Andaman Islands Complete Guide: Beaches, Diving & Hidden Gems

The Andaman Islands are India's best-kept secret — a tropical archipelago in the Bay of Bengal with water so clear it's translucent, beaches so white they glow at sunrise, and coral reefs teeming with life. Yet they remain far less crowded than Thailand or Bali, and far more affordable than Maldives.

Andaman Quick Facts

• 572 islands — only 37 are inhabited
• Temperature: 23-32°C year-round (tropical)
• Capital: Port Blair
• Currency: Indian Rupee (no need to exchange)
• Best beaches: Radhanagar (Havelock), Elephant Beach, Laxmanpur (Neil)
• Must experience: Scuba diving, bioluminescence (Neil Island, nights)

Island by Island Guide

Port Blair (2 nights): Your entry point. Must-visit: Cellular Jail (British colonial prison where freedom fighters were imprisoned — evening Sound & Light Show is deeply moving), Corbyn's Cove beach, Chatham Saw Mill, Ross Island ruins.

Havelock Island (3 nights): The star of Andaman. Radhanagar Beach (Beach 7) is postcard-perfect with white sand and blue water, voted Asia's best beach by Time magazine. Elephant Beach has the best snorkeling (easily accessible by boat, 30 min). Kala Pathar Beach is photogenic at sunset.

Neil Island (1-2 nights): Smaller, quieter, more authentic. Natural Bridge (rock arch eroded by sea). Bharatpur Beach crystal snorkeling. Bioluminescent plankton visible at Laxmanpur Beach on moonless nights — magical.

Water Activities Pricing Guide

Permits & Entry Requirements

Indian nationals: No permit required since 2019 for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island and most tourist areas.

Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued free on arrival at Port Blair airport. Valid 30 days.

Special areas (Baratang Island with Jarawa tribe protected areas): require convoy permit — your guide arranges this.

Best Time to Visit Andaman

October–May: Best weather. October–December: clear skies, calm seas, best visibility for diving. January–April: peak season (book early).

June–September (Monsoon): Heavy rains, rough seas, ferry services disrupted. Some resorts close. Not recommended.

How to Reach Andaman

By Air (Recommended): Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore to Veer Savarkar Airport, Port Blair (2-3 hrs). IndiGo, Air India, GoAir operate daily flights.

By Ship: Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) operates ships from Chennai (60 hrs), Kolkata (60 hrs), Visakhapatnam. 3 ships per month. Budget option but slow.