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These islands also boast of freedom fighting days’ historically significant landmarks viz. Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Viper Island, Hopetown and Mount Harriet. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been declared as two of the 218 endemic bird area of the world. As many as 270 species and sub-species of birds have been reported existing in these islands, 106 of them being endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong are declared as State Bird, State Tree and State Animal respectively. There are about 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries, nine National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve in the islands. These islands are blessed with the bounties of both south-west and north-east monsoons.

Andaman Sea, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Andaman has a moderate temperature all through the year within the range of 23°C to 31°C. It has a tropical climate. There are no severe climate conditions except for tropical storms and rains in late summers and monsoons. Summers (March to May) are warm but pleasant with sea breeze and have humidity level about 80%. It is suitable for all kinds of tourist activities. Monsoon season is also recommended for visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands as tourist can have more options both indoors and outdoors. There is no water clogging or traffic jams. The lush green vegetation and scenic beauty of the islands are more predominant in monsoon. Monsoons (May to August) and Post Monsoons (September to November) accompany medium to heavy rain falls. Hoteliers in Andamans offer attractive discounts during monsoon seasons. Winters (December to February) are not chilly and ideal for sightseeing.

Ok, so you want to be in the waters but don’t want to get in; want to experience the thrill but still be secured- Don’t worry we’ve just the sport for you. Be inside the safety of a speed boat as it splashes through the waters at pulsating swift. It’s one of the coolest water sports activities in Andaman that you just can’t miss, swimmer or otherwise.

Out of all the adventure activities in Andaman, jet skiing definitely stands out! However, the sport is best enjoyed during good weather only. During heavy downpour or riding during a storm could be dangerous.

The capital city of the Andaman Islands, Port Blair is your entryway to the rich expanse of beauty and serenity that the islands have to offer. Explore its many museums, discover the flora and fauna and the rich marine life or simply take a stroll at the Marina Park to enjoy the sweet sea breeze. Walk past the Japanese bunkers, indulge in water sports, discover the island’s high peaks, and get familiarized with the land’s rich culture and diversity. Port Blair is the best introduction to the Andaman Islands that one could hope for.

Corals are tiny organisms belonging to group Anthozoa of phylum Cnidaria. These animals are capable of secreting a massive calcarious skeleton and collectively deposit calcium carbonate to build ornate and sometimes large colonies. Concerted growth of a variety of corals in a localised habitat gives rise to a coral reef, a complex system which consists of many animals, including corals and plants. The combination of shapes and colours as well as the variety of corals and other animals in a reef make it a fascinating and unique marine ecosystem. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their natural Beauty, sandy beaches and rich marine biodiversity. Most of the islands are surrounded by fringing reefs on their eastern side and barrier reefs on their western side. The area covered by the reefs is about 2000 sq.km. i.e., 6 percent of the islands. They harbour a rich population of corals, molluscs, fishes etc, and most of them have luxurient mangrove vegetation closely associated with them.

The islands are home to nine national parks and nearly a hundred marine and wildlife sanctuaries that offer extraordinary experiences and diverse ecosystems. Interview island, 3 hours off Mayabunder, houses the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. The Landfall Island Wildlife Sanctuary is great for spotting wildlife in their natural habitats and is popular for its water sports. Mount Harriet National Park offers some of the richest butterfly diversity in the world and the islands are home to some of the largest butterflies globally.

Although the complex of the Cellular Jail was constructed in the year 1906, the Britishers had been using the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a prison since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Soon after the mutiny, there was a widespread execution of the rebels, whilst the rebels who survived were banished to the islands. As many as 933 prisoners were sent off to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a punishment for their crimes against the state. Keeping the ever-growing number of inmates in mind, an 'Andamanese Home' was constructed there, which was also a repressive institution disguised as a charitable one. Many prisoners from Burma and those who were related to the Mughal regime were exiled here as well. The late 19th century saw a surge in the independence movement and a number of prisoners were being exiled to the Andamans. As a result of the same, the need for a high-security prison was felt as most of the prisoners preferred to be exiled to the islands rather than staying over in the Indian jails. This need was fulfilled when the Cellular Jail was constructed here, which was deemed to be "a place of exclusion and isolation within a more broadly constituted remote penal space."

The complex of the cellular jail is the true depiction of the standing history of the Indian Independence leaders during their time in exile in the jail. The original building was a puce-coloured construction and was named "Cellular Jail" on the basis of its architecture. The prison is divided into seven wings which radiate from the main tower into seven different directions. Each of the wings consisted of 693 solitary cells instead of rooms or dormitories. The cells were a mere 4.5 by 2.7 meters with a small ventilator, such that the face of a cell saw the lack of the other, making any communication impossible. The construction of the small cells of the jail in itself is an evidence of the cruelty that Indian leaders had to face in order to free this country from the British rule.

After Independence in 1947, many of the erstwhile Political Prisoners visited the islands. Their association-“Ex-Andaman Political Prisoner’s Fraternity Circle” took up issue with the Government of India, who accepting this proposal agreed to preserve it as National Memorial without making any substantial charge. The Memorial was dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister of India on 11th February 1979. Today the entrance block of the National Memorial houses, Freedom Fighters Photo and Exhibition Gallery in the Ground Floor. The first floor of the building has an Art Gallery, Netaji Gallery and a Library on Freedom Movement. Gallery on First War of Independence and on Old Photographs Gallery have also been set up in the premises of the National Memorial. An eternal flame of Freedom-Swatantrya Jyot has been erected in the vicinity of the Cellular Jail in memory of all freedom fighters and martyrs.

Cellular Jail, located at Port Blair, stood mute witness to the tortures meted out to the freedom fighters, who were incarcerated in this jail. The jail, completed in the year 1906 acquired the name ‘Cellular’ because it is entirely made up of individual cells for the solitary confinement. It originally was a seven prolonged, puce-coloured building with central-tower acting as its fulcrum and a massive structure comprising honeycomb like corridors. The building was subsequently damaged and presently three out of the seven prongs are intact. The Jail, now a place of pilgrimage for all freedom loving people, has been declared a National Memorial. The jail museum here draws your memories back to those years of freedom struggle.

Also known as Coral Island, North Bay Island is a beautiful beach island, placed just northwards of Port Blair. The beach is easily accessible via ferry, from Port Blair. It is known for coral underwater treasures. There are vibrant corals, colorful fishes and variety of vegetation. This is an ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The white sandy beach and serene atmosphere are the real charmers. North Bay Island is a bit crowded as it is nearest to Port Blair and offer wonderful experiences to the tourists. The corals are spread over a large area and thus look stunning. You can spot clams, lobsters and a number of fishes. Along with snorkeling and scuba diving, other activities at North Bay Island are sea walking, jet skiing, and speed boat rides. Simply laze around in the sand, take a leisure walk and soak-in the serenity. Not even a single moment here is boring for the visitors. Timings: For visiting North Bay Island, tourists must be ready at Phoenix bay jetty in Port Blair before 09.00 AM. The journey is of 15-20 minutes. Tickets: Ticket of Ferry: INR 150; Child below 5 years (Free) Video/Still Camera: No Charges

North Bay island is a popular destination in Port Blair. The beach and the snorkeling opportunities in its fringing coral reefs are the closest ones you will find at Port Blair. A ferry will take you across Aberdeen Jetty and bring you back after 3 hour. The corals at North Bay are rather good and spread over large area. You're very likely to spot many fish, a lobster, or even clams on the coral reef. When at North Bay, it is time to relax and enjoy. Options such as Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Sea Walk are also available.

Located nearer to Phoenix jetty of Port Blair, this beach is also very famous for under water corals. Snorkeling and scuba diving is available. All sort os facilities are available for the people like food, clothes for rent, lockers, huts for taking rest etc... The one day package trip include North bay, Viper island and Ross island. Some travellers prefer to stay more time in North bay to enjoy the sea corals through snorkeling and scuba diving. Normal trip package goes with Viper island first, North bay next and Ross island last. Unlike Jolly buoy and Red skin beaches, the crowd in North bay coral beach is more. People come here in large number because of the facilities available to enjoy the beach play. Locker almirahs arrangement is available to store the valuables inside. There are huts to take shelter for those who don't want to play in the beach. Visitors moving towards North bay should be ready at Phoenix bay jetty before 9.00am. 15-20 minutes journey from Phoenix jetty, travellers can see the land side view of Port Blair. People who are interested in Snorkeling and coral view through boat bottoms can book their choices during the journey itself. The normal price is INR 50 per person per event. Additional INR 500 can be given to have snorkeling at deep see and this will be nearly 30 to 45 minutes.

If you are on a trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, there is no chance you should miss visiting the North Bay Islands. It is one of the prime attractions of this popular tourist destination and is visited by thousands of travelers every month. Located at a 45-minute ride from the mainland, this place is sure to leave you in absolute awe of nature. It is a perfect place for all those who are water babies and love trying some adventure in water. One can enjoy several water sports in North Bay Islands like sea walking, jet skiing, scuba diving, speed water boat ride, and snorkeling. Apart from these fun activities, the island is a huge storehouse of natural beauty, much to the delight of all nature lovers. It is extremely famous for its under-water corals and white sand beaches, that are a treat to the eyes. Do take out time to visit this beautiful island, and have some amazing time with your family.

The climate of Andaman Sea is determined by the monsoons of southeast Asia. The wind system over the regime reverses every year. The region experiences north-easterlies with an average windspeed of 5 m/s in the months of November to February. During these months, the western part of the domain experiences maximum wind intensity. It weakens by March–April and reverses to strong south-westerlies from May to September, with mean wind speeds touching 8 m/s in June, July and August, distributed nearly uniformly over the entire basin. The wind plummets by October and switches back to north-easterlies from November.