• About India
• About the Andaman Islands
• What to do in mainland India

India is an exotic destination and a land of contrasts. The land of saffron, silk and spices, India conjures up images of Maharajahs, Mahatma Gandhi and the Taj Mahal. Rich and diverse in its heritage, culture and tradition, India is not just a destination but a remarkable journey.

With some of the most alluring beaches in the world, majestic mountains, tea plantations, picturesque hill stations, surging rivers, magnificent historical monuments, ancient temples, exotic wildlife and rich vegetation, India presents you with myriad holiday opportunities. Exuberant festivals, a distinctive-yet-varied cuisine, exceptional natural beauty and friendly people make a visit to India a memorable one.

At every turn, you'll find yourself surrounded by new sights, sounds, smells and holy cows. As all of this can prove overpowering to the first-time traveller, we recommend planning your trip to India carefully.

If you plan to visit the Andaman Islands and become a dive professional, you will be spending a considerable amount of time in this beautiful country. So, why not become a dive professional in the Andamans with Barefoot Scuba and see more of India as well?

The Andaman Islands will inspire you, they will stir the romantic in you and they will leave you hypnotised.

Amazing scuba diving opportunities, breathtaking snorkelling experiences, dense forest canopies and spectacular beaches are what the Andamans are famous for. This is the perfect place to do your PADI dive courses or to become a PADI dive professional by taking the Divemaster course and /or the Instructor Development Program.

Amazing scuba diving opportunities, breathtaking snorkelling experiences, dense forest canopies and spectacular beaches are what the Andamans are famous for. This is the perfect place to do your PADI dive courses or to become a PADI dive professional by taking the Divemaster course and /or the Instructor Development Program.

Although Havelock is the hub of most activities there is so much more that one can do and explore in the Andamans Isles.

Port Blair, the capital city, has monuments of immense historical importance like the Cellular Jail. Day trips from Port Blair to Ross Island, Viper Island, Chatam Island and the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are hugely popular as well.

Travellers with a little more time can spend a day or two in Wandoor, which has splendid beaches and snorkelling opportunities while travellers looking for more secluded areas can head to Neil Island or Long Island.

Travellers interested in places that are off-the-beaten-track can visit islands like Baratang and see natural wonders like limestone caves and mud volcanoes, and those looking to see something spectacular can take a trip to Barren Island, the only active volcano in South Asia.

Each island is pristine and stunning. Here nature is at its best and you feel peace like never before. Visit the enthralling Andaman Islands today!

It would be an impossible task to list the various places you could visit in this vast country. As the Andamans is on your list, allow us suggest a few easy break journeys en route, that will give you a taste of the beauty and glory of this lovely country.

• Spend a few days soaking in the south of India on your way to the Andamans. Chennai, or Madras as it was formerly known, is dotted with temples, forts and palaces. Music, dance, art and literature in this last bastion of Dravidian culture will leave you asking for more. Shopping here for beautiful silks and fabrics is also popular.
• Chennai also offers a good number of attractions outside the city. Spend a day or two in Mahabalipuram visiting the ancient shore temples built between the 7th and the 9th century. These spectacular temples ravaged by the wind and the sea are a must-see while in the south.
• Pondicherry, just a 2 hour car ride from Chennai, is India’s Little France. Beautiful colonial mansions, French cuisine, placid promenades and the famous Aurobindo Ashram bring many a tourist to this quaint town.
• If you have a few extra days you could even visit Kerala and soak in the lush green surroundings and the ancient secrets of Ayurvedic treatments and massages. The perfect spa holiday after your diving courses.
• If you arrive in Kolkata, spend a few days here and take in this enchanting city. Referred to as the City of Joy, Kolkata is endearing and full of charm. From historic monuments to Bengali dance and cuisine, this city has much to offer.
• Should you arrive in the capital city of India, New Delhi, you will never be at a loss of things to do. Steeped in history, and with delicious food and great bargains, Delhi is both magnificent and chaotic all at once. Spend at least two days exploring this wonderful city.
• Close to Delhi and even possible as a day trip is the awe inspiring Taj Mahal. Listed as one of the 7 wonders of the world, a visit to this famous symbol of everlasting love is not to be missed.