Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities and Places in Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- How to Reach Andaman (By Flight and Cruise/Ship)
- Best Time to Visit
- Accommodation Options
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Essential Permits and Useful Info
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a pristine Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, famed for sugar-white beaches, turquoise lagoons, rainforests, and world-class diving. Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Radhanagar Beach or limestone caves in Baratang, the first step is getting there—most travelers arrive by flight to Port Blair, while a few adventurous souls sail in on long-haul passenger ships. This guide explains exactly how to reach Andaman by flight and cruise, alongside the best places to visit, practical costs, and smart planning tips.
Top Cities and Places in Andaman
- Port Blair (IXZ): The capital and entry point; Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), Chidiya Tapu.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), Kalapathar, Elephant Beach; diving and snorkeling hub.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur Beaches; laid-back vibe and shallow reefs.
- Baratang: Limestone Caves, mud volcano; convoy through lush forests.
- Rangat and Long Island: Quiet beaches, mangroves, and nature walks.
- Diglipur (North Andaman): Ross & Smith twin islands, Saddle Peak trek.
Tourist Circuits
- Classic 5–6 Days: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
- Nature + Caves: Port Blair → Baratang (day trip) → Havelock → Port Blair
- North Andaman Explorer (8–10 Days): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat → Diglipur → Port Blair
- Diver’s Loop: Port Blair → Havelock (multiple dive days) → Neil → Port Blair
Activities and Experiences
- Water: Scuba diving (intro and certifications), snorkeling, sea walks, kayaking in bioluminescent waters (seasonal), jet skiing.
- Nature: Beach-hopping, limestone cave exploration, mangrove boat rides, birdwatching, trekking Saddle Peak.
- Heritage: Cellular Jail Light & Sound show, British-era ruins at Ross Island.
- Leisure: Sunset at Chidiya Tapu and Radhanagar Beach; café-hopping on Havelock.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Typically held in January; cultural shows, food stalls, and exhibitions.
- Subhash Mela: Around late January in select islands (often Swaraj/Neil); cultural performances and local crafts. Dates may vary.
- Beach Festivals: Occasional beach-based events and fairs organized by local administration, usually in the winter–spring months. Schedules vary year to year.
How to Reach Andaman (By Flight and Cruise/Ship)
By Flight (Fastest and Most Practical)
Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ).
- Direct/one-stop routes: From Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad (seasonal/operational changes possible). Typical carriers include IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, Akasa Air.
- Flight duration (approx.): 2–3 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 2.5–3.5 hours from Bengaluru/Hyderabad; 4–5 hours from Delhi (often via a stop).
- Fare ballpark (one-way, per person): INR 5,000–9,000 off-peak; INR 9,000–18,000 in peak season/holidays. Book 4–8 weeks early for best value.
- Seat and timing tips: Morning arrivals reduce turbulence risk; right-window seats sometimes offer views of turquoise atolls on approach.
- Baggage: Most domestic economy fares include ~15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin (airline-dependent). Water-sports gear may need pre-approval.
- Weather caution: Monsoon (Jun–Sep) can cause delays. Build buffer time for tight connections.
By Passenger Ship/Cruise (Slow and Scenic)
Origins: Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. Services are typically operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
- Duration: About 60–72 hours (2.5–3 days) in fair weather; can be longer due to sea conditions.
- Frequency: Usually 1–2 sailings per port per month/fortnight; schedules vary by season and maintenance.
- Classes: Bunk (dorm), Second/First Class (shared cabins), and Deluxe (limited). Each class differs in privacy and amenities.
- Approximate fares (one-way, Indian nationals): Bunk INR 2,500–3,500; Second INR 4,000–5,500; First INR 6,000–8,000; Deluxe INR 9,000–12,000. Subject to change.
- Booking: Generally through DSS booking counters in Chennai/Kolkata/Vizag and Port Blair. ID required; tickets may open 15–30 days before departure. Third-party online sales are limited—verify current process before planning.
- Onboard: Basic canteen meals, shared washrooms in lower classes, limited medical facilities. Carry seasickness medication, snacks, water, reading material, and power bank.
- Note on “luxury cruises”: There are no regular private luxury cruise liners to Port Blair. Some seasonal/charter sailings may occur; confirm availability well in advance.
Inter-Island Ferries
- Government ferries: Economical; connect Port Blair with Havelock, Neil, Rangat, and more. Buy tickets at counters; limited online options.
- Private catamarans: Makruzz, ITT Majestic, Green Ocean (operators may vary). Faster, air-conditioned. One-way fares roughly INR 1,000–2,500 depending route and season.
- Popular legs: Port Blair ↔ Havelock (~1.5–2.5 hrs), Havelock ↔ Neil (~1 hr), Port Blair ↔ Neil (~1–1.5 hrs).
Best Time to Visit
- Oct–May (Best): Calm seas, good visibility for diving/snorkeling, sunny beach days.
- Jun–Sep (Monsoon): Heavy rain and rough seas; some ferries and boat trips may be canceled. Lush landscapes and fewer crowds for relaxed stays.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar; mid-range hotels in city; sea-view resorts near Corbyn’s Cove.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront cottages along Govind Nagar/Vijaynagar; boutique and luxury resorts near Radhanagar.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Small resorts and homestays around Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- North Andaman: Limited stays in Rangat/Diglipur; book ahead.
Indicative nightly rates (double, before tax): Budget INR 800–2,000; Mid-range INR 2,500–6,000; Luxury INR 8,000–25,000+. Peak-season surcharges apply.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: grilled fish, crab, lobster, prawns; Andaman-style fish curry.
- Influences from Bengali, Tamil, and North Indian cuisines; great vegetarian options in Port Blair and Havelock.
- Cafés on Havelock serve hearty breakfasts, bakes, and coffee; try coconut-based desserts.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for handicrafts, spices, wooden artifacts, shell-inspired crafts.
- Buy only legal souvenirs; avoid coral/tortoiseshell products (strictly prohibited).
Culture
- Diverse settler communities live here; protected indigenous tribes inhabit reserved areas. Do not attempt contact or photograph; respect all restrictions.
- Light & Sound show at Cellular Jail for historical context.
Suggested Itineraries
4 Days: Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail + Light & Sound, Marina Park.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Snorkeling/Intro dive; Kalapathar Beach.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; local markets; depart.
6–7 Days: Classic Circuit
- Day 1–2: Port Blair (Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu).
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach snorkeling/diving).
- Day 5: Neil (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur sunset).
- Day 6–7: Back to Port Blair; optional Baratang day trip; depart.
9–10 Days: North Andaman Add-on
- Days 1–5: Classic Circuit.
- Days 6–8: Rangat and Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak trek).
- Days 9–10: Return to Port Blair; buffer day; depart.
Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Flights (round-trip): INR 12,000–30,000 per person, depending on origin and season.
- Passenger ship (one-way): INR 2,500–12,000 per person by class; limited schedules.
- Inter-island ferries (one-way): Govt INR 150–600; Private INR 1,000–2,500.
- Accommodation (per night, double): Budget 800–2,000; Mid-range 2,500–6,000; Luxury 8,000–25,000+.
- Meals: Budget INR 250–500/meal; Mid-range INR 600–1,200; Seafood feasts INR 1,500+.
- Activities: Intro scuba INR 3,500–6,000; PADI course INR 20,000–35,000; Sea walk INR 3,000–4,500.
- Local transport: Scooters on Havelock/Neil INR 500–800/day; Autos/cabs vary by distance.
Money-savers: Travel Oct–Nov or Feb–Apr, book ferries early, pick government ferries where possible, share cabs, and choose non-sea-view rooms.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Prefer flights to minimize travel fatigue; keep a buffer day in Port Blair before return flight.
- Carry seasickness meds and sun protection; choose resorts with easy beach access.
Honeymooners
- Split stays: 1 night Port Blair + 2–3 nights Havelock + 1–2 nights Neil.
- Plan a sunset at Radhanagar and a private candlelight dinner; book premium catamaran seats.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use government ferries, rent scooters, and pick homestays/hostels where available.
- Time dives/snorkels on weekdays for better availability and prices.
Essential Permits and Useful Info
- Entry permits: Indian nationals don’t need special permits for popular islands. Foreign nationals can visit notified areas without RAP under current guidelines; restricted/tribal areas remain off-limits. Check latest rules before travel.
- Area-specific permits: Certain spots (e.g., Baratang convoy, Ross & Smith) require local permits/fees obtainable on-site.
- Connectivity: 4G has improved around Port Blair/Havelock, but can be patchy on outer islands. Carry offline maps; BSNL/Airtel/Jio availability varies.
- Responsible tourism: Don’t buy coral/tortoiseshell; avoid plastic waste; respect marine life; drones may need authorization.
- Emergency and info: Keep hotel and ferry helplines handy; check DSS/administration notices during monsoon.
FAQs
Q: What’s the fastest way to reach Andaman—flight or ship?
A: Flight to Port Blair (IXZ) is fastest and most reliable, taking 2–5 hours depending on origin. Ships take 2.5–3+ days and run infrequently.
Q: Are there luxury cruises from mainland India to Andaman?
A: Regular luxury cruise liners don’t operate to Port Blair. Most mainland sailings are government-run passenger ships with basic facilities. Occasionally, charter/special sailings may occur—verify current schedules.
Q: How rough are the seas on the passenger ships?
A: Conditions vary by season; monsoon months can be choppy. Carry motion-sickness medication, choose a higher-class cabin for comfort, and travel outside peak monsoon if possible.
Q: Can foreigners travel to Andaman by ship?
A: Generally yes, but booking procedures can be more involved and subject to policy updates. Flying remains simpler. Always check the latest DSS and immigration guidelines.
Q: How do I travel between islands once in Andaman?
A: Use government ferries for budget travel or private catamarans (Makruzz/ITT/Green Ocean) for speed and comfort. Book seats in advance during peak season.
Conclusion
Reaching Andaman is straightforward by flight and rewarding—if time-consuming—by ship. Once you land in Port Blair, a well-planned circuit through Havelock, Neil, and optionally North Andaman delivers an unforgettable blend of beaches, reefs, and rainforest. With smart ferry bookings, realistic budgets, and respect for local rules and nature, the islands’ highlights are easy to experience in as little as four days, and even richer over a week or more.
