Common man guide to Andamans

Hi all, I have recently done a 7 Nights Trip to Andamans and am thrilled to share my experience, hope it helps you plan one ad visit these amazing islands

No of Days:

I suggest you plan Min 6 N/7D (Neil & Havelock) to Max 10 N/11 D (+ Ross & Smith in Diglipur), In this Blog, we will cover 7 Day Itinerary which most people prefer

What to Expect:

Blue Turquoise waters, White Sand Beaches, Lots of Marine & Coral wildlife, Lush green Jungles, Luxury Resorts, Best pools, Lots & best of hospitality and Rains- They just never fade

Season-

Oct-Feb is considered the best but being a tropical Islands- It will be moderate weather round the year. There are no winters and it rains daily. Better to avoid Peak monsoon as it may make waters a bit dirty. The temp will range around 25-32 Degrees

Flights-

Plan At least 1 month prior to getting cheap fares, Direct flights might be an issue so look out for a pit stop at Chennai or Kolkata. I took onward Via Chennai & return via Kolkata. This made me reduce fares directly from Delhi and, I could enjoy local cuisines of two very different cultures. Port Blair is the only Airport; hence 2 days of Plan will involve Port Blair stay. Take an Early Morning Flight so that you have the entire day to explore Port Blair- It is worth it

Ferry Bookings-

this is the most crucial and tricky thing. There are 3-4 Options, and all have set timings. The ferry is the only option to travel to Havelock, Neil and back to Port Blair. If you miss a ferry or if it gets cancelled due to Bad weather, then your entire Hotel booking, and plan go to waste. So, first book ferry and then do hotels If you do not want many headaches – connect an Agent (Details Below)

Makruzz is the best Private Ferry followed by Sea link and Green Coral, which charge 1200-1500 Basis Route. Govt Ferry is also there but I would suggest booking Private ones. These can be booked online.

Link-

Local Transport-

If you are a family with Kids, then book through an agent, and you will have a MUV everywhere with the Driver waiting for you for the airport, ferry, local Land & Sea transports. They will even arrange for all Museums, Light shows, Tickets and costs s reasonable. If you are a couple and want a thrill, then go for a two-wheeler rental. This is easily available everywhere and your hotel also can arrange in minutes. Being no Traffic, lush green shores, hiring a bike is the best option to explore

Hotels-

I will cover Luxury ones here, but you want cheaper options to go for Air BNB instead of 2- or 3-Star ones. I tried one in Port Blair (Sandhya Residency) and it was awesome

Port Blair-

Forget everything else and Book Symphony Samudra, a 5 * resort in the lap of nature. Huge property with Infinity pool, Jacuzzi, Sunset View Sky rooms and lavish Buffets. Keep one day to explore only this property and take a mini Trek to Munda Pahar Beach. Other options are ITC Welcome, Lemon Tree

Havelock-

Sea Shell, Silver Sands, Sandy Waves- All 5 Star resorts and Beach Properties
Neil- Sea Shell Samsara

Schedule and Activities:

Day 1 –

Land early morning to Port Blair- Check in to the hotel, Hire a Cab or Bike- Cover Local Museum- 3, Ara Factory, Sea Dock, Tricolour Point, Aqua House, Corbyn Cove Beach, Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show, Rock Beach view opp Science Centre

Day 2 –

Early Morning Ferry at 7.30- Reach one hour before at Deck. It will reach Havelock at 10 AM. Check in to Hotel and try leaving by 12 PM to Radha Nagar Beach – Asia’s second-best largest Beach. No activities here but this is the Best Beach to swim in. Evening at Leisure at Hotel

Day 3 –

Trek/Bost Ride to Elephanta Beach – All water activities are at this beach only- which includes Scuba, Sea Walk, Dolphin Glass Boat, Jet Ski, Speed Boat, Snorkelling, Para-Gliding, etc- Evening Book a romantic candle night dinner by the Beach- All major resorts and café does it. Costing 3500-5000 with a good spread for 2 people

Day 4 –

Early morning ride at 4.30 to Kala Pathar Beach- Sunrise will happen at 5 AM, this is the most picturesque Beach with even clearer waters One can also swim here. Check out and noon ferry at 2 PM to Neil Island. Visit Lakshmanpur Beach 1 for a Sunset view and Maggi with Candlelight. Do hotel Check-in after that. Late evening in the pool at Resort

Day 5 –

Check out at 9 AM and visit Natural Bridge and Bharatpur Beach again with water sports. Ferry to Port Blair at 3.30 PM. Hotel Check-in Eve

Day 6 –

I stayed at Symphony and thus took this day at leisure being a large property. A mini 3-hour trek to Munda Pahar Beach can be done (Breathtaking) and ChidiyaTapu( A mini Zoo). If you are staying in the Main city, then take a trip to Ross Island & Northern Bay

Day 7 –

Departure

Pro Tip- Carry raincoat/Umbrella as it can rain any time or every time. Have Coconut twice a day- Probably the largest ones I ever had- one-litre water one it will act as a Full Meal.