Andaman Islands
Islands Tropical Indian Ocean archipelago with indigenous communities
The Andaman archipelago in the Bay of Bengal offers coral reefs, scuba diving and snorkeling, plus the British-era Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Visitors come for underwater life, island beaches and relaxed seaside towns.
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpeg?width=1200)
.jpeg?width=1200)
.jpeg?width=1200)
The Andaman Islands are an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal comprising several hundred islands and islets, forming part of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The group is known for coral reefs, tropical forests and colonial-era heritage sites.
Main visitor activities include beach tourism, snorkelling and scuba diving around coral reefs, and visits to heritage sites such as the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Island-to-island ferry services connect key tourism islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
The islands have a long history of indigenous habitation and later colonial occupation; Port Blair was the site of a British penal colony in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Since Indian independence the islands have developed as a strategic and ecological territory with limited tourism infrastructure concentrated on a handful of islands.
Situated in the eastern Bay of Bengal, the Andaman group lies off the eastern coast of mainland India; Port Blair is the administrative capital and primary transport gateway for visitors.
- Archipelago size and status: The archipelago consists of several hundred islands in the Bay of Bengal and forms part of India's union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Indigenous communities and access: Several islands have protected indigenous communities and restricted access zones; visitor movement is regulated and permits are required for some areas.
What to See #
- Port Blair: Port Blair is the administrative and transport hub with the Cellular Jail memorial located inside the town.
- Havelock / Swaraj Dweep: Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) is known for accessible coral-backed beaches and popular diving sites reachable by ferry.
- Neil / Shaheed Dweep: Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) offers sheltered beaches and a smaller, quieter island experience with easy inter-island connections.
How to Get to Andaman Islands #
The Andaman Islands are reached by air or sea to Port Blair (the capital). Regular commercial flights operate to Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) from Indian cities such as Chennai and Kolkata (and other selected metros); scheduled passenger ships also sail from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam but these take several days. From Port Blair you reach other islands (for example Havelock/Swaraj Dweep) by government or private ferries and high‑speed boats (journeys typically 1.5-4 hours depending on the service); the Port Blair airport is a short taxi ride (10-25 minutes) from the main jetty and town.
Tips for Visiting Andaman Islands #
- Visit during the dry season (November-April) when sea conditions are calmest and inter‑island ferries and dive/snorkel operators are running reliably; the southwest monsoon (May-October) brings reduced services and rough seas.
- Book inter‑island ferries and popular island transfers (for example to Havelock/Swaraj Dweep) well in advance, especially during peak season and holiday weekends, because options sell out quickly.
- If you're not an Indian national, obtain the required Restricted/Protected Area permission on arrival at Port Blair (or check visa/permit requirements beforehand); use Port Blair as the main hub for onward island travel.
Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands #
The Andaman Islands are best visited in the dry season (roughly November-May) for calm seas and reliable water activities.
Weather & Climate near Andaman Islands #
Andaman Islands's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2962 mm/year), wettest in June with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The driest month with just 10 mm.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (345 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 26°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (502 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (450 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (437 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (496 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (308 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (193 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
