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Are you planning to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? Know these 21 important things before your visit. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of the mainland of India. It can be intimidating for you to plan a trip to Andaman without knowing these significant things. The facilities, booking, infrastructure, and many others vastly differ. This blog covers everything you need to know before visiting the Andamans. Go through them carefully, and do not skip them.

Things to Know about Andaman and Nicobar Islands (before traveling)

1. Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that will help you learn and understand the landscape and islands better.

1. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, popularly known as the Bay Islands, are situated in the Bay of Bengal, midway between peninsular India and Myanmar, and are laid out like a broken necklace in the North-South direction.
2. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of 572 islands or islets. 550 of these islands, 28 of which are inhabited, are in the Andaman Group. The smaller Nicobars comprise 22 main islands, of which 10 are inhabited. The Andaman and Nicobars are separated by the “Ten Degree Channel,” 150 km wide.
3. The Nicobar group of islands is not accessible to the general public. Visitors are only allowed on a permission basis. However, there are discussions about opening the islands to visitors in the upcoming years.
4. The islands are located between 6° 45′ and 13° 41′ N latitudes and 92° 12′ and 93° 57′ E Longitudes. The islands are sandwiched between the Bay Of Bengal to the West and the Andaman Sea to the East.
5. Port Blair is the capital of the union territory. It is also the largest city on the island.
6. 86.02% of the island’s total area is covered by forest. The total geographic area of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 8249 km, out of which the Andaman group covers 6408 km while the Nicobar group covers 1841 km. 
7. The Saddle Peak is the tallest point on the islands at 730 m.
8. The Narcondam and Barren Islands have volcanic origins. The former is dormant, while the latter is active. Barren Island is also the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent.
9. There are 96 wildlife sanctuaries and 9 national parks, including 2 marine national parks.
10. The dugong, commonly known as the sea cow, is an herbivorous sea mammal and the state animal. The Andaman wood pigeon, an endemic species, is the state bird.
11. The A & N archipelago is considered a paradise of biological diversity. About 8425 fauna species are found in the A & N Islands, of which 846 are endemic, meaning that they are only found in that region. A total of 280 species of birds were found in A & N Islands belonging to 56 families under 17 orders. Though the A & N Islands form only 0.25 percent of the landmass of India, they support 12 percent of the endemic avifauna.
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are union territories in India. GST is applicable here as well.
13. The great Andaman trunk road exists from Diglipur in the North to the capital city of Port Blair in the south.
14. The petrol prices are comparatively more affordable than those on the mainland of India.

2. Permits & Proof of Identification

All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. You need not apply online; the permit can be obtained from immigration on arrival at Port Blair. The special permit will be stamped on your passport with a validity date of 30 days, allowing you to stay on the islands. No special permit is needed for Indian nationals.

A passport is mandatory for international travelers, while Aadhar is widely accepted and used by Indian citizens. Make sure to carry your original Aadhar card (no digital copies). Passport and Aadhar can be used as identity proof for accommodations and for renting transport services.

3. Road Conditions

The cities and forests have paved roads that zig-zag along the hilly terrain. Direction boards are placed only in limited places. Driving carefully and slowly is advised. The roads are good at Havelock and Neil Islands, but in many places, they are still under construction.

The Great Andaman Trunk Road is not good and is under construction. The roads are good between Port Blair and Baratang but expect a bumpy ride beyond that. 

4. Two and Four-wheeler Rentals

Most touristy places, like Havelock, Neil, and Port Blair, have places where you can rent a two-wheeler or four-wheeler. A scooter costs between INR 500 and INR 700 per day.

Indian and international driving licenses are valid in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Helmets are mandatory for both drivers and pillion riders. Traffic police conduct spot checks at several places, and you’ll be fined if you fail to abide by the law. In India, everyone drives on the left-hand side of the road. Refer to this guide to learn how to rent two-wheelers in India.

5. Time Difference

Andaman and Nicobar Islands follow the same Indian time zone, GMT+5:30, but the sun rises one hour early and sets an hour before the mainland of India.

6. Network Connectivity

Locals say that Airtel and BSNL work best on the island. Although Jio is gaining traction, it is not yet fully reliable. We observed that both Airtel and Jio had no signal in many places. BSNL SIM card is the best.  You cannot buy a BSNL SIM card without a local reference contact number, even if you’re an Indian. There are no SIM card stations at the Veer Savarkar International Airport. Airtel SIM cards can be bought from the shops.

Wi-Fi services are widely available in most accommodations but not in public places or restaurants. They are not available at Veer Savarkar International Airport.

7. Accommodation

Hostels are very limited. Homestays, hotels, and resorts are popular accommodations available on the island. Many properties are not listed on the online platforms, but they are visible on Google Maps. However, we recommend you book the ones listed online to see the services available. Check for Wi-Fi and power backup options before you book accommodation, as there is frequent power fluctuation. 

Camping on the beaches or sleeping in the jungle is strictly prohibited.

8. Languages Spoken

Since the majority of Indian migrants live in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, multiple languages are spoken here, including Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, but many people also communicate in English.

9. Indigenous People

The island is heavily populated by Indigenous people. However, the regions where the tribes live are protected by security forces, and entry is denied to both locals and tourists.

The tribal people of Jarawa, the Onge, and the Sentinelese live in the Andaman group of islands. Of these, the Sentinelese are the most isolated. The Jarawas live in the forest en route from Port Blair to Jaratang. Photographing Jarawas while traveling by bus or car through Andaman Trunk Road is illegal and a legal offense.

There are two main groups in the Nicobar group of islands – the Nicobarese or Nicobari, who live throughout many of the islands, and the Shompen, who are restricted to the interior of Great Nicobar. The indigenous peoples of the Nicobars are unrelated to the Andamanese.

10. Islanders and Non-Islanders

Many Indian nationals have migrated to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and settled there for generations. The population of native islanders is lesser when compared to the migrant islanders. The islanders have a separate ID card. You can obtain this ID if you reside on the island for at least 10 years. The attractions, water activities, and ferries charge separate fees for islanders, non-islander Indians, and foreigners.

11. Night Life

The islands do not have a thriving nightlife, even in Port Blair. The bars and restaurants close at 11 PM. Some restaurants host DJs during the weekends. However, Havelock has a considerable number of pubs.

12. Dress Code

Follow the same Indian dress code in Andaman as well. Dressing conservatively is advisable. Wearing shorts as a woman is common. However, don’t wear a dress that is typically considered revealing in India. Wearing a bikini is common only in the popular islands of Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). We do not recommend wearing a bikini in Port Blair. Observe the surroundings if you’re unsure if your dress is acceptable.

13. Swimming & Water Sports

​​Andaman & Nicobar Islands have many sandy beaches and coral reefs. However, only some beaches are open for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Though Andaman water is generally safe for swimming and looks inviting, it is also home to dangerous marine animals. A few beaches in Andaman prohibit people from swimming and doing water sports activities due to the spotting of crocodiles.

Islander and non-islander fees for water sports are different. Little Andaman is best for surfing, and Havelock and Neil Islands for snorkeling and scuba diving. Activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, etc., can be found at many beaches on different islands.

Also, read and follow the do’s and don’ts when swimming and participating in water sports activities in the Andamans.

14. Religion

Hinduism is the most widely practiced religion in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, followed by Christianity and Islam. Several Hindu temples are on the islands.

15. Payments & ATMs

Cash and QR payments are widely accepted across the island in all places. Card payments are not widely accepted or used. There are several ATMs spread around Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Some of them are listed on Google Maps, while some are not. If you ask around, you’ll be able to find one. For ferry or bus tickets, it is preferable to carry cash.

16. Power Fluctuations

Power fluctuations are common in all the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The power might be gone for hours together at any time during the day and even at night. In the more remote places, expecting only a few hours of power in a day is reasonable. Also, if you plan to work remotely, ensure that the accommodation you’re booking has a backup generator. Carrying a power bank with you while traveling to Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also a good idea.

17. Transport

We understand that booking a ferry or bus can be daunting. The transport facilities on the islands vastly differ and are much less than those on the mainland of India. So, we have written a separate extensive guide about the transportation services available in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Do give it a read, as it helps while planning the trip.

18. Laundry Services

Laundry services are available in Havelock and Neil Islands, but few places are in Port Blair. Most accommodations allow you to do your laundry.

19. Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The best time to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is between December and May when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Andaman has a moderate temperature throughout the year, within the range of 23°C to 31°C. It has a tropical climate, and tropical storms occur frequently. It rains during the late summer and monsoon seasons. The monsoon season is from late May to August, and the post-monsoon season is from September to November. The summer season is from March to May.

20. Emergency Contact Numbers

It is important to have the emergency numbers handy:

• Police: 100
• Coast Guard: 1554
• Ambulance: 102

21. Do’s & Don’ts while Swimming on the A&N Islands

• Find out about safe swimming or diving areas from the Tourist Information Center, local tour operators, and forest department staff. Do not swim in protected areas to avoid dangerous animals.
• Look for the safety sign boards and identify potential dangers.
• Listen to the lifeguard on duty and follow their instructions.
• Do not dangle your arms or legs in the water during boat rides.
• Do not swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Shiny jewelry or bright-colored clothes resembling small fishes’ fins may attract predatory fishes. Avoid such accessories or clothing while swimming.
• If you have an open wound, please avoid swimming. Many predatory fish are attracted to the smell of blood.
• Avoid diving or swimming among schools of fish. This may attract predatory fishes such as sharks.
• Avoid swimming or diving at night.

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