The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is a group of over 500 islands located in the Bay of Bengal. This beautiful archipelago is home to a rich and diverse culture, with a history dating back to the prehistoric times. The islands have been a popular Tourist Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for their pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush green forests. But there’s so much more to discover in this paradise than just its natural beauty. From ancient tribal communities to colonial structures, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a glimpse into its fascinating past. In this article, we will explore the major tourist attractions that showcase the rich heritage of these islands and make them a must-visit destination for every traveler.
1. Cellular Jail
The Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kala Pani’ is an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Constructed by the Britishers during their colonial rule in India, Cellular Jail was used particularly to exile political prisoners where they were subjected to many atrocities at the hands of the British.
2. Makruzz
Makruzz is a fully airconditioned high-speed craft that operates between Port Blair-Havelock & Neil Island. It has an aircraft-like seating arrangement, the only difference (apart from wearing a seat belt) is the huge glass window which offers a mesmerizing view of the ocean as you cruise. There are three classes of seats to choose from. The average travel time from Port Blair to Havelock is 90 minutes, which is the fastest among all the cruise ships in Andamans.
3. Laxmanpur Beach
Laxmanpur Beach is a beautiful and white sandy beach. The beach is a broad spur of white shell sand with shallow water and offers a good snorkeling option. Sunbathing and swimming are other activities. The beach also gives an impressive sunset view. Corals and sea shells are found in abundance at this seafront, which are often collected as souvenirs by visitors.
4. Limestone Caves
Limestone Caves is one of the best as well as unique tourist attractions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These naturally formed caves are a visual treat to nature enthusiasts. Formed at the bottom of the sea, limestone is a sedimentary rock. It takes millions of years when deposits of marine life, corals, shells, and skeletons go through a natural compression in order to form unique shapes within the cave. Holding the secret of a million years of the Andaman Islands, these caves are lined up with stalactites and stalagmites.
5. Howrah Bridge
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast of another beautiful nearby place, which is Neil Island. Neil Island is famous for its naturally shaped bridge-like rock, also known as the Howrah Bridge. Howrah Bridge in Andaman is a naturally formed coral arch bridge. The name of the rock formation was given by the Bengali people who used to live on the island. They used to refer to it as Rabindra Setu and later changed it to Howrah Bridge.