Pune to Andaman Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit Andaman from Pune

Andaman enjoys a tropical maritime climate with warm temperatures year-round. For travellers from Pune, planning around seas, visibility, and crowds helps maximize your island time.

• October to April (Peak pleasant season): Calm seas, clear skies, ideal for beaches, scuba, snorkelling, sea walks, and inter-island ferries. Underwater visibility is typically best from November to March.
• December to January (Festive/top demand): Great weather, vibrant events, but higher demand for ferries and hotels. Reserve well in advance.
• May to mid-July (Early monsoon/shoulder): Fewer crowds, greener landscapes. Intermittent showers; some watersports may pause during rough sea days.
• Mid-July to September (Monsoon): Frequent rain, choppy seas possible, some sailings may reschedule. Good for slow travel and deals on stays, but keep a flexible plan.

Special interest windows: Bioluminescence kayaking at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) is best on dark, new-moon nights between November and March; birding in North Andaman is pleasant from December to February.

How to Reach Andaman from Pune

Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport, IXZ) is the gateway to Andaman. From Pune (PNQ), most travellers fly with one stop.

By Air (Recommended)

• Common connections: Pune → Chennai (MAA) / Bengaluru (BLR) / Hyderabad (HYD) / Kolkata (CCU) → Port Blair (IXZ).
• Duration: Typically 6.5–9 hours total including layover, depending on routing and schedules.
• Tip for smooth ferries: Aim to land at Port Blair by late morning to comfortably catch afternoon private ferries to Havelock or Neil on the same day.
• Baggage: Check airline cabin and check-in allowances; watersports gear may require special handling.

By Sea (Experiential, infrequent schedules)

• Ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and sometimes Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. Voyages take ~60–70 hours with basic amenities.
• Tickets and medical clearances are needed; sailings are weather-dependent. Most Pune travellers prefer flights for convenience.

Arrival in Port Blair

• Airport to city: 10–15 minutes by cab to central Port Blair/Jetty.
• Same-day transfers: If connecting to Havelock/Neil, reach Phoenix Bay/Haddo Jetty 60–75 minutes before ferry reporting time with IDs.

Top Places to Cover

Port Blair

• Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound Show
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) & North Bay for snorkelling/glass-bottom boat
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Chidiya Tapu sunset point
• Wandoor & Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park; coral-rich day trips)

Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)

• Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s top-rated beach), Elephant Beach (snorkel/watersports), Kalapathar Beach
• Diving and discover scuba with reputed operators; night bioluminescence kayaking on dark nights

Shaheed Dweep (Neil)

• Bharatpur Beach (snorkel), Laxmanpur Beach (sunset), Natural Bridge
• Laid-back island vibe with short travel distances

Baratang & Middle Andaman

• Limestone Caves boat ride, Mangrove creeks, Mud Volcano

North Andaman (Rangat, Diglipur)

• Ross & Smith Twin Islands sandbar, Saddle Peak trek, Ramnagar turtle spotting (seasonal)

Suggested Itineraries (3–8 Days)

3 Days (Quick Glimpse): Port Blair + Havelock

• Day 1: Fly Pune → Port Blair via MAA/BLR/HYD. Cellular Jail & Light-and-Sound.
• Day 2: Morning ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
• Day 3: Optional Elephant Beach snorkel/sea walk; afternoon ferry back to Port Blair; fly out next day or late night if schedule permits.

4 Days: Port Blair, Havelock, Neil (Highlights)

• Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Corbyn’s Cove + Light-and-Sound.
• Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach; optional bioluminescence kayaking.
• Day 3: Morning ferry to Neil; Bharatpur Beach & Natural Bridge; evening ferry to Port Blair.
• Day 4: Ross Island + North Bay or Jolly Buoy (if open); departure.

5 Days: Classic Leisure

• Day 1: Port Blair city and show.
• Day 2: Havelock – Radhanagar Beach.
• Day 3: Havelock – Elephant Beach watersports or scuba (non-swimmers can try discover scuba).
• Day 4: Neil – Bharatpur & Laxmanpur; sunset and relaxed stay.
• Day 5: Return to Port Blair; departure flight.

6 Days: With Marine Park

• Days 1–3: Port Blair + Havelock as above.
• Day 4: Neil sightseeing.
• Day 5: Wandoor + Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permit-controlled; coral-rich). Carry packed lunch and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Day 6: Souvenirs, return flight.

7 Days: Add Baratang Caves

• Days 1–4: Port Blair, Havelock, Neil.
• Day 5: Early drive to Baratang for Limestone Caves & mangroves.
• Day 6: Ross Island & North Bay or Chidiya Tapu sunset.
• Day 7: Fly out.

8 Days: North Andaman Extension

• Days 1–4: Port Blair, Havelock, Neil.
• Day 5: Drive to Rangat/Diglipur (scenic Andaman Trunk Road).
• Day 6: Ross & Smith Island sandbar trip; optional Saddle Peak trek.
• Day 7: Return to Port Blair with breaks at scenic points.
• Day 8: Departure.

Routing note for Pune travellers: Choose flight timings that give a buffer for inter-island ferries; consider an extra night in Port Blair to cushion weather-related changes.

What’s Included vs Excluded

Typical Inclusions

• Accommodation with daily breakfast (island category as booked)
• Airport pickup and drop in Port Blair
• Private cabs for local sightseeing as per itinerary
• Inter-island private ferry tickets (Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil) in reserved seats
• Entry tickets and basic permits for standard sightseeing (Cellular Jail, Ross Island, etc.)
• Assistance at jetties and local support number
• Guided Light-and-Sound show (subject to show availability)

Common Exclusions

• Domestic flights Pune ↔ Port Blair (can be added on request)
• Lunches, dinners, beverages, and personal expenses
• Watersports (scuba, sea walk, jet ski, kayaking), unless explicitly added
• Camera fees at monuments/parks
• Optional excursions (Jolly Buoy, Baratang, North Andaman) if not cited in your plan
• Travel insurance and medical tests/certificates if any
• Peak season supplements and surcharges if applicable

Local Transport Rules & Extras

• Cabs: Most sightseeing is by pre-booked point-to-point cabs. Metered taxis are limited; app cabs are not common.
• Two-wheelers: Available on Havelock/Neil for licensed riders; helmets are mandatory; ride cautiously on coastal roads.
• Ferries: Carry original photo ID. Report 60–75 minutes before departure. Seating class is pre-assigned; luggage limits apply.
• Andaman Trunk Road (ATR): Speed checks and regulated movement exist through sensitive stretches; keep buffer time and follow instructions at check posts.
• Boats & safety: Life jackets are compulsory; trips may be paused in rough weather or low visibility—cooperate with crew.
• Environment rules: Single-use plastics are discouraged; do not collect shells/coral; smoking/alcohol are prohibited on boats and certain beaches.
• Drones: Require prior permissions from local police/aviation authorities; strictly no-fly near Cellular Jail, airport, and defense areas.
• Alcohol: Sold at licensed outlets; public consumption on beaches is prohibited; follow local timings.

Connectivity, Safety & Travel Tips

• Mobile & data: Airtel, Jio, and BSNL work in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. 4G exists but can be patchy; expect slower speeds on excursions and in North Andaman.
• Payments: UPI and cards are accepted in towns; carry cash for remote areas and small vendors.
• Health: Sun is strong—use reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate, and wear a hat. Carry motion-sickness tablets for ferries.
• Beach safety: Swim only in designated zones; heed flags. Avoid stepping on coral; use aqua shoes.
• Buffer day: Keep a buffer in Port Blair before your return flight in case ferries reschedule.
• Medical: Major facilities in Port Blair; basic clinics on Havelock/Neil. Carry personal medications.
• Responsible travel: Do not attempt entry into tribal reserve areas; photography of tribal communities is illegal.

Permits & ID Requirements

• Indian nationals: No special entry permit is needed for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, and Diglipur. Carry original government-issued photo ID for flights, hotels, and ferries.
• Special spots: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin require daily eco-permits (limited). Ross & Smith (North Andaman) needs a forest permit at Diglipur. Tour operators can assist.
• Foreign nationals: Passport with valid Indian visa is required. Many tourist islands are open without RAP; some areas remain restricted. Always verify latest rules before travel.
• Vehicles: Driving license required for rentals; carry ID for checkpoints on ATR.
• Drones & professional shoots: Need prior written permissions from authorities.

What to Pack (Season-wise)

October–April (Dry/Clear Seas)

• Light cottons/linens, UV hat, sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen, aloe gel, lip balm
• Aqua shoes, quick-dry towel, dry bags for boat days
• Snorkel mask if you prefer your own gear

May–September (Monsoon/Showers)

• Light rain jacket/poncho, fast-dry clothes
• Waterproof phone pouch, extra zip-locks
• Anti-skid sandals, insect repellent

Essentials for All Seasons

• Original IDs, copies, and e-tickets (phone + print)
• Personal meds, basic first-aid, motion-sickness tablets
• Power bank (power cuts can occur), universal adapter if needed
• Small cash change for local kiosks

Food to Try & Shopping

Food & Flavours

• Seafood specials: Grilled fish, Andaman-style fish curry, crab, prawns, lobster (seasonal)
• Local comfort: Coconut-based curries, banana fritters, fresh tender coconut
• Vegetarian-friendly: South Indian thalis, paneer/veg curries, island bakeries, beach shacks with multi-cuisine menus
• Sweet tooth: Fresh fruit bowls, island-made ice-creams, bakery buns

Shopping

• Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts, seashell-inspired art (ensure it’s legally sourced), coconut shell items, jute products
• Spices, local honey, souvenirs from market streets in Port Blair
• Avoid: Buying live shells, corals, or any wildlife products—illegal to collect or export

Approx Travel Times

• Pune → Port Blair (via 1 stop): 6.5–9 hours total (flight + layover)
• Airport → Port Blair hotel: 10–30 minutes
• Port Blair ↔ Havelock (private ferry): ~1.5–2.5 hours
• Havelock ↔ Neil (private ferry): ~1 hour
• Neil ↔ Port Blair (private ferry): ~1–2 hours
• Port Blair → Wandoor Jetty (Jolly Buoy): ~45–60 minutes by road; boat to island ~45–60 minutes
• Port Blair → Baratang: ~2.5–3.5 hours each way depending on checkpoints
• Port Blair → Diglipur: ~8–10 hours by road with scenic halts

Note: Sea schedules are weather-dependent; always keep a buffer day in Port Blair before your return flight.

Booking Tips for Pune Travellers

• Flights: From Pune, choose early morning departures to connect via MAA/BLR/HYD/CCU and reach Port Blair by late morning.
• Sequence: Plan PB → Havelock → Neil → PB for smooth ferry flow. Keep the last night in Port Blair before your flight home.
• Ferries: Private ferry seats sell out fast in peak months—book both onward and return legs in advance. Carry the same ID used at booking.
• Permits: If Jolly Buoy/Red Skin or Ross & Smith are on your list, arrange permits early. Daily quotas are limited.
• Stay choices:
  • Havelock: Near Radhanagar for sunsets or Govind Nagar for dining and dive shops.
  • Neil: Stay near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur for quick beach access.
  • Port Blair: Central stays for city sights or Wandoor side for Marine Park trips.
• Activities: Pre-book scuba, sea walks, and kayaking to secure preferred slots and tides; share medical considerations up front.
• Season timing: For calm seas and visibility, target November–March. For quieter travel, late April or early May can be rewarding with mild pre-monsoon showers.

Ready-Made Package Ideas

1) Havelock Escape (4 Nights)

• Route: Pune → Port Blair → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N) → Port Blair (1N)
• Highlights: Radhanagar sunset, Elephant Beach snorkel, Bharatpur’s clear waters, Cellular Jail show
• Ideal for: First-timers with limited time who want beaches + a bit of city heritage
• How to reach: Morning PNQ → MAA/BLR/HYD → IXZ; same-day ferry to Havelock
• Inclusions snapshot: Breakfasts, private cabs, inter-island ferries, entry tickets, assistance
• Exclusions snapshot: Flights, lunches/dinners, watersports, insurance

2) Marine Park & Beaches (5 Nights)

• Route: Port Blair (2N) → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N)
• Highlights: Jolly Buoy coral gardens (permit), diving/snorkelling, Natural Bridge, Ross Island
• Ideal for: Snorkel lovers and families needing balanced pace
• How to reach: Prefer flights that land by late morning to catch afternoon activities

3) Family Leisure Classic (6 Nights)

• Route: Port Blair (2N) → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N) → Port Blair (1N)
• Highlights: Glass-bottom rides, sea walk option, beach time with short transfers, Chidiya Tapu sunset
• Ideal for: Families with kids and seniors; activity options kept flexible
• Add-ons: Photoshoot at Radhanagar; easy kayaking in mangroves

4) Baratang & Bioluminescence (6–7 Nights)

• Route: PB (2N) → Havelock (3N) → Neil (1N) + Baratang day trip
• Highlights: Limestone Caves, mangrove creeks, bioluminescence kayaking (dark nights), discover scuba
• Ideal for: Couples and friends seeking signature experiences

5) North Andaman Explorer (7–8 Nights)

• Route: PB (2N) → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N) → Diglipur (2N) → PB (1N)
• Highlights: Ross & Smith sandbar, Saddle Peak trek, turtle beaches (seasonal), plus classic sights
• Ideal for: Repeat visitors and adventure-focused travellers

All ideas can be tailored for Pune flight timings and ferry availability. Share your preferred dates and experiences to fine-tune the plan.

Documents & Insurance

• IDs for flights & hotels: Carry original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, PAN). For minors, school ID/birth certificate along with guardian’s ID.
• Ferry & permits: The same original ID used in ferry booking is checked at terminals; keep digital copies as backup.
• Travel insurance: Recommended—covers medical, weather-related disruptions, missed connections, and adventure sports (if opted).
• Medical disclosures: Inform operators of conditions like asthma, heart issues, recent surgeries before scuba/sea walk; follow instructor guidance.
• Payments & records: Save e-vouchers and confirmations offline due to patchy internet.

FAQs