How to Travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Andaman and Nicobar Island is the beach destination in India and one of the eight union territories that sits in the East of India. Geographically, Andaman and Nicobar Island is an archipelago that sits in the midst of the Bay of Bengal.
From exotic white beaches surrounded by majestic coconut trees swaying along the coasts to coral reefs and an endless variety of flora and fauna, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the most mesmerising place in the world.
However, how to travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the blessed unspoiled beach destination in India?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a paradise for beach lovers, nature admires, adrenaline junkies, lackadaisical beachgoers, solo travellers, and honeymoon couples.
This blog covers your question related to Andaman and Nicobar Islands location ranging form
Where is Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ location?
How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Island?
Areas of Andaman and Nicobar Island
How to travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
How to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai or destination “X”?
So, keep reading to know more because Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a staunch follower of eco-tourism that aims to sustain and enhance natural beauty and natural resources.
Read: 9 Safe Places to Travel in India
Where is Andaman and Nicobar Islands Location?
Andaman is one of the secluded islands in the Indian subcontinent with a group of 325 islands while Nicobar is home to 24 islands. Andaman and Nicobar sits at the intersection of the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal with total of 572 islands out of which 38 islands are inhabited by people and jarwas.
If you are planning to explore Andaman and Nicobar you need to gain knowledge about its geography. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by a 150 km wide channel called Ten Degree Channel.
If you are normally booking your tickets to Andaman and Nicobar then by that you can explore the north, middle and south Andaman collectively called Greater Andaman. You can explore Interview Island, Ritchie’s Archipelago, Landfall Island, Sentinel Island, Rutland Island, and Little Island.
Remember, to visit Little Island in the south you need special permissions because it is separated by the Nicobar group of islands. Moreover, for Nicobar, you also need permission but if you get it then you can explore Car Nicobar, Nancowry and Great Nicobar.
So, I hope now you know where the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are on the map. Moreover, Andaman and Nicobar Islands share proximity to Myanmar and Indonesia. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands encompasses 8249 square kilometres out of which 8211 square kilometres is rural.
Read: The Guide: How to Travel with Dog in Train in India?
Best Time to Travel to Andaman Nicobar Island
To the most popular question “what is the best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island” the popular answer is from October to May (dry months). However, I would love to ask you “why should I visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands” and “what do I want”?
Andaman with its primaeval location enjoys a tropical type of climate hence you never need your woollen jackets and scarfs. The temperature varies from 22 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.
If you want to visit Andaman for good weather, choose the winter and summer months, October to May. During this period you can take part in water sports or take a driving course, ferry rides, and explore the tourist places. However, get prepared to see tourists all around.
If you want to visit Andaman for discounts and exploration, choose the monsoon months, June and July. During this time the seas became violent, fewer tourists and the hotel prices were cut down by 50%. Therefore, prepare yourself for an unexpected turn!
If you want to visit Andaman for a wedding, choose the summer months, February and March. These are the driest seasons with very few chances of rainfall. However, this is the peak time therefore mentally prepare to spend more on everything.
If you want to visit Andaman for bird watching, choose after the monsoon months, February to May. You will be amazed to know that Andaman is home to more than 280 migratory as well as endemic species of birds. Visit Farar Ganj, Sippi Ghat, Havelock, and Mount Harriet for bird spotting.
For all the backpackers and adventure seekers, welcome to Andaman and Nicobar from the month of end September to May end. The price won’t be too high, the weather and water will be pleasant and you will have tons of opportunities to explore.
Read: 9 Best Budget Travel Tips: How to Travel on a Budget?
How to Travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How to travel Andaman Nicobar?
How to reach Andaman Nicobar by flight?
How to reach Andaman Nicobar by ship?
How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Island? And,
How to travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
These are the most frequent asked questions asked by the tourists planning for the Andaman trip. For its spectacular and mysterious mangrove forests, and boundless fun Andaman and Nicobar is a famous tourist destination and it is accessible only through air and sea.
How to travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Reach Andaman by Flight
Flights are the most convenient way to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair has an airport called Veer Savarkar International Airport that allows airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet, and GoAir.
If you are from a foreign land you can fly directly to Port Blair as Veer Savarkar International Airport has an authorised immigration check post. The check post has entry into and exit from India with visas, tickets, and other travel documents for all passengers.
If you are an Indian national from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata then you get a direct flight to fly in or else connecting flights are available. Approximately, direct flights from these places take 2 – 2.5 hours to reach Port Blair.
After reaching Port Blair, you can take cruises or ships to reach any of the designated islands in Andaman. You do not have to worry about ships because they are available on a regular basis. However, remember to stick to the time and do not delay.
How to travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Reach Andaman by Ships
Yes, ship travel to Andaman is an option and many tourists opt for it. However, reaching Andaman by ship is time-consuming and energy draining. For a unique travelling experience reaching Andaman by ship is a perfect option.
Ships are available twice a month from Vizag, Chennai, and Bengal all sitting on the East coast of India. The distance between Kolkata, West Bengal to Port Blair is 1255 Km with 66 hours of sailing. If you choose this mode of the journey then you will get tickets from the Shipping Office in the harbour two weeks in advance.
Near Fairlie Palace on Strand Road in Kolkata is the Shipping House from where you can book your ticket. The contact number is 22543507/033 22484921. If you are a foreigner, remember to get your passports, visa and passport size photos.
A ticket for ships to reach Andaman from Kolkata is around 2000-9000 Rupees depending on the class you choose. There are bunk, second class, first class and deluxe class.
Tips
- Delays in sailing are very common so prepare for that
- Cellular data and network are available till you are in Hubli River.
- Hygiene can be a serious issue
- Bunker class toilets are shared hence can be very discomforting
- Carry medicines with you because sea drama and sea motion are very common
Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Kolkata with Friends
How to Travel Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Permits and Entry Formalities
How to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Indians
If you are an Indian citizen with a Voter ID card, Adhar card, and other proper documents to prove your nationality you are most welcome to Andaman and Nicobar Island. You do not need any permits to explore Andaman and Nicobar. However, you need special permits to visit Little Andaman, islands in Nicobar, and tribal reserved areas in Andaman and Nicobar.
How to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Foreigners
If you are not a citizen of India or in a word a foreign citizen then you need a permit called Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to explore Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You have to get this permit after arrival from the Immigration Authorities at Port Blair (capital of Andaman).
This permit is valid for 30 days and you can only get it if you have a valid visa. However, in emergencies, it can be extended to another 15 days with permission from upper authorities of Police, and FROC of Port Blair.
Moreover, RAP is also obtainable overseas from the Foreigners Registration Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. Additionally, you can also get it from the airport of Immigration Authorities in Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi.
Here are more into it –
- If you are planning to visit the 30 following Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Island – Curfew Island, Landfall Island, North Andaman, Smith Island, East Island, Stewart Island, Strait Island, Aves Island, Long Island, Baratang, Middle Andaman, North Passage, Flat Bay, Swaraj Dweep, South Andaman, Shaheed Dweep, North Sentinel Island, Little Andaman, Tillang Chong Island, Katchal, Chowra, Teressa, Kamorta, Nancowry, Great Nicobar, Pulomilo, Narcondum Island, Little Nicobar, Interview Island, and Viper Island (Only Day Permit)- then you WILL NOT NEED RAP. Till 31st December 2022, this restriction has been lifted.
- For verification, after landing in Andaman and Nicobar at Port Blair airport you have to show a valid passport, and visa at the Immigration counters.
- If you are a citizen of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China then you require RAP to enter Andaman and Nicobar. Moreover, RAP would only be granted if you have taken prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, if you are found without RAP then as per Foreign Act 1946 necessary penal action would be taken against you.
- If you are a citizen of Myanmar and you want to visit Mayabunder and Diglipur, you need RAP. Again, this will be granted with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Andaman and Nicobar follow eco-tourism and hence adhere to the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Environment & Forest. These guidelines are to ensure the protection of marine and natural resources.
Read: The Ultimate Guide- How To Travel Alone In India ?
How to Travel Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai?
Take a flight to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai-
Be it a relaxed or budget-friendly vacation I would suggest you take flights to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai. You can fly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport or Meenambakkam Airport from Mumbai and from there take a direct flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport. The minimum duration is ranging from 5 hours to 12 hours depending on the flight connectivity.
Take a ship to travel Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai
Ships are available from Kolkata, Chennai and Vizag. Moreover, these are Government run shipped so you do not have to worry about their connectivity. Mumbai does not connect directly to Port Blair by sea, so first you have to reach either Chennai or Kolkata to take a ship to Port Blair.
Ships from Chennai to Port Blair – MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Harshavardhana
Ships from Kolkata to Port Blair – MV Akbar, MV Nicobar
Take a train to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Island from Mumbai
Take a train to Chennai from Mumbai and from there you might take a flight or a ship to Andaman and Nicobar. There is no road connectivity. For reaching Chennai from Mumbai you can check Chennai Express, Dadar Chennai Egmore, LTT Chennai Express, Lokmanya Tilak T Chennai Central, Adi Mas Humsafar, and Chennai Central.
FAQ
How Many Days Travel from Chennai to Andaman by Ship?
As per the calculation, it takes 2.5 days to reach Andaman from Chennai by ship. However, I might warn you that it’s subjective to sea conditions and mostly it delays by 3-4 days.
How to Travel to Andaman from Delhi?
There is a direct flight from Delhi to Andaman. However, direct flights may cost you 20 Thousand Rupees. So, I would suggest reaching Kolkata and taking a flight to Port Blair. The ticket fares can be around 16-17 Thousand Rupees.
How to Travel to Andaman from Kerala?
Take a flight or bus or train from Kerala to reach Chennai. From Chennai, you can take a flight or ship to reach Port Blair.
Can I Travel to Andaman Now?
Yes, you can travel to Andaman now if you are fully vaccinated and carrying the RT-PCR negative test reports. Andaman’s beauty, the marine life of the archipelago, blue water, and coral reef are the reasons you should not miss exploring or travelling to Andaman.
Is it Safe to Travel to Andaman Now?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Andaman now. Visiting Andaman is a unique experience. Follow the guidelines laid down by the Government of India to protect natural resources. Additionally, get yourself fully vaccinated and maintain social distancing.
