Table of Contents
- Introduction: North Andaman vs South Andaman
- North vs South at a Glance
- Top Cities & Places
- Tourist Circuits & Suggested Routes
- Activities & Experiences
- Festivals & Events
- Sample Itineraries
- How to Reach & Getting Around
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping & Culture
- Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
- Responsible Travel & Safety
- FAQs: North Andaman vs South Andaman
- Conclusion
Introduction: North Andaman vs South Andaman
Planning an Andaman getaway and torn between North Andaman and South Andaman? Here’s a clear, traveler-first comparison. In this guide, “South Andaman” covers Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and nearby day trips like Baratang. “North Andaman” covers Middle & North Andaman—Rangat, Mayabunder and Diglipur (including Ross & Smith Island and Saddle Peak). South is beachy, convenient and resort-forward; North is raw, road-trippy and nature-dense. Choose one—or combine both—for the ultimate island holiday.
North vs South at a Glance
- South Andaman: Best for first-timers, short trips, top beaches (Radhanagar), easy ferries, popular dives, more resorts and restaurants.
- North Andaman: Best for offbeat travelers, longer trips, road journeys, mangroves, limestone caves, secluded beaches, Saddle Peak trekking.
- Travel time: South is 1–2.5 hrs by ferry from Port Blair; North is 8–10 hrs by road (with vehicle ferries) or overnight boat when available.
- Vibe: South = polished and lively; North = quiet, local and wild.
Top Cities & Places
South Andaman Highlights
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail light & sound show, Anthropological Museum, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunset.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkeling, sea-walk), great dive sites.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Laxmanpur Beach sunset, Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling.
- Baratang: Limestone Caves boat ride via mangroves, Mud Volcano; early start essential.
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins, deer, colonial history—short boat from Port Blair.
North Andaman Highlights
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): Dhani Nallah mangrove walkway, Aamkunj & Moricedera beaches.
- Mayabunder: Karmatang Beach (turtle nesting seasonally), Avis Island (permit-dependent access).
- Diglipur (North Andaman): Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar, Saddle Peak trek (Andamans’ highest), Kalipur beach.
- Long Island: Lalaji Bay by forest trail/boat; quiet stay options.
Tourist Circuits & Suggested Routes
South Andaman Circuits
- 3–4 days: Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Ross Island) + Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach).
- 5–6 days: Add Neil Island and Baratang day trip.
- Theme circuits: Beaches & Luxury (Havelock resorts), Family Highlights (Port Blair museums + easy beaches), Dive-Focused (Havelock/Neil).
North Andaman Circuits
- 4–5 days: Port Blair → Rangat → Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak) → return via Mayabunder/Rangat.
- 6–7 days: Add Long Island (Lalaji Bay) and extra time for mangroves and turtle beaches (seasonal).
- Theme circuits: Offbeat Nature (mangroves, caves), Trek & Sandbar (Saddle Peak + Ross & Smith), Road Trip (ATR exploration).
Activities & Experiences
South Andaman
- Snorkeling & Dives: Havelock and Neil have the most operators; ideal for first-timers and certified divers alike.
- Iconic Beaches: Radhanagar (sunset), Elephant Beach (water sports), Bharatpur (snorkel-friendly).
- History & Culture: Cellular Jail, Ross Island ruins, museums in Port Blair.
- Family-friendly: Sea-walk, glass-bottom boats, short boat rides and curated shows.
North Andaman
- Nature & Offbeat: Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk, secluded beaches, turtle nesting watch (strictly guided, seasonal).
- Trekking: Saddle Peak National Park (full-day, strenuous; permits needed).
- Sandbar Magic: Ross & Smith Island day trip (clear waters, picnic-worthy, basic facilities).
- Caves & Mangroves: Baratang Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano are en route north (technically South/ Middle Andaman day trip if based in Port Blair).
Festivals & Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, South): Typically held in winter; cultural shows, food, crafts.
- Subhash Mela (Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, South): Around late January; local performances and fairs.
- Local Village Melas (North): Community fairs in Rangat/Mayabunder; dates vary year to year.
- Note: Schedules can change; confirm locally before planning your visit.
Sample Itineraries
4 Days – South Essentials
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach sunset.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach water activities; evening café-hop.
- Day 4: Return to Port Blair; Ross Island or Chidiya Tapu if time permits; depart.
5 Days – North Offbeat
- Day 1: Port Blair to Rangat via Baratang (Limestone Caves).
- Day 2: Rangat to Diglipur; evening at Kalipur.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith Island day trip.
- Day 4: Saddle Peak trek (or beach hopping around Diglipur).
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair via Mayabunder.
7–8 Days – North + South Combo
- Day 1–2: Port Blair sights + Ross Island.
- Day 3–4: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach) and/or Neil (Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset).
- Day 5: Early start to Rangat via Baratang.
- Day 6–7: Diglipur (Ross & Smith, Saddle Peak); return Day 8.
How to Reach & Getting Around
Reaching the Andamans (Gateway: Port Blair)
- Flights: Daily direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities; 2–3.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata.
- Ships: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited schedules).
Getting to South Andaman Islands
- Havelock & Neil: Government ferries and private catamarans (1–2.5 hours). Book private ferries in advance in peak season.
- Local transport: Taxis, rented two-wheelers, limited autos; pre-book for early ferries.
Getting to North Andaman
- By Road (ATR): Andaman Trunk Road from Port Blair to Diglipur via Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder (8–10 hours with vehicle ferry crossings). Start pre-dawn for smoother transits.
- Public options: State buses and shared jeeps connect towns but are slow; hire a cab for flexibility.
- Boats: Local boats to Long Island, Ross & Smith etc. operate from Rangat/Diglipur; timings vary with weather and tides.
Permits & Restrictions: Most open islands require no special permit for Indian tourists; foreigners can visit notified open areas but must avoid Protected Tribal Reserves. Drone usage and access to restricted zones are regulated—check latest advisories.
Accommodation Options
South Andaman
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses to boutique hotels; convenient for early ferries.
- Havelock: Wide range from backpacker stays to luxury beachfront resorts; best choice for honeymooners and divers.
- Neil: Cozy mid-range resorts and homestays; quieter vibe.
North Andaman
- Rangat/Mayabunder: Simple lodges and government tourist accommodations; limited luxury.
- Diglipur: Mid-range resorts and basic beachside stays; book early in peak months.
- Long Island: Rustic eco-stays; electricity and internet may be intermittent.
Estimated Costs
- Per person per day (excluding flights):
- Budget: INR 2,000–3,500 (shared rooms, public ferries, local meals).
- Mid-range: INR 4,500–8,000 (nice stays, private ferry seats, some activities).
- Luxury: INR 10,000–20,000+ (beachfront resorts, private transfers, premium dives).
- Typical activity costs:
- Private ferry Port Blair–Havelock/Neil: INR 1,500–2,800 one way.
- Government ferry: approx. INR 300–900 one way (limited seats).
- Intro dive (DSD): INR 3,500–6,500 (South); INR 3,000–6,000 (North, fewer operators).
- Ross & Smith boat + permits: INR 1,000–2,500 per person (varies by season/group size).
- Baratang Limestone Caves trip from Port Blair: INR 1,800–3,500 per person (shared tour).
Food, Shopping & Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood curries, grilled fish, prawns; influences from Bengali, South Indian and Burmese cuisines. Vegetarian options are available but fewer on remote islands.
- Cafés & Nightlife: Better variety in Havelock and Port Blair; North is quieter with basic eateries.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for island spices, coconut products, local crafts. Avoid buying coral, shells or turtle products (illegal).
- Culture: Settler communities from across India coexist with protected indigenous tribes. Respect no-go zones and photography restrictions.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
- Peak (Nov–Apr): Calm seas, best for ferries, snorkeling and diving; most predictable weather.
- Shoulder (Sep–Oct, May): Warmer and humid; some showers; still workable for travel.
- Monsoon (May/Jun–Aug): Rough seas and rain; ferries may be disrupted; lush landscapes in North.
- Diving windows: Oct–Nov and Feb–Apr generally offer the best underwater visibility.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners & Friends
Families
- Base in Port Blair + Havelock for shorter transfers and kid-friendly beaches.
- Carry dry snacks, meds, hats and reef-safe sunscreen; pre-book ferries.
- Choose morning activities to avoid midday heat; check age limits for sea-walks/dives.
Honeymooners
- Pick a beachfront resort in Havelock; add Neil for sunsets and quiet.
- Plan a private boat/snorkel in calmer bays; consider a couples’ dive intro.
- Pack light linens, insect repellent, a light jacket for breezy evenings.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use government ferries, rent scooters, and choose homestays for savings.
- North Andaman road trip for offbeat thrills; campfires are restricted—confirm local rules.
- Connectivity varies: expect patchy data beyond Port Blair/Havelock; carry cash for remote areas.
Responsible Travel & Safety
- Do not enter or photograph within Protected Tribal Reserves; never engage in “human safaris.”
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; do not touch or stand on corals; avoid anchoring on reefs.
- Respect beach turtle nesting zones; follow guide instructions and red-light rules at night.
- Alcohol and loud music are discouraged on public beaches; littering incurs fines.
- Check weather and ferry advisories, especially in monsoon; keep buffer time for returns.
FAQs: North Andaman vs South Andaman
Q: Which is better for first-time visitors—North Andaman or South Andaman?
A: South Andaman. It’s easier to reach, has iconic beaches (Radhanagar), more resorts and dive shops, and smoother logistics for 3–5 day trips.
Q: Is North Andaman worth the long drive?
A: Yes if you enjoy offbeat nature—Ross & Smith sandbar, Saddle Peak trek, mangroves and quiet beaches. It suits travelers with 5–7 days or who’ve already visited the South.
Q: How many days do I need to cover both North and South?
A: Plan 7–8 days minimum to include Port Blair, Havelock/Neil and Diglipur, with a Baratang stop en route.
Q: Can I self-drive to North Andaman?
A: Yes, with a valid license. The ATR includes vehicle ferry crossings and variable road conditions; start early and watch advisories. Hiring a local driver is less stressful.
Q: When is the best time for diving?
A: Generally October–November and February–April for calmer seas and better visibility. Operators in Havelock/Neil have the widest choice of sites.
Conclusion
Choose South Andaman for iconic beaches, easy logistics and polished stays; choose North Andaman for quiet nature, long drives and offbeat adventures. With adequate time, a combined route delivers the best of both: world-class sands in the South and wild, mangrove-laced escapes in the North.
