The Andaman Islands are known for postcard beaches and turquoise water, but venture beyond the shoreline and you’ll find one of India’s most biodiverse—and least explored—natural worlds. Isolated from the mainland for millions of years, this Bay of Bengal archipelago developed its own rules: rare orchids that grow nowhere else on the planet, birds that live on a single island, and reptiles that have adapted to a life divided between forest and sea. As it turns out, isolation is a brilliant teacher of evolution.
Whether you’re booking an Andaman and Nicobar package for a wildlife-focused holiday or just curious about what lives beyond the beach chairs, here’s a complete look at the flora and fauna that make these islands so special.
How biodiverse are the Andamans?
Numbers tell the story better than words ever could. The islands are home to more than 2,200 species of plants, about 200 of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Then add more than 270 recorded bird species, about 46 species of mammals, hundreds of coral varieties, and thousands of marine and reptile species, and you start to see why naturalists call this archipelago a living laboratory. Endemism is high here, with estimates of more than 11% of all recorded species being endemic—a strikingly high figure, considering that ocean-bound isolation tends to generate far lower rates of endemism in marine life than on land.
Also read: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
1. Mangrove Forests—The Islands' Living Shield
Mangroves are spread over ~12% of the Andaman and Nicobar landmass, which is one of the largest mangrove systems in India. These forests are not just backdrop scenery but working ecosystems. Their knotted roots buffer the coastline against erosion and storm surges, filter salt from tidal water, and serve as nurseries for fish, crabs, and molluscs before they move out to the reefs.
The red mangrove, white mangrove, and the locally prized Sundari tree dominate these creeks. It’s one of the most immersive ways to experience this ecosystem up close and is a highlight built into most family-oriented Andaman itineraries: kayaking or boating through the mangrove channels of Baratang.
2. Rainforests and Unique Flora
Tropical forests cover over 90% of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from the wet evergreen forests of the north, through the moist deciduous stretches of the middle islands, to the fern- and orchid-rich canopies of the south. These forests differ—each group of islands has a dominant type of vegetation depending on rainfall and soil.
Among the most striking endemic species are the Andaman Padauk (valued for its red timber), the fragrant Dhoop tree, the pale-flowered Andaman Pyinma, and the richly patterned Andaman Ebony and Satinwood, species that have quietly supplied the region's furniture and boat-building traditions for generations. The undergrowth is also home to a sort of pharmacy, with neem, Indian mahogany, and wild rosewood having served in traditional medicine for generations.
3. Wildlife That’s Worth Getting Up Early For
The Andamans are a serious birdwatching destination with over 270 species recorded—about a dozen of them found only here. The star birds are the Andaman Wood Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon, Andaman Drongo, and Andaman Hornbill. The best places for early-morning birding walks are Chidiya Tapu, Mount Harriet, and the forests around Havelock.
Families traveling together often find birdwatching one of the easiest wildlife activities to build into a relaxed itinerary — no diving certification required, just patience and a pair of binoculars. It's one of the reasons an andaman and nicobar package for family often works in a half-day nature walk alongside the usual beach-hopping.
4. Reefs of Coral and the Underwater World
Andaman's reefs are some of India's most biodiverse marine environments underwater, sustaining over 1,000 species of reef fish with more than 500 species of coral. Barrier reefs line the western side of the islands, while fringing reefs are found to the east, covering a protected marine area of some 11,000 sq km.
Snorkelers and divers often see clownfish, blue tang, sea turtles, reef sharks, and, if they’re lucky, the gentle, vulnerable dugong feeding on the seagrass beds. Occasionally you may see offshore manta rays and dolphins. Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) are still the most reliable bases for diving and snorkeling trips, and it’s easy to see why they’re the centrepiece of most honeymoon itineraries—you can’t beat a sunset swim followed by a quiet dinner by the water. Often couples planning this type of trip build it around an Andaman honeymoon package that combines a reef-facing stay with private snorkeling excursions.
Planning a wildlife-and-beach trip together? Our Tropical Treasures of Andaman package covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island — with the mangrove creeks, reefs, and forest trails built right into the itinerary.
5. Reptiles, Amphibians, and What to Look For
The thick forest cover is home to a healthy population of reptiles and amphibians, some of which are found only on this island group. The most conspicuous snakes are the Andaman Cobra and Andaman Krait, while the Nicobar Monitor Lizard is a common, if alarming, sight on forest trails. Some of the mangrove creeks are home to saltwater crocodiles, which are best viewed (from a safe distance) on a guided boat trip rather than stumbling across them on foot.
There are no tigers or big cats on the islands, so forest walks are much safer than a jungle safari on the mainland, but guides still advise sticking to marked trails, especially during the monsoon when snakes are more active. Some of the quieter beaches are used for nesting by green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles, especially around North Button Island and parts of the Nicobar group.
6. The quieter residents of the Islands: mammals
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have about 46 species of mammals, and the endemic species are truly unique. The Andaman wild pig, Nicobar tree shrew, and Nicobar flying fox occur nowhere else on earth. Elephants and a few species of deer are also present, but both are non-native, which is rather unusual. Both were introduced by logging companies in the early 20th century and have since gone feral, an unexpected (if ecologically controversial) part of the islands’ modern wildlife story.
Also read: Neil vs Havelock – Which Andaman Island to Visit?
7. Conservation: A Fragile Equilibrium
A significant part of the islands has been declared a protected area by the Andaman and Nicobar administration, with a large number of its species endemic to the islands. Among the most important are the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Mount Harriet National Park, and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, protecting everything from reefs of coral to old-growth rainforest.
There is a genuine role here for responsible tourism—collecting shells, coral, or plants is prohibited and well policed, and the use of licensed guides is highly recommended for forest and marine park visits, both for the safety of the visitor and to reduce disturbance to nesting and breeding species.
Best Islands for Wildlife Watching
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): reefs of coral, snorkeling and coastal forest in one stop
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter beaches, lush greenery, and bizarre rock formations.
Baratang Island. Mangrove boat rides & limestone caves.
North Button Island National Park: This marine park is famous for turtle nesting and dolphin sightings.
Great Nicobar Island: Thickly forested, remote, and species not found elsewhere in the Andaman group.
Best Time to Visit for Wildlife Sightings
The dry season, between November and April, is typically the best time for forest treks, birdwatching, and clear-water snorkeling. Rewarded with flowering orchids and a greener canopy, the monsoon months can also be slippery, and some forest areas may be temporarily closed.
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