1. Itinerary Selection Criteria
Select based on available days and travel style:
| Duration | Target Audience | Islands Covered | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | Budget travelers, long weekends, first-timers | Port Blair + Havelock + Neil | Fast-paced, covers core highlights |
| 7 Days | Families, couples, standard vacationers | Port Blair + Havelock (extended) + Neil + Ross Island | Balanced, includes buffer time |
| 10 Days | Explorers, divers, photographers, honeymooners | All above + Baratang + North Andaman (Diglipur) | Slow-paced, offbeat additions |
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2. Itinerary 1: 5-Day (Classic)
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Day 1 – Port Blair
Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport.
Visit Cellular Jail (2–3 hours).
Attend Sound & Light Show (6:30 PM or 7:30 PM slot).
Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 2 – Port Blair → Havelock
Take early morning private ferry (Makruzz/Green Ocean). Departure: 6:30–8:00 AM. Duration: 2 hours.
Check in to Havelock hotel.
Afternoon: Radhanagar Beach. Sunset viewing (5:30–6:30 PM).
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 3 – Havelock (Water Sports)
Morning: Scuba diving at Elephant Beach or The Wall. Introductory dive cost: ₹3,500–₹5,000. Duration: 2–3 hours.
Afternoon: Snorkeling or glass-bottom boat at Elephant Beach.
Evening: Local market visit.
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 4 – Havelock → Neil
Take morning ferry to Neil Island (1 hour).
Visit Laxmanpur Beach (sunset, natural rock formations).
Visit Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) – coral formation visible at low tide.
Overnight: Neil.
Day 5 – Neil → Port Blair → Departure
Morning ferry back to Port Blair (1 hour).
Aberdeen Bazaar shopping (optional).
Transfer to airport. Flight departure: post 2:00 PM recommended.
3. Itinerary 2: 7-Day (Balanced – Best Seller)
Day 1 – Port Blair
Arrive, check in.
Anthropological Museum (1–2 hours, closed Monday).
Cellular Jail + Sound & Light Show.
Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 2 – Port Blair (Ross Island + North Bay)
Morning: Ferry to Ross Island (15 min). Explore British ruins (2 hours).
Afternoon: Ferry to North Bay (Coral Island). Snorkeling, parasailing, jet-ski.
Return to Port Blair by evening.
Overnight: Port Blair.
Day 3 – Port Blair → Havelock
Morning private ferry to Havelock.
Check in. Evening at Radhanagar Beach.
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 4 – Havelock (Full Adventure)
Morning: Scuba diving (The Wall or Aquarium – 20–40m visibility).
Afternoon: Mangrove kayaking (₹1,500–₹2,500 per person).
Optional night kayaking for bioluminescence (₹2,000–₹3,000). Book 24 hours in advance.
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 5 – Havelock (Leisure)
Morning: Kalapathar Beach – black rocks, fewer crowds.
Rent scooty (₹400–₹600/day). Self-explore.
Seafood lunch at local shack.
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 6 – Havelock → Neil
Morning ferry to Neil.
Bharatpur Beach – shallow snorkeling (safe for children).
Laxmanpur Beach – sunset and Natural Bridge.
Overnight: Neil.
Day 7 – Neil → Port Blair → Departure
Early morning ferry to Port Blair.
Chatham Saw Mill (if time permits – 1 hour).
Airport transfer.
4. Itinerary 3: 10-Day (Complete – Includes Offbeat)
Days 1–3: Follow 7-Day Itinerary Days 1–3 (Port Blair, Ross Island, North Bay, Havelock arrival).
Day 4 – Havelock (Diving)
Full day scuba diving – 2 dives (intro + advanced).
Night kayaking (optional).
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 5 – Havelock (Leisure)
Kalapathar Beach + Elephant Beach (snorkeling).
Overnight: Havelock.
Day 6 – Havelock → Neil
Ferry to Neil. Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, Natural Bridge.
Overnight: Neil.
Day 7 – Neil → Baratang (Day Trip)
Early morning departure via Port Blair road (2.5-hour drive to Baratang).
Limestone Caves boat ride through mangroves (2 hours round trip).
Mud Volcano visit (30 min).
Return to Neil or Port Blair by evening.
Overnight: Neil or Port Blair.
Day 8 – Neil → North Andaman (Diglipur)
Take ferry to Diglipur (5–6 hours). Departure: early morning.
Check in. Rest.
Overnight: Diglipur.
Day 9 – Diglipur (Ross & Smith Islands + Saddle Peak)
Morning: Ross & Smith Islands – natural sandbar connecting two islands. Snorkeling.
Afternoon (optional): Trek to Saddle Peak (732m). 2-hour trek. Best view.
Overnight: Diglipur.
Day 10 – Diglipur → Port Blair → Departure
Morning flight from Diglipur airstrip (if available) or ferry back to Port Blair (8+ hours).
If flying from Port Blair, ensure connection buffer of 4+ hours.
5. Seasonal Adjustments by Itinerary
| Season | 5-Day | 7-Day | 10-Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Dec–Mar) | Book ferries 60 days ahead. Expect crowds at Radhanagar. | Same. Pre-book scuba slots. | Confirm Diglipur ferry availability – limited frequency. |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Feasible. Avoid Baratang. Carry rain gear. | Skip Ross Island if sea rough. Stick to Havelock/Neil. | Remove Baratang and Diglipur – rough seas. Only Port Blair+Havelock+Neil. |
| Shoulder (Oct–Nov, Mar–May) | Optimal. Lower prices. No advance booking required beyond 15 days. | Best time for all activities. | Best time for North Andaman – clear skies, calm seas. |
6. Cost Per Itinerary (Per Person, Excluding Mainland Flights)
| Category | 5-Day | 7-Day | 10-Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹18,000–₹25,000 | ₹25,000–₹35,000 | ₹35,000–₹50,000 |
| Standard | ₹30,000–₹45,000 | ₹40,000–₹60,000 | ₹60,000–₹85,000 |
| Luxury | ₹60,000+ | ₹80,000+ | ₹1,20,000+ |
Cost drivers:
Private ferry: ₹2,000–₹2,500 per sector vs. government: ₹500–₹800.
Scuba diving: ₹3,500–₹7,000 per dive.
Accommodation: Budget ₹1,500/night; Standard ₹4,000–₹7,000; Luxury ₹12,000+.
7. Ferry Booking Rules
Private ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) sell out 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season.
Government ferries: book 24–48 hours prior at Port Blair jetty. Cash only. Non-refundable.
Buffer 3–4 hours between flight arrival and ferry departure.
Ferry frequency: Port Blair–Havelock: 4–6 daily; Havelock–Neil: 2–3 daily; Neil–Port Blair: 2–3 daily.
Diglipur ferries: 2–3 weekly only. Plan accordingly.
8. Essential Operational Notes
Permits: Indians – valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport). Foreigners – RAP issued on arrival, valid 30 days.
Packing limit:Â 15 kg checked + 7 kg cabin for flights. Ferry has no strict limit but carry-on only recommended.
Connectivity:Â BSNL and Airtel work on all 3 main islands. Patchy on North Andaman.
Safety:Â Swim only at lifeguarded beaches. Use certified dive operators. Avoid night driving on Andaman Trunk Road.
Cancellation buffer: Add one extra day at the end if traveling in monsoon – ferry cancellations are common.
FAQ:Â
Q1: How many days are enough for Andaman?
A: 5–7 days minimum. 5 for highlights, 7 for relaxed pacing, 10 for offbeat North Andaman.
Q2: What is the best route for Andaman trip?
A: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → return to Port Blair. Most efficient ferry connections.
Q3: Is 4 days enough for Andaman?
A: No. Only Port Blair + Havelock possible. Neil Island requires a 5th day.
Q4: Is Havelock or Neil better for stay?
A: Havelock – better resorts, nightlife, diving. Neil – quieter, cheaper, better sunsets. For 7 days: 3 nights Havelock, 2 nights Neil.
Q5: Best itinerary for family with kids?
A: 7-day plan. Ross Island (easy walking), North Bay (snorkeling), Bharatpur Beach (shallow water). Avoid North Andaman.
Q6: Best itinerary for honeymoon?
A: 7 or 10 days. 3 nights Havelock (Radhanagar, candlelight dinner, couples’ scuba), 2 nights Neil (peaceful), optional luxury resort at Aves Island.
Q7: What is the correct island sequence?
A: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair. Do not reverse – fewer ferries from Neil to Havelock.
Q8: Can Baratang fit in 5 days?
A: No. Baratang requires one full day from Port Blair. Only fits in 10-day or compressed 7-day (skip Neil).
Q9: How many days for scuba diving?
A: Minimum 2 days in Havelock. Day 1: intro dive. Day 2: advanced or second spot. Certification: 3–4 days.
Q10: What is 7-day itinerary for couples?
A: Day 1 (Port Blair – Cellular Jail), Day 2 (Ross Island), Day 3–5 (Havelock – scuba, Radhanagar, kayaking), Day 6 (Neil), Day 7 (return).
Q11: Is North Andaman (Diglipur) worth the travel?
A: Yes for 10+ days. Ross & Smith sandbar and Saddle Peak are unique. Travel time: 5–6 hours ferry from Neil/Port Blair. Not worth for <7 days.
Q12: Cheapest way to plan itinerary?
A: 5-day plan. Government ferries (₹500 vs ₹2,500). Budget homestays (₹1,500/night). Street food. Travel shoulder season (Oct–Nov, Mar–May).
Q13: When to book ferries?
A: Private ferries: 15–21 days ahead in peak season. Government: 24–48 hours ahead at jetty.
Q14: What is the 5-day itinerary from Delhi?
A: Day 1 – Fly Delhi→Port Blair, Cellular Jail. Day 2 – Havelock. Day 3 – Scuba + Radhanagar. Day 4 – Neil. Day 5 – Return Port Blair, fly back.
Q15: Can Ross Island and North Bay be done in one day?
A: Yes. Morning to Ross Island (2 hrs), afternoon to North Bay (2 hrs). Return by 5 PM. Included in Day 2 of 7-day plan.
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