, Port-Blair-744101, Phone: 03192-233590/233916.

Andaman Islands has numerous hotels, guest houses and cottages of varying quality for overnight stay. But many budget hotels don't want to accommodate tourists. If you want to stay in a budget hotel here, you have to spend 500 to 700 rupees.

Some other essential information for traveling to Andaman Islands

Feature image: Standard.co.uk