Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places in the Andaman Islands for Backpackers
- Backpacker-Friendly Tourist Circuits
- Best Activities and Adventures
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Best Time to Visit
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Sample Backpacking Itineraries
- Budget Tips and Daily Costs
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of emerald islands, white-sand crescents, and coral gardens? The Andaman Islands are a backpacker’s paradise—all palm-fringed bus stops, barefoot beach shacks, and ferries threading blue channels between jungled isles. This guide packs everything you need for a budget-friendly, island-hopping adventure: the best places, routes, costs, logistics, and practical tips to travel light and travel smart.
Top Places in the Andaman Islands for Backpackers
Port Blair (Gateway + History)
- Highlights: Cellular Jail (Light & Sound show), Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunset, Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Backpacker notes: Cheapest stays and food options; arrange ferries and permits; decent ATMs and SIM service.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Highlights: Radhanagar Beach (sunset), Kalapathar (sunrise), Elephant Beach (snorkeling/sea-walk), mangrove kayaking.
- Backpacker notes: Hostels and beach huts; scooter rentals; popular for intro scuba diving.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Highlights: Laxmanpur I & II (sunset + natural rock bridge), Bharatpur (snorkeling), Sitapur (sunrise).
- Backpacker notes: Slower-paced, cheaper than Havelock; great cycling island.
Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Highlights: Glass-bottom boats, snorkeling at Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal), pristine reefs.
- Backpacker notes: Plastic-free rules on specific islands; permits required through Forest Department.
Baratang Island
- Highlights: Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano, mangrove creeks.
- Backpacker notes: Day trips via early convoy; carry snacks/water.
Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur (North Andaman)
- Highlights: Amkunj eco-beach (Rangat), Karmatang (Mayabunder), Saddle Peak trek and Ross & Smith twin islands (Diglipur).
- Backpacker notes: Fewer crowds; buses and slower ferries; basic stays but big rewards for nature lovers.
Little Andaman (Advanced Backpackers)
- Highlights: Butler Bay surf, waterfalls, raw, offbeat vibes.
- Backpacker notes: Limited infrastructure; intermittent ferries; for self-sufficient travelers.
Backpacker-Friendly Tourist Circuits
Classic 5–7 Days: Port Blair – Havelock – Neil
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (Cellular Jail show, Chidiya Tapu).
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, diving/snorkel).
- Day 5: Neil (rock bridge, Bharatpur).
- Day 6–7: Return to Port Blair + Wandoor/Marine Park (if open).
Expanded 8–10 Days: Add Baratang + Wandoor
- Classic circuit plus a Baratang day trip and a day for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal).
Long 10–14 Days: North Andaman Loop
- Port Blair → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Saddle Peak, Ross & Smith) → Return via Rangat → Port Blair.
Offbeat 7–10 Days: Little Andaman Focus
- Port Blair → Little Andaman (Butler Bay, surfing, waterfalls) → Port Blair; good for experienced budget travelers.
Best Activities and Adventures
Underwater
- Intro scuba (Havelock/Neil) and fun dives for certified divers.
- Snorkeling: Elephant Beach, Bharatpur, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit/seasonal).
- Sea walk: North Bay or Elephant Beach.
On the Water
- Kayaking in mangroves (Havelock), occasional bioluminescence on clear, moonless nights.
- Stand-up paddleboarding (limited rentals in Havelock).
On Land
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (Diglipur), forest walks near Kalapathar, nature trails in Chidiya Tapu.
- Beaches: Radhanagar (west-facing sunset), Sitapur (east-facing sunrise), Laxmanpur I & II.
Culture and History
- Cellular Jail and maritime heritage sites in Port Blair.
- War memorials, local museums, and island ecology centers.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January, Port Blair): cultural shows, food, crafts.
- Subhash Mela (around January, Diglipur): local fairs and performances.
- Beach festivals and sports events occur seasonally; dates vary year to year.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak: November–April (calm seas, best underwater visibility).
- Shoulder: September–October and May (some rain/heat; fewer crowds, good prices).
- Monsoon: June–August (rough seas, ferry disruptions; lush forests; limited water activities).
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities (Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad). Flight time ~2–3 hours from east coast.
- By Sea: Government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (60–70+ hours). Sparse schedules, basic cabins, weather-dependent. Not ideal for short trips.
- Local Transport: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., services similar to Makruzz/Green Ocean) connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. North Andaman is connected by buses and ferries. Scooters (with helmet) are the most flexible on Havelock/Neil.
Accommodation Options
- Hostels and budget guesthouses in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil (dorms and basic private rooms).
- Beach huts/bamboo cottages on Havelock and Neil (simple, atmospheric stays).
- Government tourist lodges and eco-huts at select beaches (book early in season).
Estimated Costs (Backpacker Range)
- Dorm bed: INR 600–1,200 per night; basic double: INR 1,200–2,500.
- Local meals: INR 150–350; café meals: INR 300–700; seafood platters higher.
- Scooter rental: INR 500–700 per day + fuel.
- Government ferry (Port Blair–Havelock/Neil): ~INR 400–900 one-way; private catamarans: ~INR 1,200–2,500+ one-way.
- Intro scuba (DSD): ~INR 3,500–5,500; fun dive (certified): ~INR 3,000–4,500 per dive.
- Sea walk: ~INR 3,500–4,500; snorkeling boat trips: ~INR 800–1,500.
- Daily backpacker budget: INR 2,000–3,500 (excluding expensive dives/activities).
Permits, Connectivity, Money
- Permits: Indians don’t need permits for most Andamans. Certain islands/tribal reserves are restricted. Foreign travelers generally don’t need Restricted Area Permits for popular inhabited islands but must follow registration rules; Nicobar and tribal areas remain off-limits. Separate permits apply for Marine National Park islands like Jolly Buoy/Red Skin.
- Connectivity: Airtel and BSNL have the widest coverage; 4G can be patchy outside Port Blair/Havelock. Expect slow internet on remote islands.
- ATMs/Money: ATMs in Port Blair/Havelock; fewer elsewhere. Carry enough cash for outer islands.
- Safety: Swim where allowed; heed flags and lifeguards. Some mangrove-backed beaches (e.g., near Chidiya Tapu) may have crocodile advisories—follow local signage. Respect tsunami/earthquake safety signs.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis, grilled fish, prawns, and crab; try fresh tender coconuts and banana fritters.
- Budget eats around Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) and village markets on Havelock/Neil.
- Vegetarian options: South Indian breakfasts, paneer curries, dal-rice plates.
Shopping
- Ethical souvenirs at government emporiums (woodcraft, coconut shell art, spices).
- Avoid buying corals, seashells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
Culture and Etiquette
- The islands are home to protected indigenous communities. Do not attempt visits or photography near tribal areas.
- Dress modestly away from beaches; minimize plastic use; reef-safe sunscreen only; leave no trace.
Sample Backpacking Itineraries
5 Days (First-Timer)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail + show, Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Kalapathar sunrise, beach time.
- Day 3: Intro dive or snorkel; Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 4: Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur snorkeling; Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Rock bridge sunrise; return to Port Blair and fly out.
7 Days (Balanced)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair city + Wandoor/Marine Park (if open).
- Days 3–4: Havelock diving/kayaking + Radhanagar.
- Day 5: Neil island-hop beaches.
- Day 6–7: Baratang day trip; buffer day for weather/ferries.
10 Days (North Andaman Adventure)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair sights + logistics.
- Day 3: Bus/ferry to Rangat; Amkunj eco-beach.
- Day 4: Mayabunder; Karmatang.
- Days 5–6: Diglipur; Saddle Peak trek; Ross & Smith twin islands.
- Day 7: Return south; overnight Rangat.
- Days 8–10: Havelock/Neil for snorkel/dive; return to Port Blair.
Budget Tips and Daily Costs
Money-Saving Tips
- Use government ferries where possible; book early at counters to secure economy seats.
- Choose dorms or shared cottages; eat at local messes and bakeries.
- Rent scooters for split costs; plan looped routes to save fuel.
- Pick one big-ticket activity (dive or sea walk) instead of multiple.
- Travel in shoulder months for lower room rates and more availability.
Sample Daily Budget (Lean Backpacker)
- Stay: INR 700
- Food: INR 600
- Local transport (scooter share/ferries): INR 500
- Misc./entries: INR 200
- Total: ~INR 2,000 per day (excluding major activities)
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Choose calm beaches (Radhanagar, Bharatpur) and guided snorkel trips with life vests.
- Bring basic meds, snacks, and kid-friendly sun protection; book AC rooms for naps.
Honeymooners
- Time sunset at Radhanagar and Laxmanpur; plan a private kayak or dawn beach walk.
- Consider one splurge night in a beachfront cottage; the rest can be budget stays.
Friends/Solo Backpackers
- Stay in hostels for meetups and group dives; split scooters and boat trips.
- Download offline maps; carry cash for outer islands; keep a weather buffer day.
Packing and Safety
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, dry bag, rash guard, insect repellent, water bottle, headlamp.
- Safety: Swim in designated zones; check tide/currents; follow ferry advisories; respect wildlife and no-go areas.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?
A: Indian nationals don’t need permits for the popular Andaman islands. Foreign travelers generally don’t require Restricted Area Permits for commonly visited inhabited islands but must follow registration rules. Tribal reserves and Nicobar remain restricted. Separate permits may be needed for protected islands like Jolly Buoy/Red Skin.
Q: Which SIM card works best?
A: Airtel and BSNL typically have the widest coverage. Expect patchy 4G outside Port Blair and Havelock; carry offline maps.
Q: What are the best beginner-friendly dive spots?
A: Havelock (sites off Govind Nagar/Beach No. 2) and Neil (near Bharatpur) offer calm conditions and reputable dive schools for intro dives.
Q: Can I swim everywhere?
A: No. Swim only at designated beaches and heed lifeguard flags. Some mangrove-backed beaches have crocodile advisories; follow local signage.
Q: How far in advance should I book ferries?
A: For peak season (Nov–Apr), secure private catamaran seats 3–7 days ahead and government ferry tickets as soon as counters open. For off-season, 1–2 days often suffices.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands reward backpackers with world-class beaches, rich marine life, and a laid-back island rhythm. With smart routing between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil—and optional forays to Baratang or North Andaman—you can balance costs with unforgettable adventures. Travel light, respect the islands’ fragile ecosystems, and leave room for weather and whim; that’s where the Andaman magic slips in.
