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Reef diving, night kayaking and Andaman marine life
- Bengali
- Hindi
- English
4.8(231)from ₹3,600 / day
Andaman Islands
Radhanagar's sand, some of Asia's best-value diving, and a colonial prison whose history is the reason most Indians come.
- Altitude
- 0 m
- Terrain
- Tropical islands and coral reef
- Best months
- Oct–May
- Region
- Andaman & Nicobar, India
The Andamans sit closer to Myanmar than to mainland India, and the reefs around Havelock — officially Swaraj Dweep — carry hard and soft coral, reef sharks and manta in season. Diving here is among the best value in Asia, with open-water certification typically costing a fraction of Red Sea or Thai equivalents.
Radhanagar beach on Havelock is the one in the photographs, and it earns it: a long west-facing arc that takes the sunset directly. Neil Island, now Shaheed Dweep, is quieter and better for snorkelling straight off the beach.
Port Blair's Cellular Jail is the other reason people come. The colonial prison held Indian independence activists in solitary confinement, and the site is now a national memorial. It is a heavy visit and worth doing with someone who can give it context.
One thing to respect: several tribal reserves, including North Sentinel, are closed to all visitors under law. This is not a formality — approaching them is illegal and has been fatal.
Highlights
- Radhanagar beach, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) — west-facing, sunset arc
- Scuba diving and snorkelling on hard and soft coral reefs
- Cellular Jail national memorial, Port Blair
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — quieter, snorkelling off the beach
- Sea-kayaking through the Havelock mangrove creeks at night for bioluminescence
Common questions
Do you need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?
Indian nationals need no permit. Foreign nationals are issued a Restricted Area Permit on arrival at Port Blair, valid 30 days and extendable by 15. Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan need prior Ministry of Home Affairs approval.
When is the best time to visit the Andamans?
October to May, with the calmest seas and clearest water from December to April. The southwest monsoon from June to September brings rough crossings and ferries are cancelled regularly.
Is the Andamans good for beginner divers?
Yes — Havelock has calm, shallow, warm sites well suited to first dives, and open-water certification costs considerably less than in most of Asia. Visibility is best between December and April.