Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Time to Visit Andaman from Hyderabad
- Top Cities/Places to Visit
- Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Suggested Itineraries from Hyderabad
- How to Reach from Hyderabad
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs from Hyderabad
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Permits, Ferries & Practical Info
- Budget Tips
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning an Andaman tour from Hyderabad blends emerald islands, sunlit beaches, and shipwreck-blue waters with easy flight connections via Chennai or Kolkata. Whether you’re eyeing Havelock’s powdery Radhanagar Beach, snorkeling lagoons at Elephant Beach, or the moving history of Port Blair’s Cellular Jail, this guide brings together the best routes, itineraries, costs, and practical tips for a seamless island holiday from Hyderabad.
Best Time to Visit Andaman from Hyderabad
- Peak (November–April): Calm seas, clear visibility for snorkeling/diving, pleasant 24–30°C. Ideal for first-timers and honeymooners.
- Shoulder (May–June, October): Warm with occasional showers; good deals and fewer crowds; sea conditions may vary.
- Monsoon (July–September): Lush landscapes, frequent rain, and possible ferry/boat cancellations. Great for quiet escapes, less ideal for water sports.
Top Cities/Places to Visit
Port Blair
The gateway to the islands with a mix of history and harbor views.
- Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show: Moving storytelling of India’s freedom struggle.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy-to-reach beach for a sunset stroll.
- North Bay & Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep): Boat trip for snorkeling, sea walk, and colonial-era ruins.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Island superstar famous for beaches and beginner-friendly scuba.
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Consistently ranked among Asia’s best.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea walk, and water sports.
- Kalapathar: Quiet sunrise shore with black rocks.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
Laid-back island with shallow reefs and photogenic rock formations.
- Laxmanpur Beach: Dreamy sunsets and natural rock bridge.
- Bharatpur Beach: Clear waters for glass-bottom rides and snorkeling.
Baratang
A day trip from Port Blair known for mangroves and caves.
- Limestone Caves & Mangrove Boat Ride
- Mud Volcano: A rare natural feature.
Rangat, Mayabunder & Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Amkunj Beach (Rangat): Eco-friendly beachside.
- Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder): Turtle nesting (seasonal).
- Diglipur: Saddle Peak trek, Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar.
Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Classic 5–6 Days: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair (history + beaches + easy snorkeling).
- Adventure 7–8 Days: Port Blair → Havelock (scuba/kayak) → Neil → Baratang day trip.
- Offbeat North 8–10 Days: Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Mayabunder → Diglipur → Port Blair (trekking, twin islands, fewer crowds).
Activities & Experiences
- Scuba Diving (Havelock/Neil): Discover Scuba for beginners; typical cost INR 3,500–6,500 per person including photos, shorter orientation dive.
- Snorkeling & Sea Walk: Elephant Beach/North Bay; snorkel INR 800–1,500; sea walk INR 3,500–4,500.
- Kayaking (Bioluminescence seasonal): Havelock mangroves; INR 2,500–3,000.
- Glass-Bottom Boat: Bharatpur/North Bay; INR 500–1,200.
- Trek: Saddle Peak (Diglipur) full-day hike; moderate to challenging.
- History & Culture: Cellular Jail, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum.
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, crafts in Port Blair.
- Beach Festival (Spring): Games and performances on popular beaches.
- Subhash Mela (January): Local fairs and cultural programs.
Suggested Itineraries from Hyderabad
4 Nights / 5 Days (Highlights)
- Day 1: Fly HYD → Port Blair (via Chennai/Kolkata). Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock. Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water activities; evening chill.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil. Bharatpur + Laxmanpur sunset. Late ferry back or overnight on Neil.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair → Fly back to Hyderabad.
5 Nights / 6 Days (Balanced)
- Day 1: Port Blair city + Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Havelock – Radhanagar.
- Day 3: Havelock – Scuba or kayaking; Kalapathar.
- Day 4: Neil – Bharatpur + Natural Bridge.
- Day 5: Port Blair – North Bay + Ross Island.
- Day 6: Departure.
6 Nights / 7 Days (With Baratang)
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights.
- Day 3–4: Havelock – Radhanagar + Elephant Beach.
- Day 5: Neil – Beach day.
- Day 6: Baratang day trip – Limestone Caves.
- Day 7: Departure.
How to Reach Andaman from Hyderabad
By Air (Recommended)
- Route: Hyderabad (HYD) → Port Blair (IXZ) via Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru.
- Duration: 5–8 hours total (including layover), depending on connection.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, and others operate regular one-stop connections.
- Tip: Choose morning arrivals at Port Blair to catch same-day ferry to Havelock.
By Sea (Budget/Scenic, time-intensive)
- Routes: Chennai/Kolkata/Vizag to Port Blair passenger ships.
- Duration: ~60–70 hours one way; limited schedules.
- Booking: Through A&N Administration/Shipping Corporation counters; plan weeks in advance.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,500–3,000/night): Clean guesthouses in Port Blair; simple cottages in Havelock/Neil.
- Mid-range (INR 3,500–7,000/night): SeaShell Port Blair, Symphony Samudra, TSG properties, Summer Sands (Neil).
- Luxury (INR 12,000–40,000+/night): Taj Exotica (Havelock), Barefoot at Havelock, Jalakara (Havelock), SeaShell Havelock villas.
- Location tips: Stay near Jetty in Havelock for easy transfers; pick Radhanagar-side or Govind Nagar for beach access.
Estimated Trip Costs from Hyderabad
- Flights (round-trip per person): INR 14,000–28,000 (shoulder/peak vary; book early).
- Private Ferry (one-way): Port Blair ↔ Havelock/Neil INR 1,200–2,400 (class dependent). Government ferry cheaper (INR 400–700) but limited.
- Land Packages (per person, excluding flights):
- 4N/5D Budget: INR 18,000–28,000
- 5N/6D Mid-range: INR 26,000–42,000
- 6N/7D Premium: INR 45,000–85,000+
- Activities (per person): Scuba DSD INR 3,500–6,500; Sea Walk INR 3,500–4,500; Kayak INR 2,500–3,000; Glass-bottom INR 500–1,200.
- Daily Meals: INR 600–1,800 depending on choice of dining.
Note: December–January peak rates can be significantly higher; monsoon can be lower.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood highlights: Grilled fish, prawns, crab, lobster; try Andaman mud crab.
- Popular eateries: New Lighthouse Restaurant & Amaya (Port Blair), Annapurna (veg), Full Moon Café & Something Different (Havelock), Bonova (Havelock), Dugong (Neil).
- Dietary notes: Vegetarian options widely available; confirm for Jain meals.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Authentic handicrafts, coconut/shell art (avoid coral products).
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Souvenirs, T-shirts, local snacks.
- What not to buy: Coral/shells from beaches—illegal to collect and carry.
Culture & Etiquette
- Diverse communities (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, Ranchi). Respect local customs.
- Restricted tribal areas are strictly off-limits.
- Dress modestly away from beaches; seek permission before photographing people.
Permits, Ferries & Practical Info
- Permits: Indian nationals do not need special permits for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang caves, etc. Foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival). Some islands/parks have separate entry rules.
- Ferries: Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean) and government ferries connect Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil. Pre-book in peak months.
- Connectivity: Jio/BSNL strongest; Airtel works in towns. Internet can be patchy; many resorts offer basic Wi‑Fi.
- Money: ATMs in Port Blair and limited on Havelock/Neil. Carry some cash; UPI works in most tourist areas.
- Safety: Obey beach flags; avoid swimming in rough seas or after dark. Heed crocodile warning signboards near mangroves/creeks. Do not touch corals or marine life.
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry clothes, waterproof phone pouch, motion-sickness meds for ferries, light rain jacket (Oct–Dec/Monsoon), basic first-aid.
- Environmental: Single-use plastics discouraged; carry refillable bottles.
Budget Tips
- Travel in shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Feb–Mar) for better rates and calm seas.
- Book flights and private ferries 3–6 weeks ahead; align flight arrival with ferry schedules to avoid extra hotel nights.
- Use government ferries when possible; they are cheaper but require flexibility.
- Bundle water sports on-site for better rates; verify operator credentials.
- Choose Port Blair city hotels for value; split 2–3 nights Havelock, 1 night Neil.
- Eat at local dhabas/seafood shacks; reserve fine-dine only for special evenings.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick shallow, lifeguard-patrolled beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar zone).
- Carry snacks, hats, and floatation aids for kids; schedule naps post-lunch.
- Choose morning ferries to avoid choppy afternoon seas.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Book a beachfront villa in Havelock; plan a private candlelight dinner.
- Go for sunset at Radhanagar and a tandem kayaking session.
- Keep one buffer day for weather or simply to unwind.
Friends/Groups
- Opt for adventure combos (scuba + sea walk + kayak) and split costs.
- Rent bicycles/scooters on Havelock; confirm fuel availability.
- Pick accommodations with social spaces and early breakfast timings.
FAQs
Q: What is the best month to plan an Andaman trip from Hyderabad?
A: November to April offers the calmest seas and best underwater visibility. For value, consider October, February, or March.
Q: How many days are ideal for Andaman from Hyderabad?
A: Five to six days comfortably cover Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Add two more days for Baratang or North Andaman.
Q: Do Indians need a permit to visit Andaman?
A: Indian nationals do not require special permits for common tourist areas like Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and Baratang. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit, usually issued on arrival.
Q: Is scuba diving safe for non-swimmers?
A: Yes, Discover Scuba programs are designed for non-swimmers with instructor support, shallow depths, and safety briefings. Choose certified operators and follow instructions.
Q: Can I use mobile data and UPI on the islands?
A: Yes, Jio/BSNL work best; Airtel is fine in towns. Speeds can be inconsistent. UPI generally works in Port Blair/Havelock/Neil, but carry cash as backup.
Conclusion
From Hyderabad, the Andaman Islands deliver a refreshing mix of history, jungle-fringed shores, and clear lagoons within a single day’s journey. With calm-season travel, smart ferry alignment, and a balanced Port Blair–Havelock–Neil itinerary, you can enjoy signature beaches, beginner-friendly dives, and sunset strolls without stress. Plan early around peak months, respect marine guidelines, and leave space for slow island time—the essence of an Andaman holiday.
