An Islander’s Perspective: 10 must visits in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Is a constellation of 572 Islands, Islets and Rocky outcrops in the Bay of Bengal makes up the Andaman & Nicobar Archipelago. The treacherous islands were known for the fearsome tribes and were once ruled by the Danes, Austrians,  Britons and the Japanese. The Islands came into limelight as Kalapani (Black Waters) when the Britons decided to build a jail to exile political prisoners during the struggle for independence. Soon, terrifying stories from Kalapani triggered fear in the heart of many Indians and was a battleground during the World War II. Though the fear slowly declined and the history long forgotten, the Islands gradually became a perfect gateway for people who are looking for an adventure with its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, limestone caves and volcanoes also add in occasional earthquakes 😛 (if you are lucky enough).

So, if or when you decide an Andaman getaway, Here’s the list of 10 places you must visit:

1.Ross Island

The island served as administrative headquarters of British during the Indian penal settlement.  The Island was planned for perfection with hospital, church, desalination plant, cemetery and a government house. while most of it had been destroyed over time the island still has the aura of the British empire and can send you back to that period.

St. Andrew’s Church at Ross Island

2. Cellular Jail

Built in 1906 and based on the architecture of separate system, the cellular jail is a massive three – storeyed structure with seven wings radiating from the central tower. Built to exile the political prisoners and revolutionaries during the fight for independence. When the Japanese invaded the islands during WWII, the british prisoners were kept in the cellular jail (now that’s definitely karma). Only three of the initial seven wings is present today with each cell having its own story to say. The Jail was declared as a National Memorial in 1979.

A wing of the Cellular jail

3. Mud Volcanoes of North Andaman

Baratang and North Andaman are the only places in India (discovered so far) with active mud volcanoes. Unlike Igneous volcanoes, a mud volcano erupts mud like substance, water and gas (mostly methane) through a geographical fault zone. In Baratang, only a single volcano is open for tourists (kinda disappointing) while in North Andaman, its a series of 18 or  more mud volcanoes with new ones popping out every other day on a small hill of Hathilevel village. If you are quiet enough, you might also see a herd of spotted dears on the hills as well.

An active Mud Volcano at Hathilevel, North Andaman

4. Ross & Smith Islands

A piece of paradise in the Andaman Sea. Ross & Smith Island are connected to each other by a sand bar which becomes visible during low tides. The white sand beach which literally sparkles during sunny days offer high wave actions in one side and calm blue waters on the other. The island is a 15mins boat ride from Aerial Bay, North Andaman. The Cinque Islands in the South Andaman group also share similar geological formation and are equally mesmerizing as the Ross & Smith. But, the Cinques being wildlife sanctuaries require a forest permit and  a charter boat.

The Cinque Island Sand bar

5. Havelock Island

The SCUBA Diving capital of India where adventure takes you underwater. you can either SCUBA dive, snorkel, walk on the sea floor or play it safe by just sitting on a glass bottom boat and enjoying the vivid marine life. If that’s not enough then ride a water scooter, go game fishing or swim with an elephant (Yes, you heard it right). If you are not the adventurous kind, then just relax on the beach side hammocks and read thy novel, listen to the birds sing and waves roar, watch the sunrise at Kalapather, Sunset in Radhanagar Beach and candlelight dinner on the beach.

SCUBA Diving at Andamans

6. Long Island

A dreamland away from the usual busy world which is tranquil and serene. An island having no tar road or vehicles, just a footpath for a small population and couple of donkeys. Lalaji Bay on the far side of the island is a stunning isolated beach that offers good snorkeling and sun basking; the nearby attractions include the Merk Bay Beach in the adjacent North Passage Island and the Mangrove safari at Yerrata, Middle Andaman.

Long Island: A Walk along the shores

7. Barren Island

An Island that breathes fire and erupts lava. The only active igneous volcano of India with its first recorded eruption dating back to 1787. The highest elevation of the island is 354 m with most of the volcano being underwater (2250 meters below sea level). The island has a large population of feral goats which adapted itself with the harsh conditions of the island after they were left in 1891 by a streamer (now that proves that As####es existed back then as well) . The surrounding water offers some of the most spectacular dives with black sands, sharks, rays and large fish aggregations. The Island is visited by Infiniti liveaboard and DiveIndia.

Barren Island (Picture Courtesy: Department of Tourism, A&N Islands)

8. Johnny’s Gorge

Johnny’s Gorge is the world down under. It is a small bed of rocky outcrop surrounded by sand in all direction at a depth of 30 m below sea level. Abode of the white tip sharks, the site is a haven for big fishes include large shoals of barracudas, snappers, fusiliers, trevallies, huge groupers, moray eels, sting rays with occasional sighting of manta rays and dolphins. The place will give you goosebumps (which strangely feels nice underwater!) and leave you awestruck. To dive here you must have an advance open water (AOW) diving license. If you are an AOW diver, then enjoy the dive, say HELLO to the sharks and thank me later.

A Shoal of Barracudas at Johnny’s Gorge

9. Little Andaman

It takes 6hrs to reach this isolated island in the south. Known for its high waves, the island will feed your appetite for surfing, just grab a board and ride the waves. The island has plenty of deserted beaches, couple of waterfalls, an elephant training facility and an elephant safari for tourist. The island is home to the aboriginal tribe, Onge.

A View from the South Bay Lighthouse

10. Great Nicobar Island

India’s final frontier, The Great Nicobar is the only island in entire Nicobar archipelago where Indians are allowed without a permit (limited areas). The entire island is a Biosphere reserve and is home to the aboriginal nomad tribe, Shompen. The Island is covered with dense rain forest with several rivers including Galathea, Dagmar & Alexandria. The coral reefs are in their pristine state and the beaches are the nesting grounds for four of the world’s seven species of sea turtles. Indira Point located in the island is the southernmost point of India.

Shastrinagar Beach: The last motorable village of India (Southern Point)