If you are a beach lover, you would love Andaman Islands. It is rich in history and culture too. What used to be Kala Pani, the worst prison term, the exile, it is a tourist paradise now. How times change! So here is a list of frequently asked questions or FAQs for visiting the Andaman Islands in India.
How to reach?
Flights are a convenient way to reach the capital, Port Blair. As I live in New Delhi, I took a New Delhi – Bangalore and then Bangalore – Port Blair flight. I did the trip with Makemytrip, the Bangalore – Port Blair flight it was a chartered flight (#
Flights are available from Kolkota too. I am told that it is possible to reach Port Blair by sea via Kolkota. It surely sounds like an adventure but I have not done it.
How Long to Stay?
That would really depend on your leaves, right? I did a seven nights trip and I wanted more! I would happily spend more than 10 days in the region if I go again.
What to see?
There is a lot to see. I would divide the region into two, Port Blair and the Islands. Port Blair is not a hard core beach destination. Neil and Havelock are beautiful islands with white sand beaches.
But there are many short trips available from from Port Blair. Viper Island, Ross Island, Wandoor Beach, Baratang Caves are some of the short trips available from Port Blair. Snorkeling and glass boat rides are possible nearby.
Port Blair has the historic Cellular Jail. The light and sound show is a must see there.
Havelock Island
Havelock Island is a white sand paradise. Its Radhanagar Beach frequently listed in the world’s top beaches list. Snorkeling and diving is out of this world. Do pick up a reputed diving school for your experience. Or do nothing and just laze around the beautiful beaches.
I have not been to Neil Island but I hear it is even more beautiful. I would say do go.
There ferries to and from Port Blair to Havelock. The first ferry that reaches back to Port Blair is after the last flight leaves. So you have to budget an extra night at Port Blair.
What to Pack?
It is a typical beach holiday that I would pack for. The weather is warm. Pack a beach wear that you are comfortable in. I have seen people on the beach from sari to bikini. Sunscreen and sun glasses would come in handy.
When to Go?
Like everywhere else in India beaches are good from October to Feb/March. I visited in October and the days were hot. Other than the rainy season when it would pour, I am game for any time!
Where to Stay?
There are many hotels both at Port Blair and Havelock catering to various budgets. I stayed Sea Shell Resort at both the places. It is a decent hotel.
If you would like to read in detail about the tourist experience you could check out my article on the same.
So what are you waiting for? Get planning and packing!
Great and very helpful post. Something exactly similar has been lying in my draft since sometime now.
Not that this is here, I doubt whether I should complete mine or not 😉 .
Cheers,
Rajiv
Rajiv do complete it, the more the merrier!
haha! Thanks mam, I hope to. Pretty soon 🙂
😀 😀 😀
Wonderful account on Andaman Islands, Mridula. Super amazing pics. I used to have some friends from Andaman in college days in Tamil Nadu. The best things was they were well versed in Hindi. They stated that ship was the better option to reach Andaman from tourist point of view. Perhaps, it takes 4-5 days to reach Andaman from Chennai through ship. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity in those days. 🙁
And we never get the same freedom we get in college!
Again a wonderful post inspiring wanderlust !!
Thank you Kokila.
Very good information… and more than that its inspiring me to make a trip… its been long pending… Oh.. well… 🙂
Do go Archana, it is a beautiful place!
This is a very useful post, Mridula…informative… 🙂 Thanks for posting this…
Happy to hear that you liked it 😀
A very informative post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Purba.
Informative. I have bagged a spicejet return ticket Chennai-port blair and back for Rs 5000, for Aug 2016. Hope to explore the island then.
A friend went during the rains too and he still enjoyed it. What all places you are planning to visit?
Very useful info. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Arun.
Very informative and helpful Mridula. Thanks!
Thank you Indrani.
Wonderful captures…particularly the sunrise one! Great info for travellers… 🙂
Thank you Deepa.
Great Information… Will make my plan soon 🙂
Do go, you will love it.
Yes indeed an informative and pleasant to eyes post….neat post.
Thank you Chaitali.
Reading your article ..I need more details.
Let me know Shilpi how can I be of help?
Very informative post, Mridula with awesome pictures.. lovely. would love to pack my bag to Andamans 😛 🙂
The weather is also right Meera 😀
So what are you waiting for? Get planning and packing! Hahaha . not so easy Mridula ji . But whenever I would have time and a plan to visit there , your post will help me a lot ! Now in January , train to Rajasthan for 10 days .
Great Yogi, looking forward to your trip account!
As per my knowledge from bangalore there is no direct flight to Port Blair.Thanks for reminding my trip to peradise Andman
Yes Harshita it is a charter by Makemytrip for MMT customers and not a scheduled flight. 😀
We visited andamans for 10 days and loved it… there are flights breaking at chennai too and we realised that had we planned better… we could have spent 1-2 days in pondicherry taking detour from chennai…
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com
Thanks for the tip Sushmita!
Thanks for the tips Mridula. Love the first shot. Also, thanks for passing by my blog once in a while.
Thank you Vibha, good to have you back too!
mridula! is travel around Andaman & Nikobar Island expensive? The boat tours…especially the ones which are not guided /mass tours?
I think the most expensive bit is the flight and hotels. If you use public ferries and transport it is not that expensive.
Nice and Beautiful Information on the Andamans. I and my friends had visited Andaman some ten years back. I liked the place very much. It is indeed a gods gift. One should visit Andamans at least once in a lifetime.