Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Hindi

Situated on the ancient trade route between India and Myanmar, the Andamans were visited by the navy of the English East India Company in 1789, and in 1872 they were linked administratively by the British to the Nicobar Islands. The two sets of islands became a union territory of the Republic of India in 1956.

The Andaman Islands are home to four 'Negrito' tribes – the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese. The Nicobar Islands are home to two 'Mongoloid' tribes – the Shompen and Nicobarese. People of Andaman and Nicobar speak many languages.

Andaman Islands enjoy typical tropical climate all through the year. With an average temperature of around 23°C (minimum) and not exceeding 30°C (maximum), Andaman Islands are hot and humid generally.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

Public Transport is easily available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A variety of transports are buses, auto rickshaws, taxi, and mini buses. A traveller can also hire a two wheeler for sight seeing. Cycles are also advisable for wandering in small islands such as Havelock or Neil island.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO'S:

Tourist information centers in the islands are actually very helpful. Contact them for any travel assistance required.

While driving, follow traffic rules and keep left. Carry legal documents like driving license, permit, passport etc.

Do wear a helmet while riding a 2 wheeler motor vehicle. If anybody is caught driving a motorbike without a helmet, he/she will be penalized/fined.

Consult lifeguards before entering the sea.

Swim in safe areas only.

Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forests. Researching the islands before you land here will make your visit more enjoyable.

Use the dustbins and garbage receptacles for disposing all garbage and rubbish. Do not throw them in parks, on beaches, into the sea or public places. Please help keep the Andaman Islands litter free.

Carry important documents like passport, permit and driving license with you while travelling in the Andaman Islands. It is not advisable to leave them at the hotel or resort.

Get necessary permits for visiting National Parks as they can be visited only with permission. Other permitted areas can be visited freely.

Be sensitive to the privacy of the tribes, Any attempt of interaction is punishable by law.

All the tourist attraction spots will carry notice boards about permission for photography and video filming. Obtain permits for taking video films and photographs wherever required.

Avail the service of only qualified Scuba Dive Instructors having certification of international professional organizations like PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for a safe diving experience.

Inform local authorities/staff positioned in protected areas if you notice any undesirable activity.

Take care to stay within the permitted areas while snorkeling or scuba diving. You should take care not to stand on coral reef. Doing so can damage the reefs.

Foreign nationals must keep their restricted area permit with them at all times. Whenever visitors are visiting Havelock or other islands like Neil, on arrival, the jetty police officers will check the foreign visitors’ restricted area permits and only then allow them to embark from the ferry and enter the islands.

DON'TS:

Do not smoke in public areas.

Do not use plastic bags. Plastic carry-bags are banned in Andaman Islands. If anybody is caught with a plastic carry-bag, he/she can be fined either Rs. 1,00,000 or imprisoned for six months or both.

Do not hunt any kind of birds and animals both on land and on sea. Please help us in preserving the flora and fauna of the Islands.

Do not visit the Nicobar Islands or any other tribal reserve without a special pass. You can be severely punished for an attempt to mingle with tribal people without legal permission.

Staying on beaches or forest areas overnight is strictly prohibited. Take care to return to your hotel or resort after sunset.

Do not light bonfires in beaches or forests. Camping on the islands is a punishable offence.

Breaking, even touching a live coral is prohibited. Collecting dead coral is also not allowed.

Whatever the size or condition of shells you find – in the sea or on the beach – taking them or even touching them is strictly prohibited. Do not collect shells. To own shells, you must buy them. Also keep the receipt of purchase.

Do not take videos or photograph the aboriginal tribes of Andaman. This is considered a crime and is liable for punishment.

Do not swim when drunk. Avoid swimming during the monsoon in treacherous zones. Both are not safe.

Nudity is banned on all Andaman beaches and public spaces.

Do not overstay at the islands past your permit time.