Andaman Nicobar Islands are now a relaxed tropical island outpost that belongs to India but is geographically closer to Southeast Asia. Superb, near-deserted beaches, incredible corals and marine life, an intriguing colonial past and the remnants of a Stone Age culture lure travellers to these mysterious islands, 1000km off the east coast of India in the Bay of Bengal.
Until the beginnings of colonial rule, the Andaman Nicobar Islands were populated mainly by indigenous peoples, but today the majority of the Andamans’ population are mainland settlers or their descendants who live in and around Port Blair, the capital, on South Andaman. The territory comprises 572 tropical islands (of which 36 are inhabited), with unique wildlife and lush forests, although the Nicobar Islands are off-limits to tourists. Andaman escapades presents the tour packages to all these special Andaman Nicobar Islands like Ross Island Andaman, Smith Island Andaman, Havelock Island, Nicobar islandsrn rnOur Top Picks For Andaman & Nicobar Islandsrn1 Ross Island AndamanrnExplore the ghosts of the colonial past on Ross Island – the former ‘Paris of the East
2 Mayabunder ,Diglipur & AroundrnIn Mayabunder there’s an unexpected gem in the shape of Sea’n’Sand .rnMayabunder, 71km north of Rangat, is linked by daily buses from Port Blair (Rs 95, 10 hours) and by once- or twice-weekly ferries.
Diglipur, three hours by road north of Mayabunder, is the main town of North Andaman and as far north as you can get in the island chain. The town itself and nearby Kalipur are the only places on North Andaman where foreigners can stay. Ferries arrive at the Aerial Bay Jetty from where it’s 11km southwest to Diglipur village and the bus stand, basic restaurants, market and a couple of lodges. Ferry tickets can be booked at the Administration Block in town. Kalipur is on the coast 8km southeast of the jetty.
rn3.Havelock IslandrnScuba dive among the coral and big fish of the islands’ world-class sites, accessible from Havelock IslandrnWith one of the Andaman’s most dazzling beaches and plenty of cheap bamboo-hut accommodation, Havelock is the island of choice for travellers wanting to kick back and enjoy the slow (but not comatose) pace of island life. It’s easily accessible from Port Blair, and offers excellent snorkelling and scuba-diving opportunities. Although Havelock is the most developed of the islands, it’s still very low-key and simple – a world away from the beach resorts of mainland India or Southeast Asia.
Inhabited by Bengali settlers since the 1950s, Havelock is about 54km northeast of Port Blair and covers 100 sq km. Only the northern third of the island is settled, and each village is referred to by a number. Boats dock at the jetty at No 1 Village; the main bazaar is 2km south at No 3 Village; and most of the accommodation is strung along the east coast between villages No 2 and No 5.
4.Middle & North AndamanrnThe Andaman Trunk Rd runs north from Port Blair to Bharatang Island and Middle Andaman – both linked by small roll-on roll-off ferries – then onto North Andaman linked by road bridges. It’s very slow going, but consider at least the northern part of the road – say between the jetties at Rangat and Diglipur – as an alternative to taking the ferry in both directions. Relentlessly thick jungle opening to mangrove-fringed waterways with only occasional cultivated clearings make this a spectacularly lush and green journey, especially with the knowledge that tribal people still live traditional lives in the deep forest. The road runs beside Jarawa reserves on the west coasts of South and Middle Andaman, but as most traditional Jarawa people are busy getting on with their lives in the forest you’re unlikely to encounter them unless they’re beside the road. Motorcycles are forbidden beyond the checkpoint, 40km outside of Port Blair.
5. Neil IslandrnIf you really want to slow down, and are looking for peace, isolation and near-deserted beaches without being a castaway, Neil Island, 40km northeast of Port Blair, is a good place to get off the ferry. Much quieter than nearby Havelock Island, Neil is populated by Bengali settlers involved in fishing and agriculture. This is the place to lie on the beach, jungle-walk, snorkel, cycle through paddy fields and farms, and then lie on the beach some more.
6.Portblairrnhe green, ramshackle capital sprawls around a harbour on the east coast of South Andaman and is the administrative nerve centre of the islands. There’s plenty to see in town relating to the islands’ colonial past plus a couple of interesting museums, and as this is the only place to change money, reliably access the internet and book (and wait for) onward transport, most travellers will spend at least a couple of days here. If you want to experience the more natural beauty of the Andamans – above and below the water – book a ferry and move on to Havelock or one of the other islands.
7.Smith IslandrnThe loop trail through theme gardens at Smith's Tropical Paradise is a good deal. Forgo the tram ride for a leisurely stroll. If you're catching the luau here, you'll have ample time to tour the grounds before dinner.
rnAndamanescapades an ecotourism company provides the best in class tour packages for Andaman Nicobar Islands, Andaman Holidays and Andaman Honeymoon Packages.
www.andamanescapades.com/index.php . Andaman Packages / Andaman Tour Packages also involves Andaman Scuba Diving, Andaman Snorkeling. Andaman Tour involves Andaman Nicobar islands, Havelock Island, Ross Island,Smith Island etc. Andamanescapades also provides best accommodation in Andaman Hotels. Contact
escapades.andaman@gmail.com rnAndaman Escapades Pvt. Ltd is a destination management Company in Port Blair Andaman Nicobar islands. Dedicating its services for tourism in the island. The Andaman holiday Packages done by us are exclusively drafted after a thought full process to give you the best of travel which you could cherish for your whole life.