Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Andaman Islands
Why Go?
Long fabled among travellers for its legendary beaches, world-class diving and far-flung
location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman Islands are still the ideal place to get away
from it all.
Its lovely opaque emerald waters are surrounded by primeval jungle and mangrove
forest, and snow-white beaches that melt under flame-and-purple sunsets. The population is
a friendly masala of South and Southeast Asian settlers, as well as Negrito ethnic groups
whose arrival here still has anthropologists baffled. Adding to the intrigue is its remote loc-
ation, some 1370km from the mainland, meaning the islands are geographically more
Southeast Asia - 150km from Indonesia and 190km from Myanmar.
While the archipelago comprises some 300 islands, only a dozen or so are open to tour-
ists, Havelock by far being the most popular for its beaches and diving. The Nicobars are
strictly off limits to tourists, as are the tribal areas.
When to Go
Dec-Mar
Perfect sunny days, optimal diving conditions, and turtle nesting.
Oct-Dec & Mar-mid-May
Weather's a mixed bag, but fewer tourists and lower costs.
May-Aug
Pumping waves on Little Andaman for experienced surfers.
Best Beaches
»
Radhanagar (
Click here
)
»
Merk Bay (
Click here
)
