Before setting off to explore the natural wonders of the Andaman Islands, learn a bit about their history at the Cellular Jail, a colonial-era prison that played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence. History buffs will also appreciate the British ruins on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Port Blair’s Anthropological Museum lends insight into the region’s indigenous tribes, and the Indian Navy operates the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, which enlightens visitors about the aquatic ecosystems of the islands. For firsthand experience with these environments, head to Corbyn’s Cove to go jet skiing or parasailing. South of Port Blair on Wandoor Beach, take a boat ride through the islands of Mahatma Ghandi National Marine Park to view mangroves, tropical rainforest and coral reefs populated with starfish, sea anemone, octopus, turtles and the endangered dugong. Also nearby is Chidiya Tapu Beach, known for birdwatching and scuba diving. North of Port Blair, Mount Manipur rewards a trek to its peak with panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
