Places to visit in Andaman

Places to visit in Andaman: A Complete Island-by-Island Guide

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.

Andaman at a Glance

Before we go deep, here is a quick comparison. Use it to decide how many nights each island deserves.

These are the core Places to visit in Andaman for first-time and repeat travellers alike.

Port Blair: Where Every Andaman Trip Begins

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.

Cellular Jail National Memorial

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 and North Bay

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, Chidiya Tapu and the Samudrika Museum

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 Island (Swaraj Dweep): The Showpiece

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.

Radhanagar Beach

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.

Elephant Beach

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 Beach and Scuba Diving

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.

Havelock Day-One Checklist

• Check in and rest after the ferry.
• Visit Kalapathar in the morning.
• Reach Radhanagar by 3:30 PM for sunset.
• Book scuba and Elephant Beach slots for day two.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): The Slow Escape

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 and Middle Andaman: Nature Without the Crowds

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 and North Andaman: For Repeat Visitors

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.

Best Places to visit in Andaman for Every Traveller Type

Not every traveller wants the same trip. Here is how I usually match interests to destinations, along with the package that fits best.

When to Go: Seasons and Sea Conditions

Timing changes everything. The sea is calmer, the visibility is better, and ferries run more reliably in the cooler months.

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.

Sample Itineraries

Use these as a starting point and adjust to your pace.

For a deeper look at pricing and inclusions, browse our full range of Andaman adventure packages or Andaman budget Packages.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Ferries and Transfers

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.

A Simple Buffer Rule

Keep one spare day before your return flight. It costs little and removes a lot of stress.

Permits and Documents

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.

What to Pack

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• Quick-dry clothes and sandals
• A waterproof phone pouch
• Cash, because ATMs and networks are limited on smaller islands
• Basic medicines, and motion-sickness tablets for boat rides

Respect the Reefs

Don’t touch or collect coral and shells. Skip single-use plastic. Small habits protect the very places you came to see.

How Andaman Emerald Travels Can Help

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top places to visit in Andaman for first-time travellers?

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.

2. How many days are enough to explore Andaman?

Five to seven days is ideal. Four days works for a short break, while ten days lets you add Baratang, Long Island or Diglipur.

3. What is the best time to visit Andaman?

October to May is best, with January to March being the peak. The monsoon months, June to September, bring rough seas and ferry disruptions.

4. Is Andaman suitable for families with children?

Yes. Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove and glass-bottom boat rides are easy and safe. Choose a Andaman family package for child-friendly pacing.

5. Where should couples go in Andaman?

Havelock and Neil are the most romantic. Radhanagar sunsets and beachside dinners are favourites. See our Andaman honeymoon packages.

6. Can I do Andaman on a budget?

Absolutely. Focus on Port Blair, Havelock and Neil, travel off-peak, and pick simple stays. Our Andaman budget packages are built for this.

7. Which activities are best for adventure lovers?

Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking and the Saddle Peak trek top the list. Explore Andaman adventure packages for bundled activities.

8. Are there options for government employees?

Yes. Our Andaman LTC packages are structured to support documentation and approved travel needs. Confirm eligibility with your department.

9. Is it easy to travel between the islands?

Private and government ferries connect the main islands. Book ahead and keep a buffer day, since weather can change schedules.

10. Do I need a permit for Andaman?

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.

Final Thoughts

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!