The Andaman & Nicobar Islands offer some of the world's best beaches, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reefs — all within India, no passport needed. From the famous Radhanagar Beach on Havelock to bioluminescent plankton at Neil Island, Andaman is a destination that rivals any international beach holiday.
How to Reach Andaman
Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Flights take 2–2.5 hours from the mainland. IndiGo and Air India operate frequent routes. Book 1–2 months ahead for the best fares (₹6,000–14,000 per person one way).
Ships also sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam — a scenic 3-day journey but not practical for short trips.
Permits for Andaman
Indian nationals do not need a permit for most of Andaman. However, some islands require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP):
- No permit needed: Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Baratang
- RAP required: Little Andaman, Long Island, Diglipur (apply at Port Blair Secretariat — usually same day)
- Tribal Reserve (no access): North Sentinel Island, Jarawa Reserve (strictly off-limits)
Top Islands & Beaches
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the crown jewel of Andaman. Radhanagar Beach (Beach 7) consistently ranks among Asia's best beaches — powder white sand, emerald water, and forested hills as a backdrop. Elephant Beach is the snorkelling hotspot with vivid coral gardens. The Cellular Jail is 45 minutes away in Port Blair — a must-visit for its powerful history.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Smaller and quieter than Havelock, Neil is ideal for couples and solo travellers. Bharatpur Beach is great for swimming; Laxmanpur Beach is famous for its natural rock arch and bioluminescent plankton at night (best April–October). Rent a bicycle to explore the entire island in 3 hours.
Port Blair
Your gateway to Andaman. Visit the Cellular Jail (evening sound-and-light show is excellent), Ross Island (abandoned British administrative headquarters, now home to deer and peacocks), and North Bay Island for glass-bottom boat rides and water sports.
Water Sports in Andaman
Andaman has some of India's best diving. PADI dive courses start at ₹12,000. Top water sports available:
- Scuba diving: Elephant Beach, Barracuda City, Lighthouse — ₹3,500–5,000/dive
- Sea walking: North Bay Island — ₹3,000–4,000 per person
- Snorkelling: Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy — ₹500–1,000
- Kayaking through mangroves: Baratang — ₹1,500–2,000
- Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat: North Bay — ₹800–2,000
5-Day Andaman Itinerary
| Day | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Port Blair | Arrive, Cellular Jail sound-and-light show |
| Day 2 | Port Blair | Ross Island, North Bay water sports, Corbyn's Cove |
| Day 3 | Havelock Island | Radhanagar Beach sunset, scuba diving |
| Day 4 | Havelock + Neil | Elephant Beach snorkelling, Neil Island bioluminescence |
| Day 5 | Port Blair depart | Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar, fly home |
Budget for Andaman (per couple, 5 nights)
| Item | Cost (couple) |
|---|---|
| Return flights from Bangalore | ₹20,000–35,000 |
| 5 nights accommodation | ₹15,000–60,000 |
| Food & local transport | ₹10,000–18,000 |
| Water sports & entry fees | ₹8,000–20,000 |
| Ferry tickets (inter-island) | ₹2,000–4,000 |
| Total per couple | ₹55,000–1,37,000 |
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