by The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal. They are about 687km from mainland India and have a total area of 8,281 square kms. The main islands are North and South Andaman, Middle Andaman and Little Andaman. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India formed on 1st November 1987 as per the Andaman and Nicobar Administration Act, 1987.
The major islands of the union territory are Ambora, Ranvirgan, Jaldoot, Car Nicobar and two small islands called Admiralty Island (D’Mor) and Havelock Island (K’Mor). The total population of the union territory is 975,572 which accounts for 0.72% of the country’s population.
Andaman in Summer (March – mid-May)
The hottest months in Andaman are between March and mid-May when the temperature varies from 25 °C to 45 °C. It goes on a higher note from May to early June but come the monsoon, the temperature comes down again.
Andaman in Winter (November – February)
In winter, although the temperature has a slight drop, it remains quite humid. The period between November and February is considered to be the low season for tourists as prices are much lower than other times of the year.
Andaman in Monsoon (mid-May – September)
The monsoon season in Andaman is a very interesting time to visit. There is heavy rainfall in this period and the wind is quite strong. The clear sky makes things much more enjoyable and one can see the full beauty of the islands.
Andaman Best Time To Visit
Andaman best time to visit is from April to May when the weather is dry and moderate though the sea temperature is slightly lower. The annual rainfall in Andaman ranges from 400 mm – 1300 mm.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Andaman
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Port Blair
Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is the hub of all that happens in the Andamans. It is also one of the most expensive areas to live in. The Bengali influence can be seen all over the city as its architecture and culture are closer to that of Calcutta rather than those of Andaman. Port Blair is a huge tourist attraction for many reason. There are numerous islands which you can visit by setting off from Port Blair and going down the east coast.
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Havelock Island
Havelock Island is a small island located in the Andaman Sea. The Island is known as K’Mor or Ceylon in the past. The place has an exotic charm and an atmosphere which is difficult to explain but more than welcoming to a new comer as it let you get lost in its beauty of nature.
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Neil island
Neil Island is a very small island located in the North Andaman Bay. The Island has natural white beaches and an untouched beach with sand so pure and soft that you will be tempted to lie down and get lost in it. You can have a walk on the beach of this island and enjoy swimming in the sea.
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North Bay Island
North Bay Island is a 20 minute boat ride away from Neil Island. The Island has an attractive lighthouse in the middle of it and looks quite natural from a distance. This island is a must to visit if you are planning for an adventurous swim in the sea on a day when the weather remains pleasant.
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Mount Harriet National Park
Mount Harriet National Park is one of the best places to visit in Andaman. The National Park is located on a hill between Cambridge Sound and Great Andamans Island. It is in fact the largest tropical rainforest in the world with an area of 1,120 square kms. The park has many interesting plants and animals to attract you to it, including Bamboo and Orchid trees which are quite unusual in this area of the world.
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Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu is an important island located in the North Andaman Bay. It was a French colony in the past and was renamed as Port Blair after the British conquered it. The place is known for its natural beauty which includes a large number of beaches, some of them with white sand so pure and soft that one cannot help but lie down on it. There are many attractions to visit on this island but the main attraction remains scuba diving.
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Panchavati Waterfalls
Panchavati Waterfalls is a waterfall located in the Andaman Islands. The water falls flows over a rock cliff and is considered to be one of the best waterfalls in the world. You can visit this place during rains when there is heavy rainfall.
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Grand Bassa Power Station
Grand Bassa Power Station is located on the northern side of Great Andaman Island and is made up of five power stations which produce an enormous amount of electricity.
Final Thoughts
Andaman Islands are well known for their pristine beaches. The sea is clear, which makes it look as though you are floating on a mirror. Andaman Islands are like heaven to scuba divers because of the abundance of coral reefs and underwater beauty. People visiting Andaman often use these islands as a base to visit nearby islands such as Port Blair. This small island offers you a taste of ancient Calcutta and is a worthwhile destination for the adventure seeker.
