Tourist Places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Port Blair
Located on the east coast of South Andaman, Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a remote harbour. With just a cluster of tin-roofed houses, shops, restaurants and offices, it is a tourist destination less by choice and more because of necessity. It is the arrival point for the islands, and the only place with a bank, tourist offices and hotels. Mineral water and other essentials are available here, only marginally more expensive than the mainland. Power, water and sewerage systems are beginning to show signs of being over-stretched and there are frequent breakdowns. Port Blair offers a variety of sea food delicacies, besides Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Burmese cuisine.
Rangat
One can enjoy the quiet village life and solitude of virgin nature here. You can also breathe unpolluted air, a rare commodity for the city dweller. Cutbert Bay Beach (20 kms. away from Rangat bazaar/jetty) is a turtle nesting ground. One can view the nesting of turtles during December_February season. Hawksbill Nest, guest house of the Directorate of Tourism, is near to the Cutbert bay beach and Turtle Sanctuary. Panchavati water fall and Amkunj beach are on the way to Cutbert Bay. One can go to Mayabunder and Diglipur from here.
Maya Bundar
Situated in the northern part of Middle Andaman, Mayabunder offers excellent scenic beauty and beautiful changes. Inhabited by the settlers from Burma, East Pakistan and ex-convicts, Mayabunder has a distinct culture. Beach at Avis Island (30 minutes boat journey from Mayabunder ), Karmatamg beach (13 kms.) and mangrove lined creeks are the attractions. Karmatang beach is also a turtle nesting ground. One can view, nesting of turtles during December-February season. Swiftlet Nest guest house of the Directorate of Tourism is very near to the Karmatang beach.
Diglipur
Situated in North Andaman Island, Diglipur provides a rare experience for eco-friendly tourists. Saddle Peak, 732 metres, the highest point in the islands is nearby. Kalpong, the only river of Andaman flows from here. The first hydroelectric project of the islands is coming upon this river. One who comes by road from Port Blair has to take a boat from Mayabunder to Kalighat and from there journey by road to Diglipur (25 kms.), and from there to Kalipur (18 kms.) for viewing, Kalipur and Lamiya bay beaches.
Little Andaman
This island has a beautiful beach at Butler Bay, a waterfall and plantation of oil palms. Apart from this there are several sandy beaches all along the coastline of the island. The break water at Hut Bay offers an excellent view to the tourists. Little Andaman is the vegetable bowl for the Nicobar group of islands, The Onge tribals live in this island, so do Nicobarese apart from settlers from erstwhile East Pakistan and other places. However entry to tribal areas is restricted. Journey 8 hrs. by sea from Port Blair towards south.
Car Nicobar
A rustling fan, Car Nicobar is the headquarters of Nicobar District. It is a flat fertile island covered with cluster of coconut palms and enchanting beaches with a roaring sea all around. The Nicobari huts, built on stilts having entrance through floor with a wooden, ladder, are unique to this island. 16 hrs. journey by sea from Port Blair.
Great Nicobar
The southern end of the Nicobars, this island has Indira Point (formerly Pygmallion Point) the southern most tip of India. The beach near Galathia is the nesting ground for Gaint Leather Back Turtles. This island also has biosphere reserve area. 50-60 hrs. journey by sea from Port Blair.