Andaman Travel Guide 2026: Complete Trip Planner for Indians

Overview

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical paradise located in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 1,400 km from the Indian mainland. This union territory comprises over 570 islands, with only a handful open to tourists. Port Blair serves as the capital and main gateway, while islands like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) have become increasingly popular for their stunning beaches, coral reefs, and water sports. The islands blend natural beauty with colonial history, indigenous tribal culture, and modern resort facilities, making them an ideal destination for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and families alike.

Why Visit Andaman

Andaman offers experiences unlike anywhere else in India. Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island consistently ranks among Asia's best beaches, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The islands boast some of India's best scuba diving and snorkeling sites, with visibility reaching up to 40 meters and diverse marine life including manta rays, turtles, and colorful coral gardens. History buffs can explore the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, a poignant reminder of India's freedom struggle. The islands also offer kayaking through mangrove forests, trekking through tropical rainforests, and experiencing the unique blend of Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu cultures. Unlike crowded mainland beach destinations, Andaman retains an untouched, remote feel while offering comfortable accommodations and good connectivity.

Best Time to Visit Andaman

The ideal time to visit Andaman is between October and May when the weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall. December to February offers the coolest temperatures (20-30°C) and is perfect for water sports and beach activities, though this is peak tourist season with higher prices. March to May brings warmer weather (24-37°C) but remains suitable for diving and snorkeling with excellent underwater visibility. The monsoon season from June to September sees heavy rainfall, rough seas, and many water activities are suspended, though accommodation prices drop significantly. November and early December offer a sweet spot with good weather, lower crowds, and reasonable prices. For budget travelers, visiting in early October or late May can provide good deals while still enjoying decent weather.

Getting There from India

Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to major Indian cities. Direct flights from Delhi take approximately 5 hours and cost between INR 8,000 to INR 20,000 for economy class depending on the season and how far in advance you book. From Mumbai, direct flights take about 4.5 hours with fares ranging from INR 7,500 to INR 18,000. Bangalore offers the most frequent connections with flight times of 2.5 hours and prices from INR 5,500 to INR 15,000. Chennai and Kolkata also have regular direct flights, often at lower prices (INR 4,500 to INR 12,000). Airlines operating these routes include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically yields the best fares. There are no passenger ship services currently operating regularly from the mainland, though cargo ships occasionally take passengers on a multi-day journey.

Getting Around

In Port Blair, auto-rickshaws charge INR 20-30 for short trips, while taxis cost INR 300-500 for half-day rentals. Government buses connect major points but are infrequent. To reach Havelock and Neil Islands, government ferries run daily from Port Blair, with economy tickets costing INR 500-800 and premium air-conditioned services at INR 1,500-2,000. Private operators like Makruzz and Green Ocean offer faster, more comfortable cruises at INR 1,500-2,500 per person. On Havelock and Neil Islands, rented scooters (INR 500-700 per day) are the most popular way to get around. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available but limited. Many resorts offer bicycle rentals at INR 200-300 per day. For day trips and island hopping, booking tours through operators in Port Blair or your hotel is most convenient.

Top Things to Do in Andaman

Scuba Diving at Havelock Island

Havelock offers some of India's best diving sites. Dive India (PADI certified) charges INR 4,500 for a discover scuba dive and INR 28,000 for a full Open Water certification course. Popular dive sites include Lighthouse, Aquarium, and Dixon Pinnacle, where you can spot reef sharks, rays, and turtles.

Visit Radhanagar Beach

Beach No. 7 on Havelock Island needs no entry fee and offers stunning sunsets, calm waters for swimming, and beachside shacks. Reach early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The 2 km stretch of pristine white sand is perfect for long walks.

Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show

This historical prison in Port Blair tells the story of India's freedom fighters. Entry costs INR 50 for the jail visit during the day and INR 250 for the evening light and sound show in Hindi (INR 300 for English). The show runs at 6:15 PM in English and 7:15 PM in Hindi.

Snorkeling at Elephant Beach

Accessible via a 20-minute boat ride (INR 1,000 return) or 45-minute trek from Havelock, Elephant Beach offers excellent snorkeling. Equipment rental costs INR 500-700, and you can see vibrant coral reefs just meters from the shore. Tour packages including transport and equipment range from INR 1,500 to INR 2,500.

Sea Walking at North Bay

Experience walking underwater without diving certification. North Bay Island near Port Blair offers sea walking experiences at INR 3,500-4,000 per person for 20-30 minutes. The same location offers glass-bottom boat rides (INR 500) and snorkeling (INR 1,000).

Ross Island and North Bay Day Trip

Former British administrative headquarters, Ross Island features colonial ruins overtaken by nature. Entry is INR 30 plus INR 100 boat fare. Combined tours with North Bay Island cost INR 1,200-1,500 including transport and basic water activities.

Kayaking Through Mangroves

Mayabunder and Havelock offer kayaking tours through mangrove creeks. Half-day guided tours cost INR 2,500-3,500 per person and offer chances to spot birds, crabs, and mudskippers in their natural habitat.

Neil Island Beach Hopping

The smaller, quieter Neil Island offers Bharatpur Beach (excellent snorkeling), Laxmanpur Beach (stunning sunsets), and Natural Bridge (rock formation). Rent a scooter for INR 500 per day and explore all three beaches at your own pace.

Baratang Island Limestone Caves

A full-day trip from Port Blair (INR 2,500-3,500 for organized tours) takes you through the Jarawa Reserve, then by boat through mangroves to fascinating limestone caves. Start early as convoys through tribal areas have fixed timings.

Chidiya Tapu Sunset Point

Located 30 km from Port Blair, this spot offers spectacular sunsets and is great for bird watching. Entry is INR 50 and the beach is less crowded than others. Taxis charge around INR 1,500 for a return trip.

Where to Stay

Budget Options

In Port Blair, Hotel Shompen (INR 1,200-1,800 per night) offers clean rooms near Aberdeen Bazaar. On Havelock, Dolphin Resort (INR 1,500-2,500) provides basic but comfortable bamboo cottages near Beach No. 5. Neil Island has Coco N Huts (INR 1,000-1,800) offering budget beach huts with attached bathrooms.

Mid-Range Picks

Havelock Island Beach Resort (INR 4,500-7,000) on Havelock offers air-conditioned cottages, a pool, and beach access. TSG Aura in Port Blair (INR 3,500-5,500) provides modern amenities and excellent service near the city center. SeaShell Resort on Neil Island (INR 3,000-5,000) features comfortable rooms with garden or sea views.

Luxury Choices

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa on Havelock (INR 25,000-45,000) offers overwater villas, a world-class spa, and private beach access. Symphony Palms Beach Resort (INR 12,000-20,000) provides upscale cottages with modern amenities on Havelock. Silver Sand Beach Resort (INR 8,000-15,000) in Havelock features premium cottages, a beachfront restaurant, and dive center.

Food and Drink

Seafood dominates Andaman cuisine, with fresh catches prepared in Bengali, South Indian, and local styles. In Port Blair, try Icy Spicy for excellent fish curries (INR 300-500 per meal) or Annapurna Cafeteria for South Indian vegetarian fare (INR 150-250). On Havelock, Full Moon Cafe offers wood-fired pizzas and seafood (INR 400-800), while Anju Coco Resto serves authentic local fish preparations (INR 350-600). Fresh coconuts cost INR 30-40, and you will find tender coconut vendors everywhere. Do not miss grilled lobster (INR 800-1,200 depending on size) and fish tikka at beach shacks. Most resorts serve multi-cuisine fare at INR 500-1,000 per meal. Budget travelers can eat at local dhabas for INR 100-200 per meal. Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants and shops, with beer costing INR 150-300 and spirits INR 100-200 per peg.

Day Trips and Excursions

From Port Blair, popular day trips include Ross Island and North Bay (INR 1,200-1,500), Baratang Limestone Caves and Mud Volcano (INR 2,500-3,500), and Chidiya Tapu for bird watching and sunset (INR 1,000-1,500 for transport). From Havelock, consider a day trip to Neil Island via ferry (INR 800 each way plus INR 500-700 for scooter rental). Many operators offer private boat charters for island hopping at INR 8,000-15,000 per boat (accommodating 6-8 people). Cinque Island trips for snorkeling cost INR 5,000-7,000 per person but are worth it for untouched reefs. Fishing trips can be arranged for INR 3,000-5,000 for half-day excursions. Always book through reputable operators and check weather conditions before heading out.

Practical Information

Documents and Permits

Indian citizens do not require any special permits to visit Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Islands. However, to visit certain areas like Baratang, foreign nationals need permits (Indians do not). Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar card, passport, or driving license) as it may be checked at ferries and hotels. For inter-island travel, keep multiple photocopies of your ID.

Money and Costs

The Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used. ATMs are available in Port Blair and limited ones on Havelock and Neil Islands, but often run out of cash during peak season. Carry sufficient cash as many small hotels, restaurants, and shops do not accept cards. A mid-range daily budget would be INR 3,500-5,000 per person including accommodation, meals, local transport, and one activity. Budget travelers can manage in INR 2,000-2,500, while luxury travelers should budget INR 10,000-15,000 or more per day.

Safety and Health

Andaman is very safe for Indian tourists, including solo female travelers. Petty theft is rare but take usual precautions with valuables. The biggest health concern is sun exposure and dehydration, so use high SPF sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Jellyfish can be present during certain months, so check with locals before swimming. Carry basic medications as pharmacies are limited outside Port Blair. Respect tribal reserve boundaries strictly as entry is prohibited and dangerous. Mobile connectivity is available on major islands through BSNL and Airtel, but can be patchy. Emergency services are available in Port Blair and basic medical facilities on Havelock.