Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Instagrammable Places in Andaman
- Best Time to Visit for Photography
- Tourist Circuits for Photographers
- Best Activities for Iconic Shots
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries for Instagrammers
- How to Reach Andaman and Getting Around
- Accommodation Options
- Budget and Cost Guide
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Turquoise lagoons, powdery white beaches, mangrove creeks, and colonial-era ruins—the Andaman Islands are a dream canvas for photographers. This guide curates the most Instagrammable spots across Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), and North Andaman, with timing tips, shot ideas, and practical travel details to help you return with scroll-stopping images.
Top Instagrammable Places in Andaman
1) Radhanagar Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock)
- Why it’s photogenic: Wide sugar-white crescent beach with teal waters and a forested backdrop; epic golden-hour hues.
- Best time/light: Sunset for silhouettes and warm tones; early morning for empty frames.
- Shot ideas: Wide-angle shoreline symmetry; dune grass foregrounds; reflections on wet sand after waves recede.
- Practical: No entry fee. 20–25 min by road from Havelock jetty.
2) Elephant Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock)
- Why: Crystal-clear shallows, coral patches, bleached driftwood, and water-activity action.
- Best time: Morning before boats crowd; post-monsoon for visibility.
- Shot ideas: Snorkel POV, split-level waterline shots (with dome port), minimalistic driftwood frames.
- Practical: Boat from Havelock jetty (permits managed by operator) or 2 km forest trek when open.
3) Kalapathar Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock)
- Why: Dark rocks against pale sand, swaying casuarinas—great contrasts.
- Best time: Sunrise for soft pastels; weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Shot ideas: Leading lines with rock formations; barefoot detail shots on smooth sands.
- Practical: Easy road access from Havelock resorts; no fees.
4) Laxmanpur Beach & Natural Bridge (Shaheed Dweep/Neil)
- Why: Iconic rock arch at low tide; painterly sunsets at Laxmanpur.
- Best time: Natural Bridge at low tide; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Shot ideas: Frame subjects under the arch; sunstar through rock windows; tidepool macro.
- Practical: Check tide charts locally; short walk from parking.
5) Bharatpur Beach (Shaheed Dweep/Neil)
- Why: Shallow lagoon with blues-on-blues; glass-bottom boats.
- Best time: Mid-morning for bright aquas; calm seas.
- Shot ideas: Drone-like perspectives from jetty (drone use restricted—see rules below); patterns in the lagoon.
- Practical: 5–10 min from Neil jetty; activity counters on beach.
6) Chidiya Tapu & Munda Pahad (Port Blair)
- Why: Forested headland, rocky coves, and dramatic sunsets.
- Best time: Golden hour to blue hour.
- Shot ideas: Long-exposure waves over rocks; canopy-framed horizon lines.
- Practical: 45–60 min by road from Port Blair; easy coastal trail to viewpoint.
7) Cellular Jail (Port Blair)
- Why: Stark colonial architecture, radiating wings, evocative corridors.
- Best time: Late afternoon for softer light; evening Light & Sound show for mood.
- Shot ideas: Symmetrical stairwells; shadow-play along corridors.
- Practical: Entry and camera fees apply; check show timings.
8) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) Ruins
- Why: Banyan roots swallowing brick facades—a nature-meets-history aesthetic.
- Best time: Morning ferries; dappled light under canopies.
- Shot ideas: Roots as frames; detail textures of moss and brick.
- Practical: 15–20 min boat from Water Sports Complex, Port Blair; small entry fee.
9) North Bay Island
- Why: Underwater activities with clear coral patches; lighthouse views.
- Best time: Morning for visibility.
- Shot ideas: Sea-walk helmet portraits; snorkel reefscapes.
- Practical: Boat from Port Blair; pay-per-activity.
10) Baratang Mangroves & Limestone Caves (Middle Andaman)
- Why: Cinematic mangrove tunnels and surreal cave interiors.
- Best time: Morning boat for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Shot ideas: Low-angle boat shots through arching roots; tripod cave textures.
- Practical: Day trip from Port Blair via convoy; permits managed on-site.
11) Ross & Smith Twin Islands Sandbar (Diglipur, North Andaman)
- Why: A white sandbar stitching two emerald islands—iconic aerial look even from ground level.
- Best time: Mid-tide when the sandbar is exposed but water laps both sides.
- Shot ideas: Minimalist compositions with a lone subject; sandbar leading line.
- Practical: Permit and boat from Aerial Bay jetty, Diglipur.
12) Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway (Rangat)
- Why: Long wooden boardwalk slicing through lush mangroves.
- Best time: Early morning mist; post-rain sheen.
- Shot ideas: Vanishing point symmetry; reflections after showers.
- Practical: Easy access near Rangat; nominal fee if applicable.
Best Time to Visit for Photography
- Peak clarity (Nov–Apr): Dry season, calmer seas, best underwater visibility. Sun is strong—carry ND/polarizers.
- Shoulder (May & Oct): Fewer crowds, dramatic skies; occasional showers.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush greens and moody seascapes; rough seas impact ferries and water sports.
- Daily timing: Sunrise for empty beaches and pastel skies; sunset for warm tones; midday reserved for underwater blues.
Tourist Circuits for Photographers
- Classic Island Hop (4–5 days): Port Blair → Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant, Kalapathar) → Neil (Bharatpur, Natural Bridge) → Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Chidiya Tapu).
- North Andaman Explorer (6–7 days): Port Blair → Baratang (mangroves) → Rangat (Dhani Nallah) → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak viewpoints) → Port Blair.
- Ruins & Reefs (3–4 days): Port Blair base with Ross Island, North Bay, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (when open for corals), Chidiya Tapu.
- Offbeat & Waterfalls (seasonal, 4–5 days): Little Andaman (Butler Bay, White Surf/Whisper Wave)—permits/boat schedules vary.
Best Activities for Iconic Shots
- Snorkeling/Scuba: Split-level dome shots, reefscapes; best at Elephant Beach, Neil reefs, Jolly Buoy (seasonal). Follow reef-safe practices.
- Sea Walk/Glass-Bottom: Easy underwater portraits; great for non-swimmers.
- Kayaking (mangroves/bioluminescence): Night bioluminescence tours in Havelock (weather/season dependent); carry low-light capable gear.
- Trekking: Munda Pahad (Chidiya Tapu) and Mount Harriet to Madhuban for forest compositions.
- Ethical note: Drones are regulated. Many zones are no-fly (including near airports/defense areas). Always obtain DGCA registration/UIN and local permissions; when in doubt, do not fly.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Usually in winter; cultural programs, food stalls, and exhibitions—vibrant street and event photography.
- Beach Festivals: Occasional events on Havelock/Neil with local music and food. Dates vary year to year.
- National Observances at Cellular Jail: Patriotic events with illuminations and performances on select dates.
Always verify exact dates locally as schedules can change.
Suggested Itineraries for Instagrammers
4-Day Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Cellular Jail (golden hour) → Light & Sound show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock → Radhanagar sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach morning (snorkel/sea walk) → Kalapathar sunrise or late afternoon.
- Day 4: Ferry to Port Blair → Chidiya Tapu sunset → depart.
6-Day Balanced Hop
- Days 1–2: Port Blair (Ross Island + North Bay, Cellular Jail, Chidiya Tapu).
- Days 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach activities, Kalapathar).
- Day 5: Neil (Bharatpur lagoon, Natural Bridge at low tide, Laxmanpur sunset).
- Day 6: Return to Port Blair → departure buffer.
8-Day With North Andaman
- Days 1–2: Port Blair base (Ross Island, North Bay, city).
- Days 3–4: Havelock highlights.
- Day 5: Neil sights → Port Blair.
- Days 6–7: Diglipur (Ross & Smith, viewpoints); optional Rangat boardwalk en route.
- Day 8: Return to Port Blair → depart.
How to Reach Andaman and Getting Around
Flights
- Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (seasonal from other metros). Flight times: ~2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata.
Ships/Ferries to Port Blair
- Long-distance ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam operate infrequently; basic cabins and multi-day journeys—more for experience than convenience.
Inter-Island Transfers
- Government ferries: Budget-friendly; book early; schedules can change.
- Private catamarans: Examples include Makruzz/ITT Majestic/Green Ocean; faster and pricier; book online in advance.
Local Transport
- Autos and taxis in Port Blair; island taxis in Havelock/Neil.
- Scooter rentals on Havelock/Neil: convenient for sunrise/sunset runs.
- Self-drive cars are limited; roads are simple but unlit at night—ride cautiously.
Permits & Connectivity
- Indian citizens: No special permit for open tourist islands. Foreigners can visit notified open islands; restricted/tribal areas remain off-limits. Rules can change—check latest advisories.
- Mobile data: Improving with submarine cable; still patchy on remote islands. Airtel/Jio/BSNL work variably; download offline maps.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500/night): Simple guesthouses in Port Blair, basic beach huts in Havelock/Neil.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–7,000/night): Beachside cottages near Radhanagar or Kalapathar; boutique stays on Neil around Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
- Premium/Luxury (INR 10,000–30,000+/night): Upscale beachfront resorts with private access and on-site dive centers.
Pick stays near your prime shoot locations (e.g., Beach No. 5/7 in Havelock; Laxmanpur/Bharatpur in Neil) to catch blue and golden hours with minimal transit.
Budget and Cost Guide
- Flights (one-way): INR 6,000–12,000 from Chennai/Kolkata; higher from other metros depending on season.
- Inter-island ferries: Govt INR 400–900; Private INR 1,200–3,000 per sector.
- Activities: Discover Scuba INR 3,500–6,500; Sea Walk INR 3,500–4,500; Glass-bottom INR 700–1,000; Kayaking INR 2,000–3,000.
- Local transport: Scooter hire INR 500–800/day; taxis by day INR 1,800–3,500 based on distance.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal (local cafés to seafood shacks); upscale dining higher.
- Camera fees: Nominal at sites like Cellular Jail; tripods mostly allowed outside shows.
Indicative daily budget (per person):
- Budget: INR 2,500–4,000 (hostel/guesthouse, govt ferries, local eateries).
- Mid-range: INR 5,000–9,000 (nice cottages, private ferries, a paid activity).
- Premium: INR 12,000+ (resorts, private transfers, multiple activities).
Money tips: Carry cash for remote islands; ATMs can run dry. Many small vendors are cash-only.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, lobster, crab—ask for local spice rubs.
- Curries and thalis: Bengali, South Indian, and North Indian influences.
- Beach cafés: Smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas near Havelock beaches.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Spices, handicrafts, shell-inspired souvenirs.
- Ethics: Do not buy coral, turtle shell, or anything from protected species—illegal and harmful.
Culture & Responsible Photography
- Andaman is a mosaic of settler communities; tribal reserves are strictly protected. No visits or photography of indigenous tribes.
- Dress modestly in towns and shrines; respect no-photography signs.
- Leave-no-trace: Pack out trash, avoid stepping on corals, use reef-safe sunscreen.
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Choose lagoon beaches (Bharatpur, Radhanagar’s calmer zones); pack sunhats, rash guards, snacks.
- Strollers aren’t ideal on sand—consider carriers.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Stay near Radhanagar or Laxmanpur for romantic sunsets; book private candlelight dinners on the beach (where allowed).
- Golden-hour couple shoots with a local photographer ensure worry-free results.
Friends/Solo Travelers
- Rent scooters for dawn patrols; join group dives/kayaks to meet fellow travelers.
- Share taxis on inter-island transfers to cut costs.
Packing & Safety
- Gear: Polarizer, ND filters, microfiber cloths, dry bags, spare batteries, dome port for split shots.
- Health: Hydrate; carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries; reef shoes for rocky entries.
- Sea safety: Mind currents and jellyfish advisories; follow lifeguard instructions.
FAQs
Q: When is the best month for Instagrammable skies and clear water in Andaman?
A: November to April offers the most reliable weather, vibrant blues, and calm seas. For dramatic clouds with fewer crowds, try late October or early May.
Q: Are drones allowed in the Andaman Islands?
A: Drones are regulated and many areas are no-fly zones, especially near airports and defense sites. You need DGCA registration/UIN and local permissions. If unsure, do not fly.
Q: Is Andaman safe for solo female travelers?
A: Generally yes—tourist islands are calm and friendly. Use standard precautions, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and use registered taxis or known operators.
Q: Do I need permits to visit islands like Havelock and Neil?
A: Indian citizens do not need special permits for open tourist islands. Foreigners can visit notified open islands without Restricted Area Permits; however, some zones remain restricted and rules can change—verify before travel.
Q: How many days are enough to capture the top photo spots?
A: Four to six days cover Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Add two to three more for North Andaman (Ross & Smith, Rangat) or offbeat islands.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands reward photographers with luminous lagoons, dramatic roots-and-ruin juxtapositions, and sunsets that set the shoreline ablaze. Base yourself close to key beaches, chase dawn and dusk light, plan transfers with tide and ferry schedules, and travel responsibly. With this guide to top spots, circuits, and practicalities, you’re set to capture the islands at their most unforgettable.
