Table of Contents
- Andaman vs Lakshadweep: Quick Overview
- Top Places in Andaman & Lakshadweep
- Tourist Circuits & Island-Hopping
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Activities & Experiences
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Festivals & Events
- Permits, Rules & Practicalities
- Sample Itineraries
- Budget & Cost Comparison
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Andaman vs Lakshadweep: Quick Overview
Two Indian island paradises, two very different vibes. The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal are larger, more varied, and easier to explore independently, mixing emerald jungles, history, and adventure. Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea is a cluster of tiny coral atolls with blinding-white sandbanks and turquoise lagoons—more exclusive, quieter, and permit-controlled.
- Pick Andaman if you want variety (beaches, caves, forests, history), flexible itineraries, and more stay/food options.
- Pick Lakshadweep if you crave postcard-perfect lagoons, fewer crowds, and world-class snorkeling/diving in a compact, serene setting.
Top Places in Andaman & Lakshadweep
Andaman Islands (highlights)
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, light-and-sound show, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross), North Bay for corals.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach (often ranked among Asia’s best), Elephant Beach for snorkeling.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur & Laxmanpur beaches, laid-back stays.
- Baratang: Limestone caves, mangrove creeks, mud volcano; full-day excursion from Port Blair.
- North Andaman (Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur): Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar, Saddle Peak trekking.
- Little Andaman: Butler Bay surf, remote-vibe beaches (check access/safety advisories).
Lakshadweep (highlights)
- Agatti: Gateway island with a luminous lagoon; scenic runway approach.
- Bangaram & Thinnakara: Uninhabited-atoll feel, powdery sandbanks, surreal blues; premium stays.
- Kavaratti: Administrative capital; lagoon sports, island life.
- Kadmat: Long reef, excellent snorkeling and diving, quieter resorts.
- Minicoy: Tall lighthouse, crescent-shaped lagoon, Lava folk dance, tuna-boat culture.
Tourist Circuits & Island-Hopping
Andaman Circuits
- Classic 5–6 days: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Adventure 7–9 days: Above + Baratang caves and North Andaman (Diglipur, Ross & Smith).
- Family/relaxed: Port Blair base with day trips to North Bay/Ross + 2–3 nights in Havelock.
Frequent government and private ferries connect the main islands; day boats to popular beaches and snorkeling spots operate regularly (weather-permitting).
Lakshadweep Circuits
- Agatti–Bangaram–Thinnakara: The most sought-after atoll combo for lagoon stays and sandbank picnics.
- Kavaratti–Kadmat–Minicoy: Possible via ship-based or operator-packaged circuits (as per permits and schedules).
- Ship-based packages: Seasonal programs operated by the administration/authorized operators when available.
Movement across islands is permit- and schedule-dependent; most travelers book fixed packages through authorized operators or resorts.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Andaman: October to May is ideal (calmer seas, good visibility). June–September sees monsoon swells and weather-related boat cancellations.
- Lakshadweep: October to March is prime. April–May can be hot but clear. June–September monsoon brings rough seas; many water activities and ship services may be curtailed.
How to Reach
Andaman
- By Air: Daily flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (some via Chennai/Kolkata). Flight time: ~2–2.5 hours ex-Chennai/Kolkata.
- By Sea: Long-distance passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (3–4 days; infrequent; basic comfort). Not recommended for short holidays.
- Internal Transport: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., to Havelock/Neil). Taxis, autos, and two-wheeler rentals on tourist islands.
Lakshadweep
- By Air: Flights from Kochi (COK) to Agatti (AGX), typically operated by regional carriers; schedules vary seasonally. Flight time: ~1.5 hours.
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Kochi/Beypore to islands like Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy (subject to schedule/season; 14–20 hours+ depending on route/sea state).
- Internal Transport: Inter-island boats and speedboats linked to packages; helicopter services are limited and primarily for residents/emergency.
Accommodation Options
Andaman
- Range: Budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, boutique beach resorts, government tourist lodges.
- Hotspots: Havelock (beach cottages near Radhanagar/Vijaynagar), Neil (cozy stays near Bharatpur), Port Blair (city hotels).
- Booking Tips: Book 4–8 weeks in advance for Nov–Mar; beachfront properties fill early for Christmas–New Year.
Lakshadweep
- Range: Fewer properties overall; island resorts on Kadmat, Kavaratti, Bangaram; limited guesthouses where permitted.
- Character: Simple, nature-forward stays; many packages include meals and activities.
- Booking Tips: Secure permits and accommodation 6–10 weeks ahead for peak season; inventory is limited.
Activities & Experiences
- Snorkeling & Scuba:
• Andaman: Great for beginners at Elephant Beach, Bharatpur; advanced sites near Havelock/Diglipur; occasional wreck dives.
• Lakshadweep: Exceptional lagoon snorkeling; clear, shallow reefs ideal for first-timers; visibility often 25–40 m at dive sites. - Beaches:
• Andaman: Diverse—Radhanagar’s surf to secluded coves; some forested backdrops.
• Lakshadweep: Silky sandbanks, calm lagoons, dramatic reef drop-offs. - Nature & Landscapes:
• Andaman: Mangrove creeks, limestone caves, jungle treks.
• Lakshadweep: Coral atolls, luminous lagoons; stargazing far from light pollution. - History & Culture:
• Andaman: Cellular Jail, WWII remnants, colonial-era ruins on Ross Island.
• Lakshadweep: Maritime heritage, tuna fisheries, island folk dances. - Adventure add-ons: Sea kayaking, glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddle, sunset cruises (availability varies by island and season).
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Andaman
- Food: Fresh seafood (crab, lobster, reef fish), South Indian and Bengali influences; beach shacks on Havelock/Neil.
- Shopping: Port Blair’s Aberdeen Bazaar for wooden crafts, spices, coconut products. Avoid buying coral/shells (strictly regulated).
- Culture: Museums and memorials in Port Blair; respect no-go zones protecting indigenous tribes.
Lakshadweep
- Food: Coconut-rich Malabar flavors; tuna in many forms; simple, home-style island meals in packages.
- Shopping: Limited—coir crafts, modest souvenirs; most islands have very small markets.
- Culture: Predominantly Muslim; modest dress appreciated in villages; traditional dances like Lava on Minicoy showcased during events.
Festivals & Events
Andaman
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, exhibitions across Port Blair and nearby venues.
- Beach & Food Events (seasonal): Smaller festivals and fairs during peak tourist months.
Lakshadweep
- Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha: Community celebrations; some resorts curate cultural evenings.
- Local Cultural Showcases: Folk dances (Lava/Kolkkali) and occasional boat events during festive periods; schedules vary by island and year.
Permits, Rules & Practicalities
- Andaman:
- Indian citizens: No entry permit for main tourist islands. Foreign nationals may require Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival).
- Tribal reserve areas are strictly off-limits. Follow signage and official advisories.
- Environmental rules: No coral/shell collection, avoid single-use plastics; drones need prior permission.
- Lakshadweep:
- Entry permit is mandatory for all visitors. Typically arranged through the Lakshadweep Administration/authorized tour operators or resorts as part of a confirmed booking.
- Independent island-hopping is restricted; stick to your permitted itinerary and islands.
- Alcohol is prohibited across islands except at select resort islands (e.g., Bangaram) as per current rules.
- Health & Safety: Basic medical facilities on major islands; carry personal medicines. Heed swimming flags; currents can be strong. In Andaman, some beaches may have crocodile advisories—follow local guidance.
Sample Itineraries
Andaman: 5 Days (Highlights)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, light-and-sound show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Snorkel/dive at Elephant Beach; café-hop.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; Ross Island & North Bay (time permitting); depart.
Andaman: 7–8 Days (Extended)
- Include Baratang limestone caves and a Diglipur excursion (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak trek).
Lakshadweep: 4 Days (Lagoon Escape)
- Day 1: Fly Kochi–Agatti; transfer by speedboat to Bangaram/Thinnakara; lagoon swim.
- Day 2: Guided snorkeling, sandbank picnic, stargazing.
- Day 3: Optional dive or glass-bottom boat; relaxed beach time.
- Day 4: Boat to Agatti; fly to Kochi.
Lakshadweep: 5–6 Days (Activity Focus)
- Split between Kadmat (for diving) and Kavaratti (for water sports), subject to permits and connectivity.
Budget & Cost Comparison
Typical Per-Person Costs (peak season; indicative)
- Andaman (5 days):
- Flights (return from major Indian city): INR 12,000–28,000+
- Stay: Budget INR 1,500–3,000/night; Mid-range INR 3,500–7,000; Beach resort INR 7,000–15,000
- Inter-island ferries: INR 400–2,500 per sector
- Activities: Snorkeling INR 800–1,500; Intro dive INR 3,500–6,000
- Approx. trip total (ex-flights): Budget INR 18,000–28,000; Mid-range INR 28,000–50,000
- Lakshadweep (4–5 days):
- Flights (Kochi–Agatti return): INR 8,000–18,000+ (varies by season)
- Resort/package (often full board with permits/transfers): INR 35,000–80,000+
- Activities: Snorkeling usually included or INR 1,000–2,000; Dives INR 4,000–7,000 per dive
- Approx. trip total (ex-Kochi flights): INR 40,000–85,000+
Why pricier? Lakshadweep has limited inventory and logistics; packages bundle permits, boat transfers, and meals—raising the upfront cost but simplifying planning.
Budget Tips
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Feb–Apr) for better rates and calmer seas.
- In Andaman, use government ferries and stay slightly off-beach to save; book activities as combos.
- In Lakshadweep, early bookings secure lower package tiers; check what’s included to avoid add-on costs.
- Carry some cash; ATMs can run out (especially on islands). Cards accepted more widely in Andaman than in Lakshadweep.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose calm-water beaches (Bharatpur in Neil; lagoons in Lakshadweep). Use life vests for kids.
- Book morning ferry slots; afternoons can be choppy.
- Pack meds for motion sickness, sun protection, light rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen.
Honeymooners
- Sunrise/sunset beaches: Radhanagar (sunset), Laxmanpur (sunset), Bangaram sandbanks (any time).
- Opt for sea-facing cottages; plan a private sandbank picnic (where allowed).
- Travel light; include a waterproof phone pouch and dry bags for boat rides.
Friends/Backpackers
- Andaman offers better budget hostels/guesthouses and scooter rentals.
- Target affordable intro dives in Andaman; in Lakshadweep, split package rooms to cut per-person cost.
- Respect local norms (especially attire in Lakshadweep villages) and keep beaches litter-free.
FAQs
Q: Which is better for first-time scuba divers: Andaman or Lakshadweep?
A: Both are excellent. Andaman has more dive schools and beginner-friendly bays (Elephant Beach, Bharatpur), while Lakshadweep offers exceptionally clear, shallow lagoons—ideal for calm, confidence-building dives.
Q: Is Lakshadweep more expensive than Andaman?
A: Generally yes. Limited inventory and mandatory packages increase per-night costs in Lakshadweep. Andaman offers a wider range of budget-to-luxury options and cheaper inter-island travel.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: For Andaman, Indian citizens don’t need permits for main tourist islands (foreigners may need a RAP). For Lakshadweep, all tourists require an entry permit, typically arranged through authorized operators/resorts with confirmed bookings.
Q: Which has better beaches?
A: Andaman’s Radhanagar is iconic with forested backdrops and surf; Lakshadweep beaches are lagoon-facing with powdery sand and calm, shallow water—perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Q: Can I visit during the monsoon?
A: It’s possible but not ideal. Seas are rough, many boats are canceled, and water activities are limited. For smooth travel, plan between October and March (extending to May for Andaman).
Conclusion
Andaman offers variety—history, forests, and a choice of islands with flexible, DIY-friendly travel. Lakshadweep is about purity—turquoise lagoons, serene sandbanks, and curated, permit-led experiences. If you want breadth on a moderate budget, choose Andaman; if you want pristine reefs and peaceful luxury in a compact format, choose Lakshadweep. Either way, plan around the season, respect local rules, and travel light for island life.
