Andaman Islands
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
October to May (dry season, calm seas, best visibility for diving); avoid Jun-Sep monsoon
Language
Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, English at tourist establishments
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Airport
Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ)
Population
~400,000 (Andaman & Nicobar Islands union territory)
Climate
Tropical; warm year-round 23-31°C, heavy monsoon May-September, humidity 70-90%
Safety Rating
Very Safe — low crime; main risks are sea currents and jellyfish; restricted areas require permits
Permit
Indian nationals: no permit needed. Foreigners: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued free on arrival at IXZ airport
Famous For
Radhanagar Beach (Asia's best beach), scuba diving, Cellular Jail, bioluminescence, coral reefs
Top Highlights
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Consistently rated Asia's best beach — a 2 km crescent of powdery white sand backed by rainforest on Havelock Island. Free entry. Sunset here is legendary. Swim only in designated areas (strong undercurrents). No facilities beyond basic changing rooms. Allow 3-4 hours. Lifeguards on duty till 5 PM.
Cellular Jail (Kala Pani)
Colonial-era prison in Port Blair where Indian freedom fighters were held in solitary confinement. Entry: INR 30 Indians, INR 200 foreigners. Sound-and-light show at 6 PM (Hindi) and 7:15 PM (English), INR 50-100. Museum inside documents the brutal history. Allow 2-3 hours including the show. Closed Mondays.
Scuba Diving at Havelock Island
Some of India's best diving with 20-30m visibility, coral walls, manta rays, and reef sharks. PADI Open Water course: INR 25,000-35,000 (3 days). Discovery/try dive for beginners: INR 4,000-6,000 (1 dive). Top sites: Barracuda City, The Wall, Aquarium. Dive India and Barefoot Scuba are reputable operators.
Elephant Beach (Havelock)
Snorkeling paradise with vibrant shallow coral reefs just 30 meters from shore. Reach by boat (INR 600-1,000 return, 20 min from Havelock jetty) or a 40-minute forest trek. Snorkeling gear rental: INR 300-500. Glass-bottom boat: INR 500. Best 9 AM-2 PM for visibility. Allow half a day.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Quieter, less commercialized island with natural rock formations like the Howrah Bridge (natural rock arch). Cycle around the entire island in 3 hours (rental INR 200/day). Laxmanpur Beach for sunset, Bharatpur Beach for snorkeling. Ferry from Havelock: INR 700-1,200 (1 hour). Allow 1-2 days.
Bioluminescent Beach, Havelock
On moonless nights (new moon), certain beaches glow electric blue from bioluminescent plankton. Best spots: Long Island and some stretches of Havelock's west coast. Free but timing is everything — needs dark, calm nights. Best Dec-Feb. No flashlights or phone lights in the water. Ask local dive shops for current conditions.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
Atmospheric ruins of the former British administrative headquarters, now overtaken by deer and jungle. Ferry from Port Blair (INR 150 return, runs 8:30 AM-2 PM). Entry: INR 30. Light-and-sound show. Japanese bunkers from WWII remain. Photography paradise. Allow 2-3 hours. Closed Wednesdays.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Andaman Islands Itinerary
Arrival in Port Blair
Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Most flights from Chennai (2 hours), Delhi, Kolkata, or Bengaluru.
Arrive at Port Blair airport(30 minutes)
Foreign nationals receive free 30-day RAP on arrival. Carry passport at all times
Transfer to hotel in Aberdeen Bazaar(30 minutes)
Auto-rickshaw INR 100-150. Hotels: TSG Emerald (INR 3,000-5,000) or budget options INR 1,000-2,000
Lunch at New Lighthouse Restaurant(1 hour)
Seafood thali with fresh fish, crab, and prawn (INR 200-350)
Cellular Jail visit and sound-and-light show(3 hours)
Colonial prison where freedom fighters suffered. Entry INR 200 foreigners. Museum first, then evening show at 6 PM (Hindi) or 7:15 PM (English, INR 50-100). Powerful and moving
Ross Island & North Bay
Former British administrative HQ (now atmospheric ruins) and snorkeling at North Bay.
Ferry to Ross Island from Phoenix Bay Jetty(20 minutes)
INR 150 return. Runs 8:30 AM-2 PM. Closed Wednesdays
Ross Island exploration(2 hours)
Atmospheric ruins overtaken by deer and jungle. Japanese WWII bunkers. Photography paradise. Light-and-sound show
Snorkeling at North Bay(2 hours)
Glass-bottom boat (INR 500) or snorkeling (INR 500-800 with gear). Coral gardens visible from the surface. Sea walking available (INR 3,000-4,000)
Return to Port Blair and dinner(1.5 hours)
Icy Spicy at Aberdeen Bazaar for seafood and North Indian (INR 300-500)
Transfer to Havelock Island
Take the morning catamaran to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) — the island paradise. Settle in and hit Radhanagar Beach for sunset.
Makruzz/Green Ocean catamaran to Havelock(1.5 hours)
INR 1,000-1,800. Book 2-3 days ahead at makruzz.com. Departs 8:30-9 AM. Carry seasickness meds
Check into Havelock accommodation(30 minutes)
Barefoot at Havelock (luxury, INR 8,000-15,000), Symphony Palms (mid-range, INR 3,000-6,000), or Beach No. 3 guesthouses (INR 1,000-2,000)
Lunch at Full Moon Cafe(1 hour)
Near the jetty. Fresh fish and chips, smoothie bowls (INR 200-400)
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) sunset(3 hours)
Asia's best beach — 2 km of white sand backed by rainforest. Swim in designated areas. Lifeguards till 5 PM. The sunset here is legendary. Free
Scuba Diving Day
Experience Havelock's world-class diving. Beginners can do a discovery dive; certified divers explore deeper sites.
Scuba diving with Dive India or Barefoot Scuba(4 hours)
Discovery dive for beginners: INR 4,000-6,000 (1 dive, includes training). Certified: 2-tank dive INR 6,000-8,000. Sites: Barracuda City, The Wall, Aquarium. 20-30m visibility
Lunch at B3 (Beach No. 3 area)(1 hour)
Something Different restaurant — grilled fish and coconut curry (INR 200-400)
Rest on Govind Nagar beach(2 hours)
Quiet stretch near the dive shops. Hammock, book, and coconut water
Dinner at Anju Coco Resto(1.5 hours)
Lobster and crab butter garlic — some of the freshest seafood you'll eat (INR 400-800)
Elephant Beach & Kayaking
Snorkeling paradise and mangrove kayaking — a perfect mix of coral reefs and quiet waterways.
Boat to Elephant Beach(20 minutes)
INR 600-1,000 return from Havelock jetty. Or 40-minute forest trek
Elephant Beach snorkeling(2 hours)
Vibrant shallow coral 30m from shore. Gear rental INR 300-500. Glass-bottom boat INR 500. Best 9 AM-2 PM
Mangrove kayaking(2 hours)
Guided kayak through mangrove channels. Spot kingfishers, mudskippers, and monitor lizards. INR 1,000-2,000 through local operators
Rest & Neil Island Day Trip
Sleep in, then afternoon ferry to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) for the natural rock bridge and quieter beaches.
Ferry to Neil Island(1 hour)
INR 700-1,200. Or make it a full day by taking the morning ferry
Natural rock bridge (Howrah Bridge)(1 hour)
Natural coral rock arch — best at low tide. Laxmanpur Beach 2 for sunset
Bharatpur Beach snorkeling(1.5 hours)
Shallow reef snorkeling. Less crowded than Havelock. Gear rental INR 200-300
Departure Day
Morning ferry back to Port Blair for your flight.
Early Makruzz to Port Blair(1.5 hours)
6:30-7 AM ferry. Book ahead. Reach jetty 30 min early
Last seafood lunch at Port Blair(1 hour)
Amaya at Corbyn's Cove for beachside seafood (INR 300-500)
Transfer to IXZ airport(30 minutes)
Auto INR 100-150. Flights to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru
14-Day Andaman Islands Itinerary
Arrival in Port Blair
Fly into IXZ. Foreign nationals get free 30-day RAP on arrival.
Lunch at New Lighthouse(1 hour)
Seafood thali INR 200-350
Cellular Jail and sound-and-light show(3 hours)
INR 200 foreigners. Evening show INR 50-100
Ross Island & North Bay
British ruins and snorkeling.
Transfer to Havelock
Catamaran to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach sunset.
Makruzz to Havelock(1.5 hours)
INR 1,000-1,800
Scuba Diving
World-class diving at Havelock.
Scuba diving(4 hours)
Discovery dive INR 4,000-6,000. Certified 2-tank INR 6,000-8,000
Elephant Beach & Kayaking
Snorkeling paradise and mangrove kayaking.
Mangrove kayaking(2 hours)
INR 1,000-2,000
Rest Day on Havelock
Beach day. Sleep in and relax.
Transfer to Neil Island
Move to the quieter Neil Island for 2 nights.
Ferry to Neil Island(1 hour)
INR 700-1,200
Check into guesthouse(30 minutes)
INR 1,000-3,000/night. Tango Beach Resort or Pearl Park
Rent bicycle(15 minutes)
INR 200/day. Best way to explore the tiny island
Laxmanpur Beach sunset(2 hours)
Wide sandy beach with the best sunset on Neil. Swimming safe
Dinner at Chand Restaurant(1 hour)
Fresh lobster and fish (INR 300-600)
Neil Island Full Day
Cycle around the island — beaches, natural bridge, and snorkeling.
Natural rock bridge (Howrah Bridge)(1 hour)
Best at low tide. Eroded coral arch
Bharatpur Beach snorkeling(2 hours)
Shallow reef. Gear INR 200-300
Cycle around the island(2 hours)
Complete loop in 3 hours. Paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life
Return to Havelock
Back to Havelock for a second dive or relaxation.
Second scuba dive (optional)(3 hours)
Deeper sites: Dixon's Pinnacle, Jackson's Bar. Or PADI Advanced Open Water course starts
Rest Day
Full rest on Havelock. Beach, read, hammock.
Bioluminescence walk (new moon nights only)(1.5 hours)
Electric blue glow on moonless nights Dec-Feb. Ask dive shops for conditions
Return to Port Blair
Ferry back. Explore Port Blair's remaining sights.
Anthropological Museum(1.5 hours)
Artifacts from Andaman's indigenous tribes — Jarawa, Sentinelese, Onge. Eye-opening and important. Free
Corbyn's Cove Beach(2 hours)
Port Blair's closest beach. Swimming, jet skiing. Coconut palms. Amaya restaurant for sunset drinks
Baratang Island Day Trip
Drive and ferry to Baratang for limestone caves and mud volcanoes — pass through the Jarawa reserve (no photography or stopping allowed).
Drive to Baratang (100 km)(3 hours)
Convoy system through Jarawa Tribal Reserve — vehicles move in groups at fixed times (6 AM and 9 AM). Do NOT photograph or interact with Jarawa people. It's illegal and harmful
Speedboat to Limestone Caves(30 minutes)
INR 1,000-1,500 per boat (shared). Through mangrove creeks
Limestone Caves exploration(1 hour)
Impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Headlamp provided. Short walk through forest
Mud Volcano(30 minutes)
Small naturally occurring mud volcanoes — unique geological feature
Rest & Last Shopping
Final rest day. Shopping and farewell dinner.
Aberdeen Bazaar shopping(1.5 hours)
Shell jewelry (farmed, not wild), coconut crafts, Nicobar cane baskets
Farewell dinner at Amaya, Corbyn's Cove(2 hours)
Beachside seafood with sunset
Departure Day
Final morning. Transfer to airport.
21-Day Andaman Islands Itinerary
Arrival in Port Blair
Fly into IXZ. Free RAP for foreigners on arrival.
Ross Island & North Bay
British ruins and snorkeling.
Transfer to Havelock
Catamaran and Radhanagar sunset.
Scuba Diving
Discovery or certified dive.
Rest Day
Beach rest on Havelock.
Elephant Beach & Kayaking
Snorkeling and mangrove kayaking.
PADI Course Day 1
Start PADI Open Water certification — pool skills and theory.
PADI Open Water Day 1(6 hours)
Pool confined water session and classroom. INR 25,000-35,000 for full 3-day course. Dive India or Barefoot Scuba
PADI Course Day 2
Open water dives 1 and 2.
PADI Open Water dives 1-2(5 hours)
First real ocean dives to 12m. Coral walls, reef fish, and the thrill of breathing underwater
PADI Course Day 3
Open water dives 3 and 4. Certification complete!
PADI Open Water dives 3-4(5 hours)
Dives to 18m. You're now a certified diver! Card issued within 48 hours
Rest Day
Recovery after 3 days of diving.
Transfer to Neil Island
Move to quieter Neil for slow island life.
Neil Island Full Day
Cycle the island, snorkel, and enjoy silence.
Neil Rest & Return
Morning on Neil, afternoon ferry back to Port Blair.
Baratang Day Trip
Limestone caves and mud volcanoes through the Jarawa reserve.
Convoy to Baratang(3 hours)
Do NOT photograph Jarawa people. Illegal and harmful
Rest Day
Recovery in Port Blair.
Overnight to Long Island
Ferry to Long Island for the most unspoiled beach experience in the Andamans. Stay 2 nights.
Government ferry to Long Island(4 hours)
From Phoenix Bay. INR 200-400. Departs early morning. Less touristy island
Check into Blue Planet guesthouse(30 minutes)
Limited options. INR 800-1,500/night. Basic but clean. Arrange through travel agent in Port Blair
Lalaji Bay Beach trek(2 hours)
1.5 km forest trek to one of Andaman's most pristine beaches. White sand, turquoise water, zero people. Carry water and snacks — no facilities
Long Island Slow Day
Snorkeling, village walks, and total disconnection. Limited phone network — embrace it.
Snorkeling at Merk Bay(2 hours)
Boat ride to Merk Bay. Pristine coral. Arrange through guesthouse (INR 500-1,000)
Village walk(1.5 hours)
Walk through the small settlement — a fishing village with a school, temple, and zero commercialization
Afternoon on Lalaji Bay(3 hours)
Return to the pristine beach. Bring a book. You may be completely alone
Return to Port Blair
Morning ferry back.
Samudrika Naval Marine Museum(1.5 hours)
Naval museum with coral displays, marine life, and Andaman history. INR 50
Rest Day
Penultimate rest. Shopping and relaxation.
Aberdeen Bazaar shopping(1.5 hours)
Shell jewelry, coconut crafts, cane baskets
Farewell Andaman
Final day. Chidiya Tapu sunset and farewell dinner.
Chidiya Tapu (Bird Island)(3 hours)
25 km south of Port Blair. Biological park and the best sunset point in Port Blair. Mangrove boardwalk. Free entry to the area, park INR 30
Departure Day
Final morning. Transfer to airport.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Permits for Foreigners
Foreign nationals receive a free 30-day Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on arrival at Port Blair airport (IXZ). Covers Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, and most tourist islands. Some islands like North Sentinel and Nicobar require special permission (and are effectively off-limits). Carry passport at all times — random checks happen on ferries.
transport
Inter-Island Ferries
Government ferries are cheap (INR 400-600) but infrequent and uncomfortable. Private operators Makruzz and Green Ocean offer faster, AC catamarans (INR 1,000-1,800, 1.5 hours Port Blair to Havelock). Book 2-3 days ahead at andamantrunk.com or makruzz.com — they sell out in peak season. Carry seasickness medication.
Getting to Port Blair
Direct flights from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru to Port Blair (IXZ). Flights from Chennai are most frequent and cheapest (2 hours, INR 4,000-8,000 one way). Book early for peak season (Dec-Jan). Ships from Chennai/Kolkata take 3-4 days and are only for the adventurous (INR 2,000-6,000 depending on class).
Budget
Cost Expectations
Andaman is pricier than mainland India due to import costs. Budget stays: INR 1,000-2,000/night. Mid-range: INR 3,000-6,000. Luxury (Barefoot at Havelock, Taj Exotica): INR 15,000-40,000. Meals: INR 200-600 at local restaurants. Fresh seafood is excellent and affordable (fish thali INR 200-350). ATMs exist but often run dry — carry enough cash.
ATM Warning
ATMs on Havelock and Neil run out of cash frequently, especially weekends and holidays. SBI ATM at Havelock is the most reliable. Carry INR 10,000-15,000 in cash when leaving Port Blair. Most hotels accept UPI/cards but many dive shops, restaurants, and boat operators are cash-only.
Safety
Sea Safety
Always swim at beaches with lifeguards. Radhanagar has rip currents — stay within flagged areas. Box jellyfish are present Nov-May; wear a rash guard. Never touch coral while snorkeling — it's alive and protected. Sunburn is severe at equatorial latitude — SPF 50+ is essential. Stay hydrated.
Local Customs
Environmental Rules
Andaman's coral reefs are protected. No collecting shells, coral, or sand (punishable by fine). No plastic bags on beaches. Don't use sunscreen with oxybenzone — it kills coral (use reef-safe brands). No drone flying without permission. The indigenous Sentinelese people must never be contacted — approaching North Sentinel Island is illegal and dangerous.
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