The Andaman Islands are India’s most breathtaking tropical escape — a place where turquoise waters meet powder-white beaches, dense rainforests hide colonial history, and coral reefs glow beneath crystal-clear seas.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family vacation, backpacking trip, or luxury island escape, this comprehensive Andaman travel guide covers everything you need.
📑 Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Andaman Islands
- Where Are the Andaman Islands?
- Best Time to Visit Andaman
- How to Reach Andaman
- Top Places to Visit in Andaman
- Port Blair
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
- Baratang Island
- North Andaman
- Best Beaches in Andaman
- Things to Do in Andaman
- Suggested Andaman Itineraries (3–7 Days)
- Budget Guide & Trip Cost
- Where to Stay in Andaman
- Local Food & Cuisine
- Travel Tips & Essential Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Introduction to the Andaman Islands
Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are an archipelago of over 500 islands, though only a few are open to tourists. Known for coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and colonial history, the islands offer a unique blend of nature and heritage.
From snorkeling at Elephant Beach to witnessing history at Cellular Jail, Andaman is both relaxing and enriching.
2. Where Are the Andaman Islands?
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India, situated closer to Southeast Asia than mainland India. Port Blair is the capital and main entry point.
The islands lie about:
- 1,200 km from Kolkata
- 1,300 km from Chennai
3. Best Time to Visit Andaman
October to May is the best time to visit.
| Season | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Feb | Pleasant, cool | Best time |
| Mar–May | Warm, ideal for water sports | Good |
| Jun–Sep | Monsoon, rough sea | Avoid |
For calm waters and clear diving visibility, visit between December and April.
4. How to Reach Andaman
✈ By Air (Fastest & Recommended)
Direct flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport) from:
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Bengaluru
Flight duration: 2–4 hours.
🚢 By Ship
Passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata & Visakhapatnam (takes 3–4 days). Not recommended for short trips.
5. Top Places to Visit in Andaman
📍 Port Blair
- Cellular Jail & Light & Sound Show
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Samudrika Marine Museum
- Chidiya Tapu
Port Blair is ideal for history lovers and first-time visitors.
📍 Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
The most popular island in Andaman.
- Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s top-rated beach)
- Elephant Beach (Snorkeling hotspot)
- Kalapathar Beach
- Scuba diving sites
Best for honeymooners and adventure lovers.
📍 Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Smaller, quieter, more relaxed.
- Bharatpur Beach
- Laxmanpur Beach (Sunset)
- Natural Bridge
Perfect for slow travel and photography.
📍 Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)
Once the British administrative headquarters, now ruins covered in tree roots — often compared to a mini “Angkor Wat vibe”.
📍 Baratang Island
- Limestone Caves
- Mud Volcano
- Mangrove boat ride
A unique geological experience.
📍 North Andaman (Offbeat)
- Diglipur
- Ross & Smith Twin Islands
- Saddle Peak (Highest point in Andaman)
Less crowded, more raw nature.
6. Best Beaches in Andaman
- Radhanagar Beach – Iconic sunset views
- Elephant Beach – Coral reefs
- Kalapathar Beach – Scenic coastline
- Bharatpur Beach – Water sports
- Laxmanpur Beach – Natural rock formations
7. Things to Do in Andaman
🤿 Scuba Diving
Havelock & Neil offer beginner-friendly dive spots.
🐠 Snorkeling
Elephant Beach & North Bay Island.
🚤 Sea Walking
Available near North Bay.
🛶 Kayaking in Mangroves
Popular in Havelock at sunrise.
🏝 Island Hopping
Explore multiple islands via ferry.
8. Suggested Andaman Itineraries
3 Days
- Day 1: Port Blair
- Day 2: Havelock
- Day 3: Return
5 Days (Most Popular)
- Day 1: Port Blair
- Day 2–3: Havelock
- Day 4: Neil Island
- Day 5: Return
7 Days (Relaxed)
Add Baratang or North Andaman.
9. Budget Guide & Trip Cost
Approximate per person cost (5 days):
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹18,000–25,000 | ₹30,000–45,000 | ₹60,000+ |
Major expenses:
- Flights (biggest cost)
- Inter-island ferry
- Water sports
10. Where to Stay
Budget
Guesthouses in Port Blair & Neil Island.
Mid-Range
Beach resorts in Havelock.
Luxury
Private beach resorts at Radhanagar.
Book early during peak season (Dec–Jan).
11. Local Food & Cuisine
- Fresh seafood (fish curry, prawns, crab)
- Coconut-based curries
- Bengali & South Indian influence
- Try grilled lobster in Havelock
Vegetarian food is available but limited on smaller islands.
12. Travel Tips & Essential Information
- Carry government ID (mandatory for ferries)
- BSNL & Airtel have best network coverage
- ATMs limited on small islands
- Plastic restrictions apply
- Foreign nationals need Restricted Area Permit (usually issued on arrival)
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andaman safe for tourists?
Yes, very safe including for solo travelers.
Do I need a passport?
No (for Indian citizens).
How many days are enough?
5–6 days is ideal.
Is Andaman expensive?
Flights make it moderately expensive.
