Table of Contents
Introduction |
Budget Overview (5 Days) |
5-Day Budget Itinerary |
Must-Visit Places |
Local Culture & Food |
Nearby Getaways |
How to Reach |
Accommodation & Costs |
Practical Travel Info |
Tips & Budget Hacks |
Traveler-Specific Tips |
Shopping Guide |
FAQs |
Conclusion
Introduction
Planning 5 days in Port Blair on a budget? The Andaman capital is perfect for history, beaches, and coral adventures—without breaking the bank. This guide blends a day-by-day budget itinerary, realistic cost ranges, and practical logistics so you can optimize time and money while experiencing Cellular Jail, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), North Bay, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor, and more.
Budget Overview (5 Days in Port Blair)
Typical spend per person (excluding flights/ships):
- Backpacker: ₹10,000–₹15,000 (hostels/guesthouses, public ferries, free/low-cost sights)
- Mid-range: ₹25,000–₹38,000 (comfortable stays, a couple of paid activities, taxis where needed)
- Comfort: ₹50,000–₹65,000 (good hotels, private cabs, multiple water activities)
Major cost drivers: accommodation, water activities (scuba/sea walk/glass-bottom), inter-island boats, taxis.
Flight add-on (typical round trip): ₹10,000–₹22,000 from Chennai/Kolkata; ₹15,000–₹30,000 from other metros (seasonal spikes Dec–Jan, long weekends).
5-Day Budget Itinerary with Costs
Day 1: Arrival, Cellular Jail & Light & Sound
- Transfers: Auto from airport ₹200–₹400; taxi ₹500–₹800.
- Cellular Jail: Entry ~₹30; museum ₹10–₹20; Light & Sound show ~₹300 (approx, language/session dependent).
- Strolls: Marina Park promenade; sunset at Corbyn’s Cove (free); snacks ₹100–₹300.
- Meals: ₹300–₹700 per person/day (budget to mid-range).
Estimated Day 1 spend: ₹1,200–₹2,500 per person (excl. hotel).
Day 2: Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) + North Bay
- Boat combo (return): ₹800–₹1,000 per person (from Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty).
- Optional activities at North Bay: Glass-bottom ride ₹500–₹700; snorkeling with guide ₹800–₹1,200; sea walk ₹3,500–₹4,500; DSD scuba ₹3,500–₹5,000.
- Misc. fees: Island entry/camera fees ₹20–₹50 as applicable.
- Meals: Pack lunch or buy on island ₹250–₹600.
Estimated Day 2 spend: ₹1,600–₹7,000 per person (depends on activities).
Day 3: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy or Red Skin (seasonal) / Chidiya Tapu
- Option A (Marine Park islands):
- Permits/fees: ₹50–₹100.
- Boat to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person (seasonal, often Nov–Apr for Jolly Buoy; Red Skin during monsoon—confirm locally).
- Glass-bottom ride add-on: ₹500–₹800.
- Transport: Public bus to Wandoor ₹50–₹100 one way; private cab return ₹2,200–₹3,000 split among group.
- Note: Strict no-plastic policy; carry refillable bottle.
- Option B (if islands shut or seas rough): Chidiya Tapu sunset + Biological Park; local transport/auto ₹400–₹800 return; park entry ~₹50.
Estimated Day 3 spend: ₹800–₹3,500 (Option B) or ₹1,800–₹3,900+ (Option A) per person.
Day 4: Museums + Mount Harriet OR Baratang Day Trip
- In-city culture circuit:
- Anthropological Museum ~₹20–₹50; Samudrika Naval Marine Museum ~₹50; Fisheries Museum ~₹20–₹50.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Entry ~₹50–₹100; ferry Chatham–Bambooflat ₹20–₹50 one way; local cabs/jeeps onward ₹600–₹1,200 round trip (share if possible). Viewpoints and short trails.
- Meals/snacks: ₹300–₹700.
- Alternative (long day): Baratang (Limestone Caves + Mud Volcano) via ATR convoy/permit on a shared tour ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person (includes transport/permits/boat); meals extra.
Estimated Day 4 spend: ₹600–₹1,500 (city + Mount Harriet) or ₹1,800–₹3,200 (Baratang) per person.
Day 5: Beach Time, Souvenirs, Departure
- Easy morning: Corbyn’s Cove (free) or water sports (jet ski/banana boat) ₹800–₹1,500 per ride.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium (fair prices); Aberdeen Bazaar for spices, shells (avoid coral/shell wildlife products if protected).
- Airport transfer: Auto ₹200–₹400; taxi ₹500–₹800.
Estimated Day 5 spend: ₹400–₹2,500 per person (depends on activities and shopping).
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): Freedom struggle history; Light & Sound show in the evening.
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): Colonial ruins overrun by banyan roots, deer, and peacocks.
- North Bay Island: Lighthouse seen on the old ₹20 note; popular for snorkeling, glass-bottom, scuba.
- Corbyn’s Cove: City beach for a relaxed swim (heed flags) and sunset.
- Chidiya Tapu: Lush mangroves, sunset point, and Munda Pahad trail.
- Samudrika, Anthropological & Fisheries Museums: Quick orientation to Andaman ecology and cultures.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Short treks, panoramic views.
Local Culture, Food & Experiences
- Food to try: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry (tuna, snapper), prawn masala, crab, South Indian breakfasts, island-style biryani.
- Where to eat (budget to mid): Aberdeen Bazaar canteens, seaside shacks near Corbyn’s Cove, simple veg messes; cafes for coffee and bakes.
- Costs: Local meals ₹150–₹400; café mains ₹250–₹450; seafood platters ₹600–₹1,200.
- Etiquette & awareness: Respect local communities; do not photograph tribal peoples or encourage intrusive tourism; dress modestly in town.
- Eco-note: Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching corals, carry back all trash.
Nearby Getaways from Port Blair
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach water sports; high-speed ferry 1.5–2.5 hrs. Best as a 1–2 night add-on.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach; quieter vibe; 1 night add-on.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves, mangrove creeks; long day trip from Port Blair.
- Wandoor & Marine National Park: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for clear-water coral viewing (seasonal).
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, etc. Round-trip ₹10,000–₹30,000 depending on origin/season.
- By Ship (limited schedules): Government/passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam; 2–3+ days one way; fares ~₹2,500–₹10,000 depending on class. Book well in advance; basic amenities.
- Local transport: Autos are common; taxis can be hired by trip/day; two-wheeler rentals ~₹500–₹800/day (carry license, helmet).
Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Budget stays: Hostels/guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar/Phoenix Bay ₹800–₹1,500 per night.
- Mid-range hotels: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per night; often include breakfast.
- Boutique/upscale: ₹6,000–₹10,000+ per night; sea views and amenities.
5-day (4-night) estimate per person (twin-share):
- Budget: ₹4,000–₹6,000
- Mid-range: ₹10,000–₹20,000
- Comfort: ₹24,000–₹40,000
Practical Travel Information
- Best time to visit: Nov–Apr for calm seas and clear water. May–Sep is monsoon (rough seas, rain, occasional closures).
- Permits: Indian nationals generally don’t need permits for permitted areas. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (often issued on arrival at Port Blair); rules can change—check latest advisories.
- Connectivity: Airtel/Jio/BSNL 4G in Port Blair; patchy on outer islands. Download maps offline.
- Money: ATMs in town; carry some cash for boats, small eateries, and rural areas.
- Safety: Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguards/flags; avoid coral contact; no night swims.
- Environment: No plastic on certain islands (e.g., Jolly Buoy); bring refillable bottles. Drones may require permissions—avoid near Cellular Jail and sensitive zones.
Tips & Budget Hacks
- Book boats/ferries directly: Use official counters to Ross/North Bay to avoid markups.
- Pick 1–2 premium activities: Choose either sea walk or scuba to control costs.
- Use public buses/shared cabs: For Wandoor/Chidiya Tapu to reduce transport spend.
- Stay central: Aberdeen Bazaar area cuts daily transit costs.
- Eat local: Thali joints and canteens are tasty and inexpensive.
- Travel timing: Avoid peak holidays for lower flight and hotel rates.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose mid-range hotels with breakfast and larger rooms.
- Prefer glass-bottom rides over scuba for young kids; carry snacks and sun protection.
- Plan mid-day breaks to avoid heat; book Light & Sound show in advance.
Honeymooners & Couples
- Time sunset at Chidiya Tapu; include one splurge meal with a sea view.
- Consider a private cab for a relaxed pace; pick one signature activity (sea walk/scuba) together.
Friends & Backpackers
- Split taxis for Wandoor/Baratang to cut costs.
- Try two-wheeler rentals; book activities as a group for better rates.
- Opt for hostels/guesthouses and local eateries to stay within ₹2k–₹3k/day.
Shopping Guide
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Lac bangles, coconut crafts, local art at fixed prices.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, handicrafts, lightweight clothing. Avoid buying corals/shells if protected.
- Budget tip: Compare prices; prefer emporiums for authenticity and quality.
FAQs
Q: How much does a 5-day Port Blair trip cost per person?
A: Excluding flights, expect ₹10,000–₹15,000 (budget), ₹25,000–₹38,000 (mid-range), or ₹50,000–₹65,000 (comfort), depending on stay, transport, and paid activities.
Q: Is scuba diving worth it at North Bay for beginners?
A: Yes, Discover Scuba (DSD) offers guided dives with instructors in shallow reefs. If you’re unsure, start with a glass-bottom ride and upgrade on the spot if comfortable.
Q: Which is better: Jolly Buoy or Red Skin?
A: Both are part of the Marine National Park. Jolly Buoy (usually Nov–Apr) often has clearer water; Red Skin typically opens when Jolly Buoy is shut. Check current status locally.
Q: Are app cabs available in Port Blair?
A: Traditional taxis and autos are the norm. App-based services are limited; negotiate fares upfront or hire by the day.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Lightweight clothing, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, sandals/water shoes, basic meds, rain jacket (monsoon), and a refillable water bottle (no plastic on some islands).
Conclusion
With smart choices, 5 days in Port Blair deliver history at Cellular Jail, coral views around North Bay and Marine National Park, easy sunsets at Corbyn’s Cove and Chidiya Tapu, and a taste of island culture—without overspending. Focus on central stays, public boats, and one or two key activities to keep the budget tight while experiencing the best of the Andaman capital.
