Imagine a place where the sea changes shades of blue with every blink, where time slows down with the rhythm of waves and every sunrise feels like a secret shared just with you.
Now it’s time to take a break from your busy schedule with Andaman Island trip —India’s own slice of paradise!
If you are planning your first trip to the Andaman Islands? You’re in for a real treat. With their postcard-perfect beaches, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back island vibe, then the Andamans offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
But let’s be honest—if it’s your first time, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. There are so many islands, vibrant coral reefs, mysterious forests, activities, hidden gems, and tales from colonial history whispered by ancient ruins that you might miss out on something amazing without a little guidance.
That’s where this guide comes in. In this blog, we discuss Andaman’s crystal-clear waters, explore historical sites, or just chill under a palm tree with a coconut in hand. This is your complete travel guide to Andaman for first-time travelers, with the top 10 things to do in Andaman that will make your trip truly memorable.
1. Explore the Historical Cellular Jail
Your journey into Andaman’s past begins at the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Once a British colonial prison, it’s now a national memorial. The light and sound show held in the evenings brings to life the heroic stories of India’s freedom fighters— which is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.
2. Relaxing on Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Often listed among the best places to visit in the Andaman, Radhanagar Beach is pure bliss. With its powder soft sand and crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for Sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the island vibes.
3. Snorkeling at North Bay Island
For an up-close view of vibrant coral reefs, Marine Life, North Bay is ideal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, the underworld here will leave you breathless— literally and figuratively!
4. Go Scuba Diving in Havelock
Looking for unique activities to try in the Andaman for new visitors? Scuba diving tops the list. Discover mesmerizing coral gardens, swim with schools of tropical fish, and explore shipwrecks – Havelock Island offers some of the best dive sites in the country.
5. Take a Glass Bottom boat Ride in Jolly Buoy Island
If you are not quite ready to die, enjoy the ocean wonders from above. A glass bottom board ride lets’s explore multicoloured coral reefs without getting wet. Jolly Buoy Island, a part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is perfect for this peaceful marine adventure.
6. Trek to Mount Harriet National Park
Nature lovers this was for you. Breaking to Mount Harriet, the third highest peak in the Andaman, offers panoramic views of the lush forests, and a chance to support rare wildlife. This is one of those Andaman attractions that takes you off the beaten path.
7. Visit Ross Island ( Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island)
Once the administrative capital during British rule, Ross Island is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin draped in vines and history. It’s a short ferry ride from Port Blair and a must on your Andaman itinerary for first-timers.
8. Enjoy Bioluminescence at Havelock
A surreal, magical experience awaits Havelock’s beaches —bioluminescence. On uncertain nights the waters sparkles with glowing plankton, jellyfish, when disturbed, turning the sea into a field of stars. From November to May, the Andaman Islands exhibit bioluminescence, an exceptional and attractive natural phenomenon that makes your Andaman nights unforgettable. It is best viewed when there is no moon, but can be seen year-round in ideal weather conditions.
9. Enjoy Local Seafood and Shopping in Port Blair
No trip is complete without testing the local flavours —and Port Blair of some of the freshest and most delicious seafood you will never try. From grilled lobsters and prawns to spicy crab curry and fish thalies, the local eateries serve up a mouthwatering spread. Don’t miss the new lighthouse restaurant or the seaside stalls near Marina park for a true local experience. After a hearty meal, take a stroll through Aberdeen bazaar, the bustling heart of Port Blair. Shop for handmade shell jewellery, wooden cravings, Various spices, and Andaman themed souvenirs. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of the islands back home with you.
10. Island Hopping Adventure to Neil and Baratang Island
One of the best ways to truly experience Andaman is by island hopping—and two must-visits on your first trip are Neil Island and Baratang Island, and Little Andaman for surfing and waterfalls. Each island has a distinct charm and makes your journey complete. Basically Neil Island, often called the ‘vegetable bowl of Andaman,’ offers tranquil beaches like Laxmanpur and Bharatpur, perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty. It’s less crowded than Havelock, making it a serene escape. Baratang Island, about 100 KM from Port Blair offers a unique adventure with limestone caves then mangroprix and one of India’s few active mud volcanoes. The journey passes through the Jarawa forest reserve, under Street protection. A speed boat right to mangrove tunnels takes you to the caves, making this an offbeat yet unforgettable part of your Andaman trip.
Best Time to Visit the Andaman Islands
The ideal time to visit the Andaman Islands is between December and March, when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for beach hopping, water sports, and scuba diving. During these months, sea conditions are calm, transport services are smooth, and it’s also the best time to spot turtle nesting on the shores of Middle and North Andaman. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and save on accommodation, consider the shoulder months of October, November, April, and May. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable, these months offer fewer tourists, lower prices, and a lighter ecological footprint—making for a quieter and more sustainable travel experience.
Some Geographical Facts of Andaman Islands
Located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are a group of over 300 tropical islands that belong to India but die light closer to Southeast Asia, just a short flight away from cities like Chennai or Kolkata. These islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, stretching across more than 800 km and are known for their lush forest, pristine beaches, and rich Marine biodiversity.
Geographically they are closer to Thailand and Myanmar than the Indian subcontinent. These islands form part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Port Blair as the capital and main entry. Part of the Indo-Australian tectonic plate the Andaman’s boast a mix of volcanic Rock formations, dense tropical rainforest, and coral-fringed beaches. Out of 572 islands, only around 38 are inhabited — the rest remain uninhabited, many of them protected for ecological reasons or due to tribal reservations. Their remote location has preserved March of their natural beauty, making them one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations.
Final Thoughts
Your first trip to the Andaman Islands should be nothing short of magical—and with this curated list of things to do in Andaman, it will be just that. From historical landmarks to underwater adventures, island hopping to sunset watching, the Andamans have something for every traveler.
So, ready to make memories in this tropical haven? Bookmark this Andaman travel guide, pack your beachwear, and let Travelzia help you uncover the hidden gems of these spectacular islands. Book your Andaman tour package with Travelzia.
