The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most beautiful and exotic destinations which are located in India. Recently Port Blair, the capital has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. This guide will tell you how to reach Andaman by flight and ship,\ budget details, itinerary, popular tourist places and and as well as some useful tips to make your journey smooth and memorable. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family vacation, or adventure trip, this article will cover everything you need.
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How to Reach Andaman by Flight
Reaching Andaman by air is the fastest and most comfortable way. When coming to the Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) Airport is well-connected to many major cities in India. Direct flights are available from Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The cheapest and most frequent flights are from Kolkata and Chennai.
- From Kolkata: Minimum one-way fare is around ₹6,500.
- From Chennai: Minimum one-way fare is ₹6,000.
- From Mumbai: Around ₹8,000.
- From Delhi: ₹9,000–₹10,000.
Flights can be booked through travel portals like Wego, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or directly from airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India. Using a fare-comparison site helps to find the cheapest ticket.
How to Reach Andaman by Ship
For those who want a more adventurous journey, passenger ships operate from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. The schedule is available on the Directorate of Shipping Services official website under the “Press Release” section in the Seva Suchna document.
Currently, most ships operate between islands within Andaman, such as from Port Blair to Havelock or Neil Island. You can book inter-island cruises on sites like Bookmyboat.com.
Weather & First Impressions of Port Blair
Port Blair greets you with lush greenery and a calm atmosphere. The airport is modern and now even handles international flights. The weather is often cloudy, adding to the scenic charm. From the airport, taxis and autos are available, costing ₹300–₹500 depending on your hotel’s location.
Port Blair to Havelock Island by Cruise
To reach Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), you can take either a government ferry or a private cruise. Government ferries are cheaper, but private cruises offer more comfort and speed.
Popular cruise operators:
- Green Ocean – ₹1,700 (Royal Class), ₹1,550 (Luxury Class), ₹1,200 (Economy)
- Makruzz
- Nautika
- ITT Majestic
Royal Class is the most comfortable with less crowd. Booking can be done online through Bookmyboat.com. The journey takes around 2 hours from Port Blair to Havelock.
Accommodation in Havelock Island
Accommodation ranges from budget rooms to luxury resorts:
- Budget Hotels: ₹2,000–₹2,500/night
- Luxury Resorts: ₹7,000–₹8,000/night in peak season, cheaper in the off-season.
The best area to stay is Govind Nagar Beach, where most resorts and restaurants are located. Book early to get the best rates.
Elephant Beach – Water Sports Paradise
From Havelock, you can visit Elephant Beach via speedboat (₹1,000 per person, includes 4–5 minutes complimentary snorkeling). Boats operate from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the ride takes 15–20 minutes.
Top activities here include:
- Snorkeling
- Sea Walk (₹3,800 per person)
- Scuba Diving
- Parasailing
- Dolphin Cruise
- Jet Ski Rides
- Semi-Submarine Tour (₹3,500 per person)
Elephant Beach is among the best water sports destinations in India.
Food in Andaman
Because Andaman’s residents come from many Indian states, the local food is a mix of different cuisines. At Mango Tree Multi Cuisine Restaurant in Havelock, you’ll find Kerala-style dishes, North Indian curries, Bengali items, and South Indian Rasam and Sambar.
- Thali: ₹250
- Dal Fry: ₹150
The restaurant is close to both Govind Nagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach.
Radhanagar Beach – Sunset Point
Radhanagar Beach is a Blue Flag certified beach, known for its clean water and stunning sunsets. If you know local guides, they can take you to less crowded spots and even secret beaches nearby.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Port Blair → Cruise to Havelock → Hotel check-in → Elephant Beach
Day 2: Kalapathar Beach in the morning → Cruise to Neil Island
Day 3: Explore Neil Island → Return to Port Blair
Day 4: City tour in Port Blair → Return flight
Overview Table – Andaman Trip Essentials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May |
| Flight Fare (Kolkata) | From ₹6,500 one-way |
| Flight Fare (Chennai) | From ₹6,000 one-way |
| Cruise Fare Port Blair–Havelock | ₹1,200–₹1,700 per person |
| Hotel Budget Range | ₹2,000–₹8,000/night |
| Elephant Beach Boat Fare | ₹1,000 per person |
| Sea Walk Price | ₹3,800 per person |
| Semi-Submarine Price | ₹3,500 per person |
| Local Transport (Taxi) | ₹300–₹500 per ride |
FAQs on Andaman Trip
1. Do I need a passport to visit Andaman?
No, Indian citizens do not need a passport to visit Andaman.
2. Can I visit Nicobar Islands?
No, Nicobar Islands require special permission and are restricted to locals.
3. How long is the flight from Kolkata to Port Blair?
About 2.5 hours.
4. Which is better – government ferry or private cruise?
Private cruises are faster and more comfortable; government ferries are cheaper.
5. Is mobile network available on all islands?
Network is weak on some islands like Elephant Beach; better in Port Blair and Havelock town.
6. What is the best month for water sports in Andaman?
November to April offers calm seas and good visibility.
7. Can I book cruise tickets online?
Yes, through Bookmyboat.com or operator websites.
8. Are vegetarian food options available?
Yes, most restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
9. What is special about Radhanagar Beach?
It’s a Blue Flag beach known for cleanliness and amazing sunsets.
10. Can I do water sports without knowing swimming?
Yes, many activities like sea walk, semi-submarine, and parasailing do not require swimming skills.
If you want, I can also create a Day-by-Day Budget Breakdown Table for this Andaman trip so that travelers can plan expenses more accurately. That will make the article even more complete.
