In the Bay of Bengal, off India’s east coast, are some of the most gorgeous clusters of islands in the world, known as The Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands are among the best places in the world for adventure, nature, and aqua enthusiasts.
Visitors have been restricted from visiting a small section of these islands known as the Sentinel Islands both by the Indian Government as well as the island natives. The rest of the archipelago is open to tourists from anywhere.
Some of the islands such as Havelock Island are already popular tourist destinations, and especially popular for snorkelling and scuba diving. However, many islands and other attractions of the archipelago are not very well known to tourists.
Let's take a look at some of the undiscovered treasures of the archipelago. These include not just particular locations but even other attractive features such as marine bio-luminescence that one can behold in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Limestone Caves, Baratang Island
Located on Baratnag Island, these spectacular caves are clear evidence of the spectacular natural monuments that can be found on the Islands. They consist of limestone formations that arouse complete awe in all those who visit.
(Image Credit: Medium)
These formations are said to be millions of years old. They are known as stalagmites and have been formed by single-celled algae called cyanobacteria. The flowy calcium deposits that resemble waves are nothing short of mother nature’s artwork.
The Baratang Islands have been inhabited for ages by the Jarawa Tribe and have been closed off to the outside world. Originally hostile, they have become more friendly in recent times which is why the island has become open to visitors.
Active Volcano: Barren Islands
The Barren Islands of the Andaman Sea lie on seismically active tectonic plates. It is the only known active volcano on Indian soil. Due to the volcano, the islands are completely uninhabited, and staying on these islands is prohibited. Volcanoes have erupted here as recently as 1994-95.
(Image Credit: Tropical Andaman Tours)
The island is located around 135 km south of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is also a fantastic spot for scuba diving. Divers will get to behold ever-growing coral gardens, prior trickles of lava, and some very intriguing basalt figures. You can also catch a glimpse of the sea’s marine life with species such as manta rays.
While the island is fairly secluded, it is easily accessible by ship or through scuba operators based at Havelock Island.
Red Coral Reefs: Red Skin Island
Another beautiful island that is seldom visited is Red Skin Island. You can find large diversity in the flora and fauna of this island. Among these are red coral reefs that give the island its name due to the reddish hue that they form.
(Image Credit: Discover Andman)
The island is an excellent location for snorkelling and visitors will be able to explore the spectacular sea life beneath the surface. You can feel like part of the ecosystem as you swim with the fish. Snorkelling is a lot more economical than scuba diving since it requires far less gear. Additionally, one need not go through the rigorous training involved in scuba diving.
Bioluminescence: Havelock Island
Undoubtedly among the most surreal biological marvels, bioluminescence resulting from the glowing phytoplankton under the sea would make anyone feel as if they are dreaming while awake. These glossy clusters of underwater stars make the waters blue and the shore glow in the night with a bluish hue.
(Image Credit: Andaman Diaries)
The spectacular sight is so stunning and surreal, it will seem like it is right out of Avatar’s pandora. It is hard to believe this is not artificial lighting or even CGI, but the incredible possibilities of nature.
You can get to experience the marvel of the ocean at Havelock Island. Summer season is one would get to see the maximum bioluminescence. This is because this is the main season when the phytoplankton that produces it grows.
Mud Volcanoes: Baratang and Diglipore Islands
Mud Volcanoes, also known as “Mud Dommes”. When mud slurries erupt along with a combination of water and gas. Several other geological processes contribute to the formation of mud volcanoes. However, unlike igneous volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not spew out any lava when they erupt.
(Image Credit: Hindustan Times)
The mud produced by these volcanoes goes into the formation of hot water springs. While the majority of mud volcanoes can be found underground, many have also been found above ground. The temperatures of mud volcanoes are usually less than those of igneous volcanoes.
There are a total of 11 mud volcanoes that are said to be active on the Andaman Islands so far. Of these 8 are found on Baratang Island while the remaining are Diglipore. Diglipore is situated in North Andaman and is one of the best places to visit in the archipelago.
Treasure Trove of the Ocean
There are several hidden and undiscovered attractions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with each being just as awesome as the other. You will get to explore pristine natural ecosystems with some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world.
Visiting these offbeat locations in the Andmans will likely turn out to be a journey opening up new unprecedented experiences. Many visitors would have never encountered such natural wonders as coral reefs and mud volcanoes.
Wanderers looking to explore the most exotic and extraordinary places can look no further than Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Ideal Time To Visit The Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Being tropical islands, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are good to visit at any time of the year. There are minimal fluctuations in temperature, and the weather remains pleasant throughout most of the year. Monsoons are the least recommended time as one can expect constant rain along with huge tidal waves.
The seasons in the Andamans can be divided into two namely summer and monsoon. There is no winter here since they are tropical islands. You will have a nice experience of hues of blue during summer days in the form of clear blue skies reflected in the sea water producing a turquoise effect. And despite being tropical islands it is not too sweaty over here.
The monsoons fall begin around June and carry on till around September. So, any of the remaining months of the year are suitable for a visit.
Reaching The Andaman Islands
There are several flights to Port Blair from several cities in India, and you also have the option of travelling by sea. For sea travel, one can board a ship to the islands from Kolkata, Chennai, or Vishakapatnam,
Trains To Kolkata
- 12314 | SEALDAH RAJDHNI - Delhi (NDLS) To Kolkata (SDAH)
- 12101 | JNANESHWARI EXP - Mumbai (LTT) To Kolkata (SHM)
Trains To Chennai
- 12622 | TAMILNADU EXP - Delhi (NDLS) To Chennai (MAS)
- 12163 | LTT MAS EXP - Mumbai (LTT) To Chennai (MAS)
Trains To Vishakhapatnam
- 20806 | AP EXPRESS - Delhi (NDLS) To Vishakhapatnam (DVD)
- 18520 | LTT VSKP EXP - Mumbai (LTT) To Vishakhapatnam (DVD)
Copyright © Trainman, 2014-22
