Different Experience Holiday

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
The beaches are the main attractions. What you must visit are Ross Island, Havelock Island & Cellular Jail. Ross island is where the British stayed during their era. It was also the site where the Tsunami effects can be seen today be tourists. A short boat ride from Main Andaman island takes you there. Scheduled trips are conducted by the govt owned boats (there are two of them). Try to take the early morning ride so you get sufficient time on the island. Do find out ferry return timings and be in time lest you have to wait for 2 hours for the next one. Havelock island is about 2 hours by ferry. Do try to spend one night there. many travel agencies will work out a 1-2 day package on the spot in Andamans. The beaches are heavenly. Do visit the cellular Jail in the afternoon (it closes at 4:30 so try to finish the visit by then). After that buy the tickets for the evening Sound & Light show. More enjoyable that way rather than going only for the S&L show. Do not rush for the front seats. Take the ones at the rear but on the left side of the stage near the peepal tree. There is nothing much to see on the stage but sitting in front will make you miss the better part of lighting and also give you a pain in the neck from turning around to see things to your rear. Not much shopping to be done here. Basic food is available. I stayed at Sinclair hotel which is good & also has a pool and a view of the sea from few rooms. Ask for rooms with sea view. The lift may not be working so take rooms on 3-4 floor. Floor 1-2 are below normal ground level. Mr Ravi is the manager and is quite helpful. At any hotel the facilities are basic (no daily newspaper, laundry is irregular etc). Relax & enjoy, leave your tension behind.

Activities & things to do
Not much shopping to be done except shells and artifacts made of them and beads/pearls. The govt emporium is the best and has the best quality & variety. Prices are generally same across shops. There is a jetty near the main lagoon crossing where you can go water scooter riding etc but it starts only after 4 pm, so enjoy your day & spend the evening at the jetty cum park.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Do carry a white t-shirt to wear along with swimming gear on the beach, you may get sun burnt otherwise & it can be quite painful. Also carry insect repellent & adequate moisturizer, sun screen etc. Be careful about airline baggage policy. It may be different from normal baggage allowance. Do check before you pack.