The Andaman and Nicobar Islands exist as a group of islands enclosed in the Indian Ocean, precisely situated in the Bay of Bengal. It is a tropical destination characterized by natural beauty, quiet beaches, adventure, excitement, and history that will attract any kind of tourist to this destination. Therefore, if you are travelling to this beautiful destination, it’s important to know the best way of how to reach the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In this blog, you will explore different areas of transport and get ideas on perfect holiday planning to help you maximize your vacation.
Getting to Andaman and Nicobar Islands: By Air and Sea
The island can easily and quickly be reached by air. Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, connects the mainland of India through air with the nearest airport located within the city. Therefore, there is Veer Savarkar International Airport, which is the commercial airport of this place.
From Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore, a direct flight can be taken to Port Blair. If you are flying internationally to Port Blair, you will first need to connect via one of the above cities. The average flight duration from mainland India is about 2 to 3 hours.
Reach Andaman and Nicobar By Sea
For those who want to take the adventurous route of reaching the Andaman Islands, there is a sea journey that takes a long time. However, the regular passenger ship services are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The time taken for the journey can be between 60 to 70 hours, depending on the port of departure and the condition of the sea.
Although this allows you to enjoy the vast expanse of the ocean and life at sea, it is definitely not for the one who is too short on time, with ship services operating are not that frequent and are dependent on the weather. Hence, air has always been the most convenient and popular choice of travel for tourists.
Planning Your Andaman Itinerary
Once your travel plans on how to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands are finalised, you have to plan the perfect itinerary. The islands are so exciting and so much fun that it becomes so important to prioritise what interests you the most. Whether you literally only have 3 nights and 4 days at your disposal or a longer stay, much fun awaits you.
Sample Itinerary for 3 Nights and 4 Days
The 3 nights and 4 days package Andaman is ideal for those who want a speedy holiday. Here is a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair
On reaching Port Blair, visit the famous Cellular Jail-a colonial prison-cum-museum reflecting the historical importance of the islands. Attend the evening light and sound show that narrates the struggles of freedom fighters.
Day 2: Havelock Island
On an early morning ferry, head to Havelock Island and get acquainted with its unpolluted beaches and crystal clear waters, and on this very day, savour the experience of being at Radhanagar Beach, voted as one of the best beaches in Asia; bask in the sun!
Day 3: Snorkelling at Elephant Beach
On Day 3, plunge into the exhilarating world of snorkelling on Elephant Beach, splendid underwater sights provided by the brightly colored corals and numerous marine life make it an ideal place to indulge in water sports.
Day 4: Port Blair and Departure
Spend your last night in Port Blair and take a tour of the local market before catching your flight or ferry back to the mainland.
Andaman Itinerary for 5 Days
For those with a bit more time, a 5-day itinerary can drag into a more languid experience that would see even more places like Neil Island. Here’s an example of that:
Day 1: Arriving in Port Blair and Corbyn Cove Beach
Drop your bags in a reserved hotel and visit Corbyn’s Cove Beach, a quiet place close to Port Blair, well suited for a mellow place at the end of the day.
Day 2: Havelock Island – Radhanagar Beach
Day 2 will see one jump on the ferry to Havelock and spend the day taking in sunbathing at Radhanagar Beach, or testing out some water sports.
Day 3: Neil Island – Laxmanpur Beach
Now make your way to the quieter, equally beautiful island of Neil. Here you can visit Laxmanpur Beach at sunset to have an incredible viewing experience in addition to just relaxing.
Day 4: Snorkelling and Water Sports at Elephant Beach
Come again for a day of snorkelling and other water sports at Elephant Beach, Havelock, and experience the aquatic biodiversity.
Day 5: Port Blair and Ross Island Return
Half-day excursion to Ross Island, famous for its ruins of the British colonial period, gives a sneak peek into the history of the region before returning to the mainland.
Popular Andaman Tourist Places
From pristine beaches to ancient monuments, different cultural attractions are turned to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some among the must-visit popular Andaman tourist places are.
- Radhanagar Beach: This is a blue paradise with soft white sands. It is a must-visit for beach lovers.
- Cellular Jail: Also known as Kala Pani, this jail has been turned into a memorial where one can see the agony that the freedom fighters of India went through.
- Ross Island: This island is famous for its British ruins; it takes you back to the ancient days through its historic significance.
- Elephant Beach: This beach is renowned for its water sports like snorkelling and is a favourite place for adventure-seeking souls.
- Neil Island: Compared with Havelock, Neil Island is a quieter island, ideal for seekers of peace and quiet.
Andaman Nicobar Resort Properties
When it comes to staying at Andaman Nicobar Beach resorts, everyone is accommodated from very low-budget guesthouses to very high-end luxurious resorts. Most resorts are located on Havelock and Neil Island, from which people get privileged beachfront views and access to water sports and other adventure activities.
Among the many popular beach resorts are:
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Luxury resort situated on Havelock Island, with all top-end amenities and access to a private beach.
- Barefoot at Havelock: Worlds apart private-opus seal eco-friendly accommodation, the resort provides an extravagant yet sustainable experience.
- SeaShell Neil Island: Cosy cottages with beach access ensure a refreshing stay for the guests.
Best Time to Visit The Andaman Islands
The ideal time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is between the months of October to May, as the weather during these months is really pleasant and lends to outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and beach hopping. The monsoons from June to September should be avoided since there is heavy rain that shuts down ferries and all other water activities.
Conclusion
A tropical paradise, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a lot in terms of natural beauty and adventure activities. Book a Havelock Island tour package or plan to stay for longer periods; the islands are sure to give an unforgettable experience. Visit the tourist locations in Andaman, stay in the beach resorts of Andaman and Nicobar, and make lifetime memories.
