So you're thinking about visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands? Smart choice. I remember my first trip there - stepped off the plane in Port Blair and instantly felt that humid tropical air wrap around me like a warm hug. But honestly? Planning was a nightmare back then. Hardly any reliable info online. That's why I've put together this no-nonsense guide covering everything from ferry schedules to which beaches are actually worth your time.
Getting There: Flights, Ferries, and Entry Rules
First things first: getting to Andaman and Nicobar Islands isn't like hopping on a bus. You've got two options:
Flights are the fastest way. Most visitors fly into Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair (airport code: IXZ). Direct flights from major Indian cities:
| Departure City | Flight Duration | Airlines | Approx. Price (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 2 hrs 10 min | IndiGo, Air India | ₹8,000-15,000 |
| Kolkata | 2 hrs | IndiGo, Vistara | ₹7,500-14,000 |
| Delhi | 4 hrs 30 min | Air India (with stopover) | ₹12,000-20,000 |
| Bangalore | 2 hrs 40 min | IndiGo | ₹9,000-16,000 |
Pro tip: Book at least 3 months ahead during peak season (Dec-Feb). Prices double last minute.
Ferries from mainland India take 3-4 days from Kolkata or Chennai. Honestly? I wouldn't recommend it unless you're on a tight budget. The ships are old, cabins are basic, and you'll lose precious vacation days. But if you insist:
- Shipping Corporation of India operates passenger ships
- Cost: ₹4,000-8,000 per person for basic bunk
- Schedule: Departs Chennai/Kolkata 2-3 times monthly
Entry Requirements: You'll need:
- Valid photo ID (Passport for foreigners, Aadhaar/Voter ID for Indians)
- Permit for Nicobar Islands (restricted area)
- COVID vaccination certificate (check current rules)
Best Time to Visit: Weather Patterns Unpacked
When people ask "When should I visit these islands?" I always say it depends on what you want. Let me break down the seasons:
| Season | Months | Weather Conditions | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Nov - Mid Feb | Sunny, 25-30°C, low humidity | Best for water activities, festivals | Crowded, prices up 40% |
| Shoulder | Mar - Apr, Oct | Warmer, 28-35°C, occasional showers | Fewer crowds, lower prices | Sea can be choppy |
| Monsoon | May - Sep | Heavy rains, high humidity | Cheapest rates, lush greenery | Many activities closed, ferry cancellations |
Here's my take: April is actually underrated. Sure, it's hot (like 34°C hot), but you'll get Radhanagar Beach practically to yourself. Just bring industrial-strength sunscreen.
Festivals Worth Planning Around
- Island Tourism Festival (Dec-Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls - great for families
- Monsoon Festival (Aug): Unique experience if you don't mind rain
Seriously though, avoid late May to July. Last year I got stuck in Havelock during cyclone warnings. Not fun watching palm trees bend sideways.
Top Islands and Attractions: Beyond the Brochures
With 572 islands, you can't see them all. Focus on these:
South Andaman (Port Blair Area)
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Timings | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Jail | ₹50 Indians ₹200 Foreigners | 9AM-12:30PM, 1:30-5PM (Closed Mon) | History buffs | ★★★★★ |
| Ross Island | ₹150 (incl. boat) | 8:30AM-4PM | Colonial ruins, deer spotting | ★★★★☆ |
| Chidiya Tapu | Free | Sunrise/Sunset | Birdwatching, sunset views | ★★★☆☆ |
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
The crown jewel of Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism:
- Radhanagar Beach: Voted Asia's best beach. Free entry, open 24 hrs. Tip: Go weekdays before 9AM to avoid crowds
- Elephant Beach: ₹1,050 for snorkeling gear rental. Coral visibility 5-8m best Nov-Apr
- Kalapathar Beach: Rocky coastline, amazing photo ops. Free, no facilities
Confession time: I found Elephant Beach overcrowded. Better snorkeling at Neil's Island if you ask me.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
More relaxed vibe than Havelock:
| Beach | Features | Facilities | Ideal Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharatpur | Glass-bottom boat rides (₹500/person) | Shacks, restrooms | 9AM-3PM |
| Laxmanpur | Natural coral bridge | Basic stalls | Low tide only |
| Sitapur | Dramatic sunrise views | None | 5:30-7AM |
Do not miss the seafood at Neil's Beach Resort. Their grilled lobster? Life-changing.
Activities Worth Your Money
Here's where most tour operators oversell. After trying everything, here's what's actually worthwhile:
Scuba Diving
- Cost: ₹3,500-6,000 for beginners (training + dive)
- Best Spots: Havelock (Nemo Reef), Neil Island (Margherita's Mischief)
- Visibility: 10-30m (best Dec-Apr)
My dive at Dixon's Pinnacle was incredible - swam with titan triggerfish! But skip the ₹2,000 "introductory dives" - too rushed.
Sea Walking
Perfect if you can't dive:
- Location: North Bay (Port Blair)
- Cost: ₹3,400/person
- Duration: 25 mins underwater
- Age: 7-70 years
Where to Stay: Accommodation Breakdown
From beach huts to luxury resorts, options vary wildly:
| Budget (₹800-2,500/night) | Mid-Range (₹3,000-8,000) | Luxury (₹10,000-35,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle Resort Neil Island (basic AC cottages) | Symphony Palms Beach Resort Havelock (beachfront location) | Taj Exotica Havelock (overwater villas) |
| Emerald Gecko Port Blair (hostel vibe) | TSG Blue Port Blair (central location) | Munjoh Ocean Resort Havelock (infinity pools) |
Personal favorite? Barefoot at Havelock - their treehouses start around ₹5,000. Waking up to hornbills outside your window? Priceless.
Booking Tips
- Avoid "beach view" rooms facing east - sunrise wakes you at 5AM
- Havelock hotels charge 15-20% more Dec-Jan - book 6 months early
- Many places don't accept cards - carry ₹50,000+ cash
Getting Around: Transport Realities
This is where visitors get frustrated. Let's clarify:
| Mode | Cost | Where to Book | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-Island Ferries | ₹500-1,200/sector | andaman.gov.in (book 7-45 days early) | Choose Makruzz/Govt. premium for AC |
| Scooters | ₹400-600/day | Local rentals (need license) | Check brakes - roads can be treacherous |
| Auto-Rickshaws | ₹50-300 per ride | Hotel concierge or street hails | Fix price BEFORE moving |
Food Guide: What to Eat (and Where)
Forget continental food - go local:
| Dish | Best Spot | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seafood Platter | Full Moon Cafe | Havelock Beach #5 | ₹800-1,200 |
| Coconut Prawn Curry | Annapurna Restaurant | Port Blair Aberdeen Bazaar | ₹350 |
| Woodfire Pizza | Fat Martin's | Neil Island Jetty | ₹250-400 |
| Local Fish Fry | Beach Shack #7 | Radhanagar Beach | ₹150/piece |
Shockingly good breakfast at German Bakery in Port Blair - their cinnamon rolls beat any European bakery!
Essential Travel Tips
These will save your vacation:
- Connectivity: Airtel has best coverage. Jio useless beyond Port Blair. Buy BSNL SIM at airport
- Cash vs Card: ATMs available only in Port Blair/Havelock. Withdraw enough for smaller islands
- Packing Must-Haves: Waterproof phone case, reef-safe sunscreen, anti-chafing powder
- Cultural Sensitivity: Tribal areas are restricted. Don't photograph indigenous people
Learned the hard way: That ₹200 umbrella rental at Radhanagar? Total scam. Bring your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (And Real Answers)
How many days are enough for Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
Absolute minimum: 5 nights
Port Blair (2N) → Havelock (2N) → Neil (1N)
Ideal: 8-10 days to include Baratang/Long Island
Is Andaman safe for solo female travelers?
Generally yes - I traveled alone twice. Avoid isolated beaches after dark. Ferry terminals get chaotic - stay alert.
What's the total trip cost?
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| ₹35,000-50,000/person | ₹65,000-90,000/person | ₹1,50,000+/person |
Includes flights from mainland, mid-range hotels, meals, activities
Can we visit Nicobar Islands?
Mostly restricted. Foreigners need special permit + local sponsor. Indians can visit with Restricted Area Permit (RAP) processed months ahead. Honestly? Not worth the hassle unless research purpose.
Are there ATMs on Havelock?
Yes, but only 3 - expect long queues. Withdraw cash in Port Blair.
Mistakes to Avoid (From Experience)
- Overpacking islands: Don't try to visit 4 islands in 6 days - you'll spend half your trip on ferries
- Ignoring ferry timings: Last ferry from Havelock to Port Blair leaves at 1PM - miss it and you're stranded
- Underestimating distances: Port Blair to Havelock is 50km but takes 2.5 hours by ferry+road
- Monsoon misadventures: Many operators still sell water activities during rough seas - dangerous!
My worst blunder? Not checking cruise schedules. Ended up spending my birthday on a cargo ship to Little Andaman. Lesson learned.
Final Reality Check
Look, Andaman and Nicobar Islands aren't perfect. Some beaches have plastic debris. Corals near popular spots are damaged. But when you're floating in those bath-warm turquoise waters watching parrotfish dart through untouched reefs? Pure magic.
Just manage expectations. Infrastructure is developing but not at Maldives level. Go for raw natural beauty, not luxury pampering. And whatever you do - get off the tourist trail. My best memories? Chasing bioluminescence on a deserted beach at 2AM. No tour group will take you there.
So pack light, carry cash, embrace the slow island pace. You'll return with salt in your hair and paradise in your memories.
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