Andaman is one of best places to visit in India. It hosts some of the most beautiful and cleanliest beaches not only in Asia but also the world. It is one of the best place to experience scuba diving because of its rich marine life. Although I wanted to explore much more specially the hidden or lessor known Islands in Andaman but that requires a lot of extra days and efforts. So I planned a simple 7-day/ 6 Nights trip to Andaman (2 days in Port Blair, 3 Days Havelock Islands, 1 day Neil Islands) trying to cover all major attraction. Below is 7 Days Itinerary of Andaman Islands that I followed.
1st Day – Landing Port Blair, Visiting Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cove Beach
The journey to Andaman & Nicobar Islands starts with landing in Port Blair. Various cab/taxi facilities are available for reaching the hotel from the airport. After checking in and taking lunch the best way to start the tour is by visiting the iconic Cellular Jail.
Cellular Jail
Cellular Jail or Kaala Pani now a National Monument is that infamous jail where various inhuman atrocities were faced by Indian freedom fighter during the British colonial rule. Several notable freedom fighters were imprisoned here including Veer Savarkar. Construction of the jail is unique featuring 7 wings resembling shape of a spider web. If interested in knowing the history of the jail, you can find guides readily available nearby. The jail closes by 5 PM, so anyhow make it to this place by 4 PM max. There is even a light show that happens around evening. Watch it if only time permits.
Corbyn’s Cove Beach
Going to Andaman, the heart craves for going to a beach. In case if hotel booked is not sea facing or sea side then best place to enjoy beach in Port Blair is Corbyn’s Cove Beach. It is clean, quiet and looks magical specially around sunset.
- 09:00-11:00 PM: Landing Port Blair
- 12:00-02:00 PM: Reaching Hotel & taking Lunch
- 03:00-04:30 PM: Cellular Jail
- 05:30-6:30 PM: Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- 08:00-10:00 PM: Dinner & relaxing
2nd Day – Catching early morning Ferry to Havelock Islands, checking into hotel, visiting Radhanagar Beach around sunset
The next 3 days are to be spend in the amazing Havelock Islands.
Ferry to Havelock Islands
This day starts early by reaching Phoenix Bay Jetty (can prebook cab from hotel or local tour operator for this) to catch ferry for Havelock Islands (tickets to be pre booked).
Govindnagar Beach
After reaching Havelock islands, checking into hotel and taking lunch, heads towards Govind Nagar Beach. As it was right opposite to my hotel and so thankfully I got chance to explore it multiple times. This beach is lesser known but is totally worth visiting. It has clear turquoise water, soft golden sand, full of greenery and coconut trees etc. Compared to crowded Radha Nagar Beach and Elephant Beach this beach is a peaceful escape.
Radhanagar Beach
For sunset, heads towards the amazingly beautiful Radhanagar Beach. Radhanaagr Beach is listed as one of the best beach in Asia. Go towards the end of the beach (the one closer to Taj Havelock) for a better and quieter area. Don’t forget to get the costume because no one can resist getting into water and splashing the waves.
- 07:00 AM: Checking out from Port Blair Hotel
- 08:00 AM: Reaching Phoenix Bay Jetty
- 09:00 AM: Getting into Ferry to Havelock Islands.
- 11:30 AM: Reaching Havelock Islands
- 12:00 PM: Checking into Hotel and relaxing
- 01:30 PM: Lunch at Hotel only
- 03:30 PM: Govind Nagar Beach
- 05:30 PM: Radhanagar Beach for sunset
- 08:00 PM: Dinner and calling it a day
3rd Day – Going for Scuba Diving and to Kalapathar Beach around sunset
Scuba Diving
Havelock is quite a popular destination for Scuba Diving. Having clean water, variety of coral reef and rich marine life, it is an ideal place for scuba diving for professionals as well as beginners specially the 1st timers. There are many well established diving operators in Havelock for booking scuba diving. You can take help of hotel staff to finalise it. Check the company’s ratings on Google, before booking. Bookings definitely needs to be done one-day prior.
Kalapather Beach
After splendid experience of Scuba Diving, the next spot is visiting Kalapathar beach around sunset. This beach is not crammed like Radhanagar and Elephant Beach. It is also one of the hidden gem – surely to be visited. This beach looks magical specially around sunset.
- 06:00 AM: Leaving for Scuba Diving Spot.
- 12:00 PM: Back to Hotel
- 02:00 PM: Lunch
- 05:00 PM: Kalapathar Beach
- 08:00 PM: Dinner
4th Day – Day Island trip to Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is a must visit from Havelock Islands. It is situated in Havelock only and easiest way is to reach there is by speed boat ride which takes 20-25 minutes only. The beach is truly a paradise – crystal clear water, white sand, lush greenery at the backdrop etc. All kind of water sports activities can be enjoyed here in this beach like – snorkelling, jet skiing, sea walking, banana boat ride etc. Apart from this there are plenty of food stalls as well. There are even changing rooms available. Overall Elephant beach is a perfect blend of adventure and beauty.
Speed Boats for Elephant beach can easily be arranged from Havelock Island Jetty or from tour operators or hotel travel desk. It is always better to reach there in the morning hours.
Interestingly, Elephant Beach is also accessible by trekking from Havelock Island Jetty and it takes 30-40 minutes walk through rainforest trail. It can be opted specially by adventure junkies.
After exploring Elephant Beach, getting back to Havelock. Evening is all free to do anything.
- 07:00 AM: Departing from hotel for Havelock Island Jetty (Havelock Port)
- 08:00 AM: Catching speed boat for Elephant Beach
- 08:30 AM: Reaching Elephant Beach
- 09:00 AM: Enjoying various water sports and snorkelling
- 01:30 PM: Catching Boat and returning back to Havelock Islands.
- 03:00 PM: Back to Havelock Island Hotel
- 05:00 PM: Exploring Havelock Islands – either Govind Nagar Beach or Radhanagar Beach or Kalapathar Beach
- 08:00 PM: Dinner
5th Day – Catching ferry to Neil Island, checking into hotel, having lunch, visiting Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge and then to Lakshmanpur Beach for sunset
Ferry to Neil Islands (Shaheed Dweep)
Now its time to pack bags and leave for another must visit Island – Neil. Neil Island is situated very close to Havelock (just 30-45 mins ferry ride) and there are good private ferries available to reach there.
Neil Islands
Neil Island is truly a paradise – full of beautiful beaches, turquoise water, calm atmosphere, white sand making it a truly magical place to visit. It’s a small Island hence only a day (in case if scuba diving is not in agenda) is sufficient to cover all the spots.
Bharatpur Beach
After reaching Neil Island, checking into hotel and taking lunch its now time to explore this beautiful island. The first stop is Bharatpur Beach. The main highlight of this beach is that up to a very large area this beach is shallow (4-4.5 feet only) and you can easily walk or swim on this beach (danger area is marked so it is totally safe). Therefore, getting one extra pair of dress along with costume is a must if you planning to get into the water.
Natural Bridge
After a splendid swim at Bharatpur Beach the next stop is Natural Bridge. Natural Bridge is a unique place surely to be visited. It is situated very close to Lakshmanpur Beach. It is a naturally formed bridge by corals stretching over the sea. It one of the natural wonder to see in Andaman. The view of the sea along with this bridge adds up and make it a spectacular place to visit.
Lakshmanpur Beach
After Natural Beach it is time to enjoy sunset at Lakshmanpur Beach, which is commonly known as the Sunset Beach (as the beach faces the west). As the name suggests itself, you shall witness the most beautiful sunset here. Its peaceful atmosphere, tranquil beach, tropical trees, rocky outcrops makes it a perfect place for the evening.
- 08:30 AM: Checking out Havelock Hotel and arriving at Havelock Island Jetty (Havelock Port)
- 09:30 AM: Catching ferry for Neil Islands
- 10:00 AM: Arriving at Neil Islands
- 11:00 AM: Checking into Neil Island Hotel
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at Neil Island Hotel
- 02:30 PM: Bharatpur Beach
- 04:00 PM: Natural Bridge
- 05:30 PM: Lakshmanpur Beach for Sunset
- 07:00 PM: Back to Hotel
- 08:00 PM: Dinner at hotel only
6th Day: Checking out from hotel in Neil Islands, catching ferry back to Port Blair, reaching Port Blair, visiting Chidiya Tapu for sunset
Ferry to Port Blair
Its now time for getting back again to Port Blair – final and last destination. Port Bair is 1-1.5 hours’ ferry ride from Neil Islands. Private ferries are easily available with good frequency.
Chidiya Tapu
After reaching back to Port Blair, checking into the hotel and having lunch, it is time for an adventurous destination – Chidiya Tapu. It is 25 kms from Port Blair and takes approx. 45 mins to reach. Chidiya Tapu is a must visit. The beach there is peaceful with clear water.
The main highlight of the place is trekking up to Munda Pahaad, which take 40-50 minutes to reach (moderate level trek). It is a beautiful and rewarding trail through dense forest and along the Andaman coastline – offering spectacular views of the sea in between.
Reaching at the top actually feels like reaching top of the world. The Panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding from this place is totally magical specially around sunset. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Do not forget to wear comfortable dress and shoes for this place.
- 8:00 AM: Checking from hotel to ferry terminal
- 9:00 AM: Ferry to Port Blair
- 12:00 PM: Reaching Port Blair Hotel and taking lunch
- 01:30 PM: Going to Chidiya Tapu
- 03:00 PM: Reaching Chidiya Tapu & trekking to Munda Pahaad
- 04:00 PM: Reaching Munda Pahaad
- 06:00 PM: Getting back down
- 08:00 PM: Back to Hotel & taking dinner
7th Day – Ending the trip and frying back. If have evening flight, then utilise the time and visit Ross Island
Getting to the Airport
This now ends the trip to Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This day is to check out from hotel and go Airport to catch the flight back.
Incase if you want have late evening flight then half day tour can be planned for Ross Islands or incase if cellular jail wasn’t covered on 1st day then that can also be planned. You can also plan to stay in Port Blair if interested in visiting Baratang Islands.
I did not visit Ross Island & Baratang Islands because with limited time I found other places more worth visiting.
More about Andaman
