Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places in Andaman for Ahmedabad Travelers
- Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Best Time to Visit Andaman
- Best Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries from Ahmedabad
- How to Reach Andaman from Ahmedabad
- Accommodation Options
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs from Ahmedabad
- Travel Tips and Packing Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of turquoise waters, sugar-white beaches, and unforgettable sunsets? Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a tropical escape that feels international yet remains comfortably Indian—perfect for travelers planning Andaman tour packages from Ahmedabad. This guide blends story-rich inspiration with practical details on routes, itineraries, budgets, and local experiences so you can plan a smooth island vacation from the heart of Gujarat.
Top Places in Andaman for Ahmedabad Travelers
Port Blair (Gateway)
- Cellular Jail & Light and Sound Show: Moving history and a must-do evening experience.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) & North Bay: Colonial ruins and snorkeling/glass-bottom rides.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy city beach for a relaxed first evening.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point with mangroves and birdlife.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach: Often ranked among Asia’s best beaches; magic at sunset.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, and water sports.
- Kalapathar Beach: Serene, photogenic mornings.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm lagoon, coral views, perfect for families and beginners.
- Laxmanpur Beach: Golden sunsets and natural rock formations.
- Natural Bridge: Iconic arch; visit at low tide.
Baratang
- Limestone Caves: Short trek and boat through mangroves.
- Mud Volcano: Unique geological feature.
- Note: Access via escorted forest convoy with fixed timings.
Rangat & Long Island
- Yerrata Mangrove Park and Cutbert Bay: Offbeat, tranquil nature stops.
- Long Island’s Lalaji Bay: For slow travelers and nature lovers.
Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Ross & Smith Islands: Sandbar joining twin isles—spectacular day trip.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andaman; trek for views.
Tourist Circuits and Routes
- Classic Circuit (5 days): Port Blair + Havelock.
- Romantic Circuit (6 days): Port Blair + Havelock + Neil.
- Family Comfort (7 days): Port Blair + Havelock + Neil + Baratang day trip.
- Explorer Circuit (9–10 days): Adds Rangat and Diglipur to the above.
Tip: Start with Port Blair, move to Havelock, then Neil, and return to Port Blair for departure. This minimizes backtracking and ferry hassles.
Best Time to Visit Andaman
- Ideal: October to May (calmer seas, clear water, great for beach time and diving).
- Monsoon: June to September (rougher seas, intermittent rain; fewer ferries and water sports).
- Peak periods: Christmas–New Year and long weekends—book flights and ferries early.
Best Activities and Experiences
Water Adventures
- Scuba Diving: Discover Scuba for beginners at Havelock/Neil; certified dives for experienced divers.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur Beach, North Bay.
- Sea Walk, Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Parasailing: Primarily Havelock and Port Blair.
- Glass-Bottom Boats: Great for non-swimmers and kids.
Beaches and Sunsets
- Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu.
History and Culture
- Cellular Jail Museum and Light & Sound Show.
- Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum in Port Blair.
Nature and Hikes
- Chidiya Tapu trails, Saddle Peak trek, limestone caves at Baratang.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January): Cultural programs, food stalls, crafts.
- Beach Festivals at Neil and Havelock: Seasonal events with music and local fare.
- Subhash Mela (January in Havelock/Port Blair): Community celebrations and performances.
Sample Itineraries from Ahmedabad
5 Days / 4 Nights: Classic Highlights
- Day 1: Fly AMD to IXZ via Chennai/Kolkata. Check-in Port Blair. Cellular Jail + Sound & Light Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock. Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water sports/snorkeling. Leisure evening.
- Day 4: Morning at Kalapathar. Ferry back to Port Blair. Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Day 5: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep + North Bay (time permitting). Fly out.
6 Days / 5 Nights: Honeymoon Friendly
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, evening at Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; beach time at Radhanagar.
- Day 3: Optional Discover Scuba or private beach picnic.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil; sunset at Laxmanpur Beach.
- Day 5: Natural Bridge + Bharatpur Beach; ferry to Port Blair.
- Day 6: Depart; if time, visit Samudrika Museum or local cafes.
7 Days / 6 Nights: Family Comfort
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights + Ross/North Bay.
- Day 3–4: Havelock with Elephant Beach activities and downtime.
- Day 5: Neil Island loop (Bharatpur–Natural Bridge–Laxmanpur).
- Day 6: Baratang day trip (limestone caves).
- Day 7: Fly back.
How to Reach Andaman from Ahmedabad
By Air (Recommended)
- Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to Port Blair (IXZ) via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi.
- Duration: Approximately 6–9 hours total including layover.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa (connections; non-stop from AMD is uncommon).
- Tips: Book morning departures for better same-day connections; check baggage rules on split tickets.
By Sea
- Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (2–3 days at sea).
- Not practical from Ahmedabad unless combining a mainland train/flight; limited schedules and basic cabins.
Local Transport and Ferries
- Inter-Island Ferries: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic). Pre-book during peak season.
- Local Travel: Cabs, autos in Port Blair; rented two-wheelers on Havelock/Neil (carry license, helmet).
- Baratang Access: Escorted forest convoys with fixed timings; carry ID.
Accommodation Options
Port Blair
- Aberdeen Bazaar/Marine Hill: Central, budget to mid-range stays, easy for museums and shopping.
- Corbyn’s Cove/Radha Nagar Road (PB): Sea-facing mid to upscale resorts; quiet evenings.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Vijay Nagar/Beach No. 5: Beachfront resorts, cafes, easy scooter access.
- Govind Nagar/Jetty Area: Convenient for early ferries and dive shops.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Bharatpur/Laxmanpur: Cozy stays near beaches; perfect for sunsets.
North Andaman (Rangat/Diglipur)
- Simple guesthouses and eco-stays; book ahead due to limited inventory.
Approximate Nightly Rates (per room)
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–7,000
- Upscale/Luxury: INR 9,000–20,000+
Rates vary by season and island; seaside rooms and festive dates price higher.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, prawn masala, crab curry.
- Local plates: Fish curry with rice, coconut-based preparations.
- Vegetarian comfort: South Indian thalis, North Indian meals widely available.
- Cafes: Beachside breakfasts, bakes, and cold brews on Havelock and Neil.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts at fair prices.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, spices, simple beachwear.
- Note: Do not buy or carry corals, sea shells, or turtle products without legal clearance; many items are restricted.
Culture and Etiquette
- Respect protected areas and tribal reserves—no entry beyond marked zones.
- Dress modestly away from beaches; dispose waste responsibly.
- Alcohol rules vary by island; check local guidelines.
Estimated Trip Costs from Ahmedabad
Flights (Return per person)
- Economy: INR 12,000–22,000 (off-peak), INR 22,000–35,000 (peak/last-minute).
Stays (Per night, double room)
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,000–7,000
- Luxury: INR 9,000–20,000+
Activities (Per person)
- Discover Scuba: INR 3,500–6,000
- Snorkeling trip: INR 700–1,500
- Sea walk: INR 3,500–4,500
- Glass-bottom boat: INR 600–1,000
Ferries and Local Transport
- Inter-island private ferry: INR 1,200–2,800 per sector (class-dependent).
- Local cabs: INR 1,500–3,500 per transfer depending on distance/island.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800 per day + fuel.
Example Package-Style Budgets (Per person, twin sharing)
- 4N/5D without flights: INR 18,000–30,000 (stays, breakfasts, transfers, basic sightseeing, ferry tickets).
- 4N/5D with flights: INR 30,000–55,000 (season-dependent).
- 6N/7D with flights: INR 45,000–75,000 (varies by resort class and activity add-ons).
Indicative ranges; actual prices depend on season, availability, and inclusions.
Travel Tips and Packing Guide
Essential Tips
- Permits: Indians don’t need special permits for main tourist islands; carry government ID.
- Ferries: Book private catamarans in advance during Oct–May and holidays.
- Connectivity: Airtel/BSNL/Jio work in towns; expect patchy data on beaches and North Andaman.
- Money: ATMs in Port Blair/Havelock; carry some cash for Neil and remote areas. UPI works but needs signal.
- Safety: Swim only in designated areas; heed crocodile/jellyfish notices in mangrove zones.
- Eco-care: Use reef-safe sunscreen; avoid touching corals; no littering.
Packing List
- Light cottons, swimwear, quick-dry towel, hat, sunglasses.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, aloe gel, basic meds, seasickness tablets.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, power bank, torch.
- Snorkel mask (optional but handy), sturdy sandals.
- Printed ferry/flight tickets and ID copies.
For Families
- Pick lagoon beaches (Bharatpur, Elephant Beach) for safe, shallow waters.
- Schedule downtimes; avoid back-to-back early ferries.
- Carry snacks and baby essentials—limited options on ferries.
For Honeymooners
- Choose beach-facing stays in Havelock; plan a private dinner at Radhanagar side.
- Book morning dives or snorkel trips for calmer seas and fewer crowds.
- Opt for 6D+ itineraries to slow down and enjoy sunsets.
For Friends and Groups
- Rent scooters on Havelock/Neil for flexibility.
- Bundle activities (sea walk + snorkeling) for better value.
- Consider adding Baratang or a Diglipur day to spice up the plan.
FAQs
Q: Are there direct flights from Ahmedabad to Port Blair?
A: Non-stop flights are uncommon. Most routes connect via Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi, taking around 6–9 hours total with layover.
Q: What is the best time to book Andaman tour packages from Ahmedabad?
A: For travel between October and May, book flights and ferries 6–8 weeks in advance. For Christmas–New Year and long weekends, book 8–12 weeks ahead.
Q: Do Indians need a passport or permit to visit Andaman?
A: No passport or visa is needed for Indian citizens. Carry government-issued photo ID. Some areas remain restricted; stick to tourist zones.
Q: Can non-swimmers do scuba diving or sea walk?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba and sea walks are designed for beginners with instructor support. Basic health and safety checks apply.
Q: How many days are ideal for Andaman from Ahmedabad?
A: Five to seven days cover Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil comfortably. Add two to three days if including Baratang or North Andaman.
Conclusion
From Ahmedabad’s bustling streets to Andaman’s calm lagoons, this journey blends history, ocean adventures, and laid-back island life. Plan around October–May for the best seas, pre-book ferries and stays, and choose a circuit that matches your travel style—romantic, family-friendly, or adventure-focused. With clear costs, sample itineraries, and on-ground tips, you’re set to experience the Andamans at their unhurried, blue-hued best.
