Ever seen the scenery on a 20 Rupee note? The image of a picturesque beach and lush greenery captured on the note is North Bay Island while on the way to Mt Harriot. This is just one of the many attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In fact, this place never fails to surprise travelers- even if you’re visiting for the nth time! Here are a few attractions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands;

Havelock Island

This is undoubtedly the most popular of all islands, thanks to the pristine beaches and popular activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. Unlike other beach destinations, the government here has been sensible enough to control the tourism potential of this place. Hence, you wouldn’t find Havelock Islands flooding with tourists, but the ones that the coral green waters invite are people who appreciate the ecological sensitivity of the place. The infrastructure is deliberately kept minimal and facilities are just basic. Some of the popular beaches here include Radha Nagar, Govind Nagar, and Vijay Nagar.

Port Blair:

Being the Island’s capital city, Port Blair is the first destination of every travel itinerary. Port Blair is famously called ‘mini India’ thanks to the millions of people from different corners of the country living harmoniously with each other. There are several attractions in and around this city including Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, CARI, Anthropological Museum, Chatam Saw Mill, Naval Museum, etc.

Wandoor and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:

Wandoor is frequently visited because this is embarking point to the Mahatma Gandhi National Park. This place has a beautiful beach and is home to some of the best resorts on the island. As for the marine park, it covers more than 280sq kms of area including mangrove creeks, tropical forests, and reefs. Snorkeling is done either at Jolly Buoy or Red Skin, depending on the time of the year. This place is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including coral reefs, fishes, star fish, manta rays, turtles, parakeets, etc.

Neil Island:

This place is quieter when compared to Havelock, but no less attractive. It is just 40 kms away from Port Blair and popular for fishing and agriculture. There are plenty of attractions here as well, including Lakshmanpur Beach, Ramnagar Beach, Sitapur Beach etc. Make sure you witness the sunset as the sight is one of its kinds. Snorkeling is also a popular activity. And so is undertaking short term courses in scuba diving.

Diglipur:

Diglipur is on the North Andaman Islands and a centre point for other neighboring attractions like Ross and Smith Islands, Shyamnagar jungles, and the Jarawat tribal reserve. Buses from Diglipur depart for Port Blair, Mayabunder, Ramnagar, Kalighat, etc.

Chidiyatapu:

Chidiyatapu is a tiny coastal village with a beautiful view and an ideal destination for snorkeling. There’s also a zoo that houses endemic animals including wild pig, water monitors, etc. and some like the spotted deer that were introduced to the island.