Andaman is a fascinating destination to visit in India. It is home to a large number of temples of which one particular temple is really famous. Andaman in India is quite a historic destination. It is characterized by vast scenic beauty and a secular culture. Consequently it serves as a famous destination for visitors from different regions of the world. Andaman receives tourists at all times of the year. The normal visiting season for tourists is between December and March. This is during the time, when the climate in the region is really good. Andaman in India is a very holy destination. Travelers to this destination are therefore expected to adhere to many norms and customs during their residence over here. Wearing western clothes is something that is best not done when residing at Andaman in India. It is primarily a temple town and residents as well as visitors are expected to obey certain rules. This might seem quite rigid at first but when tourists visit the city of Port Blair they get easily integrated into the local culture. Andaman is quite a secular destination and opens its to tourists of all castes and creeds. Accessing Andaman is not at all difficult. There are plenty of buses and trams operating in the city, and can be used for the purpose of navigation from one place to another. There are also roadways and railways that make it easy for tourists to get to the city of Port Blair from neighboring regions. The most important city from which tourists come to the city of Port Blair is the city of Delhi which is the capital of India. Other important cities from which tourists generally travel to this destination are Bangalore, Mumbai and the city of Kolkata, which is in the eastern region of India.
Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar
The most appropriate time to visit Andaman and Nicobar islands is during the summer season. This is because the weather at this point in time is absolutely perfect. The beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are much visited during this point in time. The beaches become sites for desirable activities like fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. One can also go parasailing when visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. The summer months are the best when this destination is really hot. The summer season which starts from April and May and lasts up till July is the time when the weather in the beachside is truly good. This is an ideal time as there is no snowfall and rainfall at this point is also something that is quite minimal. It is true that Andaman in the monsoon time is also something that is quite splendid to witness. The rainfall which occurs during this time renders this destination an absolutely magical quality. However, walking around in the monsoon season normally proves to be very difficult for the travelers over here. There is a lot of slosh all around and one can fall and injure oneself when walking around in the beachside destination during the monsoon season. The summer months are also the time when one can engage in a variety of gastronomic delights in the city, with the local restaurants serving some of their best fare to travelers at this point and is therefore good for Andaman and Nicobar islands tourism.
Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar
Mosques
Andaman is home to a predominantly Muslim population. As a result one can come across a large number of mosques in the city when setting out to know about Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The mosques in the city are mostly located in the main city area. To enter the mosques one does not have to pay anything at all. However taking pictures inside the mosques is something that is strictly prohibited. The mosques in the city of Srinagar reflect a beautiful culture and concept of brotherhood. Prayers are offered at three times of the day. Tourists can be present at these sessions. The mosques are quite large with most of them having been constructed in the Islamic rule itself. In order to reach the mosques in the city one can make use of the rental car services. One can also utilize the local transportation options in order to access the mosques in the city of Port Blair. The mosques in the Indian city of Port Blair reflect a typical architectural style. It is the type of architectural style that can be found when witnessing the mosques in the province of Middle East. The interiors of the mosques are quite plain and do not comprise of ornate work of any kind. The exteriors of the mosques are however quite lavish. The mosques are particularly beautiful to witness during the festival of Id in the city. This is the time when the mosques in the city look really colorful and bright and are worth exploring on the part of tourists.
Pagan Temples
There are a large number of temples which are worth viewing on the part of travelers in the Indian state of Andaman. The temples are good places to visit in Andaman and are situated in a very high altitude. One can travel up to the temples located in the different parts of the state on horseback. One can also use rental cars in order to get to these religious destinations in a comfortable manner. The rental car services in the state are moderately priced and there are special rental services which one can present of in order to travel to the different temples in Andaman. The temples in the state generally start receiving visitors from the early hours of the morning. Visitors are requested to enter the temples wearing clean clothes and also to take their shoes off prior to entering the temples. The temples are sites where tourists offer prayers to the gods. This is usually done during the evening when a prayer service occurs. The temples in the state of Andaman feature highly intricate artwork. Most of these temples are quite old and date back several centuries. The majority of the temples in the state of Andaman were constructed by the monarchs who ruled in province between the thirteenth and the sixteenth centuries. One can also come across a Buddhist influence on the temples in the Indian state of Andaman. Tourists can take as many pictures as they wish to when they visit the temples over here as there is absolutely no restriction on photography. Entry to the temples is also entirely free.
Parks and Gardens in Port Blair
There are different parks and gardens that can be explored when one visits the city of Port Blair in Andaman. The parks and gardens in the city are exceptionally well maintained are a popular attraction for tourists. The parks and gardens can be accessed at any time of the day, without paying any money. The parks in the city serve as a perfect destination where one can relax and unwind. They are filled with tourists throughout the year and are generally places where people engage in relaxing activities like playing sports. Photography is permitted in the parks in the city of Port Blair. The perfect season during which one can visit the parks is in the summer time. In the winter season it is far too cold to travel to the parks in Port Blair. The public gardens in Port Blair are places which have an abundance of the most exquisite kind of flora and fauna. Here one can witness trees and flowers that are unique to only the northern part of India. The gardens in the city of Port Blair are open at all times of the day and serve as an excellent destination where one can escape to in order to break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The gardens are large and spacious and are good places where children can engage in pleasure activities of their choice.
Research Centers
There are two well known research centers which you can go and visit during the course of your visit in the Indian city of Port Blair. These research centers mainly work towards reconstructing the ancient and medieval history of the province. The research centers are financed by some well known universities in Chennai and receive scholars from different parts of the world, during different times of the year. The research centers in the city of Port Blair are located in two large buildings situated in the main city area. Working hours are from ten in the morning to six in the evening. If you have queries in your mind regarding the history and culture of the city of Port Blair and the neighboring areas then you can visit these research centers in order to get your queries resolved. There are experts here who can answer all your questions in the best manner possible. Of the two research centers that are located in the city of Port Blair one is dedicated to researching on only the art and architecture of the province. Paintings and other art works are dissected and analyzed at this research center. If you are passionate about ancient Indian art then you can visit this place in order to know about the unique art and architecture of the Andaman region. You can also pick up artistic souvenirs for loved ones back home when you visit this research center. The souvenirs are quite cheaply priced and generally comprise of note pads and key chains.
Botanical Gardens
When you visit the beachside city of Port Blair in India you should certainly make it a point to visit the botanical gardens. This is a massive area spread over quite a few kilometers and is a major tourist destination in Port Blair and the Andaman. The Botanical Gardens are located in the main city area and can be reached quite easily using the rental car services that are available in the city. The drivers of the rental cars are quite familiar with this destination and will be able to take travelers there in a manner that is easy and convenient. The Botanical Gardens remain open from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. One can come across different varieties of roses, daffodils and other kinds of wild flowers when one visits this destination. Photography is allowed and tourists can go ahead and take as many pictures as they would like. One of course needs to purchase tickets in order to be able to enter the Botanical Gardens. Tickets are available at the counter at the entrance and do not tend to cost more than fifty INR. The best time to visit the Botanical Gardens in Andaman is in the summer season. This is because there are certain species of flowers which tend to grow only during the summer time. While this place can also most certainly be explored in the monsoon season it is simply not as enjoyable as it is in the summer.
Hindu Temple
The Hindu Temple is another very well known temple in the city of Port Blair in India. The Hindu temple is located close to the main Pagan Temples and receives an equal number of devotes all around the year. Tourists and pilgrims can also partake of live prayer offerings over here as they can at the Pagan temple. The Hindu Temple is very old, and is a structure that was constructed several hundred years ago. Entry to this temple is quite rigid and one will have to wear fresh clothes if one at all wishes to enter this temple. Entering this temple wearing clothes that are not fresh is considered to be a sin. The Hindu Temple opens at six in the morning. Hymns can be heard being performed at this temple at this hour. The hymns here are generally performed by the clergy though sometimes local people may also be seen performing hymns over here. The Temple is not too difficult to access and this can be done on foot. The walk up to the temple is however quite steep and those who are not too sure about their hiking skills should avoid making a journey to this temple. The Hindu temple closes at about ten in the night. Photography is permitted inside this temple just as it is in the Pagan Temples. Offerings to the gods can however be made only during the evening time.
Islands
The city of Port Blair in is home to some of the largest islands in the world. These are best viewed during the winter season and can be witnessed during the summer season as well. There are excursions organized during holidays to these islands. Tourists who are interested in witnessing the islands can sign up for these excursions. The excursions are not highly priced and can be afforded by all. It is important for travelers to take a number of precautions when undertaking excursions to the islands in Port Blair. First of all one should gather as many cool clothes as possible as it gets frightfully hot near the Islands even during the season of Winter One should also carry Vaseline and other lubricants in order to keep one’s skin from suffering damage in excess rainwater. Wearing the right shoes is also an important consideration for travelers to make when visiting the islands in the city of Port Blair. The island excursions generally include a trip by car to the island regions. Tourists are taken in groups a few kilometers close to the islands from where they can take photographs of these magnificent geographical formations. Professional swimmers accompany travelers during these excursions to avert disasters in the case of accidents.
Lake Side
When touring Andaman in India you should certainly pay a trip to the lake in order to have a delightful holiday experience in a scenic destination. The lake is an important landmark for the city. The lake is an artificial lake and was constructed many years ago by the state authorities. The lake services as a favored destination for tourists looking to have a good time and unwind in the lap of nature. The easiest way to travel to the lake is to take a cab. There are of course bus services in the town that can take interested passengers to the lake. The lake in Port Blair is quite massive and it could take an entire day in order to explore the length and the breadth of the lake. One can of course take boat rides across this lake which is known to be a most fun experience for tourists. The boat rides are not too expensive. A one hour ride over the lake costs about a hundred INR. The boats which take tourists out into the lake are operated by skilled professionals who are capable of averting a disaster if it occurs. The ideal time when tourists should take a boat ride over this lake is the early morning hours . This is the time when the venue is truly tranquil. There are also many beautiful areas surrounding the lake which tourists can go and explore by foot.
Rose Park
Rose Park is a nature park in the city of Port Blair. The park is a massive one and can take several hours to navigate and explore. The Rose Park is a place that is stunningly similar to the botanical gardens. It is situated right in the heart of the city and can be easily accessed using the bus services in the town. The Simms Park is famous for its birds. There is a substantive monkey population over here. The birds can be witnessed engaging in playful behavior all over the park. The park is also home to some of the most beautiful varieties of trees and plants. Tourists can also be witnessed sitting around in corners at the park and talking to one another. The walkways inside the park are quite steep. In order to be able to navigate along this park successfully one has to wear the right kind of shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes might result in tourists slipping down and falling which is certainly not something that is desirable. The Rose Park is beautiful to visit in both the summer as well as the winter season. The flowers and plants that are there in this park are in full bloom in both the seasons. One does not have to spend money in order to be able to visit the Rose Park. Those interested in clicking pictures however have to pay an amount in order to be able to do so.
Churches and Museums
The destination of Port Blair is one that has an abundance of churches. The majority of the churches are located in the main city area. To reach the churches in the city you can utilize the hired car services that are available in the city. You can also take an auto to visit the churches in the town. The churches in the island were constructed during the late nineteenth century. They are mostly Roman Catholic churches and remain open from ten in the morning until five in the evening. Mass and sermons are held every Friday and Sunday. If one visits the churches on a Sunday then one can witness the catholic population engaged in religious activities over here. The churches do not charge any money from visitors. Interested visitors can make a donation in the donation boxes that are kept at one side of the church. The museums in the town of Port Blair are also those that are worth exploring. There is one art museum and one history museum in the town. The former houses the art history of the province from the medieval times until present day. The latter houses the entire history of the province from ancient to modern times. A token amount has to be paid by tourists in order to be able to access the museums in the town. This is not much and amounts to about fifty INR. One cannot click pictures inside the museums. Doing so can result in one being fined quite heavily.
Hotels and Resorts
Stone Way
The Hotel Stoneway is one of the largest hotels that one can come across near beaches in the state of Andaman. This is located a few kilometers away from the main temple area and can be reached using the buses and trams in the city. The rooms in this hotel are very large and comfortable with facilities like a mini bar and television. Accommodation is quite cheap and can be availed of for about a thousand rupees a night. It is however imperative to book in advance if one wishes to put up at this hotel during a tour in the city of Port Blair. This is mainly because this hotel is very famous among tourists and remains occupied at all times of the year. The highest occupancy is generally during the winter season which is the perfect time for a person to be visiting the city of Port Blair.
Youth Hostels
The youth hostels in Andaman are a perfect option for budget travelers visiting the golden sandy beaches in the city. The youth hostels offer very low priced accommodation and are generally meant for the backpacker travelers. Food is not provided inside the youth hostels and these have to be procured from outside. The Youth hostels are located about five to six kilometers away from the beaches. As a result reaching the temple is easiest by foot from these hostels. The rooms in the youth hostels near the golden temple are very small however the beds are those that are quite comfortable. Twin sharing is possible at the youth hostels in Andaman. Booking needs to be made well in advance as because of their cheap rates the youth hostels tend to be the most coveted among travelers. The best time to book rooms here would be about three months prior to the date of travel.
Gardenia
The Gardenia in the Indian state of Andaman is a high range hotel located in the city center. It is easily navigable and is best reached using the rental car services that are available at the main train station. The hotel is famous for its gourmet dining facilities. You can get to enjoy the most authentic Chinese fare when you put up at this hotel. The hotel has two restaurants. One serves Chinese cuisine while the other serves continental cuisine. In room dining is also available at this hotel in Andaman. The Gardenia has very comfortable rooms that ensure tourists get a proper night’s rest after a long day of travelling around the city. The rooms have heating facilities in the form of an electric heater which warms the rooms considerably. One can also avail of hot water services in the bathrooms of this hotel. It is indeed therefore an excellent accommodation option.
Golden Sands
The Golden Sands is a beautiful hotel in the state of Andaman in India. It has a Chinese proprietor and consequently serves the most delicious Chinese food items to its residents. The hotel has two restaurants of its own. One restaurant serves authentic Chinese food while the other serves Goan and Southern Indian fare. A continental breakfast maybe enjoyed in the morning by those who avail of a package tour. The rooms of the hotel are extremely well furnished. Each of the rooms has a bathroom of its own. Hot water services are available in the bathrooms of this hotel as is room heating in each and every room. If you wish to enjoy access to wireless internet during the course of your stay in this hotel then you can go ahead and actually do so. The hotel offers guests with the facility of wireless internet access and that too entirely for free. You do not have to pay for this.
Peter’s Residency
This is a fabulous accommodation destination among the hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is much favored by tourists visiting the Indian state of Andaman. The food served at this hotel is absolutely mouth watering and can be procured for meager rates. Although the hotel has a restaurant of its own guests can also enjoy in room dining facilities when they reside over here. The hotel is located near the main market area. Buses trams and taxis can be used in order to get to this hotel in a manner that is convenient. The hotel is serviced by its very own bar which serves complimentary alcoholic beverages between six and seven in the evening during the weekends. Alcohol here is also not too expensive to procure on the normal days. The rooms in the hotel are quite luxurious and feature carpets and curtains made of a high quality material. The bathrooms have hot water facilities in this hotel.
Blue Residency
This too is a desirable accommodation option where travelers love to put up at when they arrive in the Indian state of Andaman. The hotel contains furniture that is made entirely of wood. The furniture has high aesthetic value and living in this hotel for a short period of time is indeed something which travelers really enjoy. There are as many as a hundred rooms in this hotel. Given how popular the hotel is it is best to book accommodation in advance in order to be able to avail of it upon arrival in Andaman. Accommodation maybe booked via a secure internet engine. Accommodation can also be booked by guests oer the phone. The hotel has its own business center which tourists can use if they need to access the internet or send a fax. These of course have to be paid for. Internet and fax services at the Blue Residency are not complimentary.
Parkway Inn
This is a budget tourist destination in the capital city of Port Blair in the Indian state of Andaman The Inn receives bookings via internet as well as over the phone. The rooms in the hotel are comparatively small but are very well done up. There is room heating in all the rooms in the hotel and guests will not feel comfortable whether residing in the summer or the winter season. The hotel has a dining area where tourists have to venture to in order to procure their meals. The meals which are served are piping hot and generally comprise of local fare. One can also get to enjoy Chinese cuisine when residing at this hotel in Andaman. Accommodation is very reasonably. This is because one night’s stay at this hotel does not cost more than two thousand INR. The hotel accepts both cash payment as well as credit cards from travelers.
Woodburn Hotel
This is a green hotel in the state of Andaman and Nicobar and is generally packed with tourists throughout the year. The hotel is a green hotel in the sense that it uses only wood for constructing its furniture items. The feel of this hotel is really wonderful. Tourists upon their arrival will feel as if they have been transported to a different world. The Woodburn hotel is located in the suburbs. Hence reaching this hotel would be quite difficult unless one utilizes the rental car services in the city. This hotel has a fitness room and a swimming pool which is heated. To access the swimming pool and the fitness center is absolutely free. One does not have to pay anything extra in order to avail of these facilities. The Woodburn hotel in the state of Andaman charges about five thousand INR a night from its residents inclusive of complimentary breakfast in the morning.
Daffodils Retreat
The daffodil retreat is one of the posh resorts in Andaman located in the city of Port Blair that tourists can consider staying at in order to enjoy a comfortable accommodation experience in the city. The retreat is located at quite a high altitude and is easily accessible with the help of the rental car services. There are heating and hot water facilities in each and every room of this resort. One can also get to enjoy the most well cooked meals when residing at this resort. A sprawling garden at both the back and the front of the resort constitutes a source of delight for travelers looking to relax amidst scenic surroundings. The rooms of the resort provide a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape. This holiday retreat gets its name from the delightful daffodils which grow at the back of the garden. It has been in existence for the last ten years and is a perfect getaway destination for travelers.
Angel Resorts
The Angel Resorts in Port Blair is also a well known accommodation destination in this beachside destination. This is situated slightly on the outskirts of the main town area. The best way to reach this resort would be to make use of the hired car services that are available in the town. The hotel is an old hotel. It has a beautiful garden at the front and about a hundred and fifty rooms. All the rooms in the resort are deluxe rooms and are equipped with a private bathroom. The rooms are also very well furnished and ensure that travelers have a comfortable stay after a long day of travel. Breakfast is provided in the main dining area between seven and ten in the morning. Breakfast at the resort is generally complimentary and does not have to be paid for. The spread is usually continental although local fare might sometimes be added.
My Fair Resort
This is a fabulous resort in the hillside destination of Nicobar and Andaman Islands. It is situated in the main city area and is easy to reach. The resort is located absolutely in the heart of nature. One can come across the most beautiful varieties of flowers and plants when residing at this resort in the island. The resort is not too big and does not have more than a hundred rooms. Prior booking is necessary in order for one to be able to avail of accommodation over here. A booking can be made over the internet as well as over the phone. This accommodation destination provides travelers with a number of amenities and services. Examples include free continental breakfast and access to a heated swimming pool. The location is quite easy to reach as there are several rental cars in the town that can take tourists to this accommodation destination.
Holiday Resort
This ranks among the most popular tourist resorts in the city of Port Blair. It is located in the main town area and can be accessed from the main part of the town. The Holiday resort is a budget resort. This means that travelers of various economic means can consider staying over here when they arrive in Port Blair. The Resort is a scenic destination. The rooms of the resort are clean and big and are furnished quite well. You can avail of services like room heating and hot water in the bathrooms when you stay over here. The Holiday Resort provides very cheap accommodation in the lean season. Room rates are slashed by about fifty percent during this time. The lean season is the time between the months of October and December. In order to book rooms at this resort one has to visit the website of the resort on the internet. Booking does not take more than ten minutes.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourist Spots Pictures
