Andaman Islands
- India's Most Rewarding Island Escape

Andaman Islands. More Than Just a Beach Destination.

A Union Territory of India Sitting in the Heart of the Bay of Bengal

The Andaman Islands are a group of over 572 islands, islets and rocky outcrops located in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1400 kilometres from the Indian mainland. They form part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India.

Despite being part of India, the Andaman Islands feel like a world of their own. The landscape is dominated by dense tropical forests, pristine coastlines and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems found anywhere in Indian waters. The islands are home to a unique mix of indigenous tribes, settlers from mainland India and a small but significant population that ha called these islands home for generations.

The Andaman Islands. Remarkably Close. Surprisingly Different.

The Andaman Islands sit in the eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, stretching over 350 kilometres from north to south. They lie closer to Myanmar and Thailand than to the Indian mainland, which explains why the landscape, the marine life and the overall feel of these islands is so distinctly different from anything you would find in peninsular India.

Port Blair, the capital, is the only city in the islands and the gateway through which every traveler enters Andaman. From Port Blair, ferries and speedboats connect you to the other major islands including Havelock Island, Neil Island, Baratang Island and Little Andaman.

Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on the west and the Andaman Sea on the east, the waters around these islands carry remarkable clarity and support one of the richest marine ecosystems found in Indian waters. For Indian travelers this geography means one important thing. You are still in India but you are experiencing something that feels genuinely far from the ordinary.

A History That Runs Deeper Than the Ocean

The Andaman Islands carry a history that most first time visitors do not fully anticipate. These islands have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous tribal communities including the Jarawa, the Sentinelese, the Onge and the Great Andamanese who represent some of the oldest surviving populations anywhere on the planet.

The islands came under British colonial rule in the mid 1800s following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Port Blair was established as a penal settlement and the infamous Cellular Jail was built between 1896 and 1906. Indian freedom fighters and political prisoners including Veer Savarkar were exiled here far from the mainland in conditions that were deliberately harsh and isolating. The jail earned its dark nickname Kala Pani and today stands as one of India's most significant national memorials.

During the Second World War the Andaman Islands were occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945 adding another deeply significant chapter to an already layered history. The Japanese occupation left its own marks on the islands including at Chatham Saw Mill where a wartime bomb crater still exists today.

Visiting the historical sites of Andaman is not just sightseeing. It is a genuine encounter with some of the most important chapters in Indian history.

• Things to do in Andaman Islands

Andaman offers far more than beautiful beaches. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in some of India's finest waters, Sea walking, Kayaking through mangrove creeks, trekking through dense tropical forests, visiting historical landmarks in Port Blair, watching bioluminescent plankton light up the night waters and simply sitting on a quiet beach watching the sun go down. There is genuinely something here for every kind of traveler at every budget level.

Andaman travel tips worth knowing before you go

• Andaman rewards travelers who arrive prepared. Here are the most important things to know before you land in Port Blair.
• Andaman has two distinct seasons. October to May is ideal for travel with calm seas and clear skies. June to September brings heavy monsoon rains and rough seas which limit island access and water sports significantly.
• Carry all essential medicines with you. Quality medical facilities are available only in Port Blair. On outer islands medical support is basic and limited.
• Respect the tribal communities of Andaman. The Jarawa and Sentinelese tribes are protected by Indian law. Photography near tribal reserves is strictly prohibited and approaching these communities is illegal.

Ready to Explore Andaman Islands?

Talk to Our Local Experts. Plan with Confidence.

Now that you know what the Andaman Islands are truly about, the next step is planning a trip that does justice to everything these islands have to offer. At Andaman Vacations India we have been helping travelers plan and experience Andaman for over 25 years. Every itinerary we build comes from genuine local knowledge and a real understanding of what makes a great Andaman holiday.

Tell us your travel dates, group size and budget. We will take care of everything else.