Imagine striding barefoot across smooth, silky sand, sea in the face, and the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean receding into the distance ahead. Welcome to the Andaman Islands which is a tropical island archipelago plunged in the very center of the Bay of Bengal. Whatever honeymoon, family break, or personal soul-travel experience you seek, this place offers it all. But in order to get the most, you will have to organize it.

And so we are here with the definitive holiday Andaman travel guide —a step-by-step travel guide that guides you through everything you must see, do, and experience, starting from when to go, where to go, where to stay, what to pack, and insider tips to get it perfect. So let us begin and make your holiday in Andaman Island so incredibly unforgettable.

Why Visit Andaman for Your Holiday

Andaman Islands are India's Maldives without the touristy mayhem. With silky white beaches, crystal waters, rainforests, and live coral reefs, this island paradise is a serene retreat in nature. It's where time stands still, sunset is magical, and every nook and corner is a history of sea glory and colonial past.

Some of the best things about a visit to the Andaman are:

• Lying around Radhanagar Beach (Asia's best beach)

• Scuba diving in Havelock Island

• Snorkelling at the coral gardens of Neil Island

• Cellular Jail visit to get an experience of history

• Green wooded interior trekking

• Night bioluminescence observation

Best Time to Visit Andaman: When the Islands Really Glow

Your holiday in the Andaman is greatly dependent on when you travel.

Peak Season (October to May)

• Best for water sports, island-hopping, and sightseeing.

• Hot and sunny weather, with temperatures varying between 23°C and 31°C.

• Sea conditions being calm are reassuring for boat trips and ferry cruises.

Monsoon (June to September)

• Off-season, but green and non-touristy.

• Stormy and rainy seas will limit water sports.

• Good for budget tourists and monsoon romanticists.

For the best blend of good weather and fewer crowds, October to early December is ideal.

How to Reach the Andaman Islands: Step-by-Step Travel Guide

You can reach the Andaman Islands individually by plane or ship.

By Air (Most Popular)

• There is just one commercial airport, and that is Veer Savarkar International Airport.

• Direct flight services from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai.

• Flight time differs: 2 hours from Chennai, 2.5 hours from Kolkata, 4+ hours from Mumbai or Delhi.

By Sea (Less Popular)

• Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair passenger ships.

• 3–4 days.

• Not very time-efficient but suitable for adventure seekers.

Tip: Reserve the lowest and most economical class at least 2-3 months ahead.

Island-Hopping on Ferries, Boats & Bicycles

Once you arrive at Port Blair, you will have to rely on government and private ferry combinations to take you across islands such as Havelock, Neil, and Ross.

Ferry Choices:

• Private Ferries: Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic (faster, more luxurious)

• Government Ferries: Lower cost, but lower frequency

For intra-island movement within your island:

• Rent scooters or cycles

• Travel on auto-rickshaws or taxis

• Pick-up services are organized by certain hotels

Where to Stay in Andaman: Beachfront Bliss or Budget Boutiques

The islands offer a range of luxury beach resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget homestays.

Top Places to Stay:

Port Blair

• Luxury: SeaShell Port Blair, Fortune Resort Bay Island

• Mid-range: J Hotel, Sinclairs Bayview

• Budget: Hotel Mainak, Andaman Residency

Havelock Island

• Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Barefoot at Havelock

• Mid-range: Symphony Palms, Coral Reef Resort

• Budget: Blue Bird Resort, Gold India Beach Resort

Neil Island

• Luxury: Summer Sands Beach Resort

• Mid-range: Sea Shell Neil, TSG Aura

• Budget: Coconhuts Beach Resort

Book your hotels in advance, especially during peak season.

Places You Can't Miss: Must-Visit Places in Andaman

Your Andaman travel guide will never be complete without a list of jaw-dropping places.

1. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

• Happy about: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, scuba diving, snorkeling

• Why go: The gem of the Andamans with beautiful coastlines and coral reefs.

2. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Top attractions: Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge

• Why visit: Peaceful, offbeat, and ideal to unwind crowd-free.

3. Port Blair

• Top attractions: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Corbyn's Cove

• Why visit: The Islands' gateway, history, and local shopping.

4. Baratang Island

• Top attractions: Limestone caves, mud volcanoes, Jarawa tribal reserve

• Why visit: A rough, unpolished section of the islands, well worth a day-long guided trip.

5. North Bay Island

• Top attractions: Sea walking, coral spotting

• Why visit: Great for non-swimmers looking to observe marine life as well.

What to Bring to Andaman: Essentials List

What your Andaman packing list should include is as follows:

• Light cotton clothing, swimwear, flip flops

• Sunscreen, sunhats, sunglasses

• Waterproof phone case, power bank

• Snorkelling equipment (optional but useful)

• Medications (motion sickness tablets for the ferry journeys)

• Govt. ID cards (you will need these for hotel check-in and permissions)

Pro Tip: Avoid plastic bags. Andaman is an eco-sensitive zone, and plastic usage is restricted.

What to Eat in Andaman: Island Flavors You’ll Love

The cuisine here is a mix of Indian, Bengali, Tamil, and seafood specialties. Don’t leave without trying:

• Grilled lobster and prawns

• Fish curry with coconut

• Coconut prawns

• Rice with island-style dal and papad

• Fresh coconut water and tropical fruits

Popular Restaurants:

• Annapurna (Port Blair): Best for vegetarians

• Full Moon Café (Havelock): Continental and seafood

• Fat Martin (Havelock): Thinly priced and quirky

• SeaShell (Neil Island): Wonderful seafood and picturesque views

What to Do: Thrill to Chill

Water Activities:

• Scuba Diving (particularly in Havelock & Neil)

• Snorkeling

• Sea Walking (North Bay)

• Jet Skiing, Banana Ride (Port Blair)

Sightseeing:

• Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show

• Sunset at Chidiya Tapu

• Limestone Caves in Baratang

• Island Hopping Cruises

Offbeat Activities:

• Trek to Elephant Beach

• Mangrove kayaking in Mayabunder

• Bioluminescent night kayaking (seasonal)

Permits and Rules: What You Need to Know

• Indian nationals do not need a permit to travel to most islands.

• Foreigners must have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which can be obtained on arrival at Port Blair airport or from Indian missions.

• Tribal regions such as the Nicobar Islands are off-limits to all visitors.

Avoid:

• Removing coral, shells, or sea animals

• Polluting the beach or forest paths

• Operating drones without authorization

Sample Itinerary: 6-Day Andaman Getaway Plan

Below is a sample plan to assist plan your holiday:

Day 1: Arrival at Port Blair

• Check-in, Corbyn's Cove visit

• Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show

Day 2: Havelock Island

• Havelock ferry

• Sunset at Radhanagar Beach

Day 3: Adventure Day

• Scuba dive or snorkel at Elephant Beach

• Relax at Kalapathar Beach

Day 4: Neil Island

• Neil ferry

• Visit Natural Bridge & Laxmanpur Beach

Day 5: Return to Port Blair

Evening shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar

Day 6: Departure

Budgeting Your Andaman Trip: What It Might Cost

For 5-6 days per person (excluding flights):

• Budget Travel: ?15,000–?20,000

• Mid-Range: ?25,000–?35,000

• Luxury: ?50,000+

Price depends on season, hotel, ferry class, and activities. Booking combo packages with reliable tour operators saves you money and planning hassle.

Last Pro Tips: Make Your Andaman Getaway Stress-Free & Smooth

1. Book hotels & ferries in advance—they get booked quickly.

2. Take cash—there are not many ATMs on small islands.

3. Keep yourself updated on ferry timings—weather may alter routes.

4. Be respectful of local customs and nature—it's an eco-sensitive paradise.

5. Avoid traveling by night between islands—ferries only operate during daylight.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Escape Awaits

With its blend of nature, adventure, history, and tropical charm, the Andaman Islands are truly one of India’s most spectacular hidden gems. Planning your trip well is the key to unlocking everything this paradise has to offer. Use this Andaman travel guide as your blueprint, and you’ll be all set for a hassle-free, picture-perfect island vacation.

Now pack your bag, make your playlist, and be ready to hunt sunsets over the Andaman skyline. Your holiday is on the doorstep. a flight away!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can we skip Neil Island?

Most tourists think of starting their tour in Port Blair, going first to Havelock and then Neil, and then to Port Blair again, but we request you to travel in the opposite direction, no difference in the trip but you will be able to skip huge crowds of tourists.

Which is the cheapest month to visit Andaman?

You'll find the maximum discounts between May to September, as it's off season. You might be wondering now why anybody would visit Andaman at this time. Discounts of up to half price will be offered on hotels, activities, and flight tickets in June and July. Ferry prices will remain the same.

How much money is required to visit Andaman?

Andaman Tour package cost What to expect? The tour package cost of your Andaman for two individuals might vary from a low of Rs 10000 per person up to a maximum of Rs 50000 per person.

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