Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities/Places for Sunrise in Andaman
- Tourist Circuits for Sunrise Chasers
- Activities to Pair with Sunrise
- Festivals and Seasonal Notes
- Sample Itineraries (Sunrise-Focused)
- Budget Tips
- How to Reach the Sunrise Points
- Accommodation Options near Sunrise Beaches
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Estimated Costs Overview
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Best Sunrise Points in Andaman: Introduction
Andaman’s islands wake early. With the eastern edge jutting into the Bay of Bengal, sunrises arrive sooner here than most of mainland India—soft pastels bloom over jade water, mangrove silhouettes sharpen, and quiet beaches glow before the day begins. This guide zeroes in on the best sunrise points in Andaman, how to reach them, suggested circuits and itineraries, and practical tips to make your dawn starts smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Top Cities/Places for Sunrise in Andaman
Below are the most reliable and photogenic sunrise spots across the Andaman region. Local access timings and sea conditions can change—always confirm the day before.
Port Blair Region (South Andaman)
Burmanallah Beach
- Why go: East-facing cove with palm silhouettes and fewer crowds than in-town beaches.
- Access: 30–40 min drive south of Port Blair on the ATR. Roadside parking; short walk to the sand.
- Best months: October–April for clear horizons.
- Tip: Arrive 20–30 minutes before astronomical sunrise for blue-hour color.
Corbyn’s Cove
- Why go: Easy access from Port Blair (10–15 min). While it’s not perfectly east-facing, dawn light is gentle for walk-and-watch starts.
- Access: Paved promenade; cafés open later in the morning.
- Tip: Good for families wanting an effortless first sunrise in Andaman.
Chidiya Tapu (Dawn Birding)
- Why go: Famous for sunsets, yet dawn is superb for bird calls, mist, and soft forest light.
- Access: About 45–60 min drive from Port Blair; forest gate timings can apply.
- Note: For a direct sunrise over the sea, pick an east-facing beach; for nature soundscapes and photography, dawn at Chidiya Tapu is excellent.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Kalapathar Beach
- Why go: The quintessential Andaman sunrise—black rocks, turquoise shallows, white sand, and a clean eastern horizon.
- Access: 15–25 min scooter/auto ride from most Havelock resorts; easy beach entry.
- Tip: Tides reveal rock pools; wear sturdy sandals and avoid wet, slippery stones.
Govind Nagar Beach (Beaches 2–3)
- Why go: Quiet stretches with casuarina lines and pastel skies; convenient if you’re staying nearby.
- Tip: Great for joggers and early swimmers when the sea is calm.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
Sitapur Beach (Sunrise Beach)
- Why go: Arguably the most reliable sunrise in Andaman—unobstructed, dramatic skies, and a curve of sand facing the open sea.
- Access: 10–15 min by scooter from Neil jetty.
- Tip: The sun pops over the water quickly—set up your camera in blue hour.
Bharatpur Beach (Lagoon Light)
- Why go: Gentle, lagoon-like water; sunrise light shimmers on the reef flats.
- Tip: Ideal for a calm post-sunrise snorkel when visibility allows.
Rangat & Middle Andaman
Aamkunj Beach
- Why go: Driftwood-strewn shoreline and eco-huts; east-facing stretch for clean sunrises.
- Tip: Combine with Dhani Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk for early light and birds.
Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk
- Why go: Atmospheric boardwalk; magical at first light with morning calls and soft glow.
- Note: Carry insect repellent; wooden planks can be damp.
Mayabunder & North Andaman
Karmatang Beach
- Why go: Long, quiet arc; good for solitude seekers and sunrise runs.
- Tip: Check turtle-nesting advisories in season; keep footprints above the high-tide line.
Diglipur (North Andaman)
Ramnagar Beach
- Why go: Peaceful sunrise with minimal crowds; tall trees frame the shore.
- Access: Road approach; services are minimal at dawn—carry water.
Ross & Smith Twin Islands
- Why go: Sandbar joining two islands—spectacular in morning light.
- Note: Boat services and forest gate timings usually start after sunrise; true “sunrise on the sandbar” often isn’t feasible. Aim for earliest opening for golden-hour light.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
Butler Bay Beach
- Why go: Wide bay kissed by golden morning light; fewer visitors.
- Access: Ferry or helicopter from Port Blair; limited accommodations—plan ahead.
Netaji Nagar Beach
- Why go: Soft sand and serene dawns; good for mindful walks and photography.
Long Island
Lalaji Bay
- Why go: A remote-feel sunrise with emerald water and forested backdrop.
- Access: Long Island by ferry; Lalaji Bay via forest trail or boat—confirm timings a day earlier.
Tourist Circuits for Sunrise Chasers
Classic Short Circuit (4 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil
- Day 1: Port Blair arrival; dawn next day at Burmanallah.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; sunrise next day at Kalapathar.
- Day 3: Ferry to Neil; sunrise next day at Sitapur.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair.
Extended Circuit (6–7 days): Add Middle Andaman
- Include Rangat (Aamkunj, Dhani Nallah) and Mayabunder (Karmatang) by road via ATR.
- Finish north at Diglipur (Ramnagar) with earliest boat to Ross & Smith for golden hour.
Remote-Feel Circuit (5–6 days): Long Island or Little Andaman
- Port Blair → Long Island (Lalaji Bay) or Little Andaman (Butler Bay).
- Note: Ferry schedules are variable; build buffer days.
Activities to Pair with Sunrise
- Beach yoga and breathwork on Kalapathar or Sitapur.
- Birdwatching at Chidiya Tapu and mangrove boardwalks (dawn chorus).
- Sunrise kayaking (check operators at Havelock/Port Blair for first-light departures).
- Early snorkel sessions in calm lagoons (Bharatpur, Govind Nagar) with local guides.
- Photography: shoot blue hour, use ND grads, and mind salt spray; wipe lenses often.
Safety: Watch tidal rocks, avoid swimming in rough conditions, mind jellyfish in warmer months, and never enter restricted/tribal areas. Drone use requires permissions; no-fly zones apply near airports and protected forests.
Festivals and Seasonal Notes
- Best sunrise season: October–April (clearer skies, calmer seas).
- Monsoon: May–September can bring cloud, rain, and choppy waters; dawns can still be dramatic between showers.
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically January): Cultural shows, food, and crafts; accommodation books out early.
Other specific sunrise-related events: Information not available.
Sample Itineraries (Sunrise-Focused)
3-Day Sunrise Sampler
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; sunset recon; sleep early.
- Day 2: Sunrise Burmanallah → mid-morning city museum/Cellular Jail (historical) → afternoon ferry to Havelock.
- Day 3: Sunrise Kalapathar → breakfast → ferry to Neil → late lunch + lagoon swim → evening ferry/return next morning.
5-Day Classic
- Day 1: Port Blair arrival.
- Day 2: Sunrise Burmanallah → ferry to Havelock → beach time.
- Day 3: Sunrise Kalapathar → snorkeling/kayaking → ferry to Neil.
- Day 4: Sunrise Sitapur → Bharatpur lagoon → return to Port Blair.
- Day 5: Reserve buffer or city exploration.
7-Day North Andaman Focus
- Day 1–2: Port Blair to Rangat (Aamkunj sunrise), Dhani Nallah.
- Day 3–4: Mayabunder (Karmatang sunrise), onward to Diglipur.
- Day 5: Earliest access to Ross & Smith for golden light.
- Day 6–7: Return south with one dawn stop en route.
Budget Tips
- Use government ferries for lower fares; book early for private catamarans on popular routes.
- Rent scooters (approx. ₹500–₹800/day) on Havelock and Neil for dawn starts.
- Choose stays within 10–15 minutes of your sunrise beach to cut transit costs and time.
- Carry a thermo flask and quick snacks; dawn cafés open late.
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr) for better rates and good weather.
How to Reach the Sunrise Points
Getting to Andaman
- By Air: Fly into Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi (seasonal/directs vary).
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate infrequently; 2–3 nights at sea, basic cabins.
Inter-Island Transfers
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) ↔ Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Government ferries and private catamarans (typical one-way ₹600–₹1,800 depending on class).
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: By road via Andaman Trunk Road (check convoy timings and road conditions) or by inter-island ferry where available.
- Long Island/Little Andaman: Government ferries/heli services with limited schedules; confirm a day or two in advance.
Local Transport
- Scooters: Best for dawn flexibility on Havelock/Neil.
- Autos/Taxi: Pre-arrange day prior for 4–5 am pickups.
- Permits: Most Andaman District areas are open; Nicobar Islands and tribal reserves are restricted. Always respect local advisories.
Accommodation Options near Sunrise Beaches
- Port Blair: Mid-range hotels and boutique stays (approx. ₹2,500–₹6,000/night). Stay south of town for quicker access to Burmanallah.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront resorts and cottages (₹4,000–₹20,000+). For sunrises, prefer the Kalapathar/Govind Nagar side.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Cozy resorts and guesthouses (₹3,000–₹10,000). Choose Sitapur side for direct sunrise access.
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: Limited mid-range lodges and guesthouses (₹1,800–₹4,500). Expect simpler facilities.
- Long Island/Little Andaman: Basic to modest options; book ahead and confirm power/water schedules.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood staples: Grilled red snapper, crab curry, lobster (seasonal). Vegetarian curries and South Indian breakfasts widely available.
- Popular picks: New Lighthouse Restaurant (Port Blair), Lighthouse Residency (Port Blair), Anju Coco/Full Moon Café (Havelock), island dhabas for budget eats.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, coconut crafts, lightweight beachwear.
- Sagarika Emporium: Government-run handicrafts; avoid coral, shell, or turtle products (buying/selling is strictly prohibited).
Culture & Etiquette
- Respect protected areas and local communities; no photography of tribal groups; no off-road detours into reserves.
- Plastic-lite travel: Carry refill bottles; take back your trash.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, modest swimwear away from resort zones, and quiet dawn conduct on village-adjacent beaches.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Pick easy-access beaches (Corbyn’s Cove, Govind Nagar) for short dawn outings.
- Pack snacks, a beach mat, and quick-dry towels; check tide times to avoid slippery rocks with kids.
Honeymooners
- Choose sunrise-facing stays near Kalapathar or Sitapur for minimal transit.
- Carry a light tripod for couple portraits in blue hour; plan a private breakfast post-sunrise.
Friends/Backpackers
- Scooters at dawn, a thermos of chai, and a rotating sunrise list keep costs low and days long.
- Consider a sunrise-to-noon adventure, siesta, and evening snorkel to pace energy.
Estimated Costs Overview
- Shoestring: ₹2,000–₹3,500 per person/day (guesthouses, government ferries, scooter shared).
- Mid-range: ₹5,000–₹9,000 per person/day (nice cottages, private ferry economy, some guided activities).
- Comfort: ₹10,000–₹20,000+ per person/day (beachfront resorts, premium transfers, private tours).
- Typical line items: Scooter ₹500–₹800/day; Private catamaran ₹1,200–₹1,800 one-way; Local breakfast ₹150–₹350; Seafood meal ₹500–₹1,200.
FAQs
Q: What month is best for sunrise in Andaman?
A: October to April offers the most consistent clear horizons and calmer seas. Monsoon months (May–September) can still deliver dramatic skies but are less predictable.
Q: How early is sunrise in Andaman?
A: Around 4:50–5:45 am across the year, often earlier than mainland India due to the islands’ easterly position. Check the exact time the evening before.
Q: Which beach is best for a guaranteed sunrise view?
A: Sitapur Beach on Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and Kalapathar Beach on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) are the most reliable east-facing choices with open horizons.
Q: Are drones allowed for sunrise photography?
A: India-wide drone rules apply (registration/permissions). Many zones near Port Blair airport and forest reserves are no-fly. Always seek written permission and follow local advisories.
Q: Can I see sunrise at Ross & Smith Twin Islands?
A: Boat and forest gate timings usually start after sunrise; you’ll likely catch early golden hour instead. Aim for the first boat of the day.
Conclusion
From Sitapur’s wide-open horizon to Kalapathar’s rock-framed glow and the quiet arcs of Aamkunj and Karmatang, Andaman’s sunrises are varied and rewarding. Base yourself close to east-facing shores, line up transfers the day before, and move with the rhythm of the islands—early to bed, earlier to rise. With the right planning, each dawn can feel like a private show along the Bay of Bengal.
