One of the main highlights of my travels last year was the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With its phenomenal beaches, mesmerizing nature trails, stunning sunsets, and elaborate history, this place completely bowled me over. Some of the beaches in Andamans like the Radhanagar beach, have made it to various lists of the World’s best beaches. After seeing its crystal clear waters and colorful reefs, I totally endorse the same. I have been quite vocal in recommending a vacation to Andamans for I know that it will never disappoint, but delight all those who head there.
Tucked away from the Indian Mainland, in the Bay of Bengal, this archipelago of islands is still quite unexplored for a lot of reasons – the distance and the accessibility being two key ones. Away from the mainland, this place is not as developed as the bigger cities of India and personally, I feel that is where the charm lies. However, it also, means that you need to be extra-prepared if you plan to head to the Andamans. Here is my travel guide to the Andamans that promises to help you plan your trip better – right from booking your air tickets to staying there and visiting the various places on these islands.
1) Traveling to Andamans
Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India, directly under the control of the Central Government of India. Port Blair is the main city of this archipelago with its own airport and port. There are two ways to get to Port Blair – by flight or by boat. There are regular boat services from Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag and it generally takes 3 -4 days to reach Port Blair. These are not luxury liners but regular passenger boats and more information on the same can be found here.
I would recommend Air Travel as it does help save a lot of time. 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. All other cities in India are connected via these two cities. There are some special flights that are added during the peak seasons – October to May. I would also, 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.
2) Permits and Permissions for Andamans
Being a Union territory and a tribal area, there are certain permits required for Andamans. To enter Andamans, Indians do not require any special permits but if you are a Foreign National, you need a Restricted Area Permit. This is easily available on arrival at Port Blair. Remember to visit the Immigration Authorities for your 30-day permit. Alternatively, you can also, get this permit from the Foreigner registration offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata.
Whether Indian or not, there are certain areas which are out of bounds in Andamans. Nicobar Islands largely, falls under this category. And then, there are some areas like the Baratang Island that require you to travel with special permits in a convoy. You can know more about my trip to Baratang Island and how to get here through this post.
3) Hotels in Andamans
The three main islands in Andamans which 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 a hotel 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.
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. Booking these hotels in advance is recommended. These 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 Govindnagar beach in Wild Orchid Resort – a cute, small property with lovely wooden cottages and very comfortable beds.
4) Guide to Island-Hopping on Andamans
There is no escaping Island Hopping at this lovely archipelago. I would personally, categorize this activity into two buckets – the first being Islands that you stay on like Havelock and Neil Islands and the second being Islands that you visit during the day as they have restricted access. Here is how you can go about this –
Islands to stay
To reach Havelock and Neil Island, you need to book a ferry from Port Blair. These ferries or liners are run by Government as well as Private operators. You cannot pre-book the government ferries and you would need to head to Phoenix Jetty in Port Blair to catch these. You will need to stand in the queue earlier than the departure time to get your seat. There are limited seats available. Here is the schedule that I clicked during my visit in October.
Among the private operators, Makruzz is the most recommended. 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 three a day – one early morning, one in the noon and the last one in the evening.
Islands for Day Trips
These islands are all accessible from Port Blair and you can just 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. The boat operators here typically give you a package of two – three islands and you can book as per 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 names that fall under this category.
5) Conveyance on the various Islands
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. For slightly far off places like Chidiya Tapu and Baratang Island, 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.
Neil Island is even smaller than Havelock Islands and you do not really need a vehicle to move around.
6) Local Food
There is no specialty food as such in Andamans. You get a good mix of Bengali and South Indian cuisines here. 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.
7) Staying connected while in Andamans
The one thing you should forget about when you head to Andamans is the data connection. There is very limited Wi-Fi or cellular data service available here. In some places, like the Baratang Island and Havelock Island, it is a miracle if you manage to get some mobile signals. Airtel worked the best there. Even with that, you will have to keep roaming around to get that one blip of signals. Thus, do not be surprised when you are booking hotels, you are not able to get through some of their mobile lines or if they email back to you after a day!
Frankly, I think I enjoyed the place even more without the internet. 🙂
8) Water sports at Andamans
Andamans offers you plenty of options for water sports. It is best known for scuba diving. You can even enjoy a half submarine ride or do a sea walk. Snorkeling, jet skiing, banana boat rides 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 mid sea ones started at INR 3500.
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.
9) Paying for various activities in Andamans
I have already mentioned the poor internet connectivity in Andamans. Hence, you might find that card machines don’t work easily in these places. Cash transactions are the most preferred, especially in Havelock. There are plenty of ATMs available. However, it is the best to carry it from the start as during my visit, I found a lot of ATMs out of cash on Havelock.
10) Things to carry for Andamans
Here is a list of essentials that you will need at Andamans –
- Sunscreen
- Cotton clothes and beach wear
- 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
11) Places to Visit in Andamans
Now this can be a long long list but here are a few that I visited and completely enjoyed
- 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.
- Ross Island – 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 less. Check out how I became Lara Croft here.
- Chidiya Tapu – The best sunsets to be experienced here. Even if it is a cloudy day, you will not be disappointed.
- Baratang Island – You might like it or not. But I absolutely adored it – for its limestone caves, the mangrove forests and the whole experience of going in a convoy to reach the islands.
- Samundrika Museum in Port Blair – I am yet to write about this one but it is a small stop which helps you discover the cultural and bio diversity of these islands
- Anthropology Museum in Port Blair – 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
- Havelock Island – Havelock 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
- Neil Island – Another piece of Paradise where you can stay and engage in some water sports
- North Bay Island – This is close to Port Blair and one can engage in water sports whilst visiting
- Chatham Mills – An ancient mill with history that leads back to the World War II and the British
- Corbyn’s Cove in Port Blair – A water sports center in Port Blair. However, I recommend this only if you are not heading to Havelock Island
Sigh! Lists in Andamans are going to be never-ending and 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 air tickets and booking your hotels for Andamans. Trust me, it is great to discover India’s Best Kept Secret!
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
Hey this is awesome. Loved all the pictures. Particularly you doing scuba is very sharp with colourful fishes around 🙂 Have you taken scuba diving lessons before?
Nope…this was my first time and I loved it . The first dives are always assisted.
pictures are amazing..
Thank you
This is a comprehensive guide to Andaman’s’ trip.
Thank you. Glad you find it useful.
Very Useful Information
Thank you
LOVE Andamans <3 Totally head over heels in love with it. This is a fab guide for first timers 🙂 Love the aerial shot! Superb
Thank you Divsi. Andamans just looked amazing from every angle.
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!
Thank you Tami. I know how difficult it was for me to get this info. So was glad to pass it on 🙂
A very informative post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you
I am not sure why Andamans were not on my radar before. You have definitely peaked my interests.
Thanks Heather. It is a hidden secret that not many talk of. I just revealed it for you 😉
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!
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.
This is very interesting information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Great post keep up the good work.
Thank you
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.
I agree, I think I enjoyed the place more because I had a digital detox. I would recommend it too. Cheers
A great travel guide.. and the pictures are great. We somehow missed Chidiya Tapu when we visited there.
Thank you Amrita. Hopefully the next time you can make it to Chidiya Tapu
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.
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 🙂
This is really a Great post and that scuba diving image is very impressive. The attractive colorful fishes can easily grab attention. Once again…Lovely Images.
Thank you Mohuya. Scuba diving was one enthralling experience and for me Andamans will always be special because of that.
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!
Actually, I would highly recommend Havelock and if you book well in advance, you can manage a few budget accommodations. Cheers
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.
Thank you guys. You should definitely head here. Cheers
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!
Would highly recommend Havelock too. Hope you plan a trip soon.
This is really the be all and end all post with all details required to visit Andaman. Super impressed. Well done .
Thank you Prerna
Amazing guide that covers things I wouldnt even have known I needed to know! The island day trips look fabulous! Youve really covered everything!
Glad that you found this useful Stephanie. Hope you plan a trip soon.
Thanks for a very detailed guide! You did a great job!
Thank you
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!)
I would tell your partner that he needs to digitally detox and that too in a paradise :D. I would highly recommend visiting here Katie.
Andamans is a beautiful place. Some of the beaches of Andamans are comparable to that of Western Thailand. We had a great time while at Andamans back in 2012.
Yep, am sure you did. The beaches are really amazing here. And yes, quite similar to Thailand :D/ Cheers
Wow! I think that you had a blast in Andamans. No way to get bored as there will be many activities to do. I love the banana boat ride. Will certainly consider these activities in the near future.
I am sure you will love the pristine beaches here. Thanks for stopping by Ana.
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!
Oh, India has a lot of islands. These are on the east and then we have the Lakshwadweep ones on the West. Both unexplored and pristine. You should definitely check them out.
I will, thanks 😉
Ami, thanks for this post. I would refer to it while planning for my trip. The links you have embedded in your posts are very handy.
Thank you Saru. Glad you found the post useful.
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!
Indeed. The place is just so amazing. Happy that you found the article useful. And hope it helps you plan your trip better.
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!
I thought INR 3500 was quite a reasonable price. The other beach destinations have it much higher :P.
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 .
It is a gorgeous gorgeous place Nisha. Hope you plan a trip soon.
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!
Thank you Rutavi. You are sure to enjoy Andamans.
India is full of amazing places! I would love to.see this one one day
And I am sure you will love this one. Thanks Monika for stopping by
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!!!
I agree Bhushavali. Glad you think the same way too. I do hope better sense prevails.
Andamans looks awesome and I’ve never heard about it previously to this post 🙂 Definitely will check it out
And I know you will be pleasantly surprised by it. Cheers
I wonder how crowded it is getting now? I visited in off peak season in 2012 and it was a bliss!
Not that crowded. Still continues to be a secret.
Great guide to Andamans… I’d love to visit this place at some point. Love the islands and the clear turquoise sea!
Thank you Ariane. I am sure you will enjoy it.
What a gorgeous place, I have never even heard of this place, nor would I have known how to get a permit or that there was even great diving there! Super informative and looks amazing !
Thank you. Glad to be of help. 🙂
Andamans is a great place for vacation. The beaches reminds one about the beaches of Western Thailand. We didn’t go for for a scuba dive in Andamans.
So true, the beaches are quite like the Thailand ones except these are a little quieter 😀
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!
Like I mentioned, it is our secret which I have just shared with you. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Sophi
What a great guide! this place looks absolutely stunning 🙂 Thanks for sharing
Thank you
Never heard about Andamans but after I have read you guide it seem to be a lovely place to explore with a lot of activities!
It sure is a lovely place Miriam. Thanks.
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.
True and it never feels rushed.It is a wonderful place to visit.
Hey…
I am from Germany and I want to visit India. Can you please tell me the best places to visit in India?
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.
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.
Glad to be of help Neha. Cheers
what a great info..very good guidance. this is absolutely stunning. very good place for vacation. thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
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.
Glad to be of help. Andamans is just lovely coz it is not as touristy .:)
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?
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 🙂
Andaman is a beautiful place… With those watersports and fun makes for so much fun. Loved the way you have captured it.
Thank you Rashmi and Chalukya. This place was very special indeed
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
You will find it absolutely pristine and gorgeous. Have a good trip Tamshuk
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.
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
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.
Thank you Joanna. The south of India has a lot of splendid places to be discovered. Hope you plan a trip soon
Thank you Joanna. There are a lot of splendid places in the south waiting to be explored. Hope you plan a trip soon.
Gorgeous images and a comprehensive guide. Andamans has long been on my bucketlist. Will hopefully get there soon.
Amen for that and hope you can head there soon. Cheers
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
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
Ross Island looked so amazing, the andamands look so amazing, the whole permit thing would and is putting me off
The permit thing is actually not that tough. It sure is an amazing place and I would so encourage you to visit it.
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!
I agree, I hope to get there again and do the same all over. Thanks for stopping by Henry
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.
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!
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)
I can well imagine that joy. I loved Scuba here. Sigh! I wanna go back again! Thanks for stopping by Ambuj
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.
Thank you Marge. I am glad you find it useful.
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.
You are bound to have fun here irrespective of no network or specialty food. Just go for it, Cheers
I like the motor riding as one way to transport from one place to another. The motorcycles also look cool. underwater activities will also never, haha plus don’t forget to put a sunscreen on! x
Yes, the sunscreen is an absolute must, especially since you spend so much time on those gorgeous beaches. Thanks Cathy.
Scuba diving is the one which I’m looking for so many years. Will definitely make to trip to Andaman for Scuba diving. Wonderful images which makes everyone to plan a trip to Andaman
THank you so much. Hopefully this will help you plan your trip better.
looking at pictures and post, Andaman is high on my list of places to visit in India.
Andamans is our hidden secret. A definite must visit
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.
Glad to help Sahitya. Share it around for those who are seeking information
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 🙂
Thank you Lance. I hope you can visit here soon. Cheers
Andaman and Nicobar islands is definitely the best tourist location. The beautiful sceneries and the adventures type activities surely mesmerizes us.
Untouched beauty and I hope it stays that way.
Andaman and Nicobar islands is such an underrated place. Would love to visit it someday 🙂
I agree and you should visit it soon.
Hi,
It was very lovely to see such a great guide to Andaman Islands.
Thank you. Glad you liked the guide
hi, I am sure gonna to travel this beautiful island post covid situation. Love it. Thank you.
I hope you have a lot of fun!