The most crystal clear blue glassy waters, colourful coral reefs and white sand beaches define Andamans. The islands can easily be described as “Man’s own heaven of blue.”
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands remained in mystery for centuries because of their inaccessibility. The Indian archipelago consist of more than 300 Islands in Andaman and 272 Islands constitute Nicobar Islands out of which only 36 are inhabited. The Indigenous tribes have been living in some parts of these Islands since 2000 years. Hence only some of these islands have been commercialized and developed as tourism hubs, the rest are uninhabited, away from human interference and exemplify virgin nature.
Dense forest covers these islands with numerous exotic flowers and birds. The region is home to 89% of India’s coral diversity, including Staghorn coral, sea fans and plate coral. The temperature and the ocean currents along with various other geographical factors have over centuries built this beautiful and secret underwater world.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have great maritime importance. During the British period political leaders considered dangerous to the interests of the Raj and other dreaded criminals were deported from mainland to the Cellular Jail- the Indian Bastille, situated on the sea coast of Atlanta Point in the North-Eastern part of Port Blair, the Administrative city. That is why these islands were known as the ‘Black Water ‘ or ‘Kala Pani’.
Climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Whereas the climate of Andman and Nicobar Islands can be best described as Tropical, approximate monthwise weather conditions are mentioned herewith:
January – Andaman has beautiful weather in January. It is one of the best months of the year. Days are quite pleasant and nights are cool. Skies are clear with lots of sunshine. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 30 degrees Celsius.
February – The weather is pleasant this time of the year. Days are accompanied by clear blue skies. The weather is very moderately cool. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 30 degrees Celsius.
March – Slightly warm. This is the beginning of dry climate. Temperatures slightly increases but it is comfortable for the traveler. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 31 degrees Celsius.
April – Slightly warm , temperature start to increase a little in April but still remains bearable. The weather is moist with sea breeze. At times it may rain a little. Temperature normally remains between 24 – 32 degrees Celsius.
May – Slightly warm The place is warm with a bit of humidity. Rainfall may starts from mid-month. Days are pleasant with sea breeze which makes it favorable for travelers. Temperature normally remains between 24 – 32 degrees Celsius.
June – June is mostly rainy. Maximum rainfall occurs during this month making it the wettest month of the year. Rain may accompany with thunderstorms.It is not possible to have any activity during this month while it is raining. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 30 degrees Celsius.
July – Rains continue with heavy showers. Sometimes thunderstorms also occur during July. Maximum numbers of days are wet which disrupt sightseeing and other beach activities. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 30 degrees Celsius.
August – Rainy season continues accompanied by thunderstorms. Most of the days are cloudy. Maximum numbers of days are wet which disrupt sightseeing and other beach activities. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 29 degrees Celsius.
September – September is also rainy while the temperature falls down to enjoyable level. There may be rainfall on days which makes it difficult to enjoy sightseeing and other beach activities. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 29 degrees Celsius.
October – The weather is pleasant during October. Temperatures are comfortable with sunshine. The tourist season begins. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 28 degrees Celsius.
November – The weather in November is very pleasant. Days are comfortable with lots of sunshine which makes it ideal for enjoying visiting beaches, various sightseeing and water sports activities. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 28 degrees Celsius.
December – Best period to visit Andaman. The weather is comfortable and pleasing. The sky is clear.. Days are pleasant while night can be cool. This month is perfect for travelling to Andaman Islands.. Temperature normally remains between 23 – 28 degrees Celsius.
All foreigners require a permit to stay in the Islands, which can easily be obtained on arrival at Veer Savarkar Airport, Port Blair from the Immigration authorities for 30 days, extendable for another 15 days with permission. In addition, permits can also be obtained from: Indian Mission Overseas, FRRO at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and the Immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
The permit is covered the following places for night stay:
Port Blair, Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang Island, North Passage Island and Island in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Part (excluding Boat, Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto Islands).Night halt in the Marine National Park is with permission only. South Andaman Islands, Middle Andaman Islands and Little Andaman Islands (Not permitted in Tribal Reserve at all),
The permit is allowed the following places for day trip only and not night stay:
The Ross Island, South Cinque, Narcondum, Interview, Brother & Sister Islands are allowed for day visit only. Barren Island having the only active Volcano of the country, can be visited on board the vessel only
Indian National’s Entry
The Indian Nationals need no permit to visit Andamans & Nicobar Island. However, visiting them to Tribal Areas of Andaman and Nicobar Districts is prohibited
The Andaman and Nicobar Island is place which has got a cosmopolitan culture and thus have seen a variety of people to enjoy in its variety of occasions. All Andaman and Nicobar Islands Festivals and fairs are celebrated in the mainland.
Fairs and festivals are the unique way to represent one’s own culture. Every region of India has its own culture and thus they celebrate their festivals in their own unique way. Festivals not only bring newness to life but also is a great way to come closer and mix up with people of various religious beliefs.
The festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands count occasions like Durga Puja to Dipawali, and from Christmas to Janmashtami. The colorful riot of the nature brings a new zeal for the peasants in the Holi festival. Even festivals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands also include Onam and Pongal which are celebrated with equal enthusiasm.
The Island Tourist Festival which lasts for ten days is a grand festival which allures a large number of tourists every year. This festival is celebrated during the chilly winter season and thus in this period the Andaman and Nicobar island sees a large number of tourists across the world.
The Island Tourism Festival is a mega event of this place where people from different schools assemble to perform. This is a unique place for the local people also as this festival gives the craftsmen a scope to explore their craftsmanship to the world.
Many people from various corners of the country visit Andaman to enjoy the festivals of the place.
Island Tourism Festival
The Andaman and Nicobar Island has a cosmopolitan culture as this place comprises of different tribes who are having their own culture and also witnesses visitors in a large number every year. Thus any festival for the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands also means to celebrate a quality time together.
The Island Tourism Festival of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a fortnight long occasion which is celebrated during the time of December-January every year.
The Andaman Nicobar Administration arranges this grand festival which includes performances like dance, drama and music along with the exhibition of local handicraft items and other display collections of flora and fauna.
The Andaman and Nicobar island has a different culture and they celebrate their cultural festivals in a different way. The Island Tourism Festival is a grand festival which lasts for ten days. This festival upholds the unique culture of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
This exhibition of the Island Tourism Festival in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is attended by the Government and private agencies every year. The tranquil and serene nature of this land is another reason that attracts the outsiders to know more about the culture of this land.
Artists from different corners of the world come to join the Island Tourism Festival at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A high level performance could be seen in this festival.
Baby show, dog show, magic show, floating restaurant, puppet show, water sports competition are some other attractions of the Island Tourism Festival of Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Unveiling Barren Island: A Day Trip to South Asia’s Only Active Volcano
Barren Island, a solitary sentinel in the vast Andaman Sea, beckons adventurers with the promise of witnessing one of South Asia’s few active volcanoes. Day trips to this geological marvel offer a unique and captivating encounter with nature’s raw power and the abundant marine life that thrives in its surrounding crystalline waters.
Journey to a Fiery Heart:
The primary draw of Barren Island is its active volcano, a rare sight in this part of the world. From the safety of a charter boat, visitors can observe plumes of smoke dramatically rising from its rugged terrain, a testament to the ongoing volcanic activity. While eruptions have occurred in recent years, including in 2022, the intensity and timing of such events are unpredictable, adding to the island’s mystique.
A Marine Paradise:
Beyond the volcanic spectacle, the pristine seas surrounding Barren Island are a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Keep a keen eye out for incredible marine life, including dolphins, majestic manta rays, and even whales, which are occasionally sighted during these excursions. While sightings are not guaranteed, the rich biodiversity here, influenced by the volcanic minerals, offers exceptional opportunities for snorkelling and even advanced scuba diving. Popular dive sites like Manta Point, Barren Garden, and Purple Haze reveal colourful coral thickets, white-tip reef sharks, turtles, and a diverse array of fish.
Planning Your Expedition:
Barren Island offers an immersive experience into the natural wonders of the Andaman archipelago, blending geological marvels with rich marine encounters. It’s a journey that promises unforgettable memories for those seeking an extraordinary adventure.
Kayaking in the Mangroves of Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Swaraj Dweep, commonly known as Havelock Island, offers a captivating kayaking experience through its pristine mangrove forests. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a complete novice, these guided tours are designed to be easy, fun, and deeply immersive, connecting you with the untamed beauty of nature.
Day Kayaking: A Journey through Green Canopies
Imagine gliding effortlessly through narrow waterways, your kayak cutting silently through the calm waters. Within minutes, even first-time kayakers will feel comfortable maneuvering their own vessel, exploring the intricate network of mangroves. These unique trees and shrubs thrive in the coastal intertidal zone, creating a verdant labyrinth that is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Night Kayaking: A Symphony of Lights and Stars
As dusk descends, Havelock’s mangroves transform into a magical realm, offering an even more extraordinary kayaking experience: bioluminescence.
Important Considerations for Kayaking in Swaraj Dweep:
Kayaking in the mangroves of Swaraj Dweep is an experience that combines adventure, education, and breathtaking natural beauty, leaving you with cherished memories of the Andaman Islands.
Havelock Island (officially Swaraj Dweep) is a world-renowned destination for scuba diving, offering an unparalleled underwater experience in the heart of the Andaman Sea. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and astonishing diversity of marine life, it’s a true paradise for both seasoned divers and those taking their first breath underwater.
What to Expect:
Vibrant Marine Ecosystems: The waters around Havelock are teeming with life. Divers can expect to encounter:
Colorful Coral Reefs: A spectacular array of hard and soft corals, including staghorn, brain, table, fan, and cauliflower corals, create breathtaking underwater landscapes.
Mesmerizing Marine Life: A dazzling variety of tropical fish in every conceivable color, such as clownfish (Nemo!), butterflyfish, bannerfish, snappers, trevally, groupers, sweetlips, parrotfish, pufferfish, and triggerfish.
Majestic Sea Creatures: Keep an eye out for graceful manta rays gliding through the water, majestic sea turtles, octopuses, lobsters, moray eels, and even occasional sightings of sharks (white-tip reef sharks, leopard sharks) and barracudas.
Best Time for Scuba Diving:
While Havelock offers year-round diving, the period from October to May is generally considered the best. During these months, the sea is typically calm, offering excellent visibility (often exceeding 30 meters) and comfortable water temperatures (around 28-30°C). The monsoon season (July to September) can bring choppier waters and reduced visibility on some days, but diving is still possible and can offer unique sightings of marine life drawn to nutrient-rich waters.
Embark on a scuba diving adventure in Havelock Island and unlock the breathtaking wonders of the Andaman Sea. It’s an immersive journey that promises discovery, exhilaration, and memories that will truly last a lifetime.
Embrace the Magic: Havelock’s Enchanting Sunset Cruise
As the day gracefully draws to a close on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), an irresistible invitation awaits: to embark on a serene Sunset Cruise. This experience promises not just a journey across the water, but a sensory immersion into the tranquility and breathtaking beauty of the Andaman Sea at its most magical hour.
A Canvas of Gold and Crimson:
Imagine gliding effortlessly across the tranquil waters, the gentle rhythm of the waves a soothing backdrop to your relaxation. The true spectacle begins as the golden sun starts its descent, transforming the sky into a magnificent canvas. Hues of crimson, orange, and gold bleed into soft purples and blues, painting a masterpiece that shifts with every passing minute. These panoramic views of the Andaman Sea from the comfort of your vessel offer unparalleled photo opportunities and moments of pure awe.
Serenity and Bliss Aboard:
The Sunset Cruise is designed for ultimate relaxation. Aboard a comfortable vessel, you can unwind and let the stresses of daily life simply drift away. The gentle sea breeze caresses your skin, carrying the fresh scent of the ocean. With refreshing complimentary drinks (banana, cookies or biscuits, and water or cool drink) in hand, you can toast to another day in paradise, surrounded by the vastness and beauty of nature.
An Experience for Every Soul:
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening with a loved one, a moment of peaceful solitude to reflect, or simply a tranquil interlude with friends and family, the Sunset Cruise caters to all desires. It’s an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the Andaman Islands and create memories that will linger long after the sun has set.
Key Details for Your Sunset Cruise:
The Havelock Sunset Cruise is more than just a boat ride; it’s an unforgettable evening of blissful serenity, leaving you refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the natural splendor of the Andaman Islands.
