If you want to experience the most magical beaches in India, then Andaman Islands is the right place to visit. Compared to most popular beach destinations in India like Goa, Pondicherry etc, Andaman & Nicobar Islands offers the cleanest beaches, plenty of water sports activities, island hoping, lush greenery and full of natural beauty. A trip to Andaman Island can never be disappointing. Here I am sharing my 7 days trip guide to Andaman Islands, so that you can also easily plan to visit this splendid island.
HOW MANY DAYS ARE ENOUGH FOR TRIP TO ANDAMAN ISLANDS
For trip to Andaman requires landing to the capital city Port Blair and then island hoping via ferry to at least two Islands (most common are Havelock and Neil). For covering all this 6-7 day is required. In case if wish to explore more islands like Ross, Barathan etc then 7-10 days are required.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ANDAMAN ISLANDS
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST FOR 7 DAYS TRIP TO ANDAMAN ISLANDS
A 7-day trip to Andaman Islands can cost approx. 75,000 to 1,35,000 INR/Person. This includes return flight to Port Blair, good hotel stay, food, ferry transfers, local transits etc.
- Flight: Rs 15000-30000/Person (Round trip)
- Hotels: Rs 20,000-30,000/Person (6 nights on twin sharing)
- Local Transit: 15,000- 30,000/ Person (Including Ferry transfer and local transportation cost)
- Food: 15,000- 25,000/Person
- Misc: 10,000-20,000/Person
- Total Cost: Approx. 75,000 – 1,35,000 /Person
HOW TO REACH ANDAMAN / HOW TO TRAVEL TO OTHER ISLANDS/ HOW TO TRAVEL WITHIN ISLANDS
As Andaman is located in between the sea therefore it can be reached via air or sea. Taking flight is the best way to reach Andaman. Veer Savarkar International Airport of Port Blair (Andaman’s Capital) is well connected to major cities in India.
Sea route to Andaman is not advisable because of long journey.
Island hoping in Andaman (like Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil etc) can easily be done through ferries specially for Havelock and Neil Islands. Going for private ferry instead of govt run ferries is convenient and best option. They are comfortable, fast, have good frequency and are proper air conditioned.
Markuzz and Green Ocean are two private ferry operator companies. Both have website as well as counters at ferry terminal for buying tickets. But is advisable to do advance booking (either directly through their website or via tour operator or help of hotel staff etc) for the ferries specially during peak season. By advance means maximum 7-day and minimum 1 day before for safer side. It is not advisable to do 1-month prior booking.
For traveling within Islands – local taxi’s and auto’s are easily available in Havelock, Port Blair and Neil Islands. You can also rent bicycles and two wheelers.
Private cabs can also be booked easily in advance with the help of hotel staff or local tour operators.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Where to stay in Port Blair
Your first stop in the Island would be, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar – Port Blair.
Port Blair is relatively a small Island and you can get anywhere within 15-20 mins. Therefore, you can plan to stay anywhere in the Island. Being the capital, it has plenty of options to stay from 5 stars to budget stay. Following are some of the best options.
Luxury stay options in Port Blair
Mid Range stay options in Port Blair
Budget stay option in Port Blair
Where to stay in Havelock Islands
Havelock been a popular destination has various options for stay specially in the lane from Havelock jetty. This lane is full of hotel from budget to high range. Out of all following are some of the best options to stay in Havelock
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Situated at Radhanagar Beach, this is the ultimate luxury resort. Staying here people forget the outside world. But it comes with a price and not everyone can afford this luxurious stay. Below are some other options.
- Barefoot at Havelock – Eco friendly luxury resort at Radhanagar Beach
- Jalakara – A luxury boutique hotel situated close to Govindnagar Beach (5 mins drive)
- Silver Sand Beach Resort – A mid range resort situated at vijaynagar beach
- Havelock Islands Beach Resort (earlier known as seashells) – Another Mid range resort situated at Govindnagar Beach
Where to stay in Neil Island
Neil Island also have variety of hotels and resorts to stay specially at the lane close to Neil Island Jetty. Some good options are listed below:
- SeaShells Neil Islands
- Silver Sand Beach Resort Neil
- SeaShell Samssara Neil Islands
- Symphony Summer Sand Neil Islands
MUST VISIT PLACES IN ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Although there are plenty of attractions to cover in Andaman but it is not possible to cover all of them. Out of all the attractions, the must visit is Havelock Islands (main highlight Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Elephant Beach) and Neil Islands (main highlight Laxmanpur Beach sunset and Natural Bridge). Port Blair is by default covered as it is the landing place. Must visits in Port Blair is the very famous Cellular Jail and hike to Chidiya Tapu. If time permits, then a short half day trip can be planned for Ross Island as well.
TIPS FOR TRIP TO ANDAMAN ISLANDS
- In case if you need guidance for ferry bookings then you can contact hotel for help or you can google search best tour operators in Port Blair and contact the ones with good rating. You can also book it directly from Ferry Operators website.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands are more towards peaceful scenic beauty and less towards loud night party scenes. If you are looking for that, then Andaman & Nicobar Islands is not the right place.
- This trip will require getting up early most of the days because you need to catch ferries for hoping to another Islands. Don’t plan it if you can’t manage getting up early.
- Incase if scuba diving is not in agenda can this trip can be cut short to 5 days (2 days Port Blair, 2 Days Havelock and 1 day Neil Islands)
- If you know how to ride bike/scooty then it’s a bonus specially in exploring Havelock Islands. Otherwise autos are available.
