Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Suggested 5 Nights 6 Days Port Blair Itinerary
- Must-Visit Places in and around Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways & Islands
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Getting Around Locally
- Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs (5N/6D)
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Shopping Guide
- Permits & Entry Rules
- Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s emerald Andaman Islands, blends poignant colonial history with sugar-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. This expert-crafted 5 nights 6 days Port Blair itinerary balances heritage, island-hopping, water sports, and soul-soothing sunsets—perfect for first-time visitors, families, couples, and friends alike.
Suggested 5 Nights 6 Days Port Blair Itinerary
This plan uses Port Blair as your arrival/departure hub, with overnights on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) for beaches and reef time.
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair • Cellular Jail & Corbyn’s Cove
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Hotel check-in and brunch.
- Afternoon: Relax at Corbyn’s Cove Beach (soft sands, gentle surf).
- Evening: Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) museum and Light & Sound Show narrating India’s freedom struggle.
- Optional dinner by the seaside; rest for early ferry next day.
Day 2: Ross Island & North Bay • Museums
- Morning boat combo: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) for British-era ruins shaded by banyans.
- Continue to North Bay Island for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, or sea walk over colorful reefs.
- Return to Port Blair; visit Samudrika Naval Marine Museum or Anthropological Museum.
- Early night; pack for inter-island transfer.
Day 3: Port Blair → Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) • Radhanagar Sunset
- Morning ferry (1.5–2.5 hours) to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). Hotel check-in.
- Afternoon: Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)—legendary blue waters, perfect for a golden-hour swim and sunset.
- Evening: Beachside dinner; stargazing on a clear night.
Day 4: Elephant Beach Water Sports • Leisure
- Morning: Short boat or guided forest walk to Elephant Beach; enjoy snorkeling, banana boat, jet ski, or try an introductory scuba dive.
- Lunch back in town; optional scooter ride to Kalapathar Beach for quieter shores.
- Overnight on Havelock.
Day 5: Havelock → Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) • Natural Bridge • Back to Port Blair
- Morning ferry (60–90 minutes) to Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island).
- Visit Natural Bridge at low tide for tidepools and coral fossils; relax at Bharatpur or Lakshmanpur beaches.
- Afternoon/evening ferry back to Port Blair; final night in the capital.
Day 6: Chidiya Tapu or Shopping • Departure
- If time allows, sunrise/sunset at Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island) or panoramic views from Mount Harriet National Park.
- Souvenirs at Sagarika Government Emporium or Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Transfer to airport for departure.
Notes on Logistics
- Book inter-island ferries (private or government) in advance; last ferries typically depart mid-afternoon.
- Keep one buffer night in Port Blair before your flight to avoid weather-related ferry delays.
Must-Visit Places in and around Port Blair
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: Historic prison, museum, and evening Light & Sound Show.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Family-friendly, easy city access.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island): Atmospheric colonial ruins, deer, and peacocks.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, and coral viewing.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point, mangroves, and a mini trek to Munda Pahad.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Views over the archipelago; short trails.
- Samudrika & Anthropological Museums: Marine life, tribal history, and island geography.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin): Superb coral clarity when open seasonally.
Local Culture and Food
Port Blair is a cultural mosaic with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobarese influences. Expect welcoming island pace, multilingual signboards, and a love for the sea.
- Seafood highlights: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab, lobster, squid fry.
- Vegetarian-friendly: South Indian thalis, dosas, North Indian curries, island-grown veggies.
- Try: Fresh coconut water, tuna cutlets, fish thali, and banana fritters.
- Dining tips: Many kitchens close early; pre-order in peak season and on island-hopping days.
Nearby Getaways & Islands
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar and Elephant Beach; diving and snorkeling.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): Natural Bridge, serene beaches, relaxed vibes.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves, mangrove boat ride, and a mud volcano; long day trip.
- Jolly Buoy / Red Skin: Coral sanctuaries (seasonal rotation, closed some months).
- Diglipur (North Andaman): Ross & Smith Twin Islands and Saddle Peak; best for longer trips.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct/connecting flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai (2–5.5 hours depending on origin).
- By Sea (Passenger Ship): From Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam on limited schedules; 56–72 hours; basic cabins; subject to weather—plan buffer days.
- Entry timing: Flights usually arrive by midday; plan ferries accordingly.
Getting Around Locally
- Taxis & Autos: Readily available; negotiate or use fixed-rate stands.
- Two-wheeler rentals: Popular on Port Blair and Havelock (approx. INR 500–800/day; helmet mandatory).
- Buses: Budget-friendly but infrequent for tourists.
- Ferries: Government and private ferries (Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean, etc.); pre-book tickets and carry ID.
- No app cabs: Ride-hailing apps are not fully operational; rely on local transport.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Best for first and last night, museum visits, and Ross/North Bay trips.
- Havelock: Beach resorts for Radhanagar/Elephant Beach access and water sports.
- Neil Island: Boutique stays for quiet beaches and stargazing.
Price Guide (per night, indicative)
- Budget: INR 1,800–3,500 (guesthouses, simple hotels)
- Mid-range: INR 4,500–9,000 (comfort resorts with AC)
- Premium/Luxury: INR 12,000–25,000+ (beachfront villas, upscale amenities)
Estimated Trip Costs (5N/6D)
Approximate per person costs, excluding flights, for a balanced itinerary.
- Accommodation (5 nights): Budget 10k–18k | Mid-range 22k–40k | Luxury 60k–1.3L
- Inter-island ferries (3–4 sectors): Govt 3k–5k | Private 6k–11k
- Local transport & airport transfers: 3k–7k
- Activities & entry: Museums/parks 300–1,000; snorkeling 1k–2k; sea walk 3.5k–4.5k; intro scuba 3.5k–6.5k
- Food: 800–1,800 per day (4.8k–10.8k total)
- Flights (indicative, round-trip from metro): INR 10k–28k (season dependent)
Ballpark totals (excluding flights): Budget 20k–35k | Mid-range 40k–70k | Luxury 90k–1.7L per person.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Peak season: November–April (calmer seas, better underwater visibility).
- Shoulder: October & May (warm; occasional showers; good for deals).
- Monsoon: June–September (rough seas, rain, possible ferry cancellations—plan buffers).
- Water temps: Typically 27–29°C year-round; UV is strong—use reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards.
Shopping Guide
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Authentic locally made shells (non-protected), corals replicas, handicrafts, spices. Avoid buying protected corals or turtle shells.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, garments, beachwear, snacks, and daily needs.
- What to buy: Coconut crafts, spices, pearls (verify authenticity), areca products, local art.
Permits & Entry Rules
- Indian citizens: No special permit needed for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Ross, North Bay, etc. Carry government ID.
- Foreign nationals: Tourist areas are generally open without Restricted Area Permits; some islands/forests remain restricted. Carry passport and check latest advisories.
- Protected areas: Entry to tribal reserves is prohibited. Respect signage; photography of tribal communities is illegal.
- Environmental fees: Some marine parks/islands charge entry/camera fees; keep small cash handy.
Travel Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
For Families
- Choose central stays in Port Blair for easy transfers; book ground-floor rooms if traveling with strollers.
- Carry motion-sickness meds for ferries; pack snacks and refillable water bottles.
- Pick calmer beaches (Corbyn’s Cove, Bharatpur) for kids; confirm life jackets for boat trips.
For Honeymooners
- Time Radhanagar Beach for sunset; consider a private candlelight dinner where allowed.
- Opt for a sea-facing or garden cottage in Havelock; book spa slots ahead in peak season.
- Plan one relaxed, no-activity morning to enjoy your resort and the lagoon.
For Friends & Adventure Seekers
- Pre-book scuba dives; bring action-cam with waterproof housing.
- Rent scooters for flexible beach-hopping on Havelock/Neil; ride safe and avoid night roads.
- Start early for Baratang day-trip; expect long drives and check road convoy timings.
Packing & Safety Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, quick-dry clothes, aqua shoes.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, power bank, basic first-aid.
- ATM access exists but can be spotty; carry sufficient cash. Mobile data may be slow.
- Respect marine life; no touching/standing on corals; follow lifeguard and boat crew instructions.
FAQs
Q: Is 5 nights 6 days enough for Port Blair and nearby islands?
A: Yes. It comfortably covers Port Blair highlights, a 2-night stay in Havelock, a short Neil Island visit, and buffer time for ferries. Add more days for Baratang or Diglipur.
Q: Should I pre-book inter-island ferries?
A: Absolutely. Private ferries sell out in peak season and last departures are mid-afternoon. Book seats and keep a buffer night in Port Blair before your flight.
Q: Can beginners try scuba diving in Havelock?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba (no certification) includes training and a guided dive with an instructor. Book morning slots for calmer seas and better visibility.
Q: Which beaches are best for sunsets?
A: Radhanagar (Havelock) and Lakshmanpur Beach 2 (Neil) are stunning. Near Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu delivers golden hues over mangroves.
Q: Are the islands vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes. You’ll find South Indian meals, North Indian curries, and fresh produce almost everywhere. Inform hotels early for special diets.
Conclusion
In six easy-paced days, Port Blair and its neighboring islands deliver a graceful arc—from the stirring saga of Cellular Jail to reef-gazing at North Bay, from the azure sweep of Radhanagar to the tidepools of Neil. With ferries planned, beach time balanced, and a night in Port Blair before departure, this itinerary pairs seamless logistics with the Andamans’ timeless seascapes.
