Andaman & Nicobar FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: Basically Andamans can be done throughout the year. Andaman seasons can be divided into two summers and monsoons. Andaman doesn’t witness the winter season. However, the best season to visit Andaman & Nicobar Island is considered between October to May.
Andaman & Nicobar in Summer(April-June):
It is the best time to visit Andaman. During summer you will see zero rainfall and less humidity.
Andaman & Nicobar in Monsoon(July – September):
You will receive rainfall twice from the monsoon from northeast monsoon and southeast monsoon.

Ans: There are limited places to shop in Andaman.  Here is a list of a few places to shop in Andaman market.
Market No. 3 & Market No. 2, Queen Seashell, Electrical Plaza, Aberdeen Bazaar, Sagarika Emporium and Central Plaza. 

Ans: 5 days are enough to see important places of Andaman but if you are a solo traveller and want to explore the whole area including offbeat places then it can expand up to 12 to 15 nights.

Ans: We will provide you, Swift Dzire and Innova for local sightseeing. We will take you by ferry and ship to go from one Island to another Island. You can take government-operated ferries that are more budgeted as compared to a private one.

Ans: Kolkata and Chennai are the nearest states of the Andaman Islands from where you can take direct flights and ferries to Andaman. Kolkata is located around 1,300 kms away from the Islands and Chennai is located 1,500 kms away from the Andaman Islands. It takes about 2 hours to reach by flight and approx 3 days by ship from Chennai and Kolkata.

Ans: There is only one airport in Andaman – Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. It is well connected to Chennai and Kolkata Airports, which in turn are connected by several daily flights to Port Blair. 

Ans: You can also reach Andaman Island by Ship, Which operates on fixed schedules from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.which is not very luxurious. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance. You can check the list of fixed schedules at the Andaman and Nicobar administration website. 

Ans: There is no direct railway connectivity to Andamans Island. But you can go by Chennai Central railway station which is the nearest railway station of Andaman Islands. You will have to take the flight from Chennai to reach the Andaman Islands. 

Ans: The Andaman Islands are one of the safest places to travel and live in the country. It gets good tourist inflow throughout the year. This place is also safe to travel alone at night due to its 0% crime and limited population. 

Ans: Yes? Andaman and Nicobar Islands are fully safe for women travellers. Tourism is the only way of living in the Islands. So, locals do not even try any kind of criminal activity. They are really supportive and friendly. Women are even safe to travel alone during the night. 

Ans: Pack your bag according to the current weather situation of Andaman Islands. As you know, there are no huge markets in Andaman. So it’s better to pack all the necessary things with you.
Carry necessary medications
The usual personal belongings along with cloths
If you want to drive then make sure you have the international driver license
Carry enough cash to pay for local services
Keep safe all the necessary documents including passport, credit cards and tickets.
Always keep a copy with you of all the documents.
Carry a water bottle with you to avoid the use of plastic on the island.
Keep Sunscreen to prevent your skin from sunburn.

And: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the hub of water-based adventure activities due to its huge beaches and islands. The people who want to experience luxury travel, they can enjoy a flight in a seaplane. Some of the best things to do in Andaman are –
Enjoy sea life with Scuba Diving
Try out underwater sea walking
Get the unique experience of the Andaman Islands by snorkelling
Attend Cellular Jail light and sound show
Witness the historical beauty of the island at Limestone caves.
Enjoy Glass bottom boating
Don’t forget to try Seaplane ride
Enjoy swimming with colourful fish
Witness Dolphin with the Dolphin Glass Bottom ride
Enjoy the sunset at Chidiya Tapu
Go for Barren Island Volcano Tour
Visit beautiful beaches of Andaman Islands
Get chance to see the rubber plantations
Go for the coastal ride of Kalapathar beach 

Ans: Port Blair:
It is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as the centre of attraction of the Islands. It offers a mix of different types of tourist attractions. Like- Cellular Jail, Japanese Bunkers, Chatham Saw Mill, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu and many more.
Havelock Islands:
Radhanagar beach is one of the most popular beaches in India. It is famous for Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and adventure activities.
Baratang Island:
It is famous for the Jarawa Tribe, Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, Parrot Island, Baludera Beach and many more.
Neil island:
It is famous for its coral reefs and white shores. The places you can visit over here are Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, Lakshmanpur Beach and Natural Bridge
Ross Island:
Ross islands are famous for the ruins of Penal colony. Places you can visit over here Ross Island Penal Colony, British Colony Ruins, Japanese bunkers, Barren Island and Forest Department Museum
The Great Nicobar Island :
The largest of the Nicobar Islands in India. It is known widely for its rainforest and it is also a part of the world biosphere reserve. You can visit here Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, Indira Point and Campbell Bay 

Ans: No! You should not drink tap water during the Andaman journey although it is provided by a municipal water treatment plant. But we strongly recommend using bottled water. The Andaman Islands relied on the many springs and streams for the drinking water. Andaman also follows recycling water bottled. So you can use that too. 

Ans: If you are physically fit and between the age of 10 years to 60 years then you are allowed to do Scuba diving. 

Ans: Elephanta Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Bharatpur beach, Lakshmanpur beach and Ross Island. 

Ans: There are only two waterfalls in Andaman. White Surf Waterfalls and Whisper wave Waterfall, both of them are located in Little Andaman. 

Ans: Middle Andaman Island is the biggest Island in Andaman. It covers1536 square kilometers. It is also a popular tourist attraction of Andaman islands. 

Ans: Yes, You will require a restricted area permit to enter Andaman Island. Because this area is protected by the Indian Navy and Army. 

And: During Day Time: Sister Island, Ross Island, Brother Island, Narcondam Island, Barren Island, Interview Island, Baratang Island, Ross and Smith Islands
For overnight Accommodation:
Middle Andaman Island, South Andaman Island, North Andaman Island, Long Island, Little Andaman, Havelock Island and Neil Island. 

Ans: If you are an Indian national then you don’t need any passport/visa/permission.
If you are a Foreign National then you will be required to have a valid passport with Indian Visa. Also, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) will be necessary for a foreign national.

Ans: The visas are obtained by the Indian missions, consulates and high commissions overseas. The validity of the visa can be within the range of 15 days to Six month period for tourists. 

Ans: Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal with a group of 572 Islands. It is one of the Indian union territories, which is around 1000 miles away from the Indian subcontinent. 

Ans: If you are taking flight from Kolkata/ Chennai, it will take approximately 2 hours and if you are choosing Delhi to take off then it will take approximately 5 hours to reach the Andaman Islands. Ships usually take 3 to 4 days to reach Island from Kolkata and Chennai.

Ans: Yes! Vegetarian food is easily available in the Island due to the inflow of tourists. But Andaman is known for its seafood. You can find lots of vegetarian restaurants in Port Blair. 

Ans: Due to a mix of different religions, Andaman is famous for almost all Indian festivals including Christmas, Christmas, New Year, Diwali, Eid and Easter.  The biggest festival of the Island is ‘Durga Pooja’. 

And: It is similar to other Indian states. It has a standard 220 volts. You can use both 3 round pins and two round pins. It is advisable to bring at least one travel adapter to avoid any mishappening.

Ans: Similar to Indian other states, Andaman has a large number of Hindus. Second large religion is followed over here – Christianity and then Islam. You can also see the presence of Sikhism and Buddhism over here. 

Ans: Yes! You can use credit cards to withdraw cash in the few places of Andaman.

Ans: Yes! International dialling is available in major ISTD booths and Hotels. To do an international call, you will have to dial 00 by using country code and area code with the phone number.

Ans: Internet connectivity is not good in the Andaman Islands. You will face very slow internet speed in the Andaman Islands. But Port Blair has better connectivity as compared to other islands of Andaman. We recommend BSNL Sim cards as it has good connectivity on the Islands. 

Ans: Andaman people are very simple and relaxed. It is a remote destination so local people are very casual over here. But be careful before choosing your swimming costumes. Andaman people are not used to seeing women in revealing places like other beach destinations. Also, it’s better to ask permission before taking photographs of local people. 

Ans: Andaman people are very simple and they are dependent on sea-food. This kind of activity is completely illegal in Andaman. There are severe penalties in drug cases. 

Ans: Yes! Postal Service is available in Andaman. But it is not regular and active. It’s better to use postal service in the mainland rather than the Island. 

Ans: Andaman nightlife is not very famous and active. It’s rare to find loud music, parties and disco in the Andaman Islands. However, Port Blair and other developed Islands hotels offer a bar. But you can find loud music and late-night parties during New Year and Christmas.

Ans: Yes! There are few alcohol brands like Black & White, Smirnoff, Black Label and Kingfisher beer are available on the Island. Other Indian liquor brands are restricted. Also, imported alcohol is limited on the Island.  

Ans: Yes! you can rent a motorbike in 
Havelock Island, Port Blair, Neil Island and Little Andaman Island. You can rent a car as well with the driver but a self driven can is not available. Motor Bikes will cost you between 500 INR to 800 INR per day. 

Ans: The food in Andaman is not expensive. Actually it depends on your selected restaurant. Street food will be cheaper than restaurant food. A good restaurant will cost you between 200INR to 500INR. If you are a budget traveller, you can go for local market food. And remember Seafood will be expensive as compared to mainland food due to high demand. 

Ans: No! Tourists are not allowed any kind of interaction with the Jarawas Tribe. And do not offer any kind of food or drink to the tribe. But you may see a few Jarawas while going to Baratang Island. 

Ans: Hindi is widely spoken in the Andaman Islands. However, due to a large number of tourist flow, Locals understand English as well. Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam are also another spoken language of the Islands. 

Ans: The G.B Pant hospital is the best hospital in Andaman which is located in capital city Port Blair. Either you can go for Primary Health Center( PHC ) for mild health problems. In case of Serious medical emergency, we advise you to fly to the mainland of India for better treatment. 

Ans: Port Blair has good ATM facility and 
Havelock Island has only 2 or 3 working ATMs. There is no ATM facility in other Islands of Andaman. So it’s better to carry enough cash while travelling to Andaman Islands. Because credit cards are not widely accepted in Andaman Islands.

Ans: Spring is the best season for taking up scuba diving. During this time you will witness good visibility and water quality. You should always avoid Scuba diving when it’s raining. 

Ans: The traditional food of Andaman is influence of the Hindu, Christan, Muslim and Sikh religion. That’s why traditional food is extremely strong over here with good spicy food. Seafood is extremely famous in Andaman islands especially fish dishes. Here is a list of some of the popular local dishes of Andaman – Fish Curry, Amritsari Kulcha, Chilli Curry, Macher Jhol, Coconut Prawn Curry, Tandoori fish, and  Barbeques 

Ans: The Andaman Islands are famous for Coconut drinks, Ornaments which are made of shells, wooden artifacts, Crafts which are made from Came, sparkling blue water, water based adventure activities, colourful coral reefs, White sand beaches and sea food. Andaman is also one of the best honeymoon destinations of India. 

Do’s
Follow traffic rules while driving
Always wear a helmet while riding 2 wheeler
Carry all the necessary documents like passport, permit and driving license
Use the dustbins for disposing your garbage and rubbish
Get permit for visiting national parks of the Islands
Be sensitive to the traditions of the locals
In case of foreign nationals, Apply permit before visiting the place 
Drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration
Take permit to shoot video or film
Don’ts
Do not stand on coral reefs 
Do not smoke in public
Do not use plastic 
Do not hunt animals on land and on sea 
Do not take pictures of tribes
Do not swim when you’re drunk
Do not enter in restricted areas around the Islands
Do wear swimwear on the beach because nudity is banned on all Andaman beaches