Kolkata to Andaman Tour Packages
Best Time to Visit Andaman from Kolkata
Andaman enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, but certain months are better for specific experiences.
- October to April: Peak season for calm seas, clear skies, and best underwater visibility. Ideal for beach hopping, scuba, snorkeling, and family trips.
- May: Warm and humid with occasional pre-monsoon showers; good for water sports in the mornings.
- June to September (Monsoon): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds. Sea can be choppy and some ferries/water sports may be limited. Great for relaxed resort stays and rain lovers.
- Festival Picks: New Year and Christmas (Dec-Jan) have lively events. Also consider long weekends from Kolkata for 4–5 day breaks.
How to Reach Andaman from Kolkata
By Air (Fastest)
- Route: Kolkata (CCU) to Port Blair (IXZ).
- Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours non-stop; 4–6 hours with a connection via Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad.
- Tips: Choose morning flights for smoother seas on arrival day and buffer time for same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.
- Check-in: Carry print/soft copies of tickets, government ID, and allow extra time for baggage screening.
By Sea (Scenic, Slow)
- Passenger Ships: Periodic sailings from Kolkata to Port Blair operate via the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
- Duration: Typically 60–70 hours depending on sea conditions and route.
- Facilities: Cabin categories vary; limited onboard amenities compared to cruises. Seas can be rough during monsoon.
- Bookings: Must be planned well in advance; carry original ID during ticketing and embarkation checks.
Most tour packages begin at Port Blair. Flights are strongly recommended for short trips (3–6 days).
Top Places to Cover
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Samudrika Marine Museum, Chidiya Tapu sunset, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island).
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach (Blue Flag), Kalapathar Beach, Elephant Beach for snorkeling and water sports, scuba reefs.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach (snorkel-friendly), Laxmanpur Beach sunset.
- Baratang: Limestone Caves and mangrove boat ride; convoyed road through reserve area with strict rules.
- North Bay & Ross Island: Glass-bottom boat rides, light trekking among colonial ruins, deer and peacocks.
- Jolly Buoy or Red Skin (seasonal): Marine National Park with excellent coral viewing; plastic restrictions apply.
- Diglipur (North Andaman): Ross & Smith twin islands (permit needed), Saddle Peak trek (for experienced hikers).
Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)
3 Days: Quick Andaman Taster (Port Blair)
Day 1: Fly from Kolkata to Port Blair. Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show, evening at Marina Park.
Day 2: Ross Island + North Bay combo; late afternoon Corbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu sunset.
Day 3: Local museums/anthropological sites; fly back to Kolkata.
4 Days: Port Blair + Havelock Snapshot
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, city tour.
Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
Day 3: Optional scuba/snorkeling or Elephant Beach water sports; return to Port Blair by evening ferry.
Day 4: Fly to Kolkata.
5 Days: Classic Highlights
Day 1: Port Blair arrival; Jail + Light & Sound.
Day 2: Havelock transfer; Radhanagar Beach.
Day 3: Elephant Beach activities; evening leisure.
Day 4: Neil Island day visit (Bharatpur, Natural Bridge) or Ross & North Bay from Port Blair.
Day 5: Departure to Kolkata.
6 Days: Havelock + Neil + Ross
Day 1: Port Blair city tour.
Day 2: Havelock; Radhanagar Beach.
Day 3: Elephant Beach or scuba dive; evening leisure.
Day 4: Neil Island (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur sunset).
Day 5: Back to Port Blair; Ross Island.
Day 6: Fly to Kolkata.
7 Days: Adventure with Baratang
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Jail + show.
Day 2: Havelock (Radhanagar).
Day 3: Elephant Beach; leisure.
Day 4: Neil Island; Natural Bridge and beaches.
Day 5: Port Blair via ferry; Ross Island.
Day 6: Early Baratang Limestone Caves (convoy); return Port Blair.
Day 7: Departure.
8 Days: Explorer with Diglipur (for seasoned travelers)
Day 1: Port Blair.
Day 2–3: Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach, optional diving).
Day 4: Neil Island.
Day 5: Port Blair to Rangat/Diglipur (overnight at North Andaman).
Day 6: Ross & Smith twin islands (permit), return to Diglipur/Rangat.
Day 7: Drive back to Port Blair; evening shopping.
Day 8: Fly to Kolkata.
What’s Included vs Excluded
Typically Included
- Airport meet-and-greet in Port Blair and inter-island transfers as per itinerary.
- Accommodation with daily breakfast (property category as chosen).
- Sightseeing by private AC vehicle in Port Blair/Havelock/Neil (point-to-point as per local rules).
- Ferry tickets between Port Blair–Havelock–Neil (private or government, subject to availability).
- Entry permits to standard tourist points (e.g., Cellular Jail, Ross Island), where applicable.
- Guided experiences at select sites (e.g., Jail show, Limestone Cave guide at Baratang).
- Assistance for water activities bookings with vetted vendors.
Commonly Excluded
- Flights/ship tickets between Kolkata and Port Blair unless specified.
- Lunch, dinner, personal snacks, and beverages.
- Advanced water sports (scuba, sea walk, jet ski), photography, and videography charges.
- Camera fees at monuments/parks where applicable.
- Any special permits (e.g., Jolly Buoy seasonal entries, Ross & Smith permits) and convoy charges.
- Early check-in/late check-out, room upgrades, and tips.
- Unexpected schedule changes due to weather or operational reasons.
Local Transport Rules & Extras
- Point-to-Point Vehicles: Cabs operate on fixed point-to-point bases; extra stops may incur additional charges.
- Ferry Check-ins: Report 45–60 minutes prior. Carry original government ID; keep luggage light and labeled.
- Lifejackets Mandatory: On speedboats and activity boats; follow crew instructions.
- Baratang Convoy: Strict convoy timings through reserve; no halting, no photography in protected stretches.
- Plastic & Litter: Jolly Buoy and some beaches enforce plastic restrictions—carry reusable bottles; follow “leave no trace.”
- Two-Wheelers: Helmet compulsory; carry ID and license. Night rides on forested stretches are discouraged.
- Drones: Require prior permissions from authorities; unauthorized drone flying attracts penalties.
- Beach Safety: Respect red-flag areas; avoid venturing into rough seas or isolated coves without lifeguards.
Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips
- Mobile Networks: BSNL covers widest geography; Airtel and Jio have 4G in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil with variable speeds.
- Internet: Connectivity can be inconsistent; download maps and keep offline backups.
- Payments: UPI and cards work in main towns; carry adequate cash for remote spots and small vendors.
- Health: Keep motion-sickness medication for ferries; stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Wildlife & Reefs: Do not touch corals or marine life. Avoid stepping on reef flats at low tide.
- Weather Buffers: Keep one spare half-day for weather-related delays, especially during monsoon.
- Local Etiquette: Respect “no photography” signs, particularly around sensitive areas and people.
Permits & ID Requirements
- Indian Nationals: No special entry permit for Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Carry a government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, DL).
- Foreign Nationals: Valid passport and Indian visa required. Access is limited to notified tourist areas; some islands/activities may require additional permits. Always check latest advisories.
- Special Sites: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal), Ross & Smith (Diglipur) need permits; arranged locally via Forest/Administration.
- Photography Restrictions: Strictly no photos in tribal reserve areas or where specifically prohibited.
- Drones: Need prior permissions from local authorities and aviation regulators.
- Kids & Seniors: Carry birth certificates for minors if required; keep doctor’s notes for medical conditions and prescriptions.
What to Pack (Season-wise)
October–April
- Light cottons, sun hat/cap, UV sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), flip-flops and sturdy walking shoes.
- Swimwear, quick-dry towels, waterproof phone pouch.
- Light jacket for evening sea breeze, especially Jan–Feb.
May–September (Monsoon)
- Light rain jacket/poncho, compact umbrella, quick-dry clothing.
- Anti-slip sandals, dry bags for gadgets and documents.
- Anti-nausea meds for ferries; insect repellent.
Essentials Year-round
- Reusable water bottle, personal medicines, small first-aid kit.
- Copies of IDs, tickets, and hotel confirmations (digital + print).
- Power bank and multi-plug adapter.
Food to Try & Shopping
Must-Try Eats
- Fresh Seafood: Grilled fish, lobster, crab, and prawn curry with coconut flavors.
- Island Specials: Fish thali, tuna steak, squid fry, and banana leaf-wrapped preparations.
- Vegetarian: Paneer and mixed veg curries, coastal dal-chawal combos, South-Indian breakfasts.
- Desserts & Snacks: Coconut-based sweets, tropical fruit platters, bakery treats in Port Blair and Havelock.
Shopping Spots
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Handicrafts, shell and coconut artifacts, local spices, souvenirs.
- Havelock Market: Beachwear, scarves, handmade jewelry, cafés and bakeries.
- Neil Island Stalls: Small artisan crafts and seashell knickknacks (avoid buying items from live coral or protected species).
Note: Airport security may restrict coral/shell items. Always purchase ethical, permitted products with bills.
Approx Travel Times
- Kolkata → Port Blair flight: 2.5–3 hours (non-stop).
- Port Blair → Havelock ferry: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on ferry type and sea conditions.
- Havelock → Neil ferry: 1–1.5 hours.
- Neil → Port Blair ferry: 1–2 hours.
- Port Blair city transfers: 10–30 minutes between most city points; 45–60 minutes to Chidiya Tapu.
- Port Blair → Baratang (by road + boat): 2.5–3.5 hours one way with convoy timing.
- Port Blair → Diglipur (by road): 8–10 hours with breaks.
Booking Tips for Kolkata Travellers
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- Book Flights Early: Secure morning arrivals into Port Blair to connect easily with same-day ferries to Havelock/Neil.
- Sequence Matters: Do Havelock first, then Neil, then return to Port Blair for buffer before departure.
- Ferry Priority: Private ferries offer more frequency; book in advance during peak months (Oct–Apr).
- Activity Slots: Pre-book scuba/sea-walk in Havelock; choose reputable, safety-first operators.
- Buffer Day: Keep the last night in Port Blair to avoid missing flights due to sea/weather delays.
- Travel Windows: For monsoon trips, keep plans flexible and favor Port Blair–Havelock stays over long road journeys.
- Documents Handy: Keep soft + print copies of IDs, tickets, and hotel vouchers for quick checks.
Ready-Made Package Ideas
1) Classic Port Blair + Havelock (5 Days)
Itinerary: Port Blair (Cellular Jail, Ross Island) → Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach) → Port Blair shopping and departure.
Highlights: Blue Flag beach sunsets, beginner-friendly snorkeling, heritage show at Cellular Jail.
Inclusions: Airport transfers, point-to-point sightseeing, ferry tickets PB–Havelock–PB, breakfast, standard entry tickets.
Exclusions: Flights from Kolkata, water sports, special permits (if any), camera fees, meals beyond breakfast.
Start from Kolkata: Morning flight to Port Blair on Day 1; return flight on Day 5.
2) Romantic Havelock + Neil Escape (6 Days)
Itinerary: Port Blair arrival → Havelock (Radhanagar, candlelight beach walk) → Neil (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur sunset) → Port Blair.
Highlights: Quiet beaches, sunrise/sunset spots, optional couple’s dive/snorkel, relaxed island vibes.
Inclusions: Inter-island ferries, private transfers, breakfasts, standard sightseeing.
Exclusions: Flights/ships from Kolkata, romantic add-ons, adventure activities, personal expenses.
Start from Kolkata: Direct/non-stop flight preferred for smoother check-in to Havelock ferry next morning.
3) Family Fun + Baratang Adventure (7 Days)
Itinerary: Port Blair city → Havelock (Radhanagar, Elephant Beach activities) → Neil Island → Baratang Limestone Caves (day trip) → Port Blair.
Highlights: Mix of beaches, mild adventure, mangrove boat ride, kid-friendly attractions.
Inclusions: Convoy assistance to Baratang, ferries, transfers, breakfast, standard entries.
Exclusions: Kolkata–Port Blair flights, special permits, camera fees, activities.
Start from Kolkata: Arrive Day 1; keep final night in Port Blair as weather buffer before return flight.
4) North Andaman Explorer (8 Days)
Itinerary: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Rangat/Diglipur → Ross & Smith (permit) → Port Blair.
Highlights: Twin islands sandbar, lesser-visited beaches, possibility of Saddle Peak trek (fitness required).
Inclusions: Long-distance road transfers, inter-island ferries, breakfast, basic permits where applicable.
Exclusions: Kolkata travel segment, trek fees, special equipment, adventure add-ons.
Start from Kolkata: Early arrival recommended; choose comfortable vehicles for long North Andaman drives.
Documents & Insurance
- Photo ID: Aadhaar/Passport/DL for Indian nationals; Passport and valid visa for foreign nationals.
- Tickets & Vouchers: Flight/ship tickets, hotel confirmations, ferry vouchers, activity confirmations.
- Permits: Where required (e.g., Jolly Buoy, Ross & Smith); carry copies and originals during checks.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended—coverage for medical emergencies, flight/ferry delays, lost baggage, and adventure activities.
- Medical: Doctor’s prescription for medicines; disclose health conditions before scuba or sea walk.
- Backup Copies: Keep digital copies in email/phone and one printed set in your daypack.
FAQs
A: A 5–6 day trip covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil comfortably. Add 1–2 days for Baratang or North Andaman.
A: Yes, if you land in Port Blair by late morning and ferry schedules align. Otherwise, stay the first night in Port Blair and go next morning.
A: Not necessarily. Expect occasional rain and possible ferry changes. It’s greener, quieter, and good for relaxed stays with flexible plans.
A: Indian nationals don’t need special permits for Havelock/Neil. Some other islands or marine parks may require permits arranged locally.
A: BSNL has the widest reach; Airtel and Jio offer 4G in Port Blair/Havelock/Neil with variable speeds. Expect patchy internet at times.
A: Yes, with lifejackets and professional guides at designated spots like Elephant Beach and Bharatpur. Always follow safety instructions.
A: Available in main towns but can be inconsistent. Carry sufficient cash for smaller islands and remote sites.
A: Available in Port Blair and select islands; expect limited options on smaller islands and dry days on national holidays.
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