Why Andaman Islands Should Be Your Next Trip
Most Indians don't realise they have a world-class tropical island destination within their own country. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands — 572 islands sitting in the Bay of Bengal, closer to Thailand than to mainland India — offer beaches that rival the Maldives, coral reefs as rich as the Great Barrier Reef, and a layered history stretching from British colonial prisons to the first Indian territory to witness the sunrise.
And unlike international island destinations, no passport is required. Just a flight from Chennai, Kolkata, or Bangalore — and you're there.
Andaman Islands at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Capital | Port Blair |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May |
| Nearest Airports | Port Blair (IXZ) — flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad |
| Permit Required | No RAP needed for Indians. Foreigners need Restricted Area Permit (free, issued on arrival). |
| Currency | INR (limited ATMs on outer islands — carry cash) |
| Language | Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, English |
| Mobile Network | BSNL works best. Jio/Airtel patchy on outer islands. |
| Budget per day | Rs 1,500–4,000 (excluding flights) |
Key Islands — Which Ones to Visit?
Port Blair (South Andaman)
The entry point and capital. Not a beach destination but a historical and logistical hub. Must-sees:
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): The most important stop in all of Andaman. This British colonial prison held India's greatest freedom fighters — Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and hundreds more in solitary confinement cells designed so prisoners could never see each other. The evening sound-and-light show narrating their stories is deeply moving. Entry Rs 30 (Indians).
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island): The former British administrative headquarters, now a hauntingly beautiful ruin being slowly consumed by jungle. Spotted deer roam freely among collapsed ballrooms and the British church. A 30-minute ferry from Port Blair.
- Corbyn's Cove Beach: Port Blair's own beach — calm, swimmable, good for a evening walk.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
The crown jewel of Andaman tourism. Havelock is 57 km from Port Blair (2.5 hours by ferry) and home to two of Asia's finest beaches:
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach 7): TIME magazine named it "Asia's Best Beach" in 2004 — and it still holds up. A 2 km arc of powder-white sand backed by thick forest, with emerald water that deepens to electric blue. Sunsets here are extraordinary. No vendors, no chairs, no noise.
- Elephant Beach: The best snorkelling spot accessible without scuba certification. A 30-minute boat ride from Havelock jetty (or 45-minute jungle trek). Coral gardens, sea turtles, and reef fish visible just beneath the surface.
- Kalapathar Beach: A quiet sunrise beach with black rocks and crystal water. Almost no tourists before 8 AM.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Smaller, slower, and more relaxed than Havelock — Neil Island is where travellers go when they want to genuinely unplug. Famous for:
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): A coral rock formation naturally shaped into an arch over the sea — best seen at low tide
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm, shallow water perfect for families and non-swimmers
- Laxmanpur Beach: The Neil sunset beach. Come 30 minutes before sunset and stay until stars appear.
Baratang Island
A thrilling day trip from Port Blair involving a convoy drive through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve (strict silence, no stopping), a motorboat through mangrove creeks, and a trek to limestone caves with stalactites. A unique experience unlike anything else in India. Book through an authorised operator only.
North Andaman (Diglipur)
The far north is for serious adventurers: Saddle Peak (the highest point in Andaman, 732 m), Turtle Nesting Beaches (Leatherback sea turtles nest at Ross and Smith Islands, connected by a natural sandbar), and Mud Volcanoes. Requires 5+ hours of travel from Port Blair — completely worth it for the right traveller.
Scuba Diving in Andaman — Everything You Need to Know
The Andaman Sea is one of the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world. The coral reefs here are among the healthiest in Asia, largely because the islands are remote and fishing is restricted around dive sites.
Best Dive Sites
| Dive Site | Location | Best For | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse | Havelock | Beginners, turtles | 8–18 m |
| Aquarium | Havelock | Coral gardens, reef fish | 12–20 m |
| Barracuda City | Havelock | Schools of barracuda | 18–30 m |
| Seduction Point | Neil Island | Soft corals, visibility | 12–25 m |
| Minerva's Ledge | Port Blair area | Sharks, rays | 20–35 m |
| Johnny's Gorge | Havelock | Nurse sharks, mantas | 25–40 m |
Dive Options by Experience Level
- Beginner (no certification): Discovery Scuba Dive — 1 dive with an instructor in shallow water. Rs 3,500–5,000. No experience needed.
- PADI Open Water Course: 4-day course, internationally recognised certification. Rs 18,000–25,000. Best dive schools: Barefoot Scuba, Dive India (both on Havelock).
- Certified divers: Fun dives from Rs 2,500 per dive. Night dives, drift dives, and liveaboard packages available.
Andaman Itinerary — 7 Days
| Day | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Port Blair | Arrive, Cellular Jail sound-and-light show |
| Day 2 | Port Blair | Ross Island, Corbyn's Cove, North Bay Island snorkelling |
| Day 3 | Havelock | Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach sunset |
| Day 4 | Havelock | Scuba diving or Elephant Beach snorkelling, Kalapathar sunrise |
| Day 5 | Neil Island | Ferry to Neil, Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur sunset |
| Day 6 | Neil → Port Blair | Bharatpur Beach morning, ferry back, Baratang day trip (or rest) |
| Day 7 | Port Blair | Anthropological Museum, souvenir shopping, depart |
How to Reach Andaman Islands
By Flight (Recommended)
Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport is connected to Chennai (2 hrs), Kolkata (2 hrs), Bangalore (2.5 hrs), Delhi (3.5 hrs), and Hyderabad. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for best prices. Round-trip fares range from Rs 6,000–18,000 depending on season and advance booking.
By Ship
Government ships sail from Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair (56–60 hours). A 2-berth cabin costs Rs 5,000–8,000 per person. Bunk class is Rs 1,500–2,500. The journey itself — four days at sea — is an adventure. Ship schedules are irregular; check the Shipping Corporation of India website.
Inter-Island Ferry Guide
| Route | Time | Cost (Government) |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair → Havelock | 2–2.5 hrs | Rs 400–500 |
| Port Blair → Neil | 1.5–2 hrs | Rs 350–450 |
| Havelock → Neil | 1 hr | Rs 300–400 |
| Neil → Port Blair | 2 hrs | Rs 350–450 |
Tip: Book ferry tickets online at andaman.gov.in or at the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. Private speedboats (Makruzz, Green Ocean) are faster but 3x the price.
Budget Breakdown — 7 Days in Andaman
| Expense | Budget (Rs) | Mid-Range (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (round trip) | 6,000–10,000 | 12,000–18,000 |
| Accommodation (per night) | 600–1,200 | 2,500–6,000 |
| Ferries (inter-island, total) | 1,500–2,000 | 4,000–6,000 |
| Food (per day) | 400–700 | 1,000–2,000 |
| Activities (diving, snorkelling) | 2,000–5,000 | 8,000–20,000 |
| Total 7-day trip (per person) | Rs 18,000–28,000 | Rs 45,000–80,000 |
What to Eat in Andaman
- Fish thali: The staple meal — fresh reef fish with rice, dal, and vegetable sides. Rs 120–200 at local joints near the jetties.
- Mud crab and lobster: Havelock's restaurants serve freshly caught seafood grilled or in butter garlic. Non-negotiable if you eat seafood.
- Red snapper tikka: Marinated and grilled at beachside shacks on Neil and Havelock.
- Coconut water: Rs 30–50 everywhere. Drink as much as possible.
- Vegetarian options: South Indian restaurants in Port Blair serve excellent idli, dosa, and meals. Havelock has a few vegetarian-friendly guesthouses with good home-cooked food.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
- No plastic bags: Andaman has banned single-use plastic. Carry a reusable bag and water bottle.
- No coral touching: Strict marine protection laws. Touching or breaking coral is a criminal offence with heavy fines.
- Jarawa Tribe: Never photograph or interact with the Jarawa people. It is illegal and deeply harmful. Their forest reserve is passed through on the Andaman Trunk Road — maintain complete silence and do not stop.
- Carry enough cash: ATMs exist in Port Blair and Havelock but often run out. Outer islands have none.
- Book accommodation in advance: Quality rooms on Havelock and Neil fill up fast in peak season (December to February).
- Monsoon warning: June to September brings heavy rain, rough seas, and ferry cancellations. Most activities stop. Do not plan a trip during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andaman better than Goa?
They are completely different experiences. Goa is lively, party-focused, and easily accessible. Andaman is remote, pristine, and nature-first. For beaches and water clarity, Andaman wins decisively. For nightlife and ease, Goa wins. If you love the ocean, Andaman is one of the best trips you will take in your life.
Do I need a permit to visit Andaman as an Indian citizen?
No permit is required for Indian nationals to visit South Andaman (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil). A Restricted Area Permit is required for some tribal areas and specific islands like Little Andaman — these are issued by local authorities and your operator will arrange them.
Can non-swimmers enjoy Andaman?
Absolutely. Glass-bottom boat rides, semi-submarine tours, and snorkelling in shallow water at Elephant Beach and Bharatpur are all accessible without swimming ability. The beaches themselves are beautiful even without entering the water.
What is the cheapest time to visit Andaman?
May and early October (shoulder season) offer lower accommodation and flight prices with mostly good weather. Avoid peak season (December 20 to January 10) when prices are 50–80% higher and rooms must be booked months ahead.
Conclusion
The Andaman Islands offer something increasingly rare in Indian travel — genuine wildness, untouched water, and the feeling of being somewhere the world hasn't quite caught up to yet. From the sobering weight of Cellular Jail to the weightless freedom of drifting above a coral reef, no two days in Andaman feel the same.
Before you book, have questions? Which ferry class is worth it, which dive school to trust, or what to pack for island-hopping? Ask travellers who've already been on AskYatri.com — real answers from real trips.
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