Located in the Indian Ocean east of Chennai and south of Calcutta. Two seasons: Dry (mid October to mid April) and wet. In January and February comfortably hot (20-30 degrees) and some humidity. In June allegedly intolerable hot and humid. Same time zone as the rest of India, so it gets light and dark early.
Getting there
There are almost daily flights from Chennai (=Madras) and Calcutta. It's cost effective to use the Discover India Pass with Indian Airlines (500 USD). Mr. Surri in Delhi (011/6193321) can arrange bookings and accept payment afterwards through SOIC Delhi. All the flights to Port Blair (main town on the islands) depart early in the morning; I managed to stay overnight in Mars Hotel in Chennai for 350 INR (ex.tax). The Discover India Pass is valid for 15 days for all flights all over India, so it could be combined with visits to other places in India.
Accommodation
The government run Megapode Nest has a bus to pick you up in the airport and brings you back. 750/1000 INR/night for a single/double A/C-room. The service is a little sloppy but it a nice location and the prices appear to be competitive.
What to see and do
Diving (see below), cruise to some of the other islands the now closed prison in which the colonial British held political prisoners and a visit to the jungle. I only did the diving and the prison as I did this trip within a "standard" 8-days CTO.
Diving
At least 2 diving schools are available in Port Blair. The price for a PADI certificate is approximately 14-15.000 IRS and it can be done within 3-4 days, though I succeeded in having it in 21/2 (long) days for 10.000 IRS.
www.andaman.nic.in - an official general introduction to the islands.
www.andamandiving.com - the diving school I used.
With thanks to Poul Guldbaek
for the contribution
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