Andaman and Nicobar is one of the seven union territories of India, which was famous for ‘Kalapani’ during the British rule in India. The Andamans are separated from the Nicobar group by a channel (the Ten Degree Channel). The highest point is placed in North Andaman Island (Saddle Peak at 732 m (2,402 ft)). The Andaman cluster 325 islands which cover an area of 6,408 km2(2,474 sq mi) whereas the Nicobar group has only 24 islands with an area of 1,841 km2(711 sq mi).
Port Blair,the capital of the union territory, is located 1,255 km (780 mi) from Kolkata, 1,200 km (750 mi) from Visakhapatnam and 1,190 km (740 mi) from Chennai. The northernmost point of the Andaman and Nicobar’s group is 901 km (560 mi) away from the mouth of the Hooghly River and 190 km (120 mi) from Burma. Indira Point at 6° 45’s10″N and 93° 49′ 36″E at the southern tip of the southernmost island, Great Nicobar, is the southernmost point of India and lies only 150 km (93 mi) from Sumatra in Indonesia.
Andaman and Nicobar has a tropical climate with humidity about 80% and temperatures varying from 23 ° C to 31 ° C. The North East Monsoon sets in November while the South West Monsoon towards the end of May. Whether remains more or less uniform all through the year with neither extreme hot summers nor chilly winters, hence boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing is open all 12 months an year. May to December is the main season for nature lovers as the forest is lush green and water falls are at their prime. December to April is the best season for divers however bird watchers enjoy mostly the winter months.
How can you visit Andaman and Nicobar
The most important thing when we talk about How to visit Andaman, does “passport” is required to travel for a visit in Andaman or not ? and the answer is no. Passport is not required for travelling within India by Indian Citizens. You just need and I.D. as identity proof. Passport is not required to travel in geographical boundaries of India.
There are two ways you can visit Andaman
By Air
Nearest Airport Veer Savarkar, which is an International Airport located in the capital town of Port Blair, the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is connected with Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Bhubaneswar by air. Air India, Jet Airways, Go Air, Spice Jet, Indigo & Air Vistara Airlines drive regular flights to Port Blair. Foreign chartered flights are also permitted to land at Port Blair in matter to the fulfillment of guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
You can pre book your tickets from various Andaman tour and travel websites available online or from travel agencies available in the market.
Tip for Air booking: Book your tickets three months before your trip date, you’ll get the best rates.
By Ship
Another mode of transportation to Andaman Nicobar Island is by Ship. Ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam and back. There are more than three sailings every month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa and only one sailing for Visakhapatnam. The journey takes approximately 50 to 60 hours during fair weather.
INTER-ISLAND CONNECTIVITY – BY FERRY
A & N Administration,the Directorate of Shipping Services, operates regular ferry services from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair in the inter-island and foreshore sectors connecting all populated island/tourist places. It also operates vehicle ferries to important locations and several Harbour ferries. Sailing schedules are published in the Administration’s News Paper – The Daily Telegrams (English Daily) and Dweep Samachar (Hindi Daily). Sailing schedules are also announced in All India Radio & Doordarshan besides official website. ‘STARS’ counters located at Phoenix Bay Jetty which is managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services also started issuing Tickets. You can hire private boats, operated from Aberdeen Jetty (Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex), Port Blair to neighboring places like Ross Island, Viper Island, North Bay, Harbour Cruise etc. Private boats are also available at Wandoor (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park) for journey to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands. Private luxury boats are operating are also available from Phoenix bay jetty, Port Blair to Havelock and back during season, cutting down travel time considerably.
INTER-ISLAND CONNECTIVITY – BY AIR
Sea-plane services for tourist is introduced by The Directorate of Civil Aviation, Andaman and Nicobar Administration for places like Havelock, Diglipur and Hut Bay. In addition, daily helicopter services are also available from Port Blair to other inter-island tourist destinations, such as Neil, Havelock, Diglipur, Hutbay etc.
Why Andaman is now getting more popular day by day
People are getting busy and hence getting stressed, Andaman could be the best way to relax. It takes you away from chaotic life to a totally peaceful place with less connectivity. It becomes easier for those who want to travel abroad but due to passport and other visa formalities they are unable, can choose Andaman Tourism instead. Andaman is also famous as Maldives in India both have white sand beaches which provides you water bodies lush in nature. It is the one of the best place for sea traveling, for nature lovers, for those interested in heritage and history and Indian independence struggle, education tours and adventure sports is one of the many reason to travel.
If you need a pause and silence in your life then certainly this place is best for you. The Andaman is not the place for those who are looking for liquor and gambling – they might choose something else. On the other hand andaman nicobar islands tourism serve you with clean beaches, underwater corals, adventure sports like trekking, scuba diving, parasailing & other water sports, historical monuments, natural wonders, rich wildlife, plush green tropical island all await you here. Andaman Island is the safest holiday destination to visit, there are no case cheating.
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