Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Budget Stays for Backpackers
- Top Cities and Places for Budget Travelers
- Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Activities on a Budget
- Festivals and Local Culture
- Sample Backpacker Itineraries
- How to Reach Andaman and Get Around
- Estimated Costs and Money-Saving Tips
- Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a shoestring escape to the Andaman Islands? This guide curates the best budget hotels and backpacker-friendly stays across Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and North Andaman—plus practical routes, costs, and local tips. Expect clear turquoise water, slow island rhythms, and simple stays that keep your wallet happy while you chase sunsets and snorkel spots.
Best Budget Stays for Backpackers
Backpacker-style accommodation in Andaman skews toward budget guesthouses, homestays, and simple beach huts. Dedicated hostels are limited; book well ahead in peak season (Dec–Jan, mid-May) and shoulder months for better rates.
Port Blair (base for arrivals and ferries)
- Typical areas: Aberdeen Bazaar, Phoenix Bay, Delanipur (good for transport, ATMs, cheap eats).
- What to expect: Clean basic rooms, fans/AC, private bath, occasional sea views; rooftop cafés are common.
- Examples to research and compare (indicative only):
- Hotel Lalaji Bay View – simple rooms, social vibe, rooftop café. Approx INR 1,000–2,000 per night.
- Aashiaanaa Residency Inn – budget central stay near Aberdeen Bazaar. Approx INR 1,200–2,000.
- Andaman Residency (budget rooms) – basic city base. Approx INR 1,200–1,800.
Havelock / Swaraj Dweep (beaches and dives)
- Best areas: Govind Nagar (Beach No. 2), Vijay Nagar (Beach No. 5), Kalapathar for quieter stays.
- What to expect: Rustic huts, garden cottages, fan-cooled rooms; beach proximity matters more than frills.
- Examples to research and compare (indicative only):
- The Flying Elephant (Kalapathar) – rustic eco-huts/yoga vibe. Approx INR 1,500–2,500.
- El Dorado Beach Resort (Govind Nagar) – older cottages with budget rooms off-season. Approx INR 2,000–3,000.
- Radhakrishna Resort – simple rooms near main strip. Approx INR 1,200–2,000.
Neil / Shaheed Dweep (laid-back island-hop)
- Best areas: Laxmanpur, Bharatpur (near jetty), Sitapur for sunrise.
- What to expect: Small resorts, homestays, beachside dhabas; easy to walk or cycle around.
- Examples to research and compare (indicative only):
- Tango Beach Resort – older property with occasional budget promos. Approx INR 2,000–3,000.
- Coconhuts Beach Resort – basic cottages. Approx INR 2,000–3,500.
- Blue Sea (Neil) – straightforward rooms near beach. Approx INR 1,000–1,800.
North Andaman: Rangat, Diglipur, Long Island (offbeat)
- Rangat: Transit town with basic lodges and homestays. Approx INR 800–1,500.
- Diglipur: For Saddle Peak trek, Kalipur beach.
- Pristine Beach Resort (Kalipur) – budget-friendly rooms. Approx INR 1,500–3,000.
- Local guesthouses – ask near market/junctions. Approx INR 1,000–1,800.
- Long Island: Very limited tourist stays; basic guesthouses/forest rest house may be available. Approx INR 1,000–1,500. Confirm locally in advance.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season and availability. Always verify current licenses, amenities (power backup, Wi‑Fi), and ferry timings before you commit.
Top Cities and Places for Budget Travelers
- Port Blair: Museums, Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep), Corbyn’s Cove. Budget food and shared transport abound.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkel), Kalapathar sunrise. Slightly pricier than Port Blair; plan meals at local dhabas.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Bharatpur (snorkel), Laxmanpur (sunset), Sitapur (sunrise). Compact and walkable; great for 1–2 nights.
- Rangat: Cutbert Bay (turtle nesting in season), Dhani Nallah mangrove walk. Budget stop along the ATR road.
- Diglipur: Saddle Peak trek, Ross & Smith twin islands (permit/boat required), Kalipur beach.
- Little Andaman (Hut Bay): For experienced backpackers only; surf (seasonal), waterfalls. Sparse infrastructure; carry cash.
Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Classic 6–7 days: Port Blair → Havelock (2–3N) → Neil (1–2N) → Port Blair.
- Northbound 9–10 days: Port Blair → Rangat (1N) → Diglipur (2–3N) → Port Blair. Add Ross & Smith and Saddle Peak.
- Slow-travel 10–12 days: Port Blair (2N) → Havelock (3N) → Neil (2N) → Long Island or Little Andaman (2–3N) if ferries align.
Use government ferries for cheapest inter-island moves, private catamarans for speed when time is short.
Activities on a Budget
- Beaches and sunsets: Free. Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Corbyn’s Cove for laid-back days.
- Snorkeling: Guided shore snorkel approx INR 800–1,500; boat to Elephant Beach INR 1,000–1,300 plus snorkel add-on.
- Intro scuba (DSD): INR 3,500–6,000 depending on season and operator; ask for all-in pricing and photos before booking.
- Kayaking (bioluminescence in season): INR 2,000–3,000 at Havelock/Port Blair mangroves.
- Hikes: Saddle Peak trek permit + guide where required; carry water and start early.
- Museums: Cellular Jail, Samudrika Naval Museum, Anthropological Museum: INR 30–100 entry ranges.
- Glass-bottom boat: INR 500–800 at Bharatpur/Elephant Beach.
Festivals and Local Culture
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, usually Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, crafts.
- Subhash Mela (Swaraj Dweep, around Jan 23): Local performances and fairs.
- Pan-India festivals: Diwali, Eid, Christmas observed across islands with a warm, multiethnic community vibe.
Schedules can shift; check locally for exact dates.
Sample Backpacker Itineraries
5 Days (Budget Classic)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + light-and-sound; stay in Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Kalapathar sunset; budget hut.
- Day 3: Radhanagar Beach; optional snorkel/intro dive.
- Day 4: Morning boat to Elephant Beach; evening ferry to Neil; Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Bharatpur snorkel; return ferry to Port Blair; depart.
7 Days (Slow Shores)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair sights + Ross Island; café-hop on a budget.
- Days 3–4: Havelock beaches + bioluminescence kayak (seasonal).
- Day 5: Havelock free day; rent a scooter for coves.
- Day 6: Neil Island loop: Sitapur sunrise, Bharatpur snorkel, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair; local markets, depart.
10 Days (Add North Andaman)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair base.
- Days 3–4: Havelock.
- Day 5: Neil.
- Day 6: Transit to Rangat (ATR road or ferry).
- Days 7–8: Diglipur – Saddle Peak trek; Ross & Smith sandbar trip.
- Days 9–10: Return to Port Blair; buffer day for weather/ferry slippage.
How to Reach Andaman and Get Around
Flights
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/one-stop hubs: Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (routes vary by season).
Ships (Budget but time-heavy)
- Infrequent government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam; 2–3 days sailing; basic cabins. Book well in advance.
Inter-island Transport
- Government ferries: Cheapest; buy tickets at counters; carry ID; reach early.
- Private ferries: Faster and pricier (e.g., catamarans between Port Blair–Havelock–Neil).
- On-island: Shared autos (budget), buses (limited), scooters (INR 500–800/day + fuel). Helmets are mandatory.
Permits and Access
- Indians generally do not require special permits for permitted islands.
- Foreign nationals’ access and permits can change; obtain/confirm at Port Blair if applicable and stick to permitted areas. Nicobar and protected tribal reserves are off-limits.
Estimated Costs and Money-Saving Tips
Daily Budget (per person)
- Shoestring: INR 1,800–2,500 (shared room or cheapest guesthouse, local buses/shared autos, free beaches).
- Comfort-budget: INR 2,500–4,000 (private AC room, 1–2 paid activities, scooter rental).
Typical Prices
- Budget rooms: INR 1,000–2,500 per night.
- Meals: INR 150–300 for vegetarian thali; INR 250–500 for seafood plate at local eateries.
- Ferries: Govt INR 200–800; private INR 1,000–2,800 depending on route/season.
- Activities: Snorkel INR 800–1,500; intro dive INR 3,500–6,000; kayak INR 2,000–3,000.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day + fuel.
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov, Feb–Apr) for lower room rates.
- Use government ferries when schedules suit; book early morning slots.
- Carry a reusable bottle; many cafés offer refills, cutting water costs and plastic.
- Bring your own snorkel mask if you plan multiple swims.
- ATMs are limited outside Port Blair—carry sufficient cash for islands.
- Choose homestays/guesthouses with breakfast included.
Food, Shopping, and Culture
Budget Eats
- Port Blair: Aberdeen Bazaar area for economy meals; Annapurna (veg), local seafood shacks near the jetty.
- Havelock: Pocket-friendly dhabas along Beach No. 2 and 5; bakeries for quick bites.
- Neil: Simple beachside stalls at Bharatpur for fresh juice, snacks, and fish plates.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Daily essentials, snacks, budget clothes.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Authentic handicrafts at fair prices.
- Avoid: Buying corals, seashells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
Culture
- Cosmopolitan island mix: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, Ranchi communities.
- Respect local customs and signage, especially near restricted or ecologically sensitive zones.
Travel Tips for Different Traveler Types
Backpackers/Friends
- Lock in first/last night in Port Blair before flights; leave buffer for weather/ferry delays.
- Pack light: quick-dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, headlamp, power bank.
- Connectivity is improving but can be patchy; download offline maps and keep bookings/screenshots saved.
Families
- Choose central stays near markets/medical shops; opt for AC rooms during humid months.
- Prioritize safe beaches with gentle slopes (Radhanagar, Laxmanpur).
- Book inter-island ferries and ground transfers in advance to avoid queues.
Couples/Honeymooners
- Pick quieter pockets (Kalapathar, Sitapur) and plan sunrise/sunset walks.
- Confirm hot water, power backup, and privacy details with homestays.
- Travel off-peak for better rates and emptier beaches.
FAQs
Q: Are there hostels in Andaman like on the mainland?
A: Dedicated dorm-style hostels are limited. Most budget travelers use guesthouses, homestays, or simple beach huts. Book early in peak months.
Q: What is the cheapest way to move between islands?
A: Government ferries are the most economical; private catamarans save time but cost more. Always check latest schedules and carry ID.
Q: Is Andaman safe for solo backpackers?
A: Yes, it’s generally safe. Stick to permitted areas, avoid isolated spots after dark, keep an eye on weather advisories, and share your ferry plans with your stay.
Q: When is the best time to visit on a budget?
A: Shoulder seasons—October–November and February–April—offer good weather with friendlier room rates and thinner crowds.
Q: Do I need special permits?
A: Indian citizens don’t need special permits for permitted islands. Foreigners’ permit rules can change; confirm on arrival in Port Blair and avoid restricted zones like tribal reserves and Nicobar.
Conclusion
Backpacking Andaman is absolutely doable with careful planning: anchor in Port Blair, island-hop to Havelock and Neil on government ferries, and choose simple guesthouses near beaches and markets. Keep cash handy, watch the weather, and embrace slow travel—clear seas, quiet sunsets, and budget-friendly plates of fresh seafood will do the rest.
