Photo: tatonomusic / UnsplashAndaman Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
White sand, clear water, and coral reefs in the Bay of Bengal. India's best beaches for snorkeling and diving, with a dark colonial history in Port Blair.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹2,500–4,000
- Mid-range / day
- ₹7,700–16,500
- Best time
- November to April
- Ideal length
- 6–8 days
- Gateway
- Port Blair (IXZ) airport
The Andaman Islands lie about 1,200 km off India's east coast, closer to Myanmar than to the mainland. Most visitors fly into Port Blair (officially renamed Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024) and take ferries to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil).
Island travel runs on ferry timetables and the weather, so plan fewer islands with more time on each, and book ferries early in peak season.
Day by day
6-day itinerary
₹15,000–24,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Port Blair
Arrive, visit the Cellular Jail, and stay for the evening light-and-sound show about its history.
- 2
Day 2: Ferry to Havelock
Morning ferry to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), then sunset at Radhanagar Beach.
- 3
Day 3: Snorkel or dive
Snorkeling at Elephant Beach, or a beginner dive with a licensed dive centre.
- 4
Day 4: Havelock slow day
Kalapathar Beach, a kayak trip, or a second dive.
- 5
Day 5: Neil Island
Ferry to Shaheed Dweep (Neil) and cycle to the natural rock bridge and Laxmanpur beaches.
- 6
Day 6: Back to Port Blair
Ferry back and fly out, or add a day at Ross Island in Port Blair.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr★ Best
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct—
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Nov–Apr: BestCalm seas, clear water for snorkeling and diving, and reliable ferries. December and January are the busiest.
- May: MixedHot and humid, with the monsoon approaching; seas start to get rougher.
- Jun–Oct: AvoidMonsoon: rough seas, ferry cancellations, and poor visibility underwater. Some dive centres close.
Getting there
- By air
- Port Blair has flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, and other cities. This is how almost everyone arrives.
- By sea
- Between islands, government and private ferries link Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil in about 1.5–2.5 hours. Book private ferries ahead in peak season.
- By train
- There is no railway on the islands. Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam take about three days and run infrequently.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (beach hut or guesthouse) | ₹1,200–2,000 | ₹4,000–9,000 |
| Food | ₹600–900 | ₹1,200–2,000 |
| Ferries and local transport | ₹500–900 | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Snorkeling and entry | ₹200–500 | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Typical day | ₹2,500–4,000 | ₹7,700–16,500 |
Scuba diving is extra: a beginner dive typically costs roughly ₹4,000–7,000, and certification courses much more. Stays and food cost more than on the mainland because most supplies arrive by ship.
Highlights
Radhanagar Beach
A long, white-sand beach on Havelock, famous for its sunsets.
Snorkeling and diving
Coral reefs, turtles, and reef fish around Havelock and Neil.
Cellular Jail
The colonial-era prison where Indian freedom fighters were held, now a national memorial.
Neil Island
A quieter, smaller island best explored by bicycle.
Practical tips
- Permits and restricted areas
- Indian citizens don't need a permit for Port Blair, Havelock, or Neil. Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits, and rules for foreign nationals and for other islands change; check with Andaman tourism before you travel.
- Ferries
- Book private ferries in advance for December to January, and keep a buffer day before your flight in case of weather cancellations.
- Protect the reef
- Don't touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and dive only with licensed centres.
- Connectivity and cash
- Mobile data is slow and patchy on the islands, and ATMs can run out; carry enough cash.
Andaman Islands FAQs
What is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands?
November to April, when seas are calm and the water is clearest. Avoid the monsoon from about June to October.
How many days do I need for Andaman?
Six to eight days covers Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil without rushing between ferries.
Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel or dive?
Beginner dives and guided snorkeling are available for non-swimmers with a life jacket and instructor, but being comfortable in water helps a lot.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.