A (2024) guide to plan a trip to Andaman (with insider tips)

Hop on to a flight for the crystalline blue waters
Board a boat to reach the mangroves in the back waters
Walk around the isle and enter the ruins if you can
These are just some activities that can be included in your Andaman trip plan. 

Get cracking with these insider tips to plan a trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This travel guide also, includes the best places to visit in Andamans, information on Andaman travel guidelines and permits best time to visit & how to get there. 

With its phenomenal beaches, mesmerizing nature trails, stunning sunsets, and elaborate history, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one place that had me bowled over. Located in the Bay of Bengal, some of the beaches in Andamans like the Radhanagar beach, have made it to various lists of the World’s best beaches. In fact, it is currently, one of the Blue Flag beaches in India. I have been quite vocal in recommending an Andaman trip plan for families, honeymoon couples and even solo trips. I am very confident that it will never disappoint but delight all those who head there.

Plan a trip to Andamans for its beautiful beaches, history and nature
Plan a trip to Andamans for its beautiful beaches, history and nature

Tucked away from the Indian Mainland, this archipelago of islands is still quite unexplored for a lot of reasons – the distance and the accessibility being two key ones. The place is a bit of a laggard in terms of development as compared to the bigger cities of India. However, personally, I feel that is where the charm of this Union Territory of India lies. This also, means that you need to be extra-prepared if you plan to a trip to Andaman.

Here is my travel guide to the Andaman that promises to help you with your trip – right from how to get here to staying, conveyance, restricted area permits (RAP), guidelines and the best time to visit. I have covered the best Andaman islands and how you can shuttle between them. There is a complete section on the best places to visit in Andaman.  In short, these tips are going to be perfect to get your Andaman tour plan going!

So let’s get started with a quick introduction and history of Andamans

Quick links for your Andaman trip

I have shared some useful resources and links in this section of my Andaman and Nicobar travel guide. These will help you do some quick online bookings for your trip to Andamans.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

Contents

Where is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India?

These islands are one of the eight union territories of India and are located in the Bay of Bengal. The group of islands is around 1300 km east of the Indian mainland.

Brief history of Andamans

There is archaeological evidence that these Indian islands have been inhabited for over 2,200 years. In fact, there are studies that trace the original human inhabitation to the current indigenous tribes of Andamans including the Andamanese, Nicobarese, and Shompen. However, there is nothing very significant in terms of historical events known about them.

The strategic location of these islands had made it an important naval point for many Indian rulers like the Chola dynasty. There are mentions of Ma-Nakkavaram or the great naked islands in some of the inscriptions found in Thanjavur. King Rajendra Chola II in fact, used the islands to launch an attack against the Indonesian Srivijaya empire.

British Officers' Homes in ruins on Ross Island, Andamans
British Officers’ Homes in ruins on Ross Island, Andamans

It was finally occupied by the Europeans in 1755 with the Danish East India Company taking it over. The British East India Company later, took over in 1789. They colonized it – first at Chatham Island and later moving it to Port Blair in 1858. This was the place used for the exile of the Indian freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement.

World War II saw a brief change of power when the Japanese took over. Later, the islands were returned to British control in 1945 and finally, transferred to India in 1950. Today, it is one of the eight Union territories of India and also, one of the best-kept secrets for travelers.

Facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

It would not be wrong to say that this Indian archipelago is quite enigmatic. Most travelers to India do not even consider it for a visit and for the ones in India, not much is known. Here are some interesting Andaman and Nicobar Islands information that will help familiarize you with the place. These Andaman facts will also, increase the wanderlust quotient.

Image of Andamans behind the old Indian 20 Rupees note
Image of Andamans behind the old Indian 20 Rupees note
  1. Do you know how many islands are there in Andaman and Nicobar archipelago? Well, there are 571 islands of which only 37 are inhabited by humans. They are broadly classified into North and Middle Andaman islands, South Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Andaman group is separated from the Nicobar group by the Ten Degree Channel.
  2. Andaman and Nicobar islands also, finds a mention in the accounts of Marco Polo. He called the Nicobar as Necuverann while the Tamil rulers called it Nakkavaram.
  3. The names – Andaman and Nicobar are believed to have originated from the Malay language. Andaman is derived from Handuman – the name for Lord Hanuman while Nicobar is said to have come in from Nakkavaram (the Tamil name).
  4. One of the oldest and the most isolated tribes in the world – Sentinelese live on the North Sentinel island. They are not fond of humans and tend to shoot down visitors who attempt to land there. It is believed that there are 300 of them and they have lived here for almost 60,000 years. Definitely not one of those places to visit in Andamans 😉
  5. India’s only active volcano is on Barren Island which is a part of Andamans.
  6. The old Indian Rupee 20 has a picture of the Andaman Islands on it.
  7. Nicobar Islands is the nesting ground for the World’s largest turtles – The Leatherback turtles.
  8. Nicobar Islands also, yields a rare fruit called Pandunus or Nicobar Breadfruit. Not only is the fruit edible but parts of the plant are used for construction, mats and even a bathing brush.
  9. Have you heard of the Coconut crabs? They are the World’s largest crabs and are found in Andamans. These huge creatures are also called as Robber crabs.
  10. Last but not the least – the islands are actually closer to the Sumatra Islands in Indonesia (150 km) than the Indian mainland. They are also closer to Myanmar or Burma, just 180 km.

I bet now, you are raring to go and plan your trip to Andamans. Let’s get on with some practical information on the Andaman and Nicobar tourism to help you with that.

Tips to plan a trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands

What is the best way to reach Andaman?

Let’s begin the main section of this Andaman and Nicobar travel guide with the best way to get to this Union territory of India. Port Blair is the headquartre or capital of this archipelago with its own airport and port. Earlier there were two ways to get to Port Blair – by flight or by ship. However, now the Andaman travel by ship has become almost nil and there is no alternative but to take a flight to the Veer Savarkar airport in Port Blair.

The first glimpse of the islands on my flight to Andamans
The first glimpse of the islands on my flight to Andamans

There are now direct flights from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata to Port Blair. Having said that I must warn you that there are limited flights to Port Blair and the air tickets for the same need to be booked well in advance to beat the last-minute exorbitant rates. Chennai and Kolkata have the maximum flights to Port Blair.

There are not many Andaman and Nicobar flights from Delhi and Mumbai. You might find one weekly direct flight but the rest are all flights with a layover.

To boost Andaman and Nicobar tourism, there are always additional special flights during the peak seasons – October to May. I would recommend keeping a price alert on these flights so that you can grab the best deal on the airfare, especially if there is a sale going on.

What is the best time to visit Andaman Nicobar?

Andaman islands are best visited between October to April
Andaman islands are best visited between October to April

October to February is generally considered the best time to visit Andamans. This is when the weather is cooler and you can enjoy the gentle waves of the beach without any issue. March and April tend to get quite warm but you can still enjoy the islands and its activities without any hitch.

Avoid the Andaman trip after the 2nd week of May right to mid-September. This is when the monsoons begin on the islands. The islands are prone to heavy rain and thunderstorms. You might even have to watch out for cyclones during this month. A lot of inter-island travel becomes limited owing to the stormy sea.

Andaman travel guidelines and permits

During my earlier Andaman trip in 2018, there were certain permits that were required for Andamans – mainly because it was a Union territory and a tribal area. This was largely for Foreign Nationals who required a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). To boost Andaman and Nicobar island tourism, this restriction has now been lifted and all foreigners (except those from Pakistan, Afghanistan and China) can visit Port Blair as well as the other popular Andaman islands freely.

The convoy to the Baratang Island, Andamans
The convoy to Baratang Island, Andamans

There are a few offbeat islands like Baratang Island that require you to travel with a convoy as you travel through tribal areas. There are specific timings for these that I have written about in this post.

 A few others like the Jolly Buoy island have permits as only a certain number of boats are allowed to go at a time. These permits need to taken in advance from the Andaman tourism office at Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair.

How to do Island hopping between the best Andaman islands?

With over 500 islands, you can pretty much expect to do a lot of Island hopping. I would categorize this activity into two buckets – the first are the Islands where you stay and the second are islands that you visit as a day trip.

In this section of the Andaman and Nicobar travel guide, I will be sharing tips on how to reach these Andaman tourist places.

Best stay islands to be included in your Andamans trip plan

Port Blair is the headquarters and the main island that you will land in when you visit Andamans. Consider this as your home base. It is from here that you will be visiting all the other islands on this list.

The two islands besides Port Blair that you should consider staying in are Havelock Island (now called Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (presently called Shaheed Dweep). These islands can only be accessed via a ferry from Port Blair. The ferries or liners are run by Government as well as Private operators. Earlier when I had visited, one could not pre-book the government ferries. You would need to go to Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair to stand in the queues before the departure.

Ferry Cruise to Havelock from Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair
Ferry Cruise to Havelock from Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair

However, this has changed in the recent years and you can book these Ferries online through this link. The price for the same is around 600 – 850 per seat for a ticket to Swaraj Dweep from Port Blair. The above website has the fares for all the other destinations. Government ferries are usually used by the locals and have limited tourist seats.

There are three main private operators for inter-island ferries – Makruzz, Nautica and Green Ocean. Of these, Makruzz is the most recommended. I used it to travel to Swaraj Dweep island when I visited Andamans.

Very comfortable seating and easy to book as you can do so online through here. It is advisable to book the seats as soon as it opens as the same gets filled very fast. Typically the booking opens two weeks before your scheduled date of departure. Alternately get your hotel in Havelock or Port Blair to help you with the booking.

There are very limited timings and cruises available to these islands – typically just four a day.

Andaman tour plan for the day trip islands  

There are many islands around Port Blair that you can visit as a day trip. All you have to do is head to Aberdeen jetty to pick an operator and book instantly. Most hotels help you with the booking as well, so that you do not have to waste too much time.

Catch a boat or ferry to Ross Island from Port Blair
Catch a boat or ferry to Ross Island from Port Blair

The boat operators typically offer you packages that include two – three islands and you can book at your convenience. There are group boats where you travel with other people as well as private boat hires. Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy etc are some places to visit in Andamans as a day trip.

One thing to note is that some islands like Jolly Buoy Island need a special permit. Only a limited number of people can go at a time to these islands. You will need to get this permit in advance from the Tourism Department counters at Aberdeen Jetty.

Where to stay in the Andamans? (Hotels in Andamans)

As mentioned earlier, the three main islands in Andamans that I recommend for a stay are  – Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island.

Port Blair has plenty of options in all possible budgets for you to pick from. Being a small town, you can pick your stay anywhere here and you are likely to find the key attractions close to your hotel. I personally, picked Hotel Western Park at Delanipur Junction and found it quite convenient. Middle Point is another area close to this one that I found interesting – not too crowded but had enough shops and restaurants to keep you comfortable.

Wild Orchid resort in Havelock
Wild Orchid resort in Havelock

Havelock and Neil Island, on the other hand, have limited stay options. Given that, they are naturally more expensive than the hotels in Port Blair. In fact, budget the cost of the stay on these islands into your Andaman trip cost.

I highly recommend booking these hotels in advance. Both – Havelock and Neil are small islands and most of the accommodation is by the beaches. You can stay on any of these beaches as they are all just amazing! On my trip, I stayed on the Vijaynagar beach in Wild Orchid Resort – a cute, small property with lovely wooden cottages and very comfortable beds. A luxury stay here as well as on Neil Island is the Barefoot resort. On Havelock, this island is on the famed Radhanagar beach.

You can book most of these hotels online when you plan your trip to Andamans. One tip that I recommend is that once you have booked your hotel, call them up and reconfirm your booking.

How to go around on the islands in Andaman? (Conveyance and transport)

Hire bikes to go around the islands - one of the tips in my travel guide to Andaman
Hire bikes to go around the islands – one of the tips in my travel guide to Andaman

Port Blair has plenty of options for your internal travel – hiring a 2-wheeler, cabs and auto rickshaws. A lot of travel companies attach themselves to you from the time you arrive. For travel within Port Blair, you can just use auto-rickshaws. You might plan on visiting places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands that are a little far off from Port Blair but manageable by road . Chidiya Tapu and Baratang Island are some examples. For these, it is best to hire a cab.

In Havelock Islands, there are no auto rickshaws and cabs on call. You have to rely on your hotel to help you with one. Alternatively, you can do what we did. We took the number of the cabbie who we found at the jetty when we reached Havelock. Whenever we required him, we would just call him. For the rest of the time, we hired a 2 wheeler and rode around ourselves. This really works well if you are attempting to plan a budget trip to Andaman.

Neil Island is even smaller than Havelock Islands and you do not really need a vehicle to move around.

What to eat in Andamans?

Coco Anju - my favorite multi-cuisine restaurant in Havelock, Andamans
Coco Anju – my favorite multi-cuisine restaurant in Havelock, Andamans

You get a good mix of Bengali and South Indian cuisines in Andaman. At Havelock and Port Blair, you have plenty of continental food options too. If you are a foodie, you will absolutely love the choice of shacks and restaurants at Havelock. From Chinese to continental and Indian, they sure know how to reach your heart through your stomach. Two of my favorite places here are Anju-Coco Resto and Something Different.

Neil Island, on the other hand, has a limited choice of restaurants. You might just have to rely on the food provided in the hotel that you have booked.

Mobile connectivity and Wi- Fi – an essential tip in the travel guide to Andaman.

Back in 2018, there was a very limited Wi-Fi or cellular data service. Some places in Andaman like the Baratang Island and Havelock Island were almost no-signal zones. Airtel worked the best there. Even with that, I had to keep roaming around to get that one blip of signals. Booking hotels back then was also, difficult owing to this issue. Of course, the signal free zone had its perks too – like a distraction free holiday.

Limited connectivity in Andamans
                                                                                     

However, things changed after PM Modi visited Andaman and Nicobar islands. Within months, cables were laid underwater from Chennai and today, you have 4G and in some cases, 5G connectivity on the key Andaman islands. Again, Airtel and BSNL work the best. Jio still has an issue and it is best not to rely on it.

Paying for various activities in Andamans

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There are plenty of ATMs available in Port Blair and Havelock. Neil Island too, has one or two of them. However, it is best to carry some cash from the start as during my visit, I found a lot of ATMs out of cash in Havelock.

With good mobile connectivity, these days UPI apps like Google Pay and PayTM also, work well. You can use these payment modes during your trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Best Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Now this can be a long long list but here are the ones that I highly recommend that you should include in your Andaman tour plan. I have also, written separate and detailed posts on a few of these Andaman tourist attractions, the links of which are included in the respective sections.

Port Blair

Cellular Jail in Port Blair - one of the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Cellular Jail in Port Blair – one of the places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

As I mentioned earlier, Port Blair going to be your base in Andaman and Nicobar island. Here are some of the key places that you must visit when in the city.

  • The Cellular Jail in Port Blair – for its melancholic history and really unusual architecture. The stories within the walls can really chill you but also, interest and excite you. I also, recommend going in for their light and sound show. You can check this place out in detail through this post.
  • Corbyn’s Cove – a beach on the capital island where you can indulge in water sports – including parasailing and jet-skiing. However, I recommend this only if you are not heading to Havelock Island
  • Samundrika Museum – I am yet to write about this one but it is a small stop that helps you discover the cultural and biodiversity of these islands. It is managed by the Navy.
  • Anthropology Museum – Andamans is native to a lot of tribals and discovering their lifestyle is quite enlightening. No pictures were allowed here and hence, describing it all might be difficult. With mock tribal huts, exhibits of their food vessels, their tools and clothes and explanations of their festivities, I found time short for this museum

Chidiya Tapu

Chidiya Tapu - the best places for sunsets on Andamans in India
Chidiya Tapu – the best places for sunsets on Andamans in India

This is a day trip from Port Blair. At a distance of 30 km. Chidiya Tapu is the place to experience the best sunsets in Andaman. For bird watchers, the island is a paradise with tons of migratory and native birds. The native birds include rare species of woodpeckers, Andaman green pigeons and woodswallows. There are tons of hiking trails and picnic spots  – in short, a perfect day trip with nature.

Ross Island or Subhash Chandra Bose Island

The deer on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island
The deer on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island

Ross Island is an island that leaves you wanting for more. With its overgrown root structures, old dilapidated buildings, green pastures and herds of friendly deer, you will find that time is not enough.  The island was initially used by the British as a residential base, which they later shifted to Port Blair. It is one of those Andaman islands that has to be done as a day trip from Port Blair. Check out how I became Lara Croft here.

North Bay island

The North Bay island is one of those Andaman tourist places that comes in combination with a visit to Ross Island. You can get to this island via the Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair. The place is famous for water sports and you can even do scuba diving here.

Chatham Mills

Another one of those day trips from Port Blair where you can visit an ancient mill with history that leads back to World War II and the British.. This is where the first settlement of the British started with Archibald Blair. The Chatham Saw Mills is the oldest and possibly, the largest saw mill in Asia.

Note however, you can only visit it between 8.00 AM to 2.30 PM on all days except for Mondays and Thursdays.

Jolly Buoy Island

Remember – this is one island that has limited number of permits for boats. You can visit it from Wandoor Beach after you have got a permit from the tourism office. Personally, I feel it is one of the best Andaman islands with its unspoiled nature, crystal-clear water and colorful reefs.

Baratang Island

Limestone caves on Baratang Island
Limestone caves on Baratang Island

Baratang Island is one of those places that requires you to enjoy its unusual journey. I absolutely adored it – for its limestone caves, the mangrove forests and the whole experience of going in a convoy to reach the islands. You can also visit the bubbling mud volcano on this island. It is another day trip that needs to taken from Port Blair. It can be booked online through this link.

Ross and Smith Islands in North Andamans

The approach to this group of two islands was a little difficult in the past. However, now a new bridge and road is being built. The waters around these two islands are perfect for snorkeling – in fact a delight with the lovely coral world. What makes this visit unique is that if you reach here during low tides, you can actually cross over from one island to the other by wading in water.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Kalapathar Beach, Havelock Islands, Andamans
Kalapathar Beach, Havelock Islands, Andamans

You cannot plan a trip to Andaman without including Havelock Island. The place was my little heaven with its crystal blue water and unspoiled beaches. If there is a place that I want to retire to right now, Havelock it will be. This is where you need to spend at least 2 – 3 nights.

Scuba Diving from Govindnagar Beach at Havelock Island
Scuba Diving from Govindnagar Beach at Havelock Island

Not only is it perfect for families but it is one of those recommended places to visit in Andaman for a honeymoon. It is home to one of India’s Blue Flag beaches – Radhanagar Beach. This island is the best place to do scuba diving in Andamans. In fact, you can even do a PADI course during your three-day stay in Havelock island. Read more about this gorgeous island in this post.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island - one of the places to visit in Andamans for honeymoon
Neil Island – one of the places to visit in Andamans for honeymoon Image Credits: Pixabay

You cannot plan a honeymoon trip to Andaman without including Neil Island. It is another piece of Paradise where you can stay and engage in some water sports. The secluded air and the divine landscape of blue waters with artistic rocks adds that aura of serenity to the whole Andaman trip.

Water sports in Andamans

Water Sports in Andamns
Water Sports in Andamans

Andamans offers you plenty of options for water sports. It is best known for scuba diving – which I highly recommend that you include in your Andaman trip plan. You can even enjoy a half-submarine ride or do a sea walk. They have even got the self-ride seakart activity that I have so far experienced only in Mauritius (and I loved it!)

Snorkeling, jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing are available in plenty. Remember to engage with certified PADI instructors for Scuba Diving. The best options are available at Havelock. There are plenty of dive schools here, one almost every 100 m. On my last visit, the shore dives started at INR 2500 and the boat dives started at INR 3500.

Posing for a picture with my hubby on my first scuba dive at Havelock Island
Posing for a picture with my hubby on my first scuba dive at Havelock Island

All these activities can be arranged by your hotels or you can even do it yourself by reaching an island and engaging an operator who has a shop on it. The rates for the same are pretty standard and are displayed at the entrance of a shop. Please ensure you listen to all the instructions carefully and keep safe while engaging in these water sports.

Alternatively, you can book some of these online through here

What to pack for your Andaman trip?

Packing for Andamans
Packing for Andamans                                                                                                               Image Credits: Pixabay under CC0

Here is a list of essentials that you will need for your Andaman and Nicobar trip –

  • Sunscreen
  • Cotton clothes and beachwear
  • Sand slippers
  • Flat shoes for your hiking excursions
  • A medicine kit with essential medicines
  • A wide-brim hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Binoculars, especially if you are keen bird watcher

What kind of Andaman Travel Package is available for planning a trip? And should you go for one?

There are two types of travel packages for Andamans available – standard and custom. The standard packages like this one include hotels and transport including the ferries between the islands. However, they do not have day-to-day activities as a part of their deal. These can be booked online. They may not have air travel included.

My new friend - the deer at Ross Island, Andamans
My new friend – the deer at Ross Island, Andamans

The customized Andaman travel packages are designed to suit your taste. There are several tour companies like Mini India that help you with this. They can even organize the activities and help you with the permits on Andaman islands. You can even ask them to book your air tickets.

Tour packages definitely help you cut down time on booking hotels and transport in Andaman. From my experience, booking ferries, different hotels on the islands does take a lot of time and involves a lot of follow-up. It is not difficult because I did it all by myself but if you are a busy and do not have the time to research, compare and book on your own – then go for the packages.

Lists of the best places to visit in Andaman are going to be never-ending and your time here is going to be so memorable that you will want to return over and over again. So, I hope you are already using these tips, searching for your flights to Andaman and booking your hotels Trust me, it is great to discover India’s Best Kept Secret!

Common FAQs about Andaman trip planning

Is it safe to travel to Andamans?

Andamans is a very safe place to travel – for solo travelers, families as well as couples. The islands have a low crime rate as there is literally no place for anyone to hide. The islands are small and movement between them is restricted and well-tracked.

Are there any direct Mumbai to Andaman and Nicobar Islands flights?

At the moment, there is no direct flight from Mumbai to Port Blair. One has to take a flight with a layover from Mumbai. There may be special flights announced during the peak season.

How many days are enough for Andaman?

I would recommend at least 5 nights and 6 days of Andaman trip plan to enjoy the key islands.

Can I plan an Andaman trip on my own?

Yes, it is possible as well as quite easy to plan an Andaman trip on your own. Follow the tips mentioned in this travel guide to Andaman Islands and start with booking your flights, followed by cruises and then hotels. The activity bookings can be done in the end. Most of these bookings can be done online using the Quick links section of my blog.

How many islands are there in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar islands consists of 572 isles.

Are UPI payments accepted in Andamans?

Some vendors do accept UPI payments in the larger islands like Port Blair and Havelock island. However, it is not as widespread as the mainland and it is always better to carry cash. Credit cards too, are acceptable in the larger islands only.

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138 thoughts on “A (2024) guide to plan a trip to Andaman (with insider tips)”

  1. What a great guide to everything one should know about Andamans! I love how you included important details like the ferry schedule, a specific packing list, and the need to have cash. And that’s quite a list of things to do — lots of variety. Your photos are also beautiful!

    Reply
  2. My trip to Andaman is probably my best travel experience ever. And yes, the magic lies in the fact that its beauty is raw and pristine. Did you try ‘Underwater walking’ though? I loved it even more than Scuba diving to be honest.
    Love your post. Have a great day!

    Reply
    • I have done underwater walking elsewhere but I definitely prefer scuba to it. 🙂 Glad you too had a blast in Andamans. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  3. You made great points why one should visit Andamans. Although I always want to be connected via social media, it will not be a problem for me if the internet connection there will be weak. I will just use my notebook and pen to take down notes and just connect online when I already have a stable internet. I believe that we can enjoy more of the place if we unplug from social media.

    Reply
  4. Andamans and the North East of India are some of the places that still retain their pristine charm owing to lesser tourist footfalls. But it indeed is a Catch-22 situation, and soon we could see hordes of tourists overrunning these places. This is a very exhaustive guide to visit the Andamans and brings alive the natural beauty of the place too.

    Reply
    • True, it is a catch 22. The only solution I see is self-awareness of the travelers – to be responsible and leave the place for it is. With that hope, I keep sharing the secrets 🙂

      Reply
  5. I’d probably go for Port Blair which suits all budgets, although I’d check hotels everywhere first although this sounds like the best bet. I had to google where these Islands are, they look so beautiful!

    Reply
  6. This is a wonderful guide to the Andamans. It is both informative AND inspiring. You really show off how much the Andamans have to offer. From pristine beaches, to secluded islands, to historical sites, to watersports – it’s so irresistible. Thanks for all the tip for foreign nationals too.

    Reply
  7. Pinned!! The Andamans was already high on our bucket list and now your beautiful pictures have made us even more desperate to get there! Port Blair sounds like a great option! Thanks for all your tips and recommendations!

    Reply
  8. Amazing guide that covers things I wouldnt even have known I needed to know! The island day trips look fabulous! Youve really covered everything!

    Reply
  9. Sounds like it is a bit difficult to get there…but like you said, that leads to part of the charm! I imagine the scuba diving is amazing – I would love to dive in this part of the world some day. (although it would be hard to get my husband here once he hears about the wifi situation!)

    Reply
  10. I didn’t know exactly were Andaman and Nicobar islands were until know. Of course I didn’t know as well they are Indian islands, from the map it could seem they belong to Malaysia or Myanmar. A really exhaustive guide, touching all the most important points if you plan to go there. it must be a real adventure to sail fro Chennai to Port Blair by boat!

    Reply
  11. Very helpful guide to Andamans for first timers (like myself)! I love when posts have really helpful logistics like the ferry schedule and the need to have cash. The water sports look like I’d have a lot of fun there!

    Reply
  12. I thought some of the places sounded familiar, then I remembered some of your past posts.

    I love the fact you can dive there, if only it was a little cheaper!

    Reply
  13. This is a nice set of tips! Your photos of blue seas make me want to to go there asap. Island hopping sounds like a lot of fun. I all for going by air … 3 days sailing is a bit too much 🙂 🙂 Not having done diving, I think the sea walks would be something I might be interested in .

    Reply
  14. What a lovely set of tips Ami..Andaman has always been on my list for years somehow it just doesnt work for me when I plan. But your experience of water activities has tempted me again. I would love to try sailing to Andaman same I did in Lakshadweep as well 🙂 As always you are good at writing travel guides!

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  15. That’s an indepth post! Thanks for all the details. Its indeed sad that we consider the Jarawa like some leopard spotting. But I really hope we consider them a leopard in all ways, I mean, we wouldn’t dare to get into the forest and interact with a leopard!!!

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  16. Great guide to Andamans… I’d love to visit this place at some point. Love the islands and the clear turquoise sea!

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  17. wow, this looks amazing. never knew this place is part of India. I always thought that this is neighboring county of India.
    It looks amazing. I would love to visit it someday! cheers!

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  18. It’s good to know about the special permits required and all the little details that you might come across. The island hopping sounds absolutely incredible as a holiday. There seems to be so much in the way of activities on the islands.

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    • Thanks Anna for writing it. There are tons of options. Depends on your taste and your interests – beaches, heritage, adventure. Let me know what exactly you need so that I can help you accordingly.

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  19. This is going to be my guide when I travel to Andaman. The island is so fascinating that I plan to do a trip wherein I can cover as much as possible. My only worry is not to miss on the ferry ticket bookings, neither to end up spending too much time on the same. Thanks for the tips around it.

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  20. Andaman is on my list for this year. I believe the Andaman archipelago of islands are still not that touristy like other places in India. Your well compiled and detailed guide is really going to help me out while planning my trip.

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  21. I have always wanted to visit Andaman and Nicobar and I once even planned a trip but I can’t remember what stopped me. The view from the plane window looks beautilful! Did you get to see any swimming elephants by the way?

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    • It took me 3 trip plans and 2 near bookings to get here. It is a sign that you need to get there soon. And no, did not see any swimming elephants 🙂

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  22. Andaman is a beautiful place… With those watersports and fun makes for so much fun. Loved the way you have captured it.

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  23. This is such a perfect guide to the Andaman and Nicobar islands with all the important information. I am planning a trip here this year and this article will come in handy. Beautiful place, cant wait to head there

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  24. Your post made me nostalgic about my visit to Andaman and Nicobar few years ago. I only liked Havelock Island and did my first scuba diving and snorkeling there. Though I didn’t like Neil Island. It was a total disaster. In Port Blair, I only liked Cellular Jail and its evening light show.

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    • The light and sound show here was one of the best I have seen in India. Definitely worth the sit. Glad you have had a pleasant time at Andamans. Cheers

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  25. I would love to visit the Adamans islands. I have heard about them a few years ago for the first time and immediately thought to myself that it’s pure paradise there. I hope to make it sometimes soon, it was about time to head over to the South of India as well, after visiting the North 3 times.

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  26. I am planning a visit this year with parents. Very informative blog. Wanted to know if I will get room on arrival or should I pre book it? And are there rooms available under the budget of Rs. 1000 a night? Do let me know. Thanks

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    • Rooms have a limited availability -and thus, prebooking is advised. Also, rooms under 1000 are available but you need to be able to figure a lot of these when you reach there as they are not really listed on the internet. Cheers

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  27. Ross Island looked so amazing, the andamands look so amazing, the whole permit thing would and is putting me off

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  28. The Andamans is one of my favorite places to go scuba diving. I’d highly recommend a live-aboard experience for the best value and time spent underwater!

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  29. I knew there is a lot more to India than the four major cities I’ve visited. I hope I could visit again to see the other side of India.. and I love the strict regulations that keep and maintain Andamans. The government and the people must be putting really good measures to ensure the paradise remains a paradise to last.

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    • Thanks Joan. Though the restrictions are more owing to its strategic location. There is so much more to India. You got to come back again!

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  30. Hey Ami,

    Your scuba diving pics made me nostalgic about my trip to Andaman islands when my father was the Secretary Tourism in the islands. I did water sports, drove water scooter, snorkeling and scuba diving. While diving, i touched the base of the shallow part of the ocean (around 6 meter) and was so proud of myself! I was patting myself on the back as people watched me with amusement!

    (Ambuj Saxena)

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  31. I must say this is such a comprehensive guide that I cannot help but compare it with the last article that I just read from another blog where the key information is missing. Great job. This is the first time I’ve heard of Andamans and it looks like a lovely place to visit in India.

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  32. Great post, Ami. We are planning a trip to Andaman this year. No network and wi-fi sounds both exciting and scary at the same time. Unfortunate that Andaman does not have it’s own cuisine. Thanks for the tips. Will keep them in mind.

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  33. Very informative post! A well explained post on how to reach, where to stay , what to see and where to eat Andaman, i have ever read till now. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  34. Thanks for the informative post Ami. Looks amazing! I’m looking forward to visiting India one day and possibly some scuba. Looking forward to your next post 🙂

    Reply

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