Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places to Visit
- Suggested Andaman 5 Nights 6 Days Itinerary
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- How to Reach
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Trip Cost
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Traveler Tips: Families, Honeymooners, Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Pristine blue waters, powdery white beaches, tropical rainforests, and a moving slice of history—Andaman delivers a compact island escape that feels a world away from mainland India. This 5 nights 6 days Andaman itinerary blends Port Blair’s heritage with the laid-back charm of Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil), packing in iconic sunsets, corals, and easy logistics so you enjoy more beach time and fewer transfers.
Top Places to Visit
Port Blair (Gateway)
- Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
- North Bay Island (snorkeling/sea walk)
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
- Elephant Beach (snorkeling and water sports)
- Kalapathar Beach (sunrise views)
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Bharatpur Beach (clear lagoon)
- Laxmanpur Beach (sunset)
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge rock formation)
Optional Add-Ons (time-permitting)
- Chidiya Tapu (sunset, birding) – Port Blair
- Baratang Island (limestone caves, mangroves) – long day-trip
Suggested Andaman 5 Nights 6 Days Itinerary
This plan balances sightseeing and downtime, minimizing backtracking and building a flight buffer on the last night in Port Blair.
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair | Cellular Jail & Corbyn’s Cove
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Hotel check-in and lunch.
- Relax at Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
- Visit Cellular Jail; attend the Light & Sound Show (book timings in advance).
- Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 2: Ross Island & North Bay | Aberdeen Bazaar
- Morning boat to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross) for colonial-era ruins and deer-filled landscapes.
- Continue to North Bay for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, or sea walk.
- Evening stroll and shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 3: Port Blair to Havelock | Radhanagar Beach
- Early private/government ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock). Check-in.
- Head to Radhanagar Beach for a leisurely afternoon and sunset.
- Optional: Candlelight beach dinner at your resort.
- Overnight: Havelock.
Day 4: Elephant Beach | Optional Scuba
- Take a boat to Elephant Beach for snorkeling and water sports.
- Optional: Discover Scuba Diving (pre-book; medical form required).
- Evening free; consider Kalapathar for a quiet golden hour.
- Overnight: Havelock.
Day 5: Havelock to Neil | Natural Bridge & Sunset | Neil to Port Blair
- Morning ferry to Shaheed Dweep (Neil). Visit Bharatpur Beach for lagoon swims.
- Walk to Natural Bridge at mid-to-low tide; end at Laxmanpur Beach for sunset.
- Evening ferry back to Port Blair to build a buffer for next-day flight.
- Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 6: Depart | Optional Museums
- Depending on flight time, visit Samudrika Naval Marine Museum or Anthropological Museum.
- Airport drop and departure.
Monsoon-friendly tweaks (May–Sep)
- Sea state can cancel Elephant Beach boats; swap with Kalapathar/extra time at Radhanagar.
- Keep ferries early in the day; add a buffer day if your schedule allows.
Tourist Circuits
- Classic Short Circuit (6D/5N): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Nature & Caves (7–8D): Port Blair → Baratang (limestone caves/mud volcano) → Havelock → Port Blair.
- Dive-Focused (7–9D): Multiple nights in Havelock with 3–6 dive days + one night in Neil.
- North Andaman (9–10D, long drives): Port Blair → Rangat → Diglipur (Ross & Smith Islands) → Port Blair.
Activities & Experiences
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, North Bay, Bharatpur Beach.
- Scuba Diving: Havelock (beginner-friendly sites; advanced walls and pinnacles), Neil (beginner sites).
- Sea Walk: North Bay and Elephant Beach (subject to operations).
- Glass-Bottom Boat: Great for non-swimmers and families.
- Kayaking & Night Mangrove Bioluminescence (seasonal) at Havelock.
- Heritage: Cellular Jail, Ross Island ruins.
- Sunrise/Sunset Chasing: Kalapathar (sunrise), Radhanagar and Laxmanpur (sunset).
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, crafts in Port Blair.
- Beach Festivals (seasonal): Local music, food, and sports at popular beaches.
- Subhash Mela (January, Hut Bay/others): Cultural programs and exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Peak Season (Nov–Apr): Calm seas, clear waters, best for diving and boat trips.
- Shoulder (Oct & May): Warm; occasional showers or early/late monsoon swells.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Heavy rain, choppy seas; plan flexible itineraries and expect cancellations.
Sea conditions dictate island-hopping; always keep buffer time, especially before flights.
How to Reach
By Air (Recommended)
- Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/connecting flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai (seasonally variable).
By Sea (Not ideal for short trips)
- Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam; ~60–70 hours; limited schedules, basic cabins.
Local Transport & Ferries
- Inter-island ferries: Government and private operators; pre-book online during peak season.
- Local travel: Cabs in Port Blair; rented scooters in Havelock/Neil (license required). Limited public buses.
Permits & Regulations
- Indian nationals: No permit for most tourist zones; tribal areas are strictly off-limits.
- Foreign nationals: Carry passport; certain islands may require Restricted Area Permits (issued on arrival in Port Blair; check latest advisories before travel).
- No drones without prior permission; fines for coral/shell collection and littering.
Where to Stay
Port Blair
- Budget: Clean city hotels/guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Mid-range: Sea-view properties and boutique hotels.
- Luxury: Premium resorts with pools and bay views.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Beach resorts along Govind Nagar and Radhanagar; dive resorts with in-house centers.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Quiet boutique stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; simpler, nature-forward properties.
Indicative Nightly Rates (per room)
- Budget: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-range: INR 4,000–8,000
- Luxury: INR 12,000–25,000+
Estimated Trip Cost
Approximate for a 5N/6D trip for two, excluding flights (actuals vary by season and choices):
- Ferries (3 sectors): INR 7,000–11,000 total
- Hotels (5 nights):
- Budget: INR 9,000–15,000
- Mid-range: INR 20,000–40,000
- Luxury: INR 60,000–125,000+
- Activities:
- Snorkeling/glass-bottom: INR 600–1,500 per person
- Sea walk: INR 3,500–4,500 per person
- Discover Scuba: INR 3,500–6,000 per person
- Local transfers/meals/misc.: INR 12,000–25,000
Total (2 pax, excluding flights)
- Budget: ~INR 45,000–75,000
- Mid-range: ~INR 80,000–1,40,000
- Luxury: ~INR 1,80,000–3,00,000+
Flights (round-trip per person): INR 8,000–20,000+ depending on season and city.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, crab, lobster, prawn curry.
- Coastal staples: Fish thali, coconut-based gravies, banana leaf meals.
- Vegetarian-friendly: South Indian meals, paneer/veg curries widely available.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, handicrafts, wooden and coconut-shell souvenirs.
- Ethical reminder: Do not buy coral, shells, or items from protected species.
Culture & Etiquette
- Colonial history at Cellular Jail and Ross Island; photography restrictions apply in certain museum areas.
- Indigenous communities live in protected reserves—no visits, photos, or contact allowed.
- Island pace is relaxed; businesses may close early outside peak season.
Traveler Tips: Families, Honeymooners, Friends
Families
- Choose beach-facing resorts with easy access and on-site dining.
- Glass-bottom boats and shallow lagoons (Bharatpur) suit non-swimmers.
- Carry snacks, sun-protective clothing, hats; keep ferry sectors short.
Honeymooners
- Plan sunset moments at Radhanagar and Laxmanpur; consider private dinners.
- Opt for boutique stays with balconies, sea views, or spa facilities.
- Book early for peak dates; request special room décor discreetly.
Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Prioritize diving and kayaking; pre-book dive slots in high season.
- Rent scooters on Havelock/Neil; carry a waterproof daypack and dry bag.
- Respect safety flags; currents can be strong beyond lagoons.
Packing & Practical
- Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, aqua shoes, insect repellent.
- Waterproof phone case, dry bag, basic meds (seasickness tablets).
- Cash backup: ATMs exist in Port Blair/Havelock/Neil, but carry sufficient cash.
- Connectivity: BSNL/Airtel work best; data can be patchy; hotel Wi-Fi may be slow.
- Alcohol availability is limited to licensed outlets; carry ID.
Safety & Responsible Travel
- Do not touch or step on corals; no littering on beaches/boats.
- Wear life jackets during boat rides; follow certified guides for water activities.
- Keep a 1-night buffer in Port Blair before your flight during monsoon months.
FAQs
Q: Is 5 nights 6 days enough for Andaman?
A: Yes. It comfortably covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil with key highlights like Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Natural Bridge. Add more days for Baratang or Diglipur.
Q: Do I need permits to visit Havelock and Neil?
A: Indian nationals don’t need permits for these islands. Foreign nationals should carry passports and may need Restricted Area Permits for specific zones; these are typically issued on arrival at Port Blair. Check the latest advisory before travel.
Q: Are boats to Elephant Beach and North Bay available year-round?
A: Operations depend on weather and sea conditions. Monsoon months (Jun–Sep) see frequent cancellations. Keep flexible plans or alternate beaches like Kalapathar/Radhanagar.
Q: Can non-swimmers try snorkeling or sea walks?
A: Yes, with life jackets and guide support. Glass-bottom boats are a great non-swimmer alternative. Always choose licensed operators.
Q: What’s the best time for scuba diving in Andaman?
A: November to April offers calmer seas and better visibility. Pre-book during peak months to secure dive slots.
Conclusion
In six easy-paced days, Andaman rewards you with a blend of history, lagoons, coral gardens, and sunsets across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. With smart ferry planning, a final-night buffer in Port Blair, and a mix of soft adventure and downtime, this 5 nights 6 days itinerary showcases the islands at their relaxed, tropical best.
