Chennai to Andaman Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit Andaman from Chennai

Andaman is a year-round destination, but sea conditions and visibility vary by season. From Chennai, plan around:

• October to May: Ideal for beach time, snorkeling, scuba, and inter-island ferries. Seas are calmer and visibility is better.
• November to April: Peak clarity for water activities; sunsets at Radhanagar are spectacular. Advance bookings recommended.
• June to September (Monsoon): Lush and quiet with intermittent rain. Some boat trips may get rescheduled; great for relaxed, value-focused holidays.

Festivals such as New Year, Republic Day week, and long weekends drive high demand—secure flights and ferries early from Chennai.

How to Reach Andaman from Chennai

By Air (Recommended)

• Nonstop flights Chennai (MAA) to Port Blair (IXZ) operate frequently; flying time is about 2–2.5 hours.
• Major Indian carriers run morning and midday departures. Aim to arrive before noon to fit same-day sightseeing.
• Baggage: Standard domestic limits apply; pack snorkel masks and sunscreen in check-in if over liquid limits.
• Return Strategy: Choose late-morning to afternoon flights from Port Blair to prevent rush after hotel checkout.

By Ship (Limited, for slow travel enthusiasts)

• Government passenger ships occasionally run Chennai–Port Blair (approx. 60–70 hours), subject to schedules and weather.
• Basic cabins, limited amenities; book well in advance through designated counters. Sea conditions may affect comfort and schedules.

Pro tip: For most Chennai travellers, flying both ways maximizes time on islands and reduces weather-related uncertainties.

Top Places to Cover

Port Blair

• Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show: Moving history and evening spectacle.
• Corbyn’s Cove: Easy-access beach near city; sunset views.
• Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) & North Bay: Ruins overgrown with banyans, plus snorkeling/sea walk at North Bay.
• Chidiya Tapu & Sunset Point: Birding and gorgeous evening skies.
• Wandoor & Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal rotation): Best coral-viewing glass-bottom rides.

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No.7): Often ranked among Asia’s best.
• Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea-walk, and water sports.
• Kalapathar Beach: Morning photography and tranquil waters.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Bharatpur Beach: Lagoon for snorkeling and glass-bottom boats.
• Laxmanpur Beach: Sunset and natural rock formations.
• Natural Bridge: Iconic tidal-formed arch; best at low tide.

Baratang & Beyond

• Baratang: Limestone Caves, Mangrove creeks, and Mud Volcano.
• Rangat: Offbeat beaches and turtle nesting sites (seasonal).
• Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islands sandbar; adventurous day trips or overnights.

Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)

3 Days: Port Blair Essentials

1. Day 1: Fly Chennai–Port Blair; Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound; Corbyn’s Cove if time permits.
2. Day 2: Ross Island & North Bay; evening at Marina Park or local markets.
3. Day 3: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) or Chidiya Tapu; fly back.

4 Days: Port Blair + Havelock

1. Day 1: Arrival; Cellular Jail; city highlights.
2. Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach.
3. Day 3: Elephant Beach water activities; leisure evening.
4. Day 4: Ferry back to Port Blair; departure.

5 Days: Port Blair, Havelock, Neil

1. Day 1: Arrival; Jail + show.
2. Day 2: Havelock; Radhanagar.
3. Day 3: Elephant Beach; evening ferry to Neil (or next morning if schedules vary).
4. Day 4: Neil: Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Natural Bridge.
5. Day 5: Return to Port Blair; fly Chennai.

6 Days: Classic Trio + Baratang

1. Day 1: Port Blair city and Jail show.
2. Day 2: Ross & North Bay.
3. Day 3: Havelock – Radhanagar.
4. Day 4: Elephant Beach; ferry to Neil.
5. Day 5: Neil sightseeing; ferry to Port Blair.
6. Day 6: Baratang day trip; departure next morning or late night if flight permits.

7–8 Days: Explorer

• Include all above plus Jolly Buoy (seasonal), Chidiya Tapu, Mount Harriet, or extend to Diglipur for Ross & Smith with an overnight.

Note: Ferry schedules can affect sequencing. Choose morning arrivals from Chennai for smoother flow.

What’s Included vs Excluded

Typically Included

• Accommodation with daily breakfast (category based on your choice).
• Airport, hotel, and jetty transfers in private vehicle.
• Inter-island ferry tickets (government or private as per plan).
• Sightseeing transfers as per itinerary.
• Entry permits and tickets for standard attractions (e.g., Cellular Jail, Light-and-Sound).
• Assistance at airports/jetties and local support.

Common Exclusions

• Flights between Chennai and Port Blair unless specifically added.
• Lunches, dinners, and personal expenses.
• Water sports charges (sea walk, scuba, jet ski, parasailing) unless bundled.
• Optional activities and special permits not explicitly listed.
• Any cost due to weather, ferry cancellations, or natural events.
• Travel insurance and medical expenses.

Local Transport Rules & Extras

• Seatbelts and helmets are mandatory; carry a valid Driving License for scooter rentals (popular on Havelock).
• Self-drive cars are limited; most sightseeing uses private cabs or shared options.
• Ferries: Arrive at jetty 45–60 minutes before departure with photo ID. Keep tickets/QR ready.
• Speed limits are enforced; avoid driving on beaches or restricted forest roads.
• Drones require prior permissions (police and airport authorities); flying near jetties, airports, tribal reserves is prohibited.
• Plastic reduction: Carry refillable bottles; littering on beaches and in the sea attracts fines.

Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips

• Mobile Networks: BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Port Blair; coverage reduces on Havelock/Neil but is improving. Expect slower data.
• UPI and Cards: Widely accepted in Port Blair; carry cash for remote spots and during network downtime.
• Health & Safety: Use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, heed lifeguard flags, and avoid touching corals or marine life.
• Water Sports: Choose licensed operators; follow briefings. Non-swimmers can try sea walk with a guide.
• Weather: Light showers possible even in peak season—keep a compact rain jacket and dry bags for gadgets.
• Power: Standard Indian sockets 230V. Keep a multi-plug and power bank.

Permits & ID Requirements

• Indian nationals: Carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, DL). Soft copies help but keep at least one physical ID.
• Foreign nationals: Valid passport with Indian visa. Certain areas remain restricted; abide by local notices.
• Protected areas like tribal reserves are off-limits. Entry to select islands/parks may need permits obtained locally—your tour representative can assist.
• Drones, professional photo/video shoots, and fishing require specific permissions.
• Children: School ID or birth certificate copy may be requested at jetties/attractions.

What to Pack (Season-wise)

All Seasons

• Light cottons/linens, sunhat/cap, polarized sunglasses.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, aloe vera gel, lip balm.
• Waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry towel, reusable water bottle.
• Basic meds: motion sickness, antihistamine, pain reliever, band-aids.

Summer (Mar–May)

• Breathable tees, UPF swimwear, sandals/aqua shoes.
• Extra hydration salts; light scarf for sun protection.

Monsoon (Jun–Sep)

• Light rain jacket/poncho, dry bags, quick-dry clothes.
• Anti-slip footwear; flexible itinerary mindset.

Winter/Mild (Oct–Feb)

• Light evenings layer, mosquito repellent, beach wraps.

Food to Try & Shopping

Must-Try Flavours

• Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, crab, prawn curry, lobster (seasonal availability).
• Coastal & Island fare: Coconut-based gravies, banana-leaf meals, Tamil and Bengali influences.
• Vegetarian picks: Local thalis, dosas, island-grown veggies; bakeries for evening snacks.
• Cafes on Havelock/Neil: Great for brunches, smoothies, and sunset mocktails.

Shopping

• Shell and wooden handicrafts (ensure they’re legally sourced; avoid buying raw corals or turtle products).
• Spices, coconut products, local art, and island souvenirs from Sagarika Emporium and curated boutiques.

Approx Travel Times

• Chennai → Port Blair (flight): 2–2.5 hours nonstop; 4.5–7 hours with connections.
• Port Blair Airport → City hotels: 10–20 minutes by car.
• Port Blair ↔ Havelock (ferry): 1.5–2.5 hours depending on ferry type and sea state.
• Havelock ↔ Neil (ferry): 60–90 minutes.
• Neil ↔ Port Blair (ferry): 1–2 hours.
• Port Blair → Baratang (road): 2.5–3.5 hours one-way plus boat through mangroves to caves.
• Havelock: Hotels ↔ Radhanagar: 20–35 minutes; ↔ Elephant Beach boat point: 10–20 minutes drive + short boat ride.

Note: Monsoon or rough seas may extend ferry times or cause rescheduling.

Booking Tips for Chennai Travellers

• Flights: Target early morning Chennai departures and late-morning returns to optimize sightseeing and checkout times.
• Ferries: Private catamarans sell out fast in peak months; pre-book both directions for Havelock and Neil.
• Stay Mix: Combine one beach-facing resort (Havelock) with a convenient city hotel (Port Blair) for departures.
• Activity Slots: Reserve scuba/sea-walk in advance; mornings have calmer seas and clearer visibility.
• Transfers: Coordinate airport arrival with same-day Cellular Jail or Ross Island based on show timings and ferry schedules.
• Weather Flex: Keep one light day for weather contingencies in monsoon or during spring tides.

Need a customized plan from Chennai, including flight suggestions and last-mile logistics? eAndamanTourism.com can tailor everything to your travel dates and style.

Ready-Made Package Ideas

1) 4N/5D Havelock Delight (Port Blair 2N, Havelock 2N)

Ideal for: First-timers seeking beaches and light activities.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Arrive Port Blair from Chennai; Cellular Jail + Light-and-Sound; evening at Marina Park.
2. Day 2: Ross Island & North Bay; free evening café-hopping.
3. Day 3: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
4. Day 4: Elephant Beach water activities; leisure evening or night walk on the beach.
5. Day 5: Ferry back to Port Blair; fly out.

Highlights: Radhanagar, Elephant Beach snorkeling/sea-walk, history at Cellular Jail.

Includes: Breakfast, private transfers, inter-island ferry tickets, entry tickets for listed spots.

Excludes: Flights Chennai–Port Blair, water sports charges, lunches/dinners, personal expenses.

Reaching from Chennai: Prefer an early morning flight into Port Blair for same-day sightseeing.

2) 5N/6D Family Fun (Port Blair 3N, Havelock 2N)

Ideal for: Families with kids wanting balanced pace.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Arrival; Corbyn’s Cove + Cellular Jail show.
2. Day 2: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal coral viewing).
3. Day 3: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; resort time.
4. Day 4: Optional scuba for beginners or Elephant Beach activities.
5. Day 5: Return to Port Blair; shopping at Sagarika Emporium; local cafés.
6. Day 6: Departure to Chennai.

Highlights: Glass-bottom rides, gentle lagoons for kids, curated museum stops as per interest.

Includes/Excludes: As per Section “What’s Included vs Excluded”. Add meals/activity bundles on request.

Reaching from Chennai: Choose mid-morning arrival; avoid late-night ships with kids.

3) 6N/7D Adventure Mix (Port Blair 2N, Havelock 3N, Neil 1N)

Ideal for: Active travellers keen on water sports.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Port Blair city + Jail show.
2. Day 2: Ross & North Bay (try sea walk); evening leisure.
3. Day 3: Havelock ferry; Radhanagar sunset.
4. Day 4: Scuba dive (intro/fun dive); café evening.
5. Day 5: Elephant Beach activities or kayaking by mangroves (subject to availability).
6. Day 6: Neil Island: Bharatpur, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset.
7. Day 7: Return to Port Blair; fly out.

Highlights: Dive/snorkel focus, photogenic beaches, balanced island-hopping.

Includes: Private transfers, ferries, breakfast, standard permits. Excludes: Scuba fees and specialized gear rentals.

Reaching from Chennai: Morning flight in; buffer a light last day for flight schedules.

4) 7N/8D North Andaman Explorer (Port Blair 3N, Havelock 2N, Neil 1N, Diglipur 1N)

Ideal for: Repeat visitors and nature lovers.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Port Blair highlights + Jail show.
2. Day 2: Wandoor & Marine National Park (seasonal islands).
3. Day 3: Havelock – Radhanagar; optional night bioluminescence experience (seasonal, weather-permitting).
4. Day 4: Elephant Beach activities; evening ferry to Neil.
5. Day 5: Neil sightseeing; ferry to Port Blair.
6. Day 6: Drive to Diglipur; en route scenic stops.
7. Day 7: Ross & Smith twin islands; return to Port Blair.
8. Day 8: Departure.

Highlights: Offbeat north, sandbar walk at Ross & Smith, quieter lagoons.

Includes/Excludes: As per standard list; note longer road transfers to Diglipur.

Reaching from Chennai: Choose arrival before noon on Day 1 to comfortably fit the city tour.

Ready to personalize any of these? Plan it your way with eAndamanTourism.com for smooth bookings and dependable local support.

Documents & Insurance

• Carry government photo ID (original) for all travellers; keep soft copies as backup.
• Foreign nationals: Passport with valid Indian visa; keep hotel and flight details handy.
• Ferries and attractions may check IDs; name must match tickets.
• Travel Insurance: Recommended—cover trip delays, medical emergencies, adventure activities, and baggage loss.
• Activity Forms: Scuba/snorkeling providers may require medical self-declaration; disclose conditions like asthma or heart issues.
• Payments: Keep multiple modes—card, UPI, and some cash in case of connectivity fluctuations.

FAQs