Andaman Tour Packages

The Andaman Islands are India’s emerald necklace in the Bay of Bengal—an archipelago of palm-fringed beaches, glass-clear lagoons, living coral reefs, and rainforests alive with birdsong. From the poignant history of the Cellular Jail (Port Blair) to the sugar-soft sands of Radhanagar Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock) and the twin sandbar wonder of Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur), Andaman blends nature, culture, and adventure in a way few places can. Expect serene sunsets, world-class diving, tropical cuisine, and a slower, salt-kissed rhythm of life. It’s a place to unplug, explore, and fall in love with the ocean—again and again.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Beach: Iconic beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, tropical rainforests.
• Adventure: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, sportfishing.
• History & Culture: Colonial-era landmarks, museums, and island communities.
• Romance & Family: Quiet luxury resorts, kid-friendly lagoons, gentle activities.
• Wellness & Slow Travel: Stays in eco-resorts, stargazing, long beach walks.

Prime Season and Snow Season

• Prime Season: October to April
  • Weather: Clear skies, lower humidity, calm seas, excellent underwater visibility.
  • Why visit: Best for water sports, island-hopping, and beach time.
• Snow Season: Not applicable.
  • Andaman is tropical—there is no snowfall at any time of year.

Languages Spoken

• Widely used: Hindi, English
• Also heard: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Nicobarese (and other indigenous languages in restricted areas)

Local Transport Options

• Inter-island ferries: Government and private catamarans (e.g., Port Blair ↔ Swaraj Dweep/Havelock ↔ Shaheed Dweep/Neil).
• Local boats & speedboats: For day trips (Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy, Baratang).
• Taxis & autos: Readily available in Port Blair; pre-book on the islands.
• Two-wheeler & bicycle rentals: Popular on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil).
• Buses: Public buses link main settlements on South, Middle, and North Andaman via the Andaman Trunk Road (NH-4).
• Note: App-based cabs are limited. Driving after dark is subdued; plan transfers in daylight where possible.

How to Reach

• By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Direct/connecting flights operate from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
• By Sea: Periodic passenger ships (3–4 days) sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. Schedules are infrequent; cabins vary—book well in advance.
• By Rail: No rail connectivity within the islands. The nearest major railheads for onward flights/ships are Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
• By Road (within islands): The NH-4/Andaman Trunk Road links Port Blair to Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur. Sections pass through protected tribal reserve corridors—follow all rules; stopping/photography is prohibited.

Best Time to Visit (Season-by-Season)

• Summer (March–May)

  • Temperature: ~27–33°C; humid afternoons, gentle breezes.
  • Weather: Mostly sunny; occasional pre-monsoon showers; decent sea conditions.
  • Crowd: Moderate; families and honeymooners.
  • Budget: ₹₹–₹₹₹ (good availability; shoulder-season deals late May).
  • Packing: Light cotton/linen, wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, UV rash guard, flip-flops, hydration packs.

• Monsoon (June–September)

  • Temperature: ~24–30°C; frequent showers, sultry.
  • Weather: Rougher seas, intermittent ferry disruptions; lush landscapes, dramatic skies.
  • Crowd: Low; quiet beaches and lower tariffs.
  • Budget: ₹–₹₹ (best value; some trips may be weather-dependent).
  • Packing: Light rain jacket, dry bags, quick-dry clothes, anti-slip sandals, seasickness tablets.

• Winter (October–February) – Peak

  • Temperature: ~23–29°C; pleasant, breezy evenings.
  • Weather: Clear skies, calm seas, top underwater visibility—prime for diving/snorkeling.
  • Crowd: High in Dec–Jan; book early.
  • Budget: ₹₹₹ (premium rates around Christmas–New Year).
  • Packing: Beachwear plus a light evening layer, sun protection, snorkel mask if preferred, insect repellent.

Places to Visit

• Port Blair

  • Cellular Jail National Memorial: Moving light-and-sound show narrating India’s freedom struggle.
  • Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy city beach with water sports and cafés.
  • Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Great crash course in natural history and island cultures.

• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

  • Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets, powdery sand, gentle surf—one of Asia’s most celebrated beaches.
  • Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, sea walking, and beginner-friendly reef experiences.

• Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

  • Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Photogenic rock arch revealed at low tide.
  • Laxmanpur & Bharatpur Beaches: Turquoise shallows, snorkeling, and sunrise/sunset scenes.

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor)

  • Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Pristine coral reefs, glass-bottom boats; islands open on a rotation to protect reefs.

• Baratang (Middle Andaman)

  • Limestone Caves & Mangrove Creeks: Narrow boat channels, otherworldly cave formations; also a rare Mud Volcano nearby.

• Diglipur (North Andaman)

  • Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islands joined by a sandbar—postcard-perfect day trip.
  • Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andaman (732 m) with panoramic rainforest views.

• Chidiya Tapu

  • Birdwatching and dramatic sunset cliffs at Munda Pahad.

Things to Do

• Attend the Cellular Jail light-and-sound show for a powerful history experience.
• Snorkel or dive vibrant reefs at Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy, or Lighthouse (Havelock).
• Go on a mangrove kayak at dusk for birds, bioluminescence (seasonal), and starry skies.
• Take an island-hopping day cruise to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross) and North Bay.
• Trek to Munda Pahad or Saddle Peak for panoramic views over jungle and sea.

Adventure Activities

• Scuba Diving: From try-dives to advanced certifications; excellent macro life and coral gardens.
• Sea Kayaking (including night bioluminescence runs): Quiet creeks and glowing plankton on suitable nights.
• Snorkeling & Sea Walking: Easy, guided reef exploration—great for non-swimmers too.
• Sportfishing: Offshore charters target tuna, GT, and barracuda (catch-and-release encouraged).
• Trekking & Nature Walks: Saddle Peak, Munda Pahad, and mangrove boardwalks (Dhani Nallah) offer varied terrain.
• Bonus: Parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and glass-bottom boating at select beaches.

Cuisines to Try

• Fresh seafood: Grilled lobster, crab curry, tandoori fish, prawn masala.
• Coconut & curry leaf flavors: South Indian and island-style fish curries.
• Bengali-influenced fare: Fish fry, kosha mangsho, mishti for dessert.
• Tropical fruits: Pineapple, banana, papaya—often farm-fresh.
• Local products: Andaman wild honey, virgin coconut oil (great souvenirs).

Dining Places (Popular Picks)

• Port Blair:
  • Amaya Lounge Bar (SeaShell): Rooftop sea views, seafood grills, sundowners.
  • Icy Spicy: Veg-friendly Indian and Asian plates.
  • New Lighthouse Restaurant: Casual, seafood-forward classic.
• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock):
  • Something Different – A Beachside Café: Global comfort food, sunset vibes.
  • Full Moon Café (Vijay Nagar): Seafood and island favorites near the beach.
  • Bonova Café & Pub (SeaShell): Live music nights, cocktails, and grills.
• Shaheed Dweep (Neil):
  • Anju Coco Resto: Simple, tasty seafood and thalis close to the beach.

Tip: Many places close by 10 pm; confirm timings, especially in the monsoon.

Resorts & Stays

• Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Havelock (Radhanagar Beach): Ultra-luxe villas under mahua trees; romantic and private.
• Barefoot at Havelock: Eco-chic cottages by rainforest trails leading to the beach.
• Welcomhotel Bay Island (Port Blair): Iconic red-pine architecture with sweeping sea views.
• SeaShell (Port Blair / Havelock / Neil): Reliable service and great locations across islands.
• Symphony Palms Beach Resort (Havelock): Beach-facing cottages with easy lagoon access.
• Coral Reef Resort (Havelock & Neil): Contemporary rooms, pool, and curated excursions.
• Sinclairs Bayview (Port Blair): Cliff-edge sunset views near the city.

Nightlife

• Rooftop sundowners in Port Blair (e.g., Amaya) with sea breezes and grills.
• Beach cafés on Havelock (e.g., Nemo Café & Bar, Bonova) for mellow music and cocktails.
• Live music evenings at popular island cafés—acoustic sets and bon-tempo vibes.
• Bioluminescence night kayaking on suitable moonless nights—a magical, eco-friendly “after dark” adventure.
• Dinner-by-the-sea experiences at upscale resorts (ask for cliff/boardwalk seating).
• Note: The islands are quiet by design—expect relaxed nights rather than late-night clubbing.

Shopping

• Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair): Lively market for clothes, snacks, souvenirs.
• Sagarika Government Emporium: Ethically sourced handicrafts, shell/coconut art, home décor.
• Museum gift shops (Samudrika): Marine-themed mementos and books.
• What to buy: Coconut crafts, cane/bamboo goods, spices, island honey, virgin coconut oil, modest shell art.
• Important: Do not buy or carry home live corals, giant clam shells, turtle products, or any protected marine items—strictly illegal.

Off-Beat Places (Hidden Gems)

• Long Island & Lalaji Bay: Quiet beaches, forest trails; access by ferry/boat via Rangat.
• Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Powdery white cove with shallow turquoise—boat trip from Long Island.
• Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk (Rangat): Elevated boardwalk through serene mangroves to a clean beach.
• Alfred Caves (Ramnagar, Diglipur): Karst cave network with birds and bats—best with a local guide.
• Parrot Island (near Baratang/Rangat): Thousands of parrots returning at dusk—boat excursion at sunset.
• Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches (Diglipur): Black-sand stretches and seasonal turtle nesting.

Festivals & Events

• Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Typically in January—cultural shows, food stalls, crafts.
• Subhash Mela (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock): Around January 23—fairs, performances, and local flavors.
• Beach Festival (Port Blair): Often in April—music, games, sand art.
• Monsoon Festival: August–September—celebrating the rains with cultural programs.
• New Year & Diwali Celebrations: Resort-led gala dinners, fireworks, and themed nights (October/November & December).

Key Experiences (Must-Do)

1. Watch the sunset at Radhanagar Beach—carry a sarong and just be.
2. Snorkel at Jolly Buoy or Elephant Beach for living coral gardens.
3. Sit through the Cellular Jail light-and-sound show for a stirring slice of history.
4. Mangrove boat ride to Baratang’s Limestone Caves—a journey through natural tunnels.
5. Day-trip to Ross & Smith for that surreal sandbar stroll.
6. Try a bioluminescence kayak on a moonless night (check conditions).

Travel Tips

• Permits: Indian citizens do not need RAP for permitted islands; Nicobar group and tribal reserves are off-limits. Foreign visitors can access most designated tourist islands without RAP; some areas remain restricted—carry ID.
• Respect communities: No stopping/photography in tribal reserve corridors; never attempt island visits like North Sentinel.
• Marine etiquette: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch corals, maintain buoyancy, and avoid littering.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs in Port Blair/Havelock; carry some cash on smaller islands. Mobile data improves every year but can be patchy—download maps offline.
• Weather & seas: Ferries can be delayed or canceled in rough weather—keep buffers in your plan.
• Safety: Swim within designated zones; heed flags/lifeguards; jellyfish may appear in monsoon—wear a rash guard.
• Packing: Light layers, sun hat, reusable water bottle, waterproof phone bag, insect repellent, motion-sickness meds.
• Alcohol & plastic: Licensed outlets only; public drinking on beaches is discouraged. Many islands promote single-use plastic reduction—carry reusables.

Interesting Facts

• Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil) are the official names since 2018, honoring India’s freedom movement.
• Barren Island, part of Andaman, is home to India’s only active volcano; boat trips go around it (no landing).
• The archipelago comprises ~572 islands, with only about 37 inhabited.
• Andaman’s state animal is the dugong (sea cow)—a shy, gentle marine mammal.
• Cellular Jail once held several Indian freedom fighters in solitary “cells,” giving the prison its name.
• An undersea fiber-optic cable from Chennai to Port Blair (commissioned in 2020) has significantly boosted internet connectivity on major islands.
• Radhanagar Beach was once rated the “Best Beach in Asia” by TIME magazine (2004), cementing Andaman’s global beach cred.

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If you want, I can build a 6–8 day Andaman itinerary with day-by-day logistics, ferry suggestions, and budget brackets tailored to your travel month and interests.