If you’ve ever dreamed of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and zero traffic signals — then the Andaman Nicobar islands are calling. A tropical paradise tucked away in the Bay of Bengal, this Indian union territory is a mix of serene beaches, rich marine life, colonial history, and indigenous culture.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family holiday, or solo escape, this Andaman Nicobar travel guide is your one-stop resource for how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, what to shop, and how to make the most of this Indian island escape.
Best Ways to Travel to Andaman Nicobar Within India
The Andaman Nicobar Islands are accessible only by air or sea from mainland India. Here’s how to reach this island haven:
By Air – Fastest & Most Preferred
Port Blair Airport (Veer Savarkar International Airport) is the gateway to the islands.
Direct flights operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Flight time ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on departure city.
Book 2–3 months in advance for better fares, especially during peak season (Oct–April).
By Sea – For the Slow Travel Lover
Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
Duration: 3–4 days one way.
Ideal if you want to experience the sea but be prepared for basic amenities.
Internal Link Suggestion: Explore Andaman Nicobar Packages
Indian Food & Local Cuisine in Andaman Nicobar
The islands offer a mix of South Indian, Bengali, and seafood-dominant dishes. Here’s what not to miss:
Fish Curry & Rice – The most loved local staple.
Lobster, Crab & Prawn Fry – Fresh from the sea and grilled or curried.
Amritsari Kulcha & North Indian food – Available in Port Blair and Havelock.
Nicobari Coconut Chicken – A rare tribal dish available in select local eateries.
Don’t miss the Annapurna Cafeteria (Port Blair) for vegetarian food and Full Moon Café (Havelock) for romantic beachside dining.
Currency & Budget Tips
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency and widely accepted.
ATMs are available in Port Blair and Havelock but rare on other islands.
Keep cash handy when traveling to Neil, Baratang, or Diglipur.
Daily budget:
Budget traveler: ₹1,200–₹1,800
Mid-range: ₹3,000–₹6,000
Luxury: ₹7,000+
Tip: All major UPI payments work well in Port Blair. Carry backup cash for remote areas.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Staying connected in the Andaman Nicobar Islands can be tricky:
BSNL has the widest coverage but slow data speeds.
Airtel and Jio work well in Port Blair and Havelock but may drop in Neil, Ross, or Baratang.
Buy a local prepaid SIM card at the airport or Port Blair town if you’re staying longer than 4–5 days.
Free WiFi is limited — most hotels offer paid internet services.
Tip: Download offline maps and keep key info saved locally on your phone.
Shopping & Souvenirs in Andaman Nicobar
Shopping here isn’t extravagant but is definitely memorable.
Top Souvenirs:
Pearl jewellery & shell items from Aberdeen Bazaar.
Nicobari handicrafts – rare and unique.
Spices & Coconut oil – locally sourced and aromatic.
Bamboo mats and wooden artifacts from Sagarika Emporium.
Best places to shop: Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair), Sagarika Government Emporium, and local beachside flea markets.
Best Instagram Spots in Andaman Nicobar
Want to level up your Insta game? The islands offer jaw-dropping backdrops:
Radhanagar Beach – Crystal waters & sunsets
Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show – Dramatic colonial vibes
Neil Island’s Natural Bridge – Great for silhouettes
Elephant Beach (Havelock) – For snorkeling shots
Ross Island Ruins – Old-world charm amidst the jungle
Best Time to Visit Andaman Nicobar
Peak Season: October to May
Avoid: June–August (monsoon + rough sea conditions)
Ideal Trip Duration: 5–7 days
🌴 Travel Tip: Book your ferry tickets (Port Blair to Havelock/Neil) online at https://www.makruzz.com/ or through local agents.
Where to Stay in Andaman Nicobar
| Island | Recommended Stay | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Port Blair | SeaShell Hotel | Mid-range |
| Havelock | Taj Exotica | Luxury |
| Neil Island | Summer Sands | Boutique |
| Diglipur | Pristine Beach Resort | Eco-lodge |