Nestled in the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical haven that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, writes Santanu Ganguly

Every Indian should visit the Andaman Islands at least once in their lifetime to complete their journey. The Andaman Islands offer an incredible blend of natural beauty, historical significance, wildlife, and adventure sports.

The Andaman Islands are well-connected by regular flights from Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, and one can also reach them by ship from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. However, traveling by flight is recommended to witness breathtaking aerial views that resemble slices of heaven.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise a total of 836 islands, of which only 31 are inhabited. Visitors are not allowed on all the islands, and even the non-tribal Andamanese people cannot visit the restricted islands. Only government officials from departments such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Forest Department, and Police are permitted to access these islands for official purposes. As a general tourist, the only chance to see some of these islands is from the sky before landing or after takeoff at Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair, the capital of the union territory. While the Andaman Islands are open to tourists year-round, the best time to visit is from October to May. Monsoon tourism runs from June to October.

There are numerous hotels and guest houses available for online booking, and package tours are also offered to suit various budgets. The local businesses are known for their honesty, adhering to strict rules and regulations throughout the islands. For example, if the local authority sets the price of coconut water at forty rupees, the rate will be consistent everywhere.

In Port Blair, the major attractions include the Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, Forest Museum, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Aquarium, Science Center, and Corbyn's Cove. The historic Cellular Jail will not only enrich your knowledge of history but also evoke a deep emotional connection as you learn about the struggles of lesser-known freedom fighters and the inhumane torture they endured under British rule.

To reach Shaheed Dweep (formerly known as Neil Island) and Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock Island) from Port Blair, you must travel by small ships, following a process similar to airport check-in. Plan to stay at least one night on each of these islands to explore them fully. Must-visit beaches on Shaheed Dweep include Bharatpur, Lakshmanpur, and Sitapur, while Elephant and Radhanagar beaches on Swaraj Dweep are not to be missed. Scuba diving at Shaheed Dweep offers an unforgettable experience.

Other popular attractions include Hudi Tikri, Red, Bird and Bat islands, Amkunj Beach near Rangat; Dhaninallah Mangroves and Karmatang Beach near Mayabunder; limestone caves and mud volcanoes near Diglipur; Craggy Island; Ross & Smith Islands, and various national parks and protected sanctuaries.

The indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are divided into two groups: the Onge, Sentinelese, Jarawa, and Andamanese of Negroid descent living in the Andaman Islands, and the Shompen and Nicobarese of Mongoloid descent living in the Nicobar Islands. It is strictly prohibited by law to enter tribal reserves, meet, or photograph these tribes. Respect their peaceful haven and adhere to the law.

During my visits to the Andaman Islands, I was fortunate enough to encounter the Jarwa people. However, last year, I had an incredible experience while traveling by local public bus from Diglipur to Port Blair. As we entered the Jarwa forest after crossing a river, four Jarwa boys waved at our bus driver for a lift. The bus stopped, and they quickly got on board. One of them sat beside me, admiring my bracelet made of beads, which they seem to have a fascination for. Though I wanted to give it to him, I had to refuse due to the law prohibiting the exchange of items with the tribes. Their innocent laughter, however, was priceless.

Photos: Santanu Ganguly