Table of Contents
- Introduction: Andaman in Winter
- Top Cities and Places to Visit
- Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Best Winter Activities
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Sample Winter Itineraries
- Budget Tips for Peak Season
- How to Reach Andaman in Winter
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs on Andaman in Winter
- Conclusion
Introduction: Andaman in Winter
Powder-soft beaches, glassy turquoise lagoons, and some of India’s best coral reefs make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a dream winter escape. From November to February, the weather is pleasantly warm (23–30°C), humidity is lower, seas are calmer, and underwater visibility is excellent—ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping.
Winter is also peak season. Plan early, secure your ferry seats, and expect popular islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) to be lively with travelers celebrating Christmas, New Year, and the Island Tourism Festival.
Top Cities and Places to Visit
Port Blair (Gateway and Capital)
- Cellular Jail: Moving light-and-sound show narrates freedom struggle history.
- Corbyn’s Cove: Easy sunset beach, water sports stalls.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Launch point for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (great snorkeling; permit/boat needed).
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) & North Bay: Day trip for colonial ruins and snorkeling.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunset, wide sandy arc.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, glass-bottom boats.
- Kalapathar: Serene sunrise spot; scenic coastal ride.
- Winter perks: Stable dive conditions, frequent ferries, festive beachfront evenings.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Laxmanpur I & II: Sunset point and natural rock bridge.
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm lagoon for snorkeling and boating.
- Winter perks: Fewer crowds than Havelock, great for slow travel.
Baratang Island
- Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano: Unique day trip through lush mangroves.
- Note: Regulated route; follow convoy timings and rules.
Rangat, Long Island, and Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur): Twin islands linked by a sandbar—stunning in winter’s calm seas (permit required on arrival).
- Saddle Peak (Diglipur): Highest point in Andaman for hikers; cool mornings.
- Long Island & Lalaji Bay: Offbeat beaches and quiet lagoons.
Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
Classic 5–6 Day Circuit (First-Time Visitors)
Port Blair → Havelock (2–3N) → Neil (1N) → Port Blair (1N)
- Focus: Beaches, snorkeling, one-day scuba intro, Cellular Jail show.
Expanded 7–8 Day Circuit
Port Blair (1N) → Havelock (3N) → Neil (2N) → Port Blair (1N, day trip to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin)
- Focus: Mix of diving, sea-kayaking, and island history.
North Andaman Adventure 8–10 Days
Port Blair → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N) → Rangat (1N) → Diglipur (2–3N) → Port Blair
- Focus: Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak trek, quieter beaches.
Best Winter Activities
- Scuba Diving: Best visibility (often 15–30m). Try Discover Scuba (for beginners) or fun dives if certified. Approx INR 3,500–6,000 per person.
- Snorkeling & Sea Walk: Elephant Beach and North Bay are popular. Snorkeling INR 500–1,500; Sea Walk INR 3,500–4,500.
- Kayaking in Mangroves: Sunrise or bioluminescence night paddles at Havelock. INR 2,500–3,500.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Rides: Family-friendly reef viewing. INR 500–1,000.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (full-day), Mount Harriet–Madhuban trail (Port Blair). Start early to avoid midday sun.
- Beach Hopping & Sunsets: Radhanagar and Laxmanpur I are winter favorites.
- Wildlife & Birding: Chidiya Tapu near Port Blair—lush and scenic at dusk.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January, Port Blair): Cultural performances, food stalls, local crafts.
- Subhash Mela (around late January in select islands/towns): Cultural fairs commemorating Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
- Christmas & New Year: Beachfront dinners and low-key celebrations at resorts, especially in Havelock and Neil.
Sample Winter Itineraries
3 Days (Quick Break)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail + light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove sunset.
- Day 2: Early ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach. Optional Discover Scuba.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling, return to Port Blair and fly out (or buffer night).
5 Days (Balanced)
- Day 1: Port Blair city and jail show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Kalapathar sunrise, beach time.
- Day 3: Scuba diving AM, Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil, Bharatpur and Laxmanpur I/II.
- Day 5: Return Port Blair; optional Ross Island & North Bay or flight home.
7 Days (In-Depth)
- Day 1: Port Blair heritage + Chidiya Tapu sunset.
- Day 2–3: Havelock diving/snorkeling, Elephant Beach, Radhanagar.
- Day 4: Kayaking or leisure, ferry to Neil by evening.
- Day 5: Neil island-hopping and rock bridge.
- Day 6: Port Blair day trip to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit + boat).
- Day 7: Buffer day for ferries/flights; local markets.
Budget Tips for Peak Season
- Book Early: Flights, private ferries, and beach resorts sell out for Dec–Jan.
- Mix Ferries: Use government ferries when possible; they’re cheaper but require earlier booking and flexibility.
- Stay Near Jetties: In Havelock (Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar) and Neil (near Bharatpur) to cut transport costs.
- Cash & Connectivity: ATMs exist in main islands but carry backup cash. Networks: BSNL and Airtel work best; expect slow data.
- Permits/Rules: No permits for most areas for Indian citizens; some islands/parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith) need local permits—arranged on-site or via operators. Restricted tribal areas are strictly off-limits.
- Sustainable Travel: No touching corals, no littering. Buying or carrying seashells/coral can be restricted—use government emporiums for legal souvenirs.
- Buffer Time: Keep a half-day buffer around ferries/flights; although winter seas are calmer, schedules can shift.
How to Reach Andaman in Winter
By Air
- Main Gateway: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/one-stop flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad.
- Typical Return Fare (winter): INR 8,000–18,000 ex-Kolkata/Chennai; INR 15,000–30,000 ex-Delhi/Mumbai (book early for better deals).
By Sea (Mainland to Port Blair)
- Infrequent government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam; 2–3 days at sea; basic cabins. Best for slow travelers with flexible schedules.
Inter-Island Transport
- Private Ferries: Faster, air-conditioned, pre-bookable (Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil). INR 1,500–3,000 per leg.
- Government Ferries: Cheaper (INR 400–800), limited seats, book at counters.
- Local Transport: Shared cabs, autos; two-wheeler rentals on Havelock/Neil (INR 500–800/day).
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,500–3,000/night): Guesthouses near Port Blair’s Aberdeen Bazaar; simple beach huts in Havelock/Neil.
- Mid-Range (INR 4,000–8,000/night): Boutique stays near Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar in Havelock; comfortable resorts in Neil; city hotels in Port Blair.
- Luxury (INR 10,000–25,000+/night): Premium beach resorts in Havelock; upscale urban hotels in Port Blair.
- Winter Notes: Peak season tariffs apply; check if your stay is near a good beach and confirm Wi-Fi expectations (often slow).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood Specials: Grilled reef fish, crab, lobster; try Andaman fish thali.
- Vegetarian Options: South and North Indian meals widely available; plenty of cafes in Havelock.
- Fresh Produce: Coconuts, bananas, seasonal tropical fruits.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium (Port Blair): Authentic handicrafts, shell-inspired art (ethically sourced), wooden crafts.
- Local Markets: Aberdeen Bazaar for spices, souvenirs, island wear.
- Avoid: Collecting shells/coral from beaches—can be illegal to transport.
Culture
- Diverse Heritage: Communities from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Ranchi, and indigenous groups shape cuisine and festivals.
- History: Cellular Jail and Ross Island ruins highlight colonial past.
- Respect: Photography of tribal communities and entry into reserved areas is prohibited.
Estimated Trip Costs
Approximate 5-Day Costs (per person, excluding flights)
- Budget: INR 12,000–20,000 (govt ferries, budget stays, 1–2 paid activities).
- Mid-Range: INR 22,000–40,000 (private ferries, mid hotels, 2–3 activities, some guided tours).
- Luxury: INR 45,000–90,000+ (premium stays, private transfers, multiple dives/sea-walks).
Typical Line Items
- Ferries (2–4 legs): INR 2,000–10,000 total (mix of govt/private).
- Island Transport: INR 500–1,000/day for scooter; INR 2,500–3,500/day for car with driver.
- Activities: INR 500–6,000 per activity (snorkel to scuba).
- Meals: INR 500–1,200/day budget; INR 1,200–2,500/day mid.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose shallow beaches: Bharatpur (Neil), Radhanagar (calm zones), Corbyn’s Cove.
- Carry floatation vests for kids; book ground-floor family rooms.
- Plan naps around early ferries; keep snacks and cash handy.
Honeymooners
- Pick sunset-facing rooms in Havelock; plan a candlelight beach dinner.
- Try a couple’s Discover Scuba or tandem kayaking at sunrise.
- Pack light linens, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for boat days.
Friends and Backpackers
- Combine government ferries with scooters for a low-cost trip.
- Do a bioluminescence kayak and one dive or sea-walk for variety.
- Respect local rules; avoid off-limits areas or risky cliff jumps.
General Safety & Packing
- Sun Care: Reef-safe SPF, hat, sunglasses, and a light rash guard (also helps against occasional jellyfish).
- Waterproofing: Dry bag/phone case; quick-dry towel; extra batteries (power cuts happen).
- Health: Motion-sickness meds for ferries; basic first-aid. Port Blair has the best medical facilities.
- Insurance: Consider travel insurance covering water activities.
FAQs on Andaman in Winter
Q: Is winter the best time to visit Andaman?
A: Yes. November to February brings mild temperatures, lower humidity, and calmer seas—ideal for diving, snorkeling, and ferry reliability.
Q: Do I need permits to visit the islands?
A: Most tourist areas need no special permits for Indian citizens. Some protected spots (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith) require permits arranged locally. Restricted tribal reserves are off-limits. Foreign nationals must carry valid visa/passport and follow registration rules as applicable.
Q: Are ferries reliable in December–January?
A: Generally yes, with multiple daily services on popular routes. Minor weather-related delays are possible—keep a buffer day around onward flights.
Q: Can non-swimmers do water activities?
A: Absolutely. Discover Scuba, sea-walk, glass-bottom boats, and guided snorkeling are beginner-friendly with trained instructors and safety gear.
Q: What should I pack for Andaman in winter?
A: Light cottons, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, sandals/water shoes, a light jacket for breezy evenings, and a dry bag for boat days.
Conclusion
Winter in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands means comfortable weather, clear waters, and vibrant island life. With iconic beaches at Havelock and Neil, moving history in Port Blair, offbeat adventures up north, and rich marine experiences, the season is perfect for families, couples, and friends. Plan ahead, travel light, respect local rules and nature, and you’ll enjoy a seamless island-hopping holiday.
