Andaman and Maldives are both groups of islands and are known as tourist destinations. Both of them are visited by domestic as well as international tourists for their marine beauty and luxury resorts. Although both destinations seem similar for Indian tourists yet there are some reasons that Indians must choose Andaman over the Maldives.
Geography
Andaman is an archipelago and a part of Andaman and Nicobar. It is a union territory of India located to the southeast of the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal. In contrast, Maldives is a country located to the southwest of India in the Indian Ocean. If we see the geographical difference between the Archipelagos Andaman is of volcanic origin and extension of the Himalayas. In contrast, the Maldives islands are of coral.
History
Indians are highly aware that Andaman has history too that one can visit the places like Cellular Jail “Kala Pani”. Similarly, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep, and Swaraj Dweep were earlier known as Ross, Neil, and Havelock Islands respectively. Veer Savarkar’s imprisonment during India’s freedom struggle and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s struggle during World War II. However, there were no such historical ties with the Maldives.
Accessibility
Factually, Indians do not require a passport to travel to Andaman compared to foreign countries like the Maldives. The Maldives provides a 30-day visa for valid passport holders who need to go through a documentation process at the male international airport. On the contrary, Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair does not require such a visa and does not require any lengthy documentation. An Indian tourist can easily access this beautiful destination by flights connected via Chennai International Airport. Additionally, there are cruise options available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam on certain days. Similarly, currency exchange is not required for Andaman. The Maldives is more expensive compared to Andaman. For example, 1 Maldivian Rufiyaa is roughly equal to 5 INR.
Explore & Enjoy Andaman
Andaman provides wholesome entertainment travel fun and activities for all age groups of a family as well as honeymooners. On the other hand, Maldives is known as a honeymoon destination. For example, Andaman consists of North, Middle, and South islands and those are known for Forests, coral reefs, water sports activities, and lovely white sandy beaches.
If you want to compare the natural beauty still Andaman is ahead of Maldives. Wanderlust attractions like crystal clear water, greenery, and water sports activities. Aqua activities like snorkeling, Scuba diving, for discovering underwater beauty. Moreover, visiting the culture of Andaman’s aboriginals, amazing local seafood & different variety of cuisine.
Snorkeling & Scuba diving: Swaraj Dweep, Red skin islands, Jolly bour island, South button, and North Bay.
White Sandy Beaches: Asia’s cleanest beach Radhanagar Beach located in Swaraj islands (Havelock Is.). Laxamanpur beach, Elephant beach, Ross & Smith Island beaches, Vijayanagar beach, Diglipur beach, Bharatpur beach, and so on.
National parks: Major attraction is Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and Mount Harriet National Park, located near Port Blair. Saddle Peak National Park, North Button Island National Park.
Accommodation: Compared to the Maldives, Andaman provides a stay option for all from budget travelers to luxury stay tourists.
Culture: Andaman has the presence of various tribes and aboriginals which attracts tourists to know about them.
Cuisine: Mouth-watering seafood and different recipes made out of coconut which one would surely like to relish upon.
Monuments: Cellular Jail light & sound show, Chatham Saw Mill, Viper Chain Gang Jail.
In addition, Andaman offers Trekking, shopping, bird watching, nature, wildlife, handcrafts, fishing games, music festivals, Heritage tours, sea kart rides, and much more. Andaman covers every way and fulfills most of the desires of tourists. Andaman offers diversity to its tourists. If we honestly compare then Andaman is a far better option than the Maldives.
