Table of Contents
- Introduction: Planning the Average Cost of a North Andaman Trip
- Overview: What counts as North Andaman
- Average Trip Cost at a Glance
- Detailed Cost Breakdown
- Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Pricing
- Top Cities/Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Suggested Itineraries with Estimated Costs
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Budget Tips & Money-Saving Tricks
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction: Planning the Average Cost of a North Andaman Trip
Dreaming of quiet twin islands with powdery sand, mangrove boardwalks, turtle nesting beaches, and a trek to the Andamans’ highest peak? North Andaman—home to Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Rangat—offers raw, less crowded adventures compared to the south. This guide breaks down the average cost of a North Andaman trip, with realistic budgets, day-wise estimates, and money-saving tips so you can plan confidently.
Overview: What counts as North Andaman
North Andaman typically includes Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur on the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), plus experiences like Ross & Smith Islands, Kalipur and Karmatang beaches, Saddle Peak National Park, Dhani Nallah mangroves, and Avis Island (permit dependent).
Average Trip Cost at a Glance
Approximate per-person budgets for a 5-day North Andaman focused trip (excluding extra days in Port Blair). Prices in INR; ranges vary by season and how early you book.
- Backpacker: 16,000–27,000 (shared buses, budget stays, minimal paid activities) + return flights 8,000–18,000
- Mid-range: 28,000–48,000 (private cab transfers, decent resorts, a couple of boat trips) + return flights 10,000–22,000
- Comfort/Luxury-leaning: 50,000–85,000 (private SUV, best available lodges, guided activities) + return flights 15,000–30,000
Rule of thumb per day (excluding flights): Backpacker 3,500–5,500; Mid-range 6,000–10,000; Comfort 11,000–17,000.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Flights to Port Blair
- Return fares (major Indian metros to Port Blair-IXZ): off-peak 8,000–14,000; shoulder 12,000–18,000; peak/holiday 18,000–30,000+
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance; fares from Chennai/Kolkata are usually lowest.
Transfers to North Andaman
- Distance/time: Port Blair to Diglipur ~300–330 km, 8–10 hours by road via ATR; Rangat ~170–190 km, 5–6 hours; Mayabunder ~240 km, 7–8 hours.
- Private cab (one-way): sedan 8,500–11,000; SUV 10,000–14,000 (includes driver; tolls negligible). Return day-trips add driver night charges 300–500 per night.
- Shared jeep/bus: Port Blair to Rangat 700–1,000; to Mayabunder 900–1,200; to Diglipur 1,100–1,800 per seat.
- Government ferries: Limited sailings to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur; fares 150–600 per person. Schedules can change; most travelers go by road.
Local Transport
- Local cabs/auto: short hops 150–500; half-day cab hire 1,800–3,000; full-day 3,500–5,500 depending on distance.
- Scooter rental (where available): 500–800 per day + fuel.
Accommodation
- Budget guesthouses: 1,200–2,500 per night (fan/AC, basic amenities) in Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur.
- Mid-range resorts/eco-lodges: 3,000–6,500 per night (AC, on-site dining).
- Best-available/lodge-style luxury: 7,500–15,000 per night (limited inventory in North Andaman).
- Peak season (Dec–Feb): add 15–35% to the above; book early.
Food & Drinks
- Local dhaba meal: 200–350 per person (veg/fish thali).
- Resort restaurant: 350–800 per person per meal; seafood platters 800–1,600.
- Mineral water: 20–40; coconut water: 40–60.
Activities, Boats & Permits
- Ross & Smith Islands boat (Aerial Bay Jetty, Diglipur): 3,000–4,500 per boat (shared among 4–6). Entry/permit 100–200 Indians; 500+ for foreign nationals. Snorkel rental 200–500.
- Saddle Peak National Park entry: 50–100 Indians; ~500 foreign nationals; guide (recommended): 1,000–2,000; packed lunch/water extra.
- Avis Island boat (Mayabunder; permit dependent): 1,500–3,000 per boat.
- Kalipur/Karmatang turtle nesting (seasonal): nominal fees/donation 50–200; guided night watch, if available, 500–1,000.
- Mangrove boardwalks (e.g., Dhani Nallah): 0–50 entry; parking 20–50.
Miscellaneous & Hidden Costs
- Mobile/data: prepaid SIMs have inconsistent coverage; BSNL/Airtel work best. Buy/Top-up in Port Blair: 200–600.
- ATM scarcity: carry cash; some properties accept UPI/cards; 0–2% card surcharge common.
- Travel insurance: 300–800 for 5–7 days domestic coverage.
- Camera fees at parks/jetties: 50–200.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Pricing
- Peak (Dec–Feb): Best weather, calm seas; highest prices across stays/boats, limited availability.
- Shoulder (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr): Good visibility, turtle nesting (Nov–Feb), moderate prices.
- Monsoon (May–Sep): Lush, fewer crowds, lowest prices; rough seas may disrupt boats/ferries; leeches on forest trails.
Top Cities/Places in North Andaman
- Diglipur: Gateway to Ross & Smith, Kalipur Beach, Saddle Peak trailhead.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach, Avis Island (permit), mangrove creeks.
- Rangat: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Boardwalk, Morrice Dera, Amkunj Beach.
Tourist Circuits
- North Andaman Highlights: Port Blair → Rangat (1N) → Mayabunder (1N) → Diglipur (2N) → Port Blair.
- Adventure Circuit: Port Blair → Diglipur (2–3N for Ross & Smith + Saddle Peak) → Mayabunder (1N) → Port Blair.
- Nature & Turtles (Nov–Feb): Port Blair → Mayabunder → Diglipur (Kalipur) → Port Blair.
Activities & Experiences
- Snorkeling: Ross & Smith’s lagoon on clear days; carry own mask for hygiene and savings.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (full-day, strenuous; start early, carry water/permits).
- Beach time: Karmatang, Kalipur, Amkunj; sunrise/sunset photography.
- Mangrove walks: Dhani Nallah boardwalk (easy, family-friendly).
- Boat trips: Avis Island (when open), creeks around Mayabunder.
- Wildlife: Seasonal turtle nesting at Kalipur/Karmatang (respect red-light rules; no flash).
Festivals & Events
- Subhash Mela (Diglipur, January): Local fair, cultural shows, food stalls.
- Island Tourism Festival (primarily Port Blair, typically Jan/Feb): If your route passes through, expect crowds and higher prices.
Suggested Itineraries with Estimated Costs
4 days/3 nights (North Andaman taster)
- Route: Port Blair → Diglipur (2N) → Mayabunder or Rangat (1N) → Port Blair.
- Activities: Ross & Smith, Kalipur, Dhani Nallah.
- Budget (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: 13,000–20,000
- Mid-range: 22,000–35,000
- Comfort: 38,000–60,000
5 days/4 nights (well-balanced)
- Route: Port Blair → Rangat (1N) → Mayabunder (1N) → Diglipur (2N) → Port Blair.
- Activities: Add Saddle Peak (if fit) or extra Ross & Smith time.
- Budget (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: 16,000–27,000
- Mid-range: 28,000–48,000
- Comfort: 50,000–85,000
7 days/6 nights (slow travel)
- Route: Port Blair → Rangat (1N) → Mayabunder (2N) → Diglipur (3N) → Port Blair.
- Activities: Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak, Avis Island (when open), turtle watch.
- Budget (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: 24,000–38,000
- Mid-range: 42,000–70,000
- Comfort: 78,000–120,000
How to Reach North Andaman
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai.
- Continue by road via ATR to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur. The road passes regulated stretches; follow posted convoy/checkpost timings and rules.
- Government ferries run on limited schedules to Middle/North Andaman ports; check current timings at ticket counters in Port Blair and carry buffer days in monsoon.
Accommodation Options
- Rangat: Budget lodges near market; a few mid-range stays close to Dhani Nallah.
- Mayabunder: Guesthouses around Karmatang; small resorts amid greenery.
- Diglipur: Eco-lodges near Kalipur; simple resorts serving seafood; book early in Dec–Feb.
- Facilities are simpler than Havelock/Neil; hot water/backup power vary—confirm before booking.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Food highlights: Fish curry thali, crab masala, prawn fry, banana flower curry; fresh coconuts and seasonal fruits.
- Where to eat: Local dhabas on ATR and in town markets; resorts for multi-cuisine menus.
- Shopping: Small-town markets for basic supplies; handicrafts are better sourced in Port Blair; North Andaman is more about nature than souvenirs.
- Culture: Mixed communities with island pace—greet with a smile, dress modestly in villages, and respect coastal/forest regulations.
Budget Tips & Money-Saving Tricks
- Share boats: Find fellow travelers at Aerial Bay Jetty to split Ross & Smith boat costs.
- Use shared transport: Shared jeeps/buses cut costs drastically on the ATR.
- Carry cash: ATMs can run dry; many small stays prefer cash or UPI.
- Bring gear: Your own snorkel mask and dry bag save rental and improve hygiene.
- Pack snacks: Fewer eateries near trailheads and jetties; carry energy bars, ORS.
- Plan around seasons: Shoulder months offer lower room/boat rates with good weather.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose shorter road hops (break journey with 1N in Rangat or Mayabunder).
- Book AC vehicles and stays with reliable power backup.
- Carry meds for motion sickness; seas can be choppy on boat days.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Base in Diglipur for 2–3 nights to enjoy Ross & Smith early/late when it’s quieter.
- Opt for eco-lodges with private cottages; pre-order candlelight seafood dinners.
- Pick shoulder season for privacy and softer pricing.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use shared jeeps, split cabs on long legs, and share boats.
- Consider the Saddle Peak trek (fitness required) and camp-style vibes at basic stays.
- Download offline maps; network drops in pockets.
Packing & Safety
- Essentials: Sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, quick-dry clothes, rain shell (May–Sep), trekking shoes, insect repellent, headlamp.
- Permits/ID: Carry Aadhar/passport; some spots require ID and simple permits.
- Conservation: No drones around sensitive zones; no plastics/littering; respect nesting beaches (no flash, red-light only).
FAQs
Q: What is the average cost of a 5-day North Andaman trip including flights?
A: For most travelers, total per person averages 36,000–70,000 including return flights. Backpackers can do it from ~24,000–45,000; comfort-focused trips can exceed 85,000 depending on season and private transfers.
Q: Is it cheaper to take a ferry or go by road to Diglipur?
A: Ferries can be cheaper but have limited, changeable schedules. Most visitors go by road. Shared jeeps/buses are the lowest-cost option; private cabs are faster and more comfortable but costlier.
Q: How much does the Ross & Smith Islands trip cost?
A: Expect 3,000–4,500 per boat (round trip) shared among your group, plus 100–200 entry for Indians (higher for foreign nationals), and optional snorkel rentals 200–500.
Q: Do I need special permits for North Andaman?
A: Indian tourists do not need Restricted Area Permits for the main tourist spots in North Andaman. Foreign nationals can visit designated areas without RAP for tourism, but certain tribal/forest zones remain off-limits. Always carry ID and follow local guidance.
Q: When is turtle nesting season at Kalipur/Karmatang?
A: Typically November to February. Follow ranger instructions; avoid lights and flash photography.
Conclusion
North Andaman rewards travelers with serene islands, mangrove trails, and a true offbeat vibe—at costs that can be tailored to any budget. Plan for long road transfers, simpler stays, and a couple of boat days, and you’ll keep spending predictable. With the breakdowns and sample itineraries above, you can estimate your average trip cost and focus on what matters most: calm seas, quiet beaches, and unforgettable island days.
