Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places to Visit
- Classic Tourist Circuits for Honeymooners
- Best Activities for Couples
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget and Money-Saving Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Permits, Rules, and Responsible Travel
- Getting Around the Islands
- Packing List and On-ground Essentials
- Safety, Health, and Practical Tips
- Traveler-specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are India’s emerald archipelago in the Bay of Bengal—lush rainforests, sugar-white beaches, and lagoons fading from turquoise to deep sapphire. For honeymooners, the islands blend slow mornings by the sea with reef adventures, candlelit beach dinners, and sunsets that feel cinematic. This guide curates the best places, experiences, and practical planning tips to craft a seamless Andaman honeymoon, from Port Blair to the dreamy shores of Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
Top Cities and Places to Visit
Port Blair (Gateway and Heritage)
- Cellular Jail: Powerful history and evening light-and-sound show.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep): Ruined colonial buildings wrapped in banyan roots.
- North Bay: Snorkeling, sea walk, and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy beach near town; good for a relaxed first evening.
- Aberdeen Bazaar & Sagarika Emporium: Handicrafts and island souvenirs.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – The Honeymoon Hub
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Silky sands and legendary sunsets.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, parasailing, clear-lagoon vibes.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet mornings, photo-worthy seascapes.
- Diving sites: Aquarium, Lighthouse, and advanced reefs offshore.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Slow, Scenic, Romantic
- Laxmanpur Beach: Golden-hour walks; starry skies at night.
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm water ideal for snorkeling and glass-bottom rides.
- Natural Bridge: A photogenic rock formation at low tide.
Baratang Island – Day Trip Adventure
- Limestone Caves and Mangrove Creeks: Boat through canopied waterways.
- Mud Volcano: A quirky geological stop.
Rangat, Long Island, and Diglipur (North Andaman) – For Explorers
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands (Diglipur): A sandbar linking two islands.
- Kalipur and Ramnagar beaches: Turtles in season; rugged beauty.
- Long Island: Blue Planet-esque lagoons and quiet homestays.
Little Andaman – Offbeat and Untamed
- Butler Bay Beach: Surfing potential and raw charm.
- Whisper and White Surf waterfalls: Lush tropical hikes.
Classic Tourist Circuits for Honeymooners
- Signature 5D/4N: Port Blair → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N) → Port Blair.
- Leisure 6D/5N: Port Blair (1N) → Havelock (3N) → Neil (1N).
- Adventure 7D/6N: Port Blair → Havelock (diving) → Neil → Baratang day trip.
- Slow & Secluded 8D/7N: Add Long Island or Diglipur to the above.
Best Activities for Couples
- Snorkeling and Reef Walks: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, and North Bay.
- Scuba Diving: Beginner try-dives or certification; calm sites for first-timers.
- Bioluminescence Kayaking: Seasonal night glow around mangroves in Havelock.
- Sunset Rituals: Radhanagar and Laxmanpur beaches.
- Private Beach Dinners: Many resorts arrange romantic set-ups.
- Mangrove Kayaking: Quiet channels at dawn; birdlife and mirror-calm water.
- Island Hopping Cruises: Inter-island ferries double as scenic rides.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural shows, food, and local crafts in Port Blair.
- Beach Festivals (seasonal): Pop-up events with music and stalls on popular beaches.
- Subhash Mela (around Jan): Local fairs and performances commemorating Netaji.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days/3 Nights – Essentials for First-timers
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, light-and-sound show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling or sea-walk; chill evening.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; fly out.
5 Days/4 Nights – Classic Honeymoon
- Day 1: Port Blair highlights.
- Day 2: Havelock—Radhanagar + optional candlelight dinner.
- Day 3: Dive or kayak; relax by the lagoon.
- Day 4: Neil Island—Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Port Blair and departure.
7 Days/6 Nights – Romance + Adventure
- Day 1–2: Port Blair with Ross Island and North Bay.
- Day 3–4: Havelock—2 dives/snorkel days + Radhanagar.
- Day 5: Neil Island slow day.
- Day 6: Baratang day trip (limestone caves).
- Day 7: Departure.
Budget and Money-Saving Tips
- Travel Window: Shoulder season (Oct–mid-Dec, Mar–May) brings deals and good weather.
- Ferries: Government ferries are cheaper than private cruises—book early.
- Stay Mix: Combine 1–2 nights in a premium beach resort with budget/mid-range nights.
- Meals: Eat local thalis and seafood shacks for flavor and value.
- Activities: Bundle dive/snorkel sessions for lower per-dive rates.
- Cash Flow: ATMs exist in hubs, but carry cash for small islands and activities.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Dry Season: November to April—clear seas, best for snorkeling and diving.
- Shoulder: October and May—generally calm, fewer crowds.
- Monsoon: June to September—rough seas, intermittent ferry cancellations, lush scenery; limited water activities.
How to Reach
By Air
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/one-stop flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (connections vary by season).
- Tip: Morning arrivals align well with same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.
By Sea
- Long-distance government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (approx. 60–70 hours); basic cabins; infrequent schedules.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
Port Blair
- Budget: Guesthouses and city hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Mid-range: Sea-facing hotels close to the promenade.
- Premium: Boutique stays with harbor views and curated dining.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Beachfront Cottages: Romantic stays along Radhanagar and Govind Nagar beaches.
- Dive Resorts: On-site dive centers for easy try-dives or courses.
- Eco Stays: Wooden cottages tucked in coconut groves.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Cozy Inns: Walkable to Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches.
- Boutique Resorts: Quiet gardens and sunset-facing rooms.
Indicative nightly rates (per room): Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid-range INR 3,500–8,000; Premium INR 9,000–20,000+ depending on season and location.
Estimated Trip Costs
For a couple, excluding mainland flights, typical 5D/4N honeymoon:
- Stays: INR 20,000–70,000 (mix of mid-range and 1–2 premium nights).
- Inter-island Ferries: INR 3,000–8,000 (round trip PB–Havelock–Neil–PB; private vs. govt).
- Local Transport: INR 4,000–8,000 (taxis/scooters over 4–5 days).
- Activities: INR 6,000–25,000 (snorkel/sea walk INR 1,500–4,000 pp; try-dive INR 3,500–6,500 pp).
- Meals: INR 6,000–15,000 (mix of cafes, seafood, and 1 fancy dinner).
- Approx. Total (islands only): INR 39,000–126,000 per couple.
- Mainland Flights (variable): Often INR 8,000–25,000 per person round trip from major Indian cities.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food & Drinks
- Seafood specials: Grilled fish (red snapper, grouper), prawns, squid, lobster in garlic butter or island spices.
- Regional flavors: Andamani fish curry, South Indian breakfasts, Bengali-style thalis.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Coconut-based curries, lentil stews, island veggies, tropical fruits.
- Drinks: Tender coconut, fresh lime sodas, and café culture in Havelock.
- Note: Coconut crab and turtle products are protected—do not consume or purchase.
Shopping
- Sagarika Govt. Emporia: Authentic shell crafts, cane, and coconut-based handicrafts.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, souvenirs, light beachwear.
- Avoid: Coral, shells, or items from endangered species—illegal and harmful to reefs.
Culture & Etiquette
- Diverse communities: Settlers from mainland India and protected indigenous tribes.
- Respect: No contact, photography, or approach to tribal reserves; follow designated tourist routes.
- Beach etiquette: Keep shorelines clean; minimize noise after sunset.
Permits, Rules, and Responsible Travel
- Indian Nationals: No permit for standard tourist islands; certain areas restricted.
- Foreign Nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is typically issued on arrival in Port Blair or via Indian missions; validity and islands open to visit can change—check the latest official advisories.
- Restricted/Off-limits: Nicobar group, North Sentinel Island, and notified tribal reserves—do not visit.
- Drones: Require prior permission from authorities.
- Environment: Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on coral, carry back all plastics.
Getting Around the Islands
- Inter-Island Ferries: Government ferries (budget) and private catamarans (faster, pricier). Book popular routes (Port Blair–Havelock–Neil) in advance.
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and scooter rentals on Havelock/Neil. Night driving is limited in some stretches.
- Timing: Ferries are weather-dependent; keep buffer time for flights/homebound connections.
Packing List and On-ground Essentials
- Light cottons/linen, swimwear, and a light jacket for breezy evenings.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, and after-sun gel.
- Water shoes, quick-dry towel, dry bag, and reusable water bottle.
- Motion-sickness medication for ferries; basic first-aid and personal meds.
- Government ID, printed tickets/permits, and some cash for small vendors.
- Connectivity: 4G exists but can be patchy; download maps/tickets offline.
Safety, Health, and Practical Tips
- Swim within marked zones; heed lifeguards and flags—currents can be strong.
- Wildlife: Do not touch corals or marine life; watch for jellyfish in certain seasons.
- Sun & Hydration: Tropical sun is intense—reapply sunscreen and drink water.
- Time Discipline: Many attractions close by dusk; plan transfers during daylight.
- Payments: UPI and cards work in hubs; carry cash backups for remote areas.
Traveler-specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Choose calm-water beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar mornings) and short ferry hops.
- Carry snacks, sun protection, and simple beach toys; pre-book larger rooms.
Honeymooners
- Split stay: 2–3 nights Havelock + 1 night Neil + 1 night Port Blair.
- Plan one signature experience: sunset beach dinner, couple dive, or bioluminescence paddle.
- Book sea-facing cottages early in peak months (Dec–Feb).
Friends/Groups
- Opt for scooter rentals and budget homestays; bundle dive/snorkel packages.
- Add offbeat spots like Long Island or Baratang for variety.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for an Andaman honeymoon?
A: Five days is perfect for Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil highlights. Add 1–2 days for Baratang or a slower pace.
Q: Is Andaman good for beginners to try scuba diving?
A: Yes. Calm, clear sites around Havelock and Neil are ideal for first-time try-dives with certified instructors.
Q: Which is better for couples—Havelock or Neil?
A: Havelock has more activities, top sunsets at Radhanagar, and premium resorts. Neil is quieter with lagoon-like beaches and budget-friendly stays. Many couples split time between both.
Q: What’s the best month to visit for clear water?
A: November to April typically offers the calmest seas and clearest visibility for snorkeling and diving.
Q: Do I need permits to travel within Andaman?
A: Indian citizens don’t need permits for the common tourist islands. Foreign nationals usually need a Restricted Area Permit (often issued on arrival). Some islands are strictly off-limits—always check current rules.
Conclusion
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands pair postcard beaches with rainforest calm, coral gardens, and easy island hops—ideal for a honeymoon that balances romance and soft adventure. Focus on Havelock and Neil for idyllic coasts, weave in Port Blair’s heritage, and plan activities around the dry season for the clearest seas. With thoughtful ferry timings, a smart stay mix, and respect for the islands’ delicate ecosystems, your Andaman honeymoon becomes a collection of unhurried, luminous moments by the water.
