Marine fauna is diverse including a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. Considering the diversity and uniqueness of fauna and flora and the fragile nature of the eco-system here, 96 sanctuaries spread over 466.218 sq km and nine National Parks spread over 1153.938 sq km have been notified on these islands.

According to the island’s environmental team, most are bio-diversity hotspots, with more than a quarter of the flora and fauna endemic (only found in Andamans). Four of the world’s seven species of sea turtles nest on these beaches including the endangered leatherback turtle, Sea grass supports rare Dugongs. Also found are giant monitor lizards and salt water crocodiles which inhabit the extensive mangrove swamps.

While travelling to these islands, one has to be a responsible traveller; one should be sensitive to issues related to the physical environment of the wonderful beaches, fascinating rain forests and marine life.

First beach festival organised by the Directorate of Tourism in association with PBMC, ANIIDCO and Tourism Service Providers of the Islands happened on 20th April 2012 at 4.30 PM.

Sports events like Beach kabbadi, Beach Volley ball, Tug of War and display of Water Sports items and events of fun and frolic will unfold before beach lovers of Port Blair at the Corbyn’s Cove beach from.

Arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, lightings, garbage bins, changing room, beach furniture, food kiosks, parking slots are being arranged.
Federation of responsible tour operators of A&N Islands, (FORTO) offering free shuttle service general public during the festival on all the three days. Two buses, on were arranged, one from Goalghar Petrol Bunk and another from Bhatu Basti Petrol Bunk to Corbyns Cove making shuttle services in the evening.

Seafood rules on the Andaman Islands, due to it being the natural diet of the Bengali settlers, who came to the Andamans. Crabs, shrimp, lobster and fish are available at almost all restaurants. However do not expect sea food to be cheap here. Demand exceeds supply and costs of seafood although not sky high, does not come cheap either.

North Indian, South Indian, Vegetarian, Continental, and Chinese dishes are available at all restaurants here. If you do go for continental food, do not expect anything you would expect at home, expect it with the Indian twist.

Indian passport holders do not require a permit to visit and stay in the populated areas of Andaman Islands, including Havelock Island. All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) over and above an Indian Visa to enter the Andaman Islands. The Indian Visa is to be obtained in your country of residence prior to arrival in India.

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes, is free of cost and is available to all foreign nationals.

It has recently been brought to our notice that some Indian Visas issued carry a stamp that reads “Entry to restricted areas NOT permitted”. Should your Visa carry such a stamp, please contact the embassy and have the visa re-issued as you will not be allowed to enter the Andaman Islands.

Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 30 day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can only be done at the Immigration Office in Port Blair and you will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension. Please note that it may not always be possible to get this extension in a few hours and you may need to stay overnight in Port Blair to obtain the extension.

Foreigners holding a valid entry permit into the Andaman Islands are allowed to visit and stay at municipal areas of Port Blair, Havelock, Long island, Neil island, the islands of South Andaman and Middle Andaman (excluding tribal reserved area – 5kms away from Constance bay to Luis Inlet bay – western coast tribal reserve), Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, North Passage Island, Little Andaman (excluding tribal reserve) and all islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park except Boat Island, Hobday island, Twins islands, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto island. Tourists can also visit Jolly Buoy island, South Cinque island, Redskin island, Mount Harriet, Madhuban, Ross island, Narcondam island, Interview island, Brother & Sister islands and Barren island during the day. (Visit to Barren island is restricted on board the vessel with no landing ashore).

Do note that the Restricted Access Permit is issued on arrival and is a process by the Immigration department and no one can assist you in getting the same. In case of any complications, you will need to sort it our with the Immigration authorities. We would best advice you to check on the latest procedures and updates from the Immigration authorities to prevent any issues.

Internet connectivity is taking baby steps in Andaman Islands. Most of the islands have limited internet facilities and few computers are present there. You can get reliable and fairly fast internet connection at Port Blair only.

Havelock Islands have mostly dial-up connections and so it is slow and not very reliable. There are private internet kiosks with satellite internet which are far better and faster but they charge per hour and are quite expensive.
Visitors have the facility of making VOIP/SKYPE calls but the quality of calls may not be always crystal clear.

Because of being an island, there are beautifully hand-crafted artefacts, handicrafts and jewelry items made from mother of pearl, shells, conches and the like. These are best purchased from ‘Sagarika’ which is the authorized outlet for Cottage Industries of Andaman Islands.

There are many private shops which sell these in Aberdeen Bazaar also. You must be ready to bargain as these shops may be a bit expensive and quote higher prices routinely.
Hand-made jewellery from coconuts is available in Havelock Island. But most of the shops sell textile items brought over from mainland India.

The concept of duty-free shops and mall shopping is yet to find root in Andaman Islands. Andaman Islands have shopping facilities and other convenience stores etc within easy approach where all daily requirements and items that are used regularly can be purchased easily.

Amazing natural bridge shaped rock which is more popularly known as “Howrah Bridge” by the Bengali locals who once came in and settled in this beautiful secluded island in huge numbers.They refer to the original “Rabindra Sethu” which is also known as “Howrah Bridge” and is situated in Kolkata,West bengal of India. Another fascinating thing about this beach is the abandance of beautiful corals and marine life,specially at the twilight hours,and makes the shallow sea bed look like a underwater garden.

In Baratang Island, particularly at Nayadera near Wrafters Creef, there is a huge deposit of Limestone, where some deposits are in the form of caves and the rest of it are in the form of layers or beds one upon the other.

There are more than 300 big and small deposits of limestone, out of which only one in the form of a cave is opened for the tourists. In the cave, massive limestone formations are dangled from the ceiling, glowed from the sides and sprouted from the ground.

The cave is a sight to behold- massive limestone formations dangled from the ceiling like chandeliers, glowed from the sides and sprouted from the ground like short pilasters. One hung like a thick pillar from the ceiling of the cave. The serrated edges of the limestone blocks shine in the dark. There is a narrow walkway of the cave inside and constant dripping of water from the ceiling.