Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands form a breathtaking archipelago of over 300 islands located in the northeastern Indian Ocean, about 1,300 km southeast of mainland India. Part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory, these emerald jewels are renowned worldwide for their untouched beauty, making them one of Asia’s last pristine tropical destinations.

Geography & Landscape
Spanning 6,408 sq km across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, the islands feature dramatic dome-shaped hills, dense tropical rainforests, mangrove creeks, and coral-fringed coastlines. Great Andaman (North, Middle, and South Andaman) forms the main cluster, while smaller gems like Havelock, Neil Island, Little Andaman, and remote northern islands like Diglipur offer diverse experiences. The highest peak, Saddle Peak (732m), towers over North Andaman.

World-Class Marine Life
Andaman’s waters host one of the richest coral reef ecosystems globally, with kaleidoscopic corals, colorful fish, sea turtles, and manta rays. Havelock Island’s Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s best beach, per Time Magazine) and Elephant Beach are scuba and snorkeling hotspots. The islands feature 11 mud volcanoes and Barren Island, India’s only active volcano.

Cultural & Historical Significance
Home to indigenous tribes like the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and famously isolated Sentinelese, the islands preserve ancient cultures. Port Blair (the capital) showcases Cellular Jail – a colonial prison symbolizing India’s freedom struggle – alongside British-era ruins on Ross Island.