Greetings fellow travel enthusiasts! We’re thrilled to have you back on our blog with another captivating post to inspire your next travel getaway.

This time it’s Andaman.

The very first question that you might ask us is, ‘‘

We understand this perfectly, as many others asked us the same question.

They had their own reasoning, for example, you can travel to an international destination like the Maldives or Bali for the same budget or by just adding 10k extra. We totally agree with their point.

But the actual reason for choosing Andaman was that my 2.5-year-old son’s passport wasn’t ready. (Now I’m glad it wasn’t ready because otherwise I would have skipped going to the paradise called Andaman.) He was also very keen on sitting on an airplane, all thanks to the numerous flights he waves goodbye to that fly over the NCR region.

No passport meant no international travel. So, next we chose Andaman because, for some reason, it has always fascinated me. 

So here I am with a very detailed and honest experience of our 6-day trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Prepare yourself for a detailed account, friends! I’ve tried my best to capture every aspect of our Andaman trip – the hotels we loved (and maybe one we didn’t!), the budget breakdown, the mouthwatering food, water sports activities, the ferry adventures, and beyond.

Just a heads-up, this will be a longer read. This entry is a bit of a journey itself, a diary-style account of our daily adventures in the Andamans.

My hope is that this in-depth sharing will equip you with all the insights you need if you’re considering a trip there. Happy reading and Happy travels!

(A friendly reminder: Don’t let Day 1 color your entire perception of the Andamans. Trust me, the real magic – pure fun and absolute bliss – kicks in from Day 2 onwards!)

Air India Flight – 5.20 a.m. from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). (Only Air India provides the direct flights from New Delhi to Port Blair)

– Before taking any flight, please make sure you have the installed on your phone. It makes the boarding process so easy and faster. So, yeah, we made it through without any queue.

We landed at Sri Vijay Puram at around 10:30 a.m.

The vibrant energy and crowds of IGI Airport felt like a world away from the serene quietude of Port Blair.

– At the airport itself, there was a counter for , which made things really easy. They have fixed prices. For example, it was ₹400 for any distance up to 5 kms. We took it immediately, but later tried to check with local drivers and it turned out that WTI Cabs were cheaper.

We then checked into the in Sri Vijay Puram, selected solely for its access to Corbyn’s Cove Beach.There is an added advantage of its close proximity to Haddo Jetty, from where we can board the private ferries. The resort provided a comfortable enough base, and the price felt appropriate for the amenities. The resort offered a decent stay, and considering the price, it felt unfair to demand more luxury.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Pros and Cons of the Peerless Resort.

Pros: 

Cons:

Corbyn’s Cove Beach – After a refreshing hour-long nap, we strolled over to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, which, as I mentioned, was conveniently located just behind our hotel. 

It’s a more laid-back beach, not bustling with activities. The main appeal is its peacefulness, perfect for relaxing, sipping on fresh coconut water, and simply watching the waves – a lovely way to spend some time. There are a few small stalls offering local crafts like seashell jewelry and some basic food choices like Maggi, samosas, and patties. The variety of food isn’t extensive, so those tend to be the go-to options.

– Our next destination was the Cellular Jail, famously known as the jail where Veer Savarkar Ji was imprisoned.

For your Cellular Jail visit, remember that the ticket counter closes around 4 PM, and give yourself about an hour to see everything. The ticket is just ₹30 per person. Honestly, the guide made all the difference for us – you really get a sense of the history with their explanations. They usually take groups of 50-60 people and charge about ₹200 per family.

At the end of the jail visit, the guide made two heartfelt requests:

In his own words: “You travel to such distant places, spending considerable time and money, so please dedicate a few hours to visit this jail as well. It’s important to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.”

He then added a second plea: “Throughout your trip in the Andamans, I urge you to help keep this beautiful place clean.”

I wholeheartedly echo the guide’s sentiments to all my readers.

Cellular Jail Light Show – Important Booking Tip!

Booking for the light show is exclusively online, so please make your reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, you might miss out on tickets.

We learned this the hard way! We were late in booking, and all the tickets were sold out. Thankfully, we were staying in Port Blair again on our last day, so we managed to catch the show then.

However, this meant two separate trips to the jail, doubling our cab fares – quite a hassle.

Therefore, I strongly recommend booking your light show tickets early!

The show itself is approximately 50 minutes long, with four showtimes: 6:50 PM, 7:50 PM, 8:50 PM (the final show). We opted for the 7:50 PM performance.

Steps for Online booking of Sound & Light Show at Cellular Jail:

(In case of any payment issues please email at [email protected])

(One experience we unfortunately missed was Chidiya Tapu, located approximately 25 km from Port Blair. It’s a renowned sunset viewpoint, and with careful planning, you could definitely include it in your itinerary.)

Flight Ticket (Round Trip)	For 3 people	₹73,231.00
Cab from Airport to Hotel		₹400.00
Auto (Round Trip)	Hotel to Cellular Jail	₹300.00
Jail Ticket	Rs. 60 per group (Rs. 30 per person)	₹60.00
Guide at Cellular Jail		₹200.00
Coconut Water		₹100.00
Lunch	Homemade packed food	₹0.00
Dinner	Zomato	₹566.00

To reach the stunning Havelock Islands from Port Blair, a ferry is your only option. You’ll find both government-run ferries and a selection of private ones like . Nautika is enclosed, and we were really hoping for that classic open-deck experience, so we opted for Green Ocean 2. They offer three classes: Economy, Royal, and Premium. We chose Premium specifically for the open deck, but unfortunately, that ferry got cancelled. They accommodated us on an earlier ferry, meaning a very early 4:30 AM departure!

Ah, the ferry to Havelock! The initial 15 minutes were pure bliss – everyone was out on deck, snapping photos, the wind in their hair, some even busting out a few dance moves. Then, the sea decided to make its presence known. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as seasickness took hold. It felt like at least 80% of the passengers were feeling unwell, and the sounds of their discomfort – those drawn-out ‘ahh’s’ and ‘uhh’s’ – became the dominant soundtrack.

Thankfully, my husband is one of those lucky people who never experiences motion sickness, making any kind of travel a breeze for him. My son and I weren’t so fortunate. We ended up sleeping through most of the ferry ride. Any attempt to sit up on my part was quickly thwarted by a spinning head, leading to a swift return to a horizontal position. It was a bit disappointing because I’d seen the fun everyone was having on the open deck at the start, the dancing and the lively atmosphere, and I really wanted to join in, but the seasickness just wouldn’t allow it.

Then 1 person from our cabin who went outside for a while came back and said “Mujhe to laga tha bahar masti ka mahaul hoga par bahar to sare murda bane pade hai.” (I thought they must be having fun outside but they are no less than living dead.)

That was kind of funny and then I realised I’m missing no fun. 

At that point, a small wave of relief washed over me. It actually made me feel a little better about being confined to my seat. Perhaps I wasn’t missing some epic deck party after all! It was a collective misery, and my FOMO vanished.

Another passenger commented, ‘Ye safar toh suffering ban gaya‘ (‘This journey has become suffering’).

Finally, after surviving a journey of two and a half hours like this, we arrived at Havelock Island and checked into our second hotel, Aquays – and what a difference! This hotel was superb: incredibly clean, with its own private beach and a beautiful setup right on the sand. After a brief rest to recover from the ferry, we were off again, this time to catch a boat to the famous , known for its amazing array of water activities.

Getting to the water activities at Elephanta Beach is straightforward. There are multiple operators with counters ready to assist you with boat trips. You’ll need to pay for your chosen activities right there. Your boat will usually come with a guide, and you’ll be organized into small teams for the excursions. Conveniently, the same boat that takes you out will also bring you back to Havelock after you’ve had your fill of fun. Here’s a breakdown of the prices (Per Person):

Snorkelling	₹1,200.00
Seawalk	₹3,600.00
Turtle watch	₹3,600.00
Jet skiing	₹600.00
Parasailing	₹3,600.00
All other activities	₹400.00

So, if you change your mind about doing all the activities, no worries! They’ll give you back the money for the ones you didn’t do when you’re back on Havelock.

Our time at Elephanta Beach was packed with adventure! We tried almost all the thrilling water activities and had an absolute blast.

We truly made the most of it was one hell of an experience! The water activities were unbelievably fun, definitely ‘paisa vasool‘ (worth every penny). What made it even better was the incredible friendliness of the people there. Our guide was exceptionally helpful and so patient, guiding us through everything and taking us directly to the designated spots for each activity. 

They even have photographers if you want to capture the fun – I got some great jet skiing memories on camera for only ₹250 (Try some negotiations, as they generally ask for ₹400 or ₹350 but reduce the price afterwards.)

: Please pack some food or snacks with you if you go to Elephanta Beach, as they don’t have many options available to eat. However, you can get some very fresh-cut fruits there, along with 2-3 other light snacks. These are generally enough to satisfy your hunger. But, if you are choosy and want a full lunch, then please pack your lunch before going there.

Elephanta Beach transforms completely after 5 PM. All the boats return to Havelock by then, and the beach becomes deserted – no people, no stalls, not even any lights, leaving behind a silent, unlit shore.

But the fun definitely didn’t end with Elephanta Beach! Choosing to stay at Aquays turned out to be a brilliant decision, as the evening atmosphere there was an absolute vibe. The swimming pool was a total hotspot, with lively music playing and colorful lights dancing across the water. Now, you might be thinking, who hits the pool after a full day at the beach? Well, we do! Our little one, at just 2.5 years old, couldn’t fully participate in the ocean water sports, but he’s a huge fan of the pool. And I’m right there with him – a total water baby, always up for a swim! So, the next hour was pure pool-time joy. After drying off, we ate the wonderfully tasty food at a Rajasthani dhaba located just opposite the Aquays Hotel, and then spent a peaceful time simply relaxing on the swings back at the hotel, enjoying the beautiful sea breeze and the calming ambiance.

Aquays also offers a truly enchanting private date setup right on the beach. The atmosphere was breathtaking – so beautiful, calming, and utterly refreshing. You could easily imagine wanting to linger there forever. Full marks to Aquays for creating such a magical spot! However, a romantic beach date wasn’t quite in the cards for us at this stage, as we had our little one with us, and a good night’s sleep was essential since we had an early start for scuba diving the next morning.

Green Ocean Ferry Cost	Port Blair to Havelock Island for 2 Persons	₹3,500.00
Cabs	To & Fro – Hotels	₹800.00
Water Activities		₹20,000.00
Personal Camera Man		₹250.00
Lunch – Fruits		₹200.00
Dinner	At a Local Rajasthani Restaurant	₹820.00

Day 3 began bright and early at 5:30 AM, a prime time for scuba diving when the underwater visibility is at its best. We selected for our scuba experience. Dive Colors offers two distinct scuba diving options:

• : While slightly more advanced, first-timers are still welcome to enjoy this experience. The cost is ₹5500 per person (including photos & videos)

Dive Colors offers an optional upgrade to their for an additional ₹1000. This allows for even sharper and more vibrant photographs and videos, a worthwhile investment to capture these lifelong memories in the best possible quality.

The entire experience was superb, starting with thorough training to ensure everyone feels at ease before entering the water. I absolutely loved the entire scuba diving experience. In fact, all our activities, from Elephanta Beach to this dive, were fantastic and created truly unforgettable moments. Our scuba session concluded around 11 AM, and since we were diving as a couple with our child, we took turns so one of us could always be with our kid on the beach.

Next on our itinerary was , a destination easily enjoyed within a couple of hours. The water here is incredibly crystal clear, making it a renowned spot for photography enthusiasts. Photo packages are readily available, starting from about ₹1000. The beach has a wonderfully calm and serene vibe.

Later that day, we experienced the magic of , arguably the best in the Andamans. It’s a lively beach, excellent for swimming, a prime sunset viewing location, and a great place for family fun. Plan to spend a good amount of time here, as you won’t want to leave. Remember that sea access is prohibited after sunset, so arrive with time to spare. Don’t miss exploring the Radhanagar Beach market. It’s a treasure trove of beautiful beachwear, jewellery, and boasts a significantly wider variety of food options compared to other beaches.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, people started making their way back, reflecting the islands’ tendency for early starts and early evenings.

We had our dinner again at the Rajasthani Dhaba opposite Aquays, after which our evening unfolded beautifully at Aquays private beach, where we relaxed to the sound of its calming music.

We decided to skip kayaking this time around, saving that adventure for our upcoming trip to Kerala. The main reason was the incredibly early 3 am start time required, which honestly felt too demanding for us on this holiday. Furthermore, traveling with our baby meant we would have needed to kayak in separate turns. This would have involved committing to that challenging 3 am wake-up call for two consecutive days. On top of that, I personally felt a little hesitant about heading out on the water alone with just a guide in the pre-dawn hours (around 3 or 4 am).

Scuba	₹8,000.00
Cabs	₹2,800.00
Dinner	₹540.00
Personal Camera Man	₹2,200.00
Lunch	₹410.00
Coconut Water	₹150.00

January 31st – A special day indeed, as this entire trip was thoughtfully planned by my husband to celebrate my birthday! The day finally arrived, my birthday, and it began with another ferry journey, this time from Havelock to the charming Neil Island. Learning from our previous experience, I came prepared with seasickness medication (, taken half an hour before the ferry – a true lifesaver!). It seems everyone took note, as thankfully, this time the journey was smooth and everyone felt well.

The ferry ride to became an hour-long dance party for me! I danced my heart out on the open deck, sharing the joyous moment with my fellow passengers. It was a truly kickass and memorable way to kick off my birthday celebrations.

Our journey continued to on Neil Island, a truly exceptional hotel boasting superb facilities and the luxury of a private beach. This excellent hotel offered superb facilities and the indulgence of a private beach. The cleanliness was remarkable, and the beach itself was a visual treat. Its sky-high coconut trees and lush greenery offered a charming and tranquil atmosphere. Oh, and we were also graced by the delicate beauty of a few lotus blossoms.

After resting in the afternoon, we ventured out to explore , drawn by its famous . This striking geological wonder is a rock formation arching outwards, remarkably composed of living coral. To witness it fully, plan your visit during low tide. 

Be ready for an adventurous 500-meter walk over rocks to reach it. Laxmanpur Beach 2 isn’t for typical beach fun; instead, it invites you to simply stand back, observe, and connect with the raw beauty and intriguing shapes sculpted by nature.

We then headed towards , a well-known spot for watching the sunset. But the real magic began even before reaching the shore – the walk from the parking area to the beach is pure bliss! The path is stunning and breathtaking. The greenery is out of this world, like the kind I have only seen in pictures. It’s so enchanting, you might feel tempted to simply sit along the way rather than going straight to the beach. It is incredible.

Arriving at Laxmanpur Beach 1 as evening approached, we found a gentle, romantic atmosphere already settling in. Numerous couples had gathered, finding their perfect spots on the sand to await the main event – the sunset. It felt like the ideal place to spread out a mat, gaze at the calming sea, maybe enjoy some local snacks like bhel, chaat, and papads, and just absorb the tranquility. As the sun began its descent, the scene became captivating; beyond the undeniably beautiful sunset painting the sky, there was a quiet charm in seeing couples sharing the moment, holding hands against the vibrant backdrop. True to the rhythm of Andaman beaches, the crowd dispersed quickly once the colours faded. While many people lingered near the beachside stalls drawn by the aroma of fresh seafood, we encountered a challenge: this particular beach offered virtually no vegetarian options, a stark contrast to other places we’d visited. With only samosas available, which didn’t quite entice us, we decided to head back to our resort for dinner.

Actually, that turned out wonderfully! The evenings became our treasured time to soak in the beauty of those resorts, and that’s precisely what we did. We enjoyed the pool at Silver Sand Resort for an hour. Afterward, we dined under the starlit sky. The night then unfolded with the lively beats of a DJ by the poolside, a truly happening scene. The evening truly came alive. It was wonderful to witness the diverse crowd – from young lovers to long-time companions. One particularly charming bunch enthusiastically sang along to old requests, dedicating tunes to their wives. A few of them also danced. It was a beautiful and fitting end to the day.

Ferry Cost	Havelock Island to Neil Island for 2 Persons	₹4,500.00
Auto/Cabs	To & Fro – Hotels	₹650.00
Lunch – Fruits		₹450.00
Snacks/Dinner		₹130.00

The main beach of Neil Island was still on our list, which we had reserved for the next day since we had booked the afternoon ferry, giving us ample time. , again, is more suited for relaxation than activities. There, you can enjoy snacks, coconut water, have long conversations, and experience the cool winds. Many people were swimming, and my husband also swam in the sea. It’s not as clean as Radhanagar Beach, but if you enjoy swimming in the sea, you can still do so.

My favorite part was the long conversations I had with my husband as we sat side-by-side on the beach, watching our son happily build sandcastles and trace crabs and fish with his toys.

This beach also offers a variety of seafood. Additionally, it has two pure vegetarian restaurants, which you can easily locate by asking a local. We dined at , a simple yet clean establishment that served incredibly tasty food.

It was very crowded, likely because there weren’t many vegetarian options available, so all the vegetarians were having lunch there. Despite the large number of people, the service was remarkably fast, and the staff were very warm.

After lunch, we headed back to the jetty. Our ferry was booked for 3:30 PM. We had enough time, so we walked through the trees to the jetty instead of taking an auto or taxi. Don’t be fooled into taking a taxi or auto. Ask any local for the shortcut and walk through the trees to the jetty only if you enjoy walking, as we did. It’s actually a very short distance, around 700 meters.

We chose the for this particular trip, driven by two main factors – partly for cost savings but more importantly, because as travel bloggers we want to try every option ourselves to ensure our reviews are genuine. We always aim to give an honest perspective based on direct experience. And our honest take? The government ferry provided a perfectly adequate and satisfactory travel experience – definitely better than one might assume. Of course, the government ferry doesn’t offer an open-deck DJ and dance party like the private ferries do, But realistically, you can’t expect those extras for the price you pay for the government ferry. While private ferries usually exempt children under the age of two from fares, government ferries offer a greater advantage by allowing children under five to travel for free.

We had initially booked premium class tickets for the government ferry, which is the most expensive one on that ferry, anticipating a comfortable journey in its separate cabin, which featured plush sofas and seating for just 8-9 people. However, as soon as I stepped inside, the enclosed space felt quite suffocating to me. Being claustrophobic, I knew immediately it wouldn’t work for me, so I quickly asked my husband if we could possibly switch. Thankfully, we were lucky, and there were still vacant seats in the main economy class. While the economy seats were admittedly basic and less padded and the area much larger – seating around 500 passengers – the openness was exactly what I needed. Honestly, for me, it turned out to be a far better experience than the premium cabin would have been, although I realize comfort is subjective and this preference definitely varies from person to person.

We spent the last twenty minutes of our journey on the upper deck, where a small group had already gathered. 

Unlike private ferries, the government ferry had its machinery exposed on the deck. We stood beside it,savoring our last views of the sea on this trip and watching the sunset before finally arriving in Port Blair.

In Port Blair, we stayed at , which proved to be exceptionally clean and tranquil – arguably the best among our accommodations. While the absence of a pool was a minor disappointment for my son, yet this didn’t diminish the overall positive impression of this wonderful hotel.

As I said earlier in this blog, we also went to the Cellular Jail for the light show that day, so it was a busy but great day, and we slept soundly that night before our flight back to Delhi.

Government Ferry Cost	Neil Island to Port Blair	₹1,800.00
Auto/Cabs	To & Fro – Hotels	₹650.00
Lunch		₹510.00
Dinner		₹410.00
Light Show Tickets		₹600.00

Our journey home the next day consisted of connecting flights: first from Port Blair to Bangalore, followed by a flight from Bangalore to New Delhi. We finally reached home late that night, bringing our trip to a close, but the wonderful memories we made will stay with us forever.

Expense Category	Cost
Airport Snacks	₹580.00
Auto/Cabs	₹1,550.00
Total	₹2,130.00

Consolidated Cost Details for 6 Days

Expense Categories	Cost
Hotel	₹36,370.00
Flights	₹73,231.00
Ferry	₹9,700.00
Activity	₹27,200.00
Jail Tickets & Light Show	₹860.00
Pics	₹2,450.00
Restaurant – Lunch/Dinner	₹4,866.00
Travel – Auto/Cabs	₹7,150.00
Total	₹161,827.00

The genuine warmth of the people we met is something I absolutely must highlight. Whether it was the restaurant owners, taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw drivers, our scuba diving trainers, or the guides, every single person radiated friendliness and warmth. Their willingness to help without hesitation was truly the best part. And that pretty much sums up our time in the Andamans, which was a mix of poignant history and stunning scenery. 

The Andamans is an experience you simply cannot afford to miss. It’s truly mesmerizing and an absolute must-visit.The Andamans has so much to offer that attempting to grasp them all at once is like trying to hold the ocean in your hands. It left my heart brimming with joy. The Andamans is simply beautiful, a place that captivates the soul.

May your Andaman plans take flight soon! And if you have ever been to Andaman please share your best experience with us in the comment section

We provide a customised itinerary service (along with the cab drivers’ numbers) for the Andamans, so if you are planning to go there, you can contact us [email protected]

For Clarification :

Port Blair – Sri Vijaya Puram

Havelock Island – Swaraj Dweep

Neil Island – Shaheed Dweep

P.S. Please note that our food costs were comparatively low for 2 reasons: