The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known as one of the most exotic locations for tourists not only in India but in all of Asia. Thousands of visitors from around the world come to these islands throughout the year to experience first-hand the unique life of flora, fauna and human beings that has made this archipelago what it is today. Without a doubt, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are jam-packed with fun activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages. From quite soulful trips to thrilling adventure activities, there is no end to the activities to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that tourists will absolutely adore. 

Activities To Do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that Make Your Vacation More Beautiful

The many possible Best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will take you to hidden beaches and exploring journeys to unthought of locations. Pick out your favourite activities from this comprehensive list of 21 best things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

1. Tasting The Cuisine of Andaman

Andaman Trip can never be complete without treating yourself and your loved ones to the authentic cuisine in Andaman. The Andaman cuisine leans heavily towards seafood and almost everything is fair with rice and coconut. Tapioca, banana and sweet potato are grown in Andaman by locals and people from around the globe they like to try the famous Andaman fish curry dish that is eaten with onion and Tomato curry in most parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The spicy and sour taste of this fish curry combined with the amazing Aroma makes it a food choice that you simply cannot pass on.

Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

2. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Who doesn’t love having fun in the water? Snorkelling and scuba diving in the surrounding reefs of the many islands that make the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is often counted as one of the most popular activities to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are countless agencies in Port Blair, Neil Island and Havelock Island that provide scuba diving equipment, guidance and even personal instructors which can make the experience pleasant for beginners. However children under the age of 13 and elderly above the age of 65 or not allowed for these activities and you need to provide a medical certificate to be considered fit for these adventure marine activities.

Entry fee: 2500 INR to 4000 INR per person

Time taken to visit: 20 minutes

Opening and closing timings: No official opening and closing timings. Scuba diving during nighttime is not recommended for beginners.

3. Visiting Barren Island

Have you ever had a fascination for active volcanoes? Surprisingly, the Barren volcano is the only active volcano present in Andaman volcanic ranges and while the island itself is not accessible, visitors can easily take a passenger ferry or a private boat to get a close view of this smoking volcano from the nearby seas. Looking at a red-hot volcano with our own eyes is one of the most thrilling experiences an Indian tourist can ever enjoy and there are many sightseeing in Andaman that will forever remain incomplete without this little luxury! Recently the government has taken measures to make a visit to Barren Island a lot more economical, and almost anyone can visit these days!

Entry fee: permit cost 1000 INR per Indian tourist and 850 INR per adult on the shared passenger ferry.

Opening and closing timings: No official opening or closing timings

Time taken to visit: 7 to 8 hours

4. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are unparalleled wealthy when it comes to tropical biodiversity and thriving natural ecosystems. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park located near Wandoor Beach is an establishment that originated in 1983 and dedicated to protecting coral reefs, turtles, Andaman saltwater crocodiles, local freshwater and marine fishes etc. Beating on this beach is not allowed as it is almost always crowded with carnivorous crocodiles. Local fishermen sell fish near this national park and water sports are available in the form of Marine fishing, glass bottom boating etc from here you can take boats to Red Skin Island and Jolly Buoy Island. 

Entry fee: 50 INR for adults, 25 INR for children and 25 INR for the camera.

Extra Charge: 300 INR for a visit to Red Skin Island. 

Opening and closing timings: Open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours

5. Mt Harriet National Park

There are many more things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands than you can probably imagine, especially when it comes to the terrestrial destinations on this archipelago. Many untouched natural habitats have existed on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for eons, which have today been converted into national parks by the government. Many tourists from around the world come to Andaman and Nicobar Islands simply to study the evolution. Here since these islands have been out of contact with the rest of the world for too long, a lot can be studied about the history of the universe through a simple visit to Mount Harriet National Park. Some popular species that call this place their home include the saltwater crocodiles, Andaman wild pigs and tropical butterflies.

Entry fee: 25 INR per adult and 10 INR per child. 25 INR for the camera

Opening and closing timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours

6. Parasailing

This is one of the most popular activities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands not only because of the affordable price rates but also because of how beautiful the surrounding scenery and the amending horizon look for adventurers who are brave and try this activity. Parasailing does not take a lot of time – by nature It is a sport that can be done in a few minutes and yet it can reward participants with a memory of a lifetime. Most of the popular beaches in Andaman such as Sitapur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, Kalapathar Beach, Corbyn’s Cove, Wandoor Beach etc offer parasailing as a readily available sport alongside challenges like scuba diving and snorkelling.

Entry fee: 3480 INR per person

Opening and closing timings: official opening and closing timings vary for each sport agency

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

7. Bird Watching at Chidiya Tapu

Since most of Andaman Islands are covered in dense forests, it is only natural that exotic birds will find a home in almost all corners of this tropical archipelago. However, the most popular bird-watching destination in the whole of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has to be the Chidiya Tapu, also known as the Munda Pahar Tapu. Some of the most memorable things to do in Andaman Islands are located on this tapu such as photography of primitive nature, bird watching, scaling the Munda Pahar and visiting the famous sunset spot on this Island.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings

Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours

8. Exploring Fishing Villages in Andaman

There are many amazing villagers scattered throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which have still retained their original, traditional charm. These villages are populated by locals who belong to the many tribes of Andaman and Nicobar, and many of these cultures have thrived on forestry and fishing for more than a millennium. Getting to know the culture of the fishing villages of Andaman is one of the most educational and impactful aspects of sightseeing in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. If you do not know where to start, begin with the one and only Laxmanpur Village located on Neil Island, often believed to be among the most scenic coastal villages of India.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: minimum 2 to 3 hours

9. Sea Walking

Do you want to go underwater to get a sneak peek at the vibrant marine life of Andaman reefs, but are too scared to say yes to a swimming adventure? Welcome to the unique adventure sport of sea walking, in which tourists are given appropriate oxygen masks and other gear which makes them able to stay for long periods of time underwater – but they do not have to swim! All they have to do is to hold on to our railing set deep in the sea and walk on the ocean bed! Sea walking is available on many major beaches of Port Blair and Havelock Island, but Elephant Beach must be named the best place to try this unique sport!

Entry fee: 4500 per person

Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (timings vary according to each sporting club or agency)

Time taken to visit: 20 minutes

10. Forest Trekking

Trekking in general is one of the most underrated things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As we have mentioned before these islands are covered from head to toe in amazing tropical biodiversity, making the rugged landscape and chiselled hills. Some of the best places to explore the unexplored and rediscover one’s passion for nature. While you can easily walk around in some places of the island such as the Munda Pahar, forests around Port Blair and some locations in Neil Island, many other forests are preserved and entering them is prohibited. The best option is to always consult a local guide and hire them to take you on a tour.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: No official opening or closing timings

Time taken to visit: minimum 3 to 4 hours

Note: Avoid going into the forest during night time:

11. Sir Hugh Rose Island

The excited adventurous crowds of tourists in Andaman and Nicobar can prove to be tiring for those visitors who love to be alone in the lap of nature. When that is the case, you can say goodbye to all other activities to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and come away to this unknown little place known as Sir Hugh Rose Island. This Island is located close to the more popular Neil Island – but there are no adventure sports agencies or loud picnicus to crowd the beaches on this Island. In fact, this location is preserved for the nestling turtles, making this island a heaven for nature photographers and wanderers who are looking for allocation rather underrated and undiscovered.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: no official opening or closing timings

Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours

12. Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach

The exotic landscape of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has the capacity to land a bit of a twist to even the most generic of things – such as a sunset for example! Watching sunset at Laxmanpur Beach is a peaceful method to enjoy sightseeing in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is a part of almost everyone’s bucket list. You can take all the appropriate equipment with you. If you want and enjoy a lovely little picnic with fellow travellers when you come to this beach to watch the sunset. Buildings and castles, flying kites and playing volleyball are pretty common on this beach and so are taking pictures or engaging in underwater activities. Believe us no one can regret coming to Laxmanpur Beach!

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 30 minutes to an hour

13. Sunrise at Sitapur Beach

Some people say Neil Island is a virgin heaven of beaches. Sitapur Beach is the most crowded in the morning where tourists from all over Andaman and Nicobar come over to witness the most beautiful sunrise of their lives. Sitapur is also a coveted Beach location among photographers who love portrait or landscape photography. The thick vegetation of the surrounding regions and the many massive boulders on the powdery white sand make this place a perfect spot for a seafood-inspired breakfast and some cooling coconut water.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 30 minutes to an hour

14. Visiting Indira Point

How can someone visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands without seeing the official end of Indian territory? The Indira Point located at the southernmost tip of great Nicobar Island is where India finally ends in the south. It is characterized by a surprisingly huge and pleasant beachy shore and brilliant blue tropical skies. The place is honoured by a monument marking the last of India. The most famous place to visit at Indira Point however is the Indira Point lighthouse which has been given the name Lt. Rajiv Gandhi, in memory of Indira Gandhi who visited this place during her tenure as the Prime minister of India. Some popular attractions that you can enjoy here are great quality restaurants and cafes, luxury cruises and the rainforest tours of Sumatra. 

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: minimum 1 day

15. Shopping at Samudrika Museum

Without shopping for souvenirs, no trip can ever be complete. The Samudrika Museum is a well-known museum located in the capital city of Port Blair that is visited by tourists from all over the world. At the entrance of this building stands a brilliant white skeleton of the Blue Whale. But what most people are underwear off is that this Museum is also one of the primary locations for souvenir shopping in all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can also find some of the best quality coconut carvings, shell jewellery, showpieces etc in these stores which will definitely serve as the best gift for your kids and loved ones.

Entry fee: 50 INR for adults and 25 INR for children

Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours

16. Elephant Beach

Havelock Island is the second most popular location for sightseeing in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, second only to Port Blair itself and if you are visiting Havelock Island you cannot complete the trip without spending at least a few hours at Elephant Beach! Exactly how it sounds, the elephant beach is a little enclosure where local elephants are kept forever ready to take tourists out on strolls along the beach. There are also provisions for the elephant riders to click pictures with these elephants.

A lot of unique legends and tales about the magical forests of Havelock Island are often shared with foreigners at this beach. Whether or not these stories are true, what is definitely true is the prevalence of forest culture on this beach. You will also find traditional musicians, craftsmen and even dancers frequent this beach at odd hours selling their wares and making the visitors laugh.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours 

17. Marine Cruise

Most of us love the luxurious and magical experience of a cruise. Marine cruises are quite different when compared with River Water Cruze Experience. Tourists get a chance to click pictures in the middle of a vast body of water while enjoying the luxury heritage cuisine and music. There is always a possibility of spotting large sea creatures during a luxury marine cruise! If the idea of a shared cruise sounds uncomfortable you can even rent your own private boat or yacht and go out into the sea to celebrate. If you are visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to celebrate an important day or event of your life, none of the many things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands can compete with this absolutely unique choice!

Entry fee: between 1000 INR to 50000 INR

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: short cruises take a few hours; cruises that start from Chennai or Kolkata and reach Andaman can take up to 10 days one way!

18. Mount Thuillier Peak

Did you know that the great Nicobar Island is home to 5 perennial rivers? And the home to the Jubilee, Galathea, Amrit Kaur, Dak Aniang and Dak Tayal is Mount Thuillier Peak, the highest peak in all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is located close to the shore of the great Nicobar Island and is an absolute geographical delight going to its parallel regimes and body of pure turbidite sandstones. The experience of visiting the Great Nicobar Island is completely different to that of Andaman, as this Island is relatively more isolated, mysterious and thrilling. Taking a look at this mountain and taking pictures of it might be one of the best activities to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for you.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours

19. Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail

Even though today the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a popular and majestic tourist location, these islands have a dark past. During the years of British colonization, these islands and especially the capital city of Port Blair were used as torture chambers for political prisoners. One of the biggest monuments that stand as proof of this inhuman treatment is the Cellular Jail. Indian tourists consider it their duty to pay respects to martyrs at this jail. Famous light and sound show with a voice-over by Om Puri is organized every evening at the cellular jail. Revisiting our patriotic beliefs through nerve-shaking performances is an amazing way to add meaning to the experience of sightseeing in Andaman and Nicobar.

Entry fee: 300 INR per person

Opening and closing timings: 5:50 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

20. Glass Bottom Boating

Want to combine sea walking, cruising and underwater photography all in one? The glass-bottom boating facility is a clever solution to this requirement! The activity is exactly what it sounds like, with a beautiful boat with a see-through interior which makes spotting underwater life more comfortable than ever! Participants are expected to stay quiet and spot the different fishes, corals and aquatic vegetation that crowd the shores of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Compared to snorkelling and scuba diving, the boat can venture out into the deeper sea, making this activity a unique choice in itself.

Entry fee: 600 INR per person

Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings; timings vary depending on different boating agencies

Time taken to visit: 1 hour 

21. Limestone Caves at Baratang Island

This pristine Island is known for a lot of things – fascinating biodiversity, impenetrable mangrove forests, the famous Parrot Island and Strait Island nearby etc. But the most popular of all things to do in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially around the region of Baratang Islands is definitely to visit the limestone caves located here. This collection of tall caves hidden away from sunlight takes visitors through an underground cathedral of natural limestone formations. Located nearby is the popular land of mud volcanoes, a natural phenomenon that will surprise and delight the old and young alike.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours

Frequently Asked Questions?

Conclusion!!

Our best Andaman travel packages are designed to be overflowing with affordable and trending activities that our tourists can start experiencing the moment they land in Port Blair. Special Andaman and Nicobar travel packages are customized according to the needs of each family. Each couple or each group of friends who want to do something unique to liven up their once in a lifetime experience on these islands.