By Andaman Emerald Travels
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago stretches across roughly 836 islands. Fewer than 40 are inhabited, and most travellers only ever see a handful of them. That gap is your advantage! With a little planning, you can skip the crowded routine and build a trip that feels personal.
I have helped travellers plan island routes for years, and one thing never changes: the right order matters as much as the right spots. This guide covers the Places to visit in Andaman that truly earn a place on your itinerary, along with ferry timing, seasons, and practical tips you can act on today.
Before we go deep, here is a quick comparison. Use it to decide how many nights each island deserves.
| Island / Area | Known For | Ideal Stay | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair | Cellular Jail, museums, ferry hub | 1–2 nights | Low |
| Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | Radhanagar Beach, scuba, Elephant Beach | 2–3 nights | Medium to high |
| Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) | Calm beaches, sunsets, slow travel | 1 night | Low |
| Baratang | Limestone caves, mangrove creeks | Day trip | Medium |
| Diglipur | Ross and Smith Islands, Saddle Peak | 2 nights | Medium to high |
| Long Island | Lalaji Bay, quiet forest trails | 1 night | Medium |
These are the core Places to visit in Andaman for first-time and repeat travellers alike.
Most flights land here, so you will almost certainly spend a night or two in Port Blair. Don’t rush through it. The city holds the history that gives the islands their depth.
Built by the British and completed in 1906, this colonial prison held many freedom fighters. Walk the corridors in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Then return for the evening light and sound show, which tells the story of the jail through narration. Book show tickets early, because seats fill quickly in peak months.
Ross Island (officially Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) was once the British administrative base. Today it is a quiet ruin, reclaimed by banyan roots and wandering deer. It takes about two hours to explore properly. North Bay, nearby, is known for its coral and water sports, and it is a good first taste of snorkelling.
Corbyn’s Cove is the easy beach option, close to town. Chidiya Tapu, about 25 km south, is better for sunsets and birdwatching. If you have a spare hour, the Samudrika Naval Maritime Museum explains the islands’ marine life and tribal heritage in a clear, well-organised way.
My tip: keep your Port Blair sightseeing to one full day. Save your energy and budget for the islands.
Havelock is the island most people picture when they search for Places to visit in Andaman. It deserves its fame, and it rewards a slower stay.
Time magazine once named Radhanagar one of the best beaches in Asia, and a walk along its white sand explains why. The water is clear, the forest backs right onto the shore, and the sunset is spectacular. Arrive by mid-afternoon to claim a spot. Swim only within the marked safe areas, because currents can change quickly.
This is the go-to spot for snorkelling and sea walks. You can reach it by boat from Havelock’s jetty, or by a forest trek when conditions allow. Go early. By midday, the boats are full and the visibility drops.
Kalapathar is a calmer, photogenic beach with dark rocks and shaded palms, perfect for a quiet morning. Havelock is also the best place in the islands for beginner scuba. Certified instructors run first-time dives, and no prior experience is needed.
Neil is small, flat and peaceful. You can cycle across most of it in an afternoon! Bharatpur Beach has shallow, clear water for easy snorkelling. Laxmanpur Beach is the sunset favourite, and it is also a good place to look for shells and tide pools at low tide. One night here is enough for most travellers, and it balances Havelock’s busier energy well.
Baratang is a long day trip from Port Blair, so start before dawn. The route passes through forest reserves, followed by a boat ride through mangrove creeks to the limestone caves. Rules apply on this road, including convoy timings, so confirm the schedule a day before. Combine this with a stay at Long Island if you want a quiet, off-grid night.
Diglipur is further away, and that is exactly why it feels untouched. Saddle Peak, at about 732 metres, is the highest point in the islands, and the trek rewards you with wide views. Ross and Smith Islands, joined by a sandbar, are a striking sight at low tide. Plan at least two nights, and arrange transport in advance.
Not every traveller wants the same trip. Here is how I usually match interests to destinations, along with the package that fits best.
| Traveller Type | Top Picks | Suggested Package |
|---|---|---|
| Couples | Radhanagar, Neil sunsets, private beach dinners | Andaman Honeymoon Packages |
| Families | Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove, glass-bottom boats | Andaman Family Packages |
| Thrill seekers | Scuba at Havelock, sea walk, Saddle Peak trek | Andaman Adventure Packages |
| Friends and large groups | Elephant Beach, Havelock, Neil | Andaman Group Packages |
| Government employees | Port Blair, Havelock, Neil | Andaman Ltc Packages |
| Cost-conscious travellers | Port Blair, Neil, Corbyn’s Cove | Andaman Budget Packages |
Timing changes everything. The sea is calmer, the visibility is better, and ferries run more reliably in the cooler months.
| Months | Weather | Sea and Visibility | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| October – December | Warm, post-monsoon freshness | Good, improving | Great, with fewer crowds early on |
| January – March | Dry and sunny | Excellent | Peak season, book early |
| April – May | Hot and humid | Calm, very clear | Good for diving and budget deals |
| June – September | Heavy rain, rough seas | Poor | Ferry cancellations are common |
If I had to choose one window, I would say late November to February. Prices rise then, so reserve ferries and rooms at least a month ahead.
Use these as a starting point and adjust to your pace.
| Trip Length | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 4 nights / 5 days | Port Blair → Havelock → Port Blair | Cellular Jail, Radhanagar, Elephant Beach |
| 5 nights / 6 days | Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair | Adds Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches |
| 7 nights / 8 days | Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Baratang or Long Island | Adds caves, mangroves and a quiet stay |
| 9–10 nights | Includes Diglipur | Adds Saddle Peak and Ross and Smith Islands |
For a deeper look at pricing and inclusions, browse our full range of Andaman adventure packages or Andaman budget Packages.
Private ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock and Neil. Book tickets as soon as your dates are fixed. Weather can delay or cancel sailings, so never schedule an important flight on the same day as an island ferry.
Keep one spare day before your return flight. It costs little and removes a lot of stress.
Carry a valid photo ID. Rules for certain tribal and protected areas are strict, so photography and entry are restricted in some zones. Always follow local guidance and check the latest permit requirements before you travel.
Don’t touch or collect coral and shells. Skip single-use plastic. Small habits protect the very places you came to see.
A good route saves time and money. We handle ferry bookings, hotel stays, transfers and activity slots, so you can focus on the trip itself. Whether you are planning a Andaman honeymoon Packages, a Andaman family holiday Packages, a Andaman group tour Packages or an Andaman Ltc trip Packages, we tailor the plan to your dates and budget.
Start with Port Blair (Cellular Jail), Havelock Island (Radhanagar and Elephant Beach) and Neil Island. This trio covers history, beaches and relaxed island life in about five to six days.
Five to seven days is ideal. Four days works for a short break, while ten days lets you add Baratang, Long Island or Diglipur.
October to May is best, with January to March being the peak. The monsoon months, June to September, bring rough seas and ferry disruptions.
Yes. Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove and glass-bottom boat rides are easy and safe. Choose a Andaman family package for child-friendly pacing.
Havelock and Neil are the most romantic. Radhanagar sunsets and beachside dinners are favourites. See our Andaman honeymoon packages.
Absolutely. Focus on Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, travel off-peak, and pick simple stays. Our Andaman budget packages are built for this.
Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking and the Saddle Peak trek top the list. Explore Andaman adventure packages for bundled activities.
Yes. Our Andaman LTC packages are structured to support documentation and approved travel needs. Confirm eligibility with your department.
Private and government ferries connect the main islands. Book ahead and keep a buffer day, since weather can change schedules.
Most popular islands need only valid photo ID, but some protected or tribal areas have restrictions. Check current rules before you travel, and we can guide you.
The best Places to visit in Andaman are rarely about ticking off a list. They are about matching the right island to the right season, and giving each place enough time. Start with Port Blair, linger on Havelock, unwind on Neil, and if you have the days, go further north. Ready to plan? Pick a package above, or message our team, and we will build your route!
C-43 WARD NO. 12, DIGNABAD, PORT BLAIR, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101
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