How to Visit Andaman: Your Complete Travel Guide to India’s Island Paradise

A trip to the Andaman Islands is like stepping into a postcard where turquoise waters meet lush green rainforests, and time slows with the rhythm of the waves. Whether you're seeking solitude on a hammock, diving into coral reefs, or exploring colonial-era stories, the Andamans offer an experience unlike anywhere else in India.

If you’re planning your first visit, here’s everything you need to know.

Where Are the Andamans?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, about 1,400 km from mainland India. Only the Andaman group (especially Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island) is open to tourists, with Nicobar off-limits for ecological reasons.

Best Time to Visit

• October to May is the ideal window.

• December to March offers the best weather for water activities.

• Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall and choppy seas, making travel not recommended for travel.

How to Reach Andaman

By Air

• Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport is the only entry point by air.

• Direct flights available from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

• Flight time: ~2.5 to 5 hours depending on origin.

By Sea

• Passenger ships run from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam, taking 3–4 days.

• Not ideal unless you're looking for a unique experience and are okay with basic facilities.

Permits and Documents

• Indian citizens do not require a permit for most islands.

• Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) easily issued on arrival at Port Blair.

• Special permits are needed for places like Jolly Buoy Island or tribal areas (which are largely off-limits).

Carry valid ID and passport-size photos for local permissions and ferry bookings.

Top Places to Visit

1. Port Blair

   • Start your journey here. Visit the Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, and Samudrika Naval Museum.

   • Attend the Light & Sound show for a haunting retelling of the island’s freedom struggle.

2. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

   • Famous for Radhanagar Beach (one of Asia’s best), Kalapathar Beach, and Elephant Beach.

   • Ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach stays.

3. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

   • A smaller, quieter cousin to Havelock. Known for Laxmanpur Beach, Natural Rock Bridge, and sunset views.

   • Great for cycling, walking trails, and relaxed stays.

4. Baratang Island

   • Home to limestone caves, mangrove forests, and mud volcanoes.

   • A day trip from Port Blair — includes scenic drives through tribal reserves.

5. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)

   • An eerie British ghost town with crumbling ruins wrapped in tree roots and colonial history.

Things to Do

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Havelock is India’s diving capital. Try sites like Nemo Reef or The Wall.

• Glass Bottom Boat Rides: Perfect for non-swimmers to see coral life.

• Kayaking: Especially popular in mangrove creeks at night under the bioluminescent waters (seasonal).

• Island Hopping: Via government or private ferries.

• Seafood Delights: Don’t miss fresh lobster, coconut crab, and fish curries.

How to Get Around

• Ferries: Government and private ferries (like Makruzz or Green Ocean) connect major islands.

• Cabs & Scooters: Easily available on Havelock and Neil. Rent a scooter for local exploration.

• Buses and Autos: Affordable transport within Port Blair.

What to Pack

• Light cotton clothes, swimwear, flip-flops

• Sunblock, sunglasses, hats

• Waterproof phone cases, power banks

• Snorkel gear (optional also rentable)

• Basic medicine and insect repellent

Responsible Travel Tips

• Avoid plastic bottles; carry a reusable one.

• Respect local communities and tribal areas.

• Do not touch corals or marine life while snorkeling or diving.

• Stick to marked paths during forest walks.

• Dispose of waste responsibly the islands are fragile ecosystems.

Final Thought:

While the beaches may bring you here, the Andaman Islands are much more a place where history, nature, and slow-living come together. Whether it’s watching the sun dip behind palm trees or diving into a kaleidoscope of fish and coral, every moment lingers long after you've left.