Top 11 Places to Visit in Andaman | 2026
Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit in the Bay of Bengal and are part of India. The islands are a mix of beach time, short day trips, and a few places that show important history. People visit for calm beaches, boat rides, and a slower pace that works well for families, couples, and solo travellers. Many visitors return because the islands let you relax without noisy crowds or long city traffic.
This guide helps you understand what each of the well known places offers before you decide how long to stay and where to spend your money. Every location has something different. Some are better for sunset, some for water fun, and some for history. By reading these sections, you will get a simple idea of which places match your travel mood, so you do not feel lost later.
Quick notes
Weather stays better for trips from October to March.
Ferry bookings, permits, and travel time can slow your day down, so book in advance.
Carry some cash because small shops may not accept online payments.
Radhanagar Beach
Radhanagar Beach is on Havelock Island, officially called Swaraj Dweep. It is one of the most visited beaches in the islands and is known for wide sandy shorelines and calm waters close to the beach. The beach is long enough to walk without feeling crowded, and many people stay until evening to watch the sunset. Radhanagar has also received international recognition for cleanliness and safety standards.
Location and how to reach
On the western side of Havelock Island, about 12 kilometres from the island jetty.
Reachable by local transport, taxis, or rented scooters from the island jetty. You can go by Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island.
Best activities to do at Radhanagar
Swimming in the safe, shallow areas near the shore.
Long beach walks and plain relaxation on the sand.
Sunset viewing; arrive at least an hour before sunset to get a good spot.
Photography and casual picnic time on the shore.
Practical points
Blue Flag and cleanliness focus: local management follows rules for safety and waste control.
If you want full water sports like guided snorkel or scuba sessions, those are commonly run from nearby activity points such as Elephant Beach rather than right on Radhanagar.
2. Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the most popular islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group. It is officially called Swaraj Dweep and is part of the South Andaman district of India. It sits about 40–57 kilometres northeast of Port Blair, and most visitors reach it by ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island, which usually takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours on the boat.
Many travellers include Havelock Island early in their trip because it has several well known beaches and water activity options that suit different budgets and interests. Staying two to three nights here gives you time to enjoy the island without rushing from place to place.
Best activities to do in Havelock Island
Visit key beaches: Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar and Vijaynagar Beach are all good stops to walk, swim and spend time by the water.
Scuba diving: Certified guides and dive shops offer beginner to advanced dives to see sea life below the surface.
Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides: Great way to view marine life without deep water skills.
Kayaking through mangrove areas: A slower pace water activity that lets you see different vegetation and birds.
Jet skiing and banana boat rides: Fast paced fun on the water for those who like speed and movement.
Havelock Island also has small food stalls and local places that serve seafood and snacks, so you will not go hungry while seeing the main spots. Nightlife is limited but there are a few bars and cafes if you want a casual drink after a day of activities.
Travel tip
It’s good to book andaman ferry and any activity slots in advance, especially in the busy season, because options can fill up.
3. Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy Island is a small protected island in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and is near Wandoor Beach, which is about 25 to 30 kilometres from Port Blair town. To reach it, most visitors travel by road from Port Blair to Wandoor, then book private boat to Jolly Buoy Island from the Wandoor jetty. The boat ride usually takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
This island is open for visitors only part of the year, typically from November to April, to help manage the environment. It is closed for several months so the marine area can recover, and when it is closed, some tours take people to Red Skin Island instead.
Best activities to do at Jolly Buoy Island
Snorkelling: Many visitors take part in guided snorkel sessions to see fish and sea life close to the shoreline.
Swimming near shore: The water near the beach is calm enough for most visitors to swim safely.
Beach time: Many people bring a snack and sit on the shore before heading back in the afternoon.
You cannot stay overnight on the island because it does not have any lodging. Most trips start early in the morning and return before mid-afternoon. Permits are required before boarding the boat, and tickets often include the permit cost.
Practical points
Location: Part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, South Andaman.
Best time to visit: Usually from November through April when weather is calm.
No shops on the island, so carry water and snacks.
4. Neil Island
Neil Island is officially called Shaheed Dweep and sits about 37 km from Port Blair in the Bay of Bengal. You reach it by ferry from Port Blair or from Havelock Island. Because the island is fairly flat and small, it’s easy to walk or cycle around, and many visitors prefer to spend a couple of days here rather than rush through in a few hours. It’s quieter than Havelock and gives a relaxed feel without big crowds.
The people who live here are mainly involved in farming and fishing, which means the local lifestyle feels simple and welcoming. If you have extra time on your trip, staying two nights or more lets you enjoy the pace and cover the main spots at a calm speed.
Best activities to do on Neil Island
Visit beaches: Laxmanpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and Bharatpur Beach are all popular for relaxed walking and sea time.
Natural Bridge: See the natural rock formation near Laxmanpur Beach that formed over years.
Cycling around the island: The flat roads make cycles or mopeds easy to use for getting around.
Snorkelling and scuba diving: Available at some spots, letting you see sea life up close.
Sunrise and sunset watching: Sitapur Beach for sunrise and Laxmanpur for sunset are crowd favourites.
Getting around the island is straightforward, and local transport like autos and rental bikes are available near the jetty. If you want to feel like you slowed down and saw a quieter side of the islands, Neil Island fits well into a longer itinerary.
5. Cellular Jail
The Jail sits in Port Blair at Atlanta Point and is one of the most important heritage sites in the Andaman Islands. Built by the British between 1896 and 1906, it was used to keep Indian freedom fighters in isolation during colonial rule, far from the mainland. Today it stands as a National Memorial remembering those sacrifices.
Many visitors include it early in their trip because it’s easy to reach from most hotels in Port Blair and gives important context to India’s history with freedom struggle. You can walk through parts of the original building and see how cells were arranged and the conditions prisoners faced. A small museum and photo display help explain the story further.
Best activities to do at Cellular Jail
Walk through history: See the old prison wings and imagine the conditions freedom fighters faced.
Visit the museum and displays: Exhibits include photos and objects that tell the story of the jail and its inmates.
Light and sound show in the evening: This is a scheduled show with narration and lighting that explains the history and sacrifices. Tickets are available for Hindi and English shows at set times.
Photography: The structure has strong lines and old walls that make for good pictures if you like capturing history and buildings.
Location and practical notes
About 2 km from the main town centre of Port Blair and easy to reach by taxi, auto or bike.
The Light & Sound Show runs in the evening, usually after 5 pm, and you may need to book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Visiting the Cellular Jail is not just a stop on a list. It gives you a reminder of the past struggles and makes India’s freedom history feel real and personal.
6. Ross Island
Ross Island, now officially called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, sits about 3 kilometres east of Port Blair in the South Andaman district. It was once the main administrative centre for the British in the islands and later saw occupation by Japanese forces during World War II. The result is a mix of history and open grounds with old structures that let you really see how life was during those times. You reach Ross Island by a short ferry ride from Port Blair’s Water Sports Complex or Aberdeen Jetty. The boats take about 10 to 15 minutes, making it an easy half-day trip.
This place is easy to walk around because it is small, and many travellers enjoy seeing the remains of the old buildings, such as the church ruins, bakery areas, and other British-era constructions. Trees and plants have grown around most spots, giving the feel of history meeting nature.
Best activities to do at Ross Island
Walk the historical ruins: See old church remains, bakery, office areas, and other structures built during British rule.
Meet the friendly wildlife: Deer, peacocks, and small animals roam freely around the island and are easy to spot.
Photography: The mix of old buildings and open spaces gives good photo opportunities.
Light and sound show (optional): In the evening you can watch a show that explains the island’s story through lights and narration.
Short nature walk: Paths around the island make a calm walk with greenery and sea air.
Practical points
Ferries usually run from early morning and return before evening, so check local timings.
There is a small entry fee and ticket for the boat.
Night stays are not allowed; everyone leaves before sunset.
Ross Island is a good addition if you want a short historical stop during your Andaman trip that is easy to reach and feels different from normal beach spots.
7. Baratang Island
Baratang Island is located about 100 kilometres north of Port Blair and is part of the route between South Andaman and Middle Andaman districts. It is known for its limestone caves, mud volcanoes, mangrove forests, and unique boat journeys through narrow waterways. Most visitors make this a full-day trip from Port Blair because the travel time by road and boat takes several hours.
The journey alone feels different from other island experiences because you travel through dense forests and mangrove creeks before reaching the caves and other attractions. Local guides and organised tours help with permits and transport since parts of the route need entry passes.
Best activities to do at Baratang Island
Boat ride through mangrove creeks: The narrow waterways feel like a small adventure before you reach the caves.
Limestone caves visit: You walk a short distance after the boat ride to see the natural cave formations that formed over millions of years.
Mud volcano observation: This is one of the few spots in India where you can see natural mud craters releasing mud and gases.
Bird watching and nature moments: The area around the boat route and caves is good for bird watching and seeing quieter natural spots.
Practical points
The trip is usually very early start and long day because of travel time from Port Blair.
Road convoy or guided tours may be required, especially through tribal reserve areas.
Bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes since many parts involve walking and boat rides.
Baratang Island is worth it if you want a different kind of day in Andaman that is not just about beaches but also involves nature navigation, rock formations, and a longer travel experience.
8. North Bay and Coral Island
North Bay and Coral Island are two popular spots very close to Port Blair, making them one of the easiest day trips to start with. North Bay is just a short boat ride from Port Blair Jetty (about 20 minutes) and Coral Island is reached after another short boat ride. Many visitors go to both places in a single trip because they are near each other and easily accessible. (andamantourism.org)
These islands are well known for water activities that suit people of all ages. Local operators at the jetty help with tour packages that include transfers and activity options in one ticket. If you are visiting for a few days and want a simple water experience without heavy planning, this combo trip works well with other stops such as Cellular Jail or Ross Island on the same day.
Best activities to do at North Bay and Coral Island
Glass-bottom boat rides: See fish and underwater life from the boat without getting into deep water.
Snorkelling: Guided snorkel sessions give you a safe view of sea life off the shallow reef areas.
Jet skiing: A faster paced water ride for thrill seekers.
Swimming near the designated spots: Calm water near the reef makes it easier to swim if you know your limits.
Beach walk and seating: Both spots have small sandy areas to sit, relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Practical points
Boats usually leave from Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair in the morning and return in the afternoon.
Wear coral-safe sunscreen and bring towels as shops on these islands are limited.
Tickets often combine the boat ride and activities, so check combo options to save money.
North Bay and Coral Island trips are ideal when you want a water-related day that is easy to organise and does not take a full ferry-based island hop.
9. Diglipur
Diglipur sits in the northern part of the Andaman Islands, and it is one of the larger towns in the region. It lies around 280 kilometres north of Port Blair and takes a longer journey by road or ferry to reach. Because of this distance, Diglipur is perfect for travellers who want to see a quieter side of the islands that is not part of the usual Port Blair to Havelock loop.
This area has a few places that stand out, especially Ross and Smith Islands, which are connected by a natural sandbar at low tide. Families often plan two or three nights here to make the travel time worth it, and local guides can help book time slots or transport between spots.
Best activities to do in Diglipur
Visit Ross and Smith Island: Walk on the sandbar when the tide is right and spend time at the beaches on both islands.
Turtle nesting sightings: If you visit between December and March, there is a chance to see turtles coming ashore to nest at night.
Waterfall visit: Kalipur Waterfall is a local scenic stop that many travelers enjoy in the daytime.
Local market walk: Diglipur town has simple shops and small eateries where you can meet locals and taste fresh fish dishes.
Bird watching and nature walk: The area has simple trails and spots to watch native birds and plants.
Practical points
Because Diglipur is far from Port Blair, it works best as a 2 to 3 day stay to make the travel time worthwhile.
Road journeys can be long, so plan stops and local transport before you go.
If you like quiet beaches and fewer crowds, the northern islands feel more relaxed than the southern group.
Diglipur gives you a different pace, connecting water, small town feel and natural spots that do not attract huge crowds. It’s a good choice for travellers who want to slow the schedule and stay longer at fewer places.
10. Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is located around 25 kilometres from Port Blair and is easy to reach by road using taxis, rented bikes or autos. It is well known for calm evenings and open sea views. Many visitors go here mainly for sunset because the view from the shore feels wide and clear. The area is surrounded by forest cover, and the beach here is rocky in some parts, so people usually sit on the shore or walk near the water instead of swimming.
Most travellers visit Chidiya Tapu as a short half-day trip from Port Blair. If you reach a bit early, you can walk around the beach area before settling in for sunset. There is a small trail called the Chidiya Tapu Nature Trail, and some visitors walk it for a quiet look at the surroundings.
Best activities to do at Chidiya Tapu
Sunset viewing: The main reason most people visit; reach at least one hour before sunset for a good place to sit.
Simple nature walk: Short trail walks give a nice break from busy spots.
Photography: Many travellers enjoy taking pictures of the rocky shore and evening colours.
Bird spotting: The name itself comes from the birds seen in the area, especially early morning or late afternoon.
Practical points
Shops are limited near the beach, so bring drinking water or snacks.
Evenings can get crowded, so early arrival gives a calmer experience.
Swimming is not a main activity here due to rocks and uneven ground.
Chidiya Tapu fits well when you want a short trip near Port Blair that gives you a break, some photos, and a relaxed end to the day.
11. Barren Island (Volcano View)
Barren Island is located about 138 kilometres northeast of Port Blair and is known for having India’s only active volcano. Visitors cannot step onto the island, but you can see it from a boat or cruise that goes close enough for viewing. Trips usually start early in the morning from Port Blair or from Havelock Island, depending on the operator. The journey takes several hours, which turns it into a full-day experience.
What makes this place special is the chance to see the dark volcanic slopes and ash deposits right from the sea. It is different from beaches and sightseeing because here the attraction is the natural formation itself. Since trips depend on weather, sea conditions and availability of boats, bookings should be made in advance.
Best activities to do at Barren Island
Boat viewing of the volcano: The main highlight where the boat circles near safe distance to view the crater and slopes.
Photography from the deck: Pictures of the volcano, coastline and sea look striking from the boat.
Relaxing on deck: Long hours on water let you enjoy sea breeze and calm views while travelling.
Practical points
There is no landing on the island, only viewing from the boat.
Trips depend heavily on weather, so options may change.
Food, snacks and water should be brought along since it is a long day at sea.
Strong sun protection helps during long exposure on deck.
Barren Island gives a different experience in Andaman because it shows nature’s power up close without needing any extra attractions around it.
Tips For Andaman Trip
Carry some cash because network and card machines may not work in smaller corners
Book Andaman ferry seats and water activity slots early, especially for Havelock
Bring light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for long hours outdoors
Keep a small day bag during island visits for snacks, towels and power bank
Respect timings at protected areas like Jolly Buoy since boats return early
Safety
Swim only in marked zones with lifeguards
Listen to crew instructions on boats/Ferry
Avoid touching sea life during water activities
These small steps help you enjoy Andaman fully without stress. Better planning keeps your days free for relaxing and happy memories.
Final Thoughts
Andaman is one of those places where you can slow down, enjoy the sea, and still feel like you experienced something meaningful. Whether you are visiting for beaches, short adventure days, or history that stays with you, these islands give you enough variety without confusing your plans. Each spot on this list adds something different, which is why travellers of all ages keep coming back.
A short trip works fine if you pick a few places and enjoy them properly. A longer trip gives you time to reach farther islands and see areas many tourists skip. What matters most is matching your days with what you enjoy. Once that is done, the rest of the trip feels smooth.
If you are ready to book, start with your travel dates and ferry options, then choose the places from this list that fit your trip style. With the right plan, your visit to Andaman will give you memories that stay long after the holiday ends.