Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Places & Islands
- Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Activities & Experiences
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- How to Reach
- Getting Around the Islands
- Accommodation Guide
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Food & Culture
- Shopping Guide
- Suggested Itineraries
- Festivals & Events
- Permits, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Tips by Traveler Type
- Packing & Health Essentials
- Connectivity, Money & Useful Apps
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands, a pristine Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, blend powdery-white beaches, emerald forests, luminous reefs, and poignant history. From the colonial-era Cellular Jail in Port Blair to the world-class dive sites off Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), bioluminescent bays, and twin-island wonders like Ross & Smith in the far north, Andaman offers a tropical escape for families, honeymooners, divers, and slow travelers alike.
This complete travel guide covers the best islands to visit, unmissable activities, how to plan routes and budgets, permits and safety, and smart tips to make the most of your time in Andaman.
Top Places & Islands
Port Blair (Gateway)
- Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show: Moving retelling of India’s freedom struggle.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Sunset strolls, water sports.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruined British-era buildings draped in banyans.
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, glass-bottom boats.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor): Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands for pristine reefs (seasonal).
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Famous sunset beach with powdery white sand.
- Elephant Beach: Boat/snorkel trips; beginner-friendly dive sites.
- Kalapathar Beach: Peaceful mornings; turquoise shallows.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Laxmanpur Beach: Dramatic sunsets, natural rock bridge.
- Bharatpur Beach: Shallow reef gardens for snorkeling.
- Sitapur Beach: Quiet sunrise spot.
Baratang (Middle Andaman)
- Limestone Caves: Boat through mangroves to karst formations.
- Mud Volcano: Rare geological feature; short stop.
North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands (Diglipur): Sandbar connecting two pristine isles.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andaman (trek).
- Aerial Bay & Kalipur: Turtle nesting (seasonal; strictly no disturbance).
Long Island & Lalaji Bay
- Offbeat forests, tranquil beaches, village life; good for slow travel and kayaking.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
- Butler Bay surfing, waterfalls, and raw beaches. Access and facilities are limited; check current permissions and sea conditions.
Tourist Circuits & Routes
- Classic Short Circuit (4–5 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Adventure & Nature (6–7 days): Port Blair → Havelock (dives) → Neil → Baratang day trip → Port Blair.
- Extended North Loop (8–10 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith) → Port Blair.
- Offbeat & Slow (7–9 days): Port Blair → Long Island (Lalaji Bay) → Rangat → Neil → Port Blair.
Note: The Nicobar district and all tribal reserves are closed to tourism; plan only within permitted Andaman islands.
Activities & Experiences
Water & Marine
- Scuba Diving: World-class beginner and advanced sites at Havelock, Neil, and North Andaman. Discover Scuba (try dive) and PADI/SSI courses widely available.
- Snorkeling: Bharatpur (Neil), Elephant Beach (Havelock), Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (Port Blair, seasonal), North Bay.
- Sea Walk & Glass-Bottom: North Bay, Bharatpur.
- Kayaking & Bioluminescence: Night mangrove kayaking tours at Havelock.
- Game Fishing & Sailing: Charter options from Havelock/Port Blair.
Beaches & Nature
- Beach Hopping: Radhanagar, Kalapathar, Laxmanpur, Lalaji Bay.
- Trekking: Elephant Beach trail (Havelock), Saddle Peak (Diglipur), short forest trails around Rangat.
- Wildlife: Turtle nesting at Kalipur (strictly from designated zones), birding in mangroves and forests.
History & Culture
- Cellular Jail tour and museum visits in Port Blair.
- Heritage ruins at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island).
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Peak Season: December to March for clear seas and calm weather.
- Good Window: October–November and April–May; warmer but great underwater visibility.
- Monsoon: Late May to September; rough seas, intermittent rain. Some boat trips and water sports may be suspended; prices are lower and greenery is lush.
- Sea Conditions: Can change quickly; always follow local advisories.
How to Reach
By Air
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- Direct/connecting flights from: Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai (routes vary seasonally).
- Flight time: ~2–3 hrs from Chennai/Kolkata; 4–5+ hrs with connections from other metros.
By Sea
- Origin Ports: Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam to Port Blair via government-operated passenger ships.
- Duration: Approximately 60–70 hours depending on sea conditions and vessel.
- Notes: Infrequent schedules, basic cabins, subject to weather. Bookings through Directorate of Shipping Services; check latest schedules and advisories.
Permits at Arrival
- Indian Nationals: No special permit required for permitted islands.
- Foreign Nationals: Tourism to permitted Andaman islands generally does not require a Restricted Area Permit for standard destinations (e.g., Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, Diglipur). Passport, valid Indian visa, and compliance with local rules are mandatory. Restricted/tribal areas and all Nicobar Islands are closed to tourists.
- Day Permits: Certain islands/parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy) may require same-day permits obtained locally.
Getting Around the Islands
- Inter-Island Ferries: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and North Andaman. Book early in peak season; carry ID.
- Road Transfers: To Baratang/Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur via the Andaman Trunk Road. Start early; check convoy timings where applicable.
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, rented scooters (license required), and taxis. Limited late-night options—plan returns before dark.
- Safety: Always wear life jackets on boats; heed weather/Coast Guard advisories.
Accommodation Guide
- Port Blair: City hotels, boutique stays near the sea, homestays.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront resorts, dive lodges, eco-cabins; most popular for honeymooners and divers.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quaint beachside cottages and mid-range resorts; quieter vibe.
- North Andaman/Long Island: Limited stays; book ahead and expect simpler facilities.
Price Ranges (Indicative per night)
- Budget: INR 1,000–3,000
- Mid-Range: INR 3,000–8,000
- Premium/Luxury: INR 9,000–25,000+
Peak season sees higher rates; pre-book ferries and stays during December–January.
Estimated Trip Costs
Per Person, Per Day (Indicative)
- Budget: INR 2,000–3,500 (hostels/budget stays, local eateries, public ferries)
- Mid-Range: INR 4,500–8,500 (comfortable resorts, a few paid activities)
- Premium: INR 9,000–18,000+ (beach resorts, private ferries, multiple activities)
Common Activity Costs
- Private Ferry (Port Blair–Havelock/Neil): INR 1,200–1,800 one-way
- Govt Ferry (when available): ~INR 300–1,000 one-way
- Discover Scuba (try dive): INR 3,500–6,500
- PADI/SSI Open Water Course: INR 25,000–40,000
- Snorkeling boat trip: INR 800–1,500
- Sea Walk: INR 3,000–4,500
- Scooter rental: INR 500–800/day
- Car with driver: INR 2,500–4,000/day
Meals: Budget INR 200–400 per meal at local joints; INR 600–1,200 at mid-range restaurants.
Local Food & Culture
- Cuisine: Fresh seafood (fish curry, crab, lobster), South and North Indian staples, and Bengali influences. Vegetarian options available widely in towns.
- Local Flavors: Coconut-based curries, banana flower, and fresh tropical fruits.
- Drinks: Tender coconut, fresh lime soda. Alcohol is sold at designated outlets; availability varies by island.
- Culture & Communities: A diverse settler population (from mainland India) lives alongside protected indigenous tribes. Tribal areas are strictly off-limits to visitors to safeguard their privacy and health.
Shopping Guide
- Port Blair: Aberdeen Bazaar for souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, shell-inspired art (ensure items aren’t made from prohibited materials).
- Havelock & Neil: Small beach markets selling beachwear, wooden crafts, handmade soaps.
- Sustainable Choices: Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle products—collection and export are illegal.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days / 3 Nights (Highlights)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound; Corbyn’s Cove.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkel/sea walk or Discover Scuba; evening cafés.
- Day 4: Morning at Kalapathar; ferry back to Port Blair; depart.
5 Days / 4 Nights (Balanced)
- Days 1–2: Port Blair city + Ross Island + North Bay or Jolly Buoy (seasonal).
- Day 3: Havelock diving/snorkeling; Radhanagar.
- Day 4: Neil Island—Bharatpur snorkel, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; departure.
7 Days / 6 Nights (Adventure & Nature)
- Port Blair (2N): City sites, marine park islands.
- Havelock (3N): 1–2 dive days, bioluminescence kayak, Elephant Beach trek/boat.
- Neil (1N): Beach time, rock bridge, slow island vibe.
9–10 Days (Extended North)
- Port Blair → Havelock (dives) → Neil → Rangat (Dhanninalah mangrove walk) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak) → Port Blair.
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, usually January): Cultural shows, food, crafts, and beach events.
- Beach Festivals (dates vary): Music, sports, and local cuisine on select beaches.
- Regional Celebrations: Pan-Indian festivals (Diwali, Christmas, Eid) observed with island flair.
Permits, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Restricted Areas: All Nicobar Islands and tribal reserves are closed to visitors. Do not attempt to enter or approach.
- Island/Forest Permits: Some marine park islands require day permits; your tour operator or counter at Wandoor arranges these.
- Environmental Rules: No touching/standing on coral; avoid single-use plastics (banned on some islands); carry back all trash.
- Beach Safety: Obey flags/lifeguards; currents can be strong. No swimming after dark.
- Wildlife: Keep distance from turtles and nesting sites; no flash/night lighting on nesting beaches.
- Drones: Require prior permission from authorities; restricted near airports/defense zones.
- Health & Insurance: Carry seasickness meds; consider travel and dive insurance if diving.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Pick calm-water beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar mornings).
- Choose private ferries for comfort; carry snacks and sun protection.
- Book ground transfers and stays in advance during school holidays.
Honeymooners
- Stay beachfront in Havelock; plan a sunset at Radhanagar.
- Try a couple’s Discover Scuba or private snorkeling tour.
- Schedule buffer time for weather; aim for shoulder months for fewer crowds.
Friends & Backpackers
- Use scooters and government ferries to save costs.
- Consider hostels or dive lodges; look for group dive deals.
- Add an offbeat stop like Long Island or Diglipur.
Divers & Adventure Seekers
- Block 2–4 days for courses or multi-dive packages.
- Ask operators about currents/visibility and reef conditions.
- Carry logbook and certification cards; ensure equipment fit checks.
Packing & Health Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, light UV clothing.
- Snorkel mask if you prefer personal gear; dry bag for boat rides.
- Insect repellent, basic first-aid, prescription meds.
- Waterproof sandals, quick-dry towel, reusable water bottle.
- Cash buffer for areas with weak connectivity; copies of IDs.
- Seasickness tablets for long ferries; motion bands if prone.
Connectivity, Money & Useful Apps
- Mobile Data: Improving with undersea cable but still patchy outside Port Blair/Havelock. Pre-download maps and tickets.
- Payments: UPI/cards accepted in towns; carry cash for remote areas and entry counters.
- ATMs: Available in Port Blair and major islands; may run out—withdraw ahead.
- Useful Apps: Airline/ferry apps, offline maps, weather/tide apps, your dive log app.
FAQs
Q: How many days are ideal for Andaman?
A: A balanced trip is 5–7 days covering Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Add 2–3 more days for North Andaman (Diglipur) or offbeat islands.
Q: Is Andaman good for non-swimmers?
A: Yes. Non-swimmers can enjoy sea walks, glass-bottom boats, guided snorkeling with life jackets, shallow beaches, and scenic hikes.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Andaman?
A: Indian citizens do not need permits for permitted islands. Foreign nationals visiting standard tourist islands generally do not require a Restricted Area Permit, but must carry valid travel documents. Certain parks/islands need day permits; Nicobar and tribal areas are closed.
Q: When is scuba diving best in Andaman?
A: October to May offers the most reliable conditions, with peak visibility usually December–March. Always check daily sea forecasts.
Q: Can I visit Ross & Smith Islands year-round?
A: Access depends on weather and tides. Peak season is safer; monsoon seas may suspend boat services. Permits are obtained locally in Diglipur.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands reward travelers with luminous reefs, forested trails, serene beaches, and layered history. Plan your route around Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and—if time allows—North Andaman. Aim for October to May for calmer seas, pre-book ferries and stays in peak months, and travel responsibly by protecting fragile marine and island ecosystems. With thoughtful planning, Andaman can be both an unforgettable and sustainable tropical escape.
