With powder-white beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs and dense tropical forest, the Andaman Islands are India's answer to Southeast Asia's island getaways, and you don't need a passport to go. The dry season runs from November to April, making now the perfect time to plan.
A quick note on names: Port Blair is now officially Sri Vijaya Puram, Havelock Island is Swaraj Dweep and Neil Island is Shaheed Dweep. You will still see the old names widely used on signs and booking sites.
Why go
- Some of India's finest beaches: including Radhanagar Beach on Havelock, often ranked among Asia's best.
- Underwater life: easy snorkelling and some of India's best scuba diving for beginners and experienced divers.
- History: the Cellular Jail in Sri Vijaya Puram tells the story of India's freedom fighters.
Best time to visit
November to April is the best time, with calm seas, clear water for diving and sunny skies. December and January are the busiest months, so book ferries and hotels early. The monsoon (roughly mid-May to September) brings heavy rain and rough seas, and ferries and water activities are often disrupted.
Top things to do
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Visit the Cellular Jail and stay for the evening light and sound show. Take a boat to Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) to see colonial-era ruins reclaimed by trees, and relax at Corbyn's Cove beach.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
The islands' main holiday hub. Watch the sunset at Radhanagar Beach, snorkel at Elephant Beach and enjoy the quiet stretch at Kalapathar. Havelock is also the base for most dive schools, offering everything from short "discover scuba" sessions to full certification courses.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
Smaller and slower than Havelock. See the rock formation known as the natural bridge at Laxmanpur, snorkel at Bharatpur Beach and cycle through farmland and villages.
Baratang
A long day trip from Sri Vijaya Puram to see limestone caves and mangrove creeks. The road passes through a protected tribal reserve, where vehicles move in convoys. Stopping, feeding or photographing members of the Jarawa community is strictly prohibited and illegal.
Getting there
All flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram, with direct services from cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Delhi. Indian citizens do not need a permit to visit the main tourist islands. Foreign nationals should check the latest entry and registration rules before travelling.
Ferries between islands
Ferries are the backbone of any Andaman trip. Indicative 2026-27 fares for Sri Vijaya Puram to Havelock:
- Government ferries: from about ₹460 (deck) to around ₹945 for a seat, with higher classes costing more. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Tourist quotas are limited, as these ferries mainly serve islanders.
- Private catamarans (such as Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean): from about ₹1,050 to ₹3,500 before port fees, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Havelock to Neil by private ferry takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Government tickets are sold through the official DSS portal; private operators sell online. Make sure the name on your ticket exactly matches your photo ID, and book well ahead for December and January.
Where to stay
- Sri Vijaya Puram: convenient for the first and last nights near the airport and jetty.
- Havelock: the widest choice, from beach huts to luxury eco-resorts near Radhanagar.
- Neil: small resorts and cottages for a quieter stay.
Indicative budget
- Budget: ₹3,500-5,000 per person per day, excluding flights.
- Mid-range: ₹7,000-14,000 per person per day.
- Luxury: ₹20,000 and up per day for top beach resorts.
Ferries, diving and peak-season hotel rates can add significantly to costs. These are rough estimates; check current prices.
A 6-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Sri Vijaya Puram; Cellular Jail and the light and sound show.
- Day 2: Ross Island in the morning, then ferry to Havelock.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkelling; sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 4: Scuba dive or relax at Kalapathar.
- Day 5: Ferry to Neil; natural bridge and Bharatpur Beach.
- Day 6: Ferry back to Sri Vijaya Puram and fly home.
Practical tips
- Mobile data can be patchy on the smaller islands; download maps and tickets offline.
- Carry enough cash, as ATMs on Neil and parts of Havelock can run dry.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral.
- Swim only at beaches where it is permitted and follow lifeguard flags; crocodile warnings exist in some areas.
- Keep a buffer day before your flight in case ferries are cancelled due to weather.
FAQ
How many days do I need in the Andamans?
Five to seven days covers Sri Vijaya Puram, Havelock and Neil at a comfortable pace.
Can non-swimmers try scuba diving?
Yes. Beginner "discover" dives are done with an instructor at shallow sites, though you should be comfortable in water and declare any medical conditions.
Sources
Andaman and Nicobar Tourism; Directorate of Shipping Services; BookYourFerry on 2026-27 ferry fares. Fares, schedules and entry rules may change; verify before booking.
