Andaman Islands Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Andaman Islands. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

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Andaman Islands
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Andaman Islands, India, offer coral reefs, island beaches, rainforest, colonial history, diving, wildlife and boat journeys across the Bay of Bengal.

Archipelago of Forest and Sea

The Andaman Islands form the northern and central part of an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, between the Indian mainland and Myanmar. Their character is shaped by dense tropical rainforest, mangrove-lined creeks, sandy shores, coral reefs and warm, clear waters. The islands are not a single resort destination but a dispersed group with very different levels of access. Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly Port Blair, is the principal gateway and administrative centre, while Swaraj Dweep, formerly Havelock Island, and Shaheed Dweep, formerly Neil Island, are the best-known visitor bases for beaches, reef excursions and nature-focused holidays.
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Island Landscapes and Marine Life

Radhanagar Beach on Swaraj Dweep is the archipelago's most recognised strand, while Elephant Beach is associated with reef trips and water activities reached by boat or other organised arrangements. Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and the beaches around Shaheed Dweep offer further ways to experience coastal forest, islands and shallow marine habitats. Snorkelling and scuba diving are important attractions, although visibility, tides, weather and local regulations influence conditions. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and visitors should treat coral, nesting areas, mangroves and forest habitats with care.

History and Island Communities

The Andamans also carry a complex history. Sri Vijaya Puram is home to Cellular Jail, a former colonial penal settlement associated with Indian anti-colonial activists, while Ross Island, now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, preserves the remains of the British administrative headquarters. Indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge and Sentinelese, have deep histories in the islands; several communities live under legal protections and are not tourist attractions. The result is a destination where marine recreation, rainforest landscapes, layered colonial history and strict cultural sensitivities exist side by side.

When is the best time to visit Andaman Islands?

Best: December–February · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3031
February (best)3030
March3143
April32106
May32284
June32428
July32373
August32313
September32252
October32196
November31105
December (best)3052

Getting to and around Andaman Islands

How to get there

Most visitors arrive by air at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram, the principal transport gateway to the Andaman Islands, with connections from major Indian cities subject to airline schedules. Passenger ships from mainland ports such as Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam also serve the islands, but sea journeys are considerably longer and sailing arrangements should be checked in advance. Inter-island ferries connect Sri Vijaya Puram with established visitor destinations including Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, while access to smaller islands may be restricted, seasonal or unavailable to independent travellers. Entry requirements, identity documents and any applicable permissions should be confirmed before departure.

Transportation

Sri Vijaya Puram and the main visitor islands have roads, taxis, auto-rickshaws and local vehicle-hire options, but transport infrastructure becomes limited away from settled areas. Ferries are the practical link between the capital and the principal tourism islands, with journey times and availability affected by weather and operational changes. Roads on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep are useful for reaching beaches and villages, although visitors should not assume that every shoreline or attraction is connected by public transport. Boats for reef excursions and marine parks are normally arranged through authorised local operators, and access to protected islands or coastal areas may require permission.

Best attractions in Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands' principal attractions range from the heritage sites of Sri Vijaya Puram to beaches, forests and reefs across the settled visitor islands. Cellular Jail is the major historical sight in the capital, while the former colonial headquarters on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep retain atmospheric ruins and views across the harbour. Around Wandoor, the islands and coastal waters of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park provide access to protected marine landscapes through regulated excursions. Swaraj Dweep is known for Radhanagar Beach, the forested approach to Elephant Beach and a strong diving and snorkelling culture, while Shaheed Dweep offers beaches, shallow reef areas and compact island scenery. Chidiya Tapu, south of the capital, combines coastal forest with sunset views, and Baratang is associated with mangroves, limestone caves and mud-volcano landscapes reached through organised or regulated travel arrangements.

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Best landmarks in Andaman Islands

Cellular Jail in Sri Vijaya Puram is the Andamans' defining historic landmark, its surviving prison wings representing the colonial penal system and the imprisonment of Indian freedom fighters. Across the harbour, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep contains the remains of the former British administrative settlement on Ross Island, including abandoned colonial-era structures gradually being reclaimed by vegetation. Natural landmarks are equally central: Radhanagar Beach is a broad forest-backed shore on Swaraj Dweep, while Chidiya Tapu marks a scenic coastal area south of the capital. The limestone caves and mud-volcano formations of Baratang illustrate the geological variety of the wider island region, although access is regulated and travel arrangements are more involved. Coral reefs, mangrove creeks and forested islands within Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park form a protected marine landmark system rather than a single monument.

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Explore Andaman Islands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Andaman Islands

Dining in the Andaman Islands is concentrated in Sri Vijaya Puram and the principal visitor settlements of Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep rather than at remote beaches or protected natural sites. Menus commonly reflect Bengali, North Indian, South Indian and broader coastal Indian influences, with rice, fish, prawns, crab and coconut appearing where local supply and regulations permit. Vegetarian food is widely available, and cafés in tourism areas cater to visitors seeking simple breakfasts, seafood, Indian meals and familiar international dishes. In smaller villages, choices may be modest and meal times can depend on deliveries and electricity. Seafood should be sourced responsibly, and visitors should not assume that every restaurant serves locally caught produce. Farm shops, markets and small food outlets provide a more everyday view of island provisioning than resort-style dining.

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Best bars in Andaman Islands

Evening life in the Andaman Islands is generally quiet and informal rather than club-focused. Sri Vijaya Puram has the widest choice of restaurants, hotel bars and local evening venues, while Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep offer a relaxed holiday atmosphere around guesthouses, cafés and selected licensed establishments. Some accommodation areas may arrange occasional music, beach gatherings or cultural programmes, but these are not guaranteed and should never be treated as a permanent nightlife schedule. Alcohol licensing and service arrangements vary, particularly outside the capital, and public drinking or loud behaviour is inappropriate in villages and near religious or protected sites. In remote parts of the archipelago, evenings are shaped more by darkness, forest sounds and the sea than by commercial entertainment.

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Best nightclubs in Andaman Islands

Evening life in the Andaman Islands is generally quiet and informal rather than club-focused. Sri Vijaya Puram has the widest choice of restaurants, hotel bars and local evening venues, while Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep offer a relaxed holiday atmosphere around guesthouses, cafés and selected licensed establishments. Some accommodation areas may arrange occasional music, beach gatherings or cultural programmes, but these are not guaranteed and should never be treated as a permanent nightlife schedule. Alcohol licensing and service arrangements vary, particularly outside the capital, and public drinking or loud behaviour is inappropriate in villages and near religious or protected sites. In remote parts of the archipelago, evenings are shaped more by darkness, forest sounds and the sea than by commercial entertainment.

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Best shops in Andaman Islands

Shopping is modest and practical in the Andaman Islands, with the broadest choice in Sri Vijaya Puram and smaller ranges in the settled centres of Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Visitors may find shell-free souvenir crafts, locally made decorative items, textiles, bamboo or wood products, artwork and packaged island foods, but coral, shells and wildlife products should not be purchased or removed. Markets and small shops in the capital provide everyday provisions, while tourism settlements sell beachwear, basic equipment and gifts rather than supporting an extensive retail scene. Handicrafts associated with Indigenous communities require particular care: visitors should avoid products of doubtful origin and never seek items connected with protected peoples or restricted cultural material. Retail availability on outlying islands can be limited, so essential supplies are best obtained before leaving the capital.

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Andaman Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Indian rupee, written as INR or ₹. Cards and digital payments are increasingly useful in Sri Vijaya Puram and established visitor centres, but connectivity and acceptance can be less dependable on smaller islands or at informal local businesses. Cash should be carried for ferries, transport, small cafés, markets and incidental expenses, particularly when travelling beyond the capital. Cash machines are more readily found in larger settlements than in remote coastal areas, and visitors should not rely on being able to withdraw money immediately after arriving on an outlying island. Keep payment arrangements flexible during weather-related disruptions.
Safety
Island conditions can change quickly, with intense sun, tropical rain, rough seas and strong currents affecting beaches, boat journeys and outdoor plans. Follow lifeguard, marine-park and boat-crew instructions, and do not swim, snorkel or dive in areas where access is restricted or conditions are unsuitable. Coral, rocks, mangrove edges and forest paths can be uneven, while mobile coverage may be intermittent outside settled centres. Avoid touching marine life, keep a safe distance from wildlife and never approach Indigenous communities. Use licensed or properly organised operators for diving and boating, and check local advice before travelling between islands.
Emergency Situations
India's unified emergency number is 112; ambulance assistance can also be requested through 108 in many parts of the country. State clearly that the incident is in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and give the island, settlement, beach or landmark as precisely as possible. On remote shores or at sea, response times can be affected by distance, weather and communications, so carry essential medication, water and a charged phone when travelling away from towns. Serious medical needs may require transfer to Sri Vijaya Puram, where the territory's principal healthcare services are concentrated; travel insurance should account for remote-island evacuation limitations.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect beach, forest and marine-protection rules, use designated access routes and take litter back to an appropriate disposal point. Do not collect coral, shells or other marine life, stand on reefs, feed wildlife or leave plastic on beaches. Ask before photographing local people and never attempt contact with protected Indigenous communities or enter restricted territories. Keep clear of military and government installations, follow ferry and boat safety instructions, and observe local advice on alcohol, swimming and visiting religious sites. In villages and smaller settlements, modest dress, quiet behaviour and consideration for residents are appropriate.
Local Tips
Sri Vijaya Puram is the most practical base for Cellular Jail, nearby heritage sites and excursions towards Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu, while Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep suit visitors concentrating on beaches and reef activities. Build flexibility into any itinerary because ferry cancellations and monsoon weather can affect connections. Early and late daylight often provide more comfortable conditions for beach visits, though exact conditions vary by season. Confirm the current names used for renamed places when arranging transport, and check whether a marine excursion enters a protected area requiring regulated access.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloनमस्कार[Namaskar]
Goodbyeअलविदा[Alvida]
Yesहाँ[Haan]
Noनहीं[Nahi]
Please/You're welcomeकृपया[Kripaya]
Thank youधन्यवाद[Dhanyavaad]
Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए[Maaf kijiye]
How are you?आप कैसे हैं?[Aap kaise hain?]
Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?[Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?[Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया[Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाएं[Kripaya menu dikhayein]
I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता[Main maans nahi khaata]
Cheers!चियर्स![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूं[Kripaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!मदद![Madad!]
Go away!चले जाओ![Chale jao!]
Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ![Police ko bulao!]
Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ![Doctor ko bulao!]
I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ[Main kho gaya hoon]
I'm illमुझे बीमारी है[Mujhe bimari hai]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूंगा...[Main khareedna chahunga...]
I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ[Main bas dekh raha hoon]
How much is it?यह कितने का है?[Yeh kitne ka hai?]
That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है[Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?[Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?[Abhi kitne baje hain?]
It's one o'clockयह एक बजे का है[Yeh ek baje ka hai]
Half past (10)दस बजे तकिया गया है[Das baje takiya gaya hai]
Morningसुबह[Subah]
Afternoonदोपहर[Dopahar]
Eveningशाम[Shaam]
Yesterdayकल[Kal]
Todayआज[Aaj]
Tomorrowकल[Kal]
1एक[Ek]
2दो[Do]
3तीन[Teen]
4चार[Char]
5पाँच[Paanch]
6छह[Chhah]
7सात[Saath]
8आठ[Aath]
9नौ[Nau]
10दस[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?[...kahan hai?]
What's the address?पता क्या है?[Pata kya hai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?(नक्शे पर) मुझे दिखा सकते हैं?[(Nakshe par) Mujhe dikha sakte hain?]
When's the next (bus)?अगला (बस) कब है?[Agla (bus) kab hai?]
A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....के लिए)[Ek ticket (...ke liye)]

History of Andaman Islands

An Ancient Island World

The Andaman Islands are part of an island arc formed by complex geological processes at the meeting of tectonic plates in the eastern Indian Ocean. Their separated landmasses, forested interiors, coastal wetlands and surrounding reefs developed in relative isolation. Human history extends far beyond written records: the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese peoples have longstanding relationships with different parts of the archipelago. Their histories, languages and customary territories are distinct, and modern visitors encounter strict legal and ethical boundaries around access, photography and contact.

Early Maritime Connections

The islands occupied a position along maritime routes crossing the Bay of Bengal, although their dense forests, reefs and limited natural harbours made them difficult to control. European navigators recorded the Andamans from the age of oceanic exploration, while outside accounts often misunderstood or sensationalised their Indigenous inhabitants. In the eighteenth century, Danish attempts to establish a presence at the Nicobars formed part of a wider colonial interest in the island region, but the Andamans remained largely beyond sustained European settlement until the British established a penal colony.

The Penal Colony and Port Blair

After the uprising of 1857, the British established a penal settlement at Port Blair in 1858, using the remote islands to imprison convicts and political prisoners. The Cellular Jail was built between 1896 and 1906 as a major prison complex designed for solitary confinement. Its inmates included Indian freedom fighters, and the surviving buildings and museum spaces in present-day Sri Vijaya Puram preserve an important, often difficult chapter of colonial rule. Roads, administrative buildings and settlements also transformed parts of the surrounding landscape.

Japanese Occupation and the Freedom Struggle

Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands from 1942 until 1945 during the Second World War. The period brought military rule, hardship and disruption to the island population. In December 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose visited the islands, and the Indian National Army's association with the episode later shaped the renaming of Ross Island as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep and Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. These names sit alongside surviving colonial structures and the Cellular Jail, giving the capital area a layered political and military history.

From Union Territory to Protected Destination

After Indian independence, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a Union Territory, with Sri Vijaya Puram developing as its administrative and transport centre. Independence brought new settlement, infrastructure and connections with mainland India, while also increasing pressure on forests, coasts and Indigenous territories. Marine national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and other protected areas now shape access to many islands and reefs. Tourism has grown around beaches, diving and heritage, but conservation rules, restricted zones and the protection of Indigenous peoples remain fundamental to the islands' contemporary identity.

Andaman Islands in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Andaman Islands

Explore the Andaman Islands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Discover the Andaman Islands like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Plan, explore, and enjoy your trip with ease!

  • History of Andaman Islands and travel essentials
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine stepping foot on the pristine beaches of the Andaman Islands, India, with a reliable travel companion right in your pocket. Evendo is designed to help you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of this tropical paradise. From the iconic Cellular Jail to the serene Radhanagar Beach, Evendo provides detailed information, images, and local tips to enrich your travel experience.

Our app covers famous landmarks such as Havelock Island, Ross Island, and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Delve into the rich history of the Andaman Islands or savor local cuisine at renowned restaurants like Anju Coco and Lighthouse Residency. Whether you're looking to book a luxurious stay at a beachside hotel, find thrilling water activities, or discover unique shopping spots and vibrant nightclubs, Evendo has you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip. The app's user-friendly interface and 'Near me' feature help you navigate through the islands effortlessly, making sure you never miss out on anything exciting. Download Evendo now and transform your Andaman adventure into an unforgettable journey.

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