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Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India)
These remote islands in the Indian Ocean are a true hidden getaway. You can relax on quiet, white-sand beaches or snorkel in clear water full of colorful fish. It is a peaceful place if you want to escape the crowds and just enjoy pure nature.
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Summary
Did you know?
Active Volcano – Barren Island is home to India's only confirmed active volcano, which frequently smokes and spews lava in a remote corner of the territory.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, April, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Rainforest
Expenses
0-50€, <100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, Over 30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Indian rupee
Languages
Hindi
Currency Converter
When to visit
The optimal travel window for the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago opens during the dry season, stretching from late October through early May. During these months, the tropical climate stabilizes, delivering calm seas, excellent underwater visibility for diving, and pleasant daytime temperatures hovering around 28°C to 30°C. This is the only reliable period for island-hopping, as marine conditions are highly predictable.
The off-peak season (June to September) is dominated by the violent southwest monsoon. While the islands turn a brilliant, lush green, the weather brings torrential downpours, severe ocean swells, and high winds. Traveling during this time is highly risky; rough seas frequently force the coast guard to suspend inter-island ferry services for days at a time, trapping tourists on specific islands, and the churning water reduces scuba diving visibility to near zero.
(Note: While the Andamans are open to tourism, the entire Nicobar island chain is a heavily protected tribal reserve and is strictly off-limits to all foreign tourists and mainland Indians without highly specialized government clearance).
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season (Late October to Early May)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: 2 to 5 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 hour.
Intensity: Brief, isolated tropical showers.
Duration: Passes quickly, leaving behind flat, glassy oceans perfect for marine navigation and snorkeling.
Off-Peak Season (June to September)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Rain Frequency: 18 to 22 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 4 to 8 hours.
Intensity: Heavy, unrelenting monsoon downpours accompanied by gale-force winds.
Duration: Multi-day storm systems that whip the Bay of Bengal into dangerous swells, frequently halting all maritime logistics.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: October-May
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($40-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-30/night (bamboo beach huts, backpacker hostels in Port Blair or Havelock).
Food: $10-15/day (local Bengali-style fish thalis, street-side dosas, and roadside dhabas).
Activities: $5-10/day (relaxing on public beaches, renting basic snorkel gear).
Transportation: $10-15/day (renting a scooter for local exploration, buying slow government ferry tickets).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, mosquito repellent).
2. Mid-Range Travel ($120-220/day)
Accommodation: $60-130/night (comfortable, air-conditioned beach resorts or boutique cottages).
Food: $30-50/day (seafood restaurants, resort dining, fresh grilled catch of the day).
Activities: $40-80/day (two-tank scuba diving trips, guided mangrove kayaking).
Transportation: $20-40/day (private high-speed catamaran tickets, occasional auto-rickshaws).
Other Costs: $10/day (cafe coffees, minor entry permits).
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($400 - $800+/day)
Accommodation: $250-500+/night (premium eco-luxury resorts on Radhanagar Beach, such as the Taj Exotica).
Food: $80-150+/day (fine dining, massive private lobster/crab dinners, imported wines).
Activities: $100-300+/day (chartering private yachts for island hopping, specialized deep-sea sport fishing).
Transportation: $50-100+/day (private chauffeured AC vehicles in Port Blair, VIP class on premium ferries).
Other Costs: $20+/day (premium gratuities for dive masters and private guides).
Off-Peak Season: June-September
1. Basic / Essential Travel ($30-50/day)
Accommodation: $10-20/night.
Food: $10-15/day.
Activities: $0-5/day (marine activities are largely suspended).
Transportation: $10-15/day.
Other Costs: $5/day.
2. Mid-Range Travel ($80-150/day)
Accommodation: $40-80/night (significant off-season resort discounts).
Food: $20-40/day.
Activities: $10-20/day (indoor museums in Port Blair).
Transportation: $20-40/day (heavy reliance on covered transport instead of scooters).
Other Costs: $10/day.
3. Luxury / Premium Travel ($250 - $500+/day)
Accommodation: $150-300+/night.
Food: $70-120/day.
Activities: $50-100/day (spa days, wellness treatments as outdoor options vanish).
Transportation: $40-80/day.
Other Costs: $20/day.
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Port Blair
- The rugged, administrative capital of the territory located on South Andaman Island. It acts as the unavoidable logistical bottleneck for all arriving flights. It has a busy, slightly chaotic mainland-India feel but is deeply steeped in colonial and WWII history.
2. Diglipur
- A remote, agricultural town located in the far North Andaman Island. Reaching it requires a grueling 10-to-12 hour drive up the Andaman Trunk Road, rewarding travelers with pristine, empty beaches and access to the Saddle Peak National Park.
3. Baratang
- A small transit town positioned between South and Middle Andaman. It is famous for its dense mangrove creeks and geological oddities, though accessing it involves driving through the protected Jarawa Tribal Reserve in heavily monitored military convoys.
Port Blair
Did you know?
Swimming Elephant – A famous Asian elephant named Rajan used to routinely swim across the deep ocean channels between islands just for fun.
Islands
1. Swaraj Dweep (Formerly Havelock Island)
- The undisputed epicenter of tourism in the archipelago. It is a forested, stunningly beautiful island ringed by pristine coral reefs and famous for its laid-back backpacker vibe, luxury eco-resorts, and world-class scuba diving infrastructure.
2. Shaheed Dweep (Formerly Neil Island)
- Havelock’s smaller, quieter neighbor. It is incredibly flat, agricultural, and largely traversed by bicycle. It offers a much slower pace of life, empty beaches, and unique natural rock bridges carved by the ocean.
3. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Formerly Ross Island)
- Located just a short boat ride from Port Blair. This was the lavish administrative headquarters of the British colonial rulers. Today, it is a fascinating, eerie ghost island where massive banyan trees are slowly crushing the ruins of Victorian ballrooms and bakeries.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Radhanagar Beach
- Frequently ranked by global travel publications as one of the best beaches in Asia. Located on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), it is a massive, sweeping crescent of blinding white sand backed by a dense canopy of ancient rainforest trees, famous for spectacular sunsets.
2. Barren Island Volcano
- The only confirmed active volcano in all of South Asia. Visitors cannot land on the island, but specialized, expensive liveaboard dive boats and charter vessels can sail close to the smoking caldera, allowing divers to explore the surrounding black-sand underwater volcanic ridges.
3. Baratang Limestone Caves and Mud Volcanoes
- A bizarre geological zone. Reaching the limestone caves requires taking a small speedboat through dark, incredibly dense mangrove tunnels, followed by a short jungle trek. Nearby, small subterranean gas pockets bubble up through the earth to create miniature, erupting mud volcanoes.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Cellular Jail National Memorial (Kala Pani)
- A massive, deeply somber colonial prison located in Port Blair. Built by the British to exile Indian political dissidents and freedom fighters, its solitary confinement cells (the "Black Water") are a powerful testament to India's struggle for independence.
2. Viper Island
- Before the Cellular Jail was constructed, this tiny island in the Port Blair harbor was used by the British to incarcerate and execute convicts. The crumbling ruins of the original brick gallows still stand atop a small hill.
Unique Experiences
1. Scuba Diving in Ritchie’s Archipelago
- The Andamans offer the best diving in India. Slipping beneath the surface at sites like Dixon's Pinnacle or Johnny's Gorge reveals massive manta rays, reef sharks, and incredibly vibrant, healthy coral gardens relatively untouched by mass tourism.
2. Bioluminescence Night Kayaking
- Paddling a kayak into the calm mangrove creeks of Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) on a moonless night. Any movement of the paddle through the water agitates the phytoplankton, causing the ocean to glow with bright, neon-blue light.
3. Turtle Nesting at Kalipur Beach
- Traveling to the remote northern town of Diglipur during the winter months (December to March) to quietly watch massive Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles drag themselves onto the sand under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Radhanagar Beach
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andaman
Location: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A stunning eco-luxury resort spread across natural coconut groves right on the world-renowned Radhanagar Beach, featuring contemporary luxury villas on stilts, an Olympic-sized pool, and pristine coral reef access.
Restaurants / Bars
Barefoot Bayside Brasserie
Location: Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A charming, open-air beachfront restaurant overlooking the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, celebrated for its freshly caught seafood, tropical cocktails, and relaxed island atmosphere.
Tours to do
1. The Emerald Triangle Route
- A 6-to-8 day classic itinerary for first-time visitors. Fly into Port Blair and immediately visit the Cellular Jail. Take the high-speed catamaran to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) for 3 days of diving and beach lounging, hop over to the quiet Shaheed Dweep (Neil) for 2 days, and return to Port Blair for departure.
Best Time: January to April
Average Cost: $600 – $1,200 per person
2. The Great Andaman Trunk Road Expedition
- A rugged, 8-to-10 day overland journey venturing north. Drive from Port Blair through the tribal reserves in a convoy to reach Baratang's caves, continue to Mayabunder, and finally reach Diglipur to hike Saddle Peak and explore the twin Ross and Smith islands.
Best Time: November to March
Average Cost: $400 – $800 per person (transportation is cheaper, but distances are vast)
Baratang's caves
How to get around
1. Private High-Speed Catamarans
- Vessels operated by companies like Makruzz and Green Ocean are the lifeblood of tourist island-hopping. They run daily between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. They are fast, air-conditioned, and must be booked well in advance during peak season.
2. Government Ferries
- Slower, older, and significantly cheaper than private ferries, connecting a much wider network of islands. However, the ticketing system is notoriously archaic and bureaucratic, making it frustrating for short-term tourists to rely on.
3. Scooter Rentals
- The absolute best way to navigate Havelock and Neil islands. Traffic is light, the coastal roads are beautiful, and renting a two-wheeler provides total freedom to explore hidden beaches.
4. Auto-Rickshaws
- The primary mode of transport within the capital, Port Blair. Always agree on a fare before getting in, as drivers rarely use meters.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Isolated Tribes – North Sentinel Island houses one of the last strictly uncontacted indigenous tribes on Earth, who fiercely reject any outside contact.
What to eat
1. Bengali Fish Curry (Machher Jhol)
- Due to a massive population of Bengali settlers, this is the most ubiquitous local dish. Freshly caught local fish is simmered in a thin, highly pungent, and spicy broth flavored heavily with mustard oil, turmeric, and green chilies, served over steamed rice.
2. Grilled Lobster and Mud Crab
- Seafood is the undisputed king of the island diet. Beachside shacks and upscale resorts alike offer massive, locally caught lobsters and heavy mud crabs, typically marinated in garlic-butter or robust Indian spices and cooked over an open wood fire.
3. Coconut Prawn Curry
- Reflecting the coastal, tropical environment, this dish involves simmering large, fresh prawns in a thick, sweet, and rich gravy made from freshly grated coconut, curry leaves, and mild southern Indian spices.
4. Amritsari Kulcha
- An unexpected culinary anomaly. Due to the presence of North Indian military and administrative personnel, incredibly authentic, flaky, potato-stuffed flatbreads baked in a tandoor oven can be found in small, unassuming dhabas across Port Blair.
Bengali Fish Curry
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €700 to €1,200 (Requires a long-haul flight into Delhi [DEL], Mumbai [BOM], or Chennai [MAA], followed by a 2.5 to 4-hour domestic flight to IXZ).
- Cheapest Months: September and February.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,100 to $1,800 (Direct ultra-long-haul to mainland India, then a domestic connection. Total transit time easily exceeds 24 hours).
- Cheapest Months: October and March.
- Peak Prices: June, July, and December.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $700 (Generally routed through Kolkata [CCU] or Chennai [MAA], though occasional seasonal charters from Southeast Asia exist).
- Cheapest Months: August and September.
- Peak Prices: Diwali (October/November) and Lunar New Year.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $900 to $1,500 (Connections via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur into mainland India, then onward to Port Blair).
- Cheapest Months: May and November.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,300 (Routed via Addis Ababa or Middle Eastern hubs into Mumbai or Delhi, then connecting to the islands).
- Cheapest Months: March and October.
- Peak Prices: December and July.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Because the territory is part of India, a standard Indian e-Visa (or regular tourist visa) is strictly required for all foreign nationals prior to arrival.
2. Consular Processing
- The e-Visa must be applied for and approved digitally via the official Indian government portal before flying.
3. Required Documentation
- A passport valid for at least six months, the printed Indian e-Visa ETA, and a return flight ticket. Historically, foreigners required a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on arrival; while the RAP requirement has been lifted for 30 inhabited islands (including Havelock and Neil) to boost tourism, it is still strictly enforced for tribal reserves and the entire Nicobar district.
4. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required beyond standard Indian mainland recommendations (Typhoid, Hepatitis A). The archipelago has a history of Falciparum malaria; aggressive mosquito repellent usage is required, though prophylactic pills are a personal choice. Serious medical emergencies require air evacuation to mainland India.
5. Travel Insurance
- High-tier medical insurance covering remote marine accidents (specifically scuba diving chamber treatments) and air-medical extraction is a strict operational necessity.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While high-end resorts and dive shops accept credit cards, ATMs are notoriously unreliable, often running out of cash or suffering network outages. Bring a substantial stack of physical cash from the mainland for local transport, small cafes, and ferry tickets.
2. Tap Water
- Municipal tap water is biologically unsafe. Complete reliance on commercially sealed bottled water or UV-filtered water (provided by reputable hotels) is mandatory for drinking and dental hygiene.
3. Electricity
- The standard electrical voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz, utilizing plug types C, D, and M. Power grids on the islands are highly unstable; daily rolling blackouts are common, making backup power banks essential.
4. Tipping
- Tipping is customary but modest. Leaving 5-10% at restaurants and tipping dive masters, boat captains, and private drivers a few hundred rupees per day is highly appreciated.
5. SIM Cards
- Mobile connectivity is extremely poor compared to the mainland. State-owned BSNL offers the widest coverage, while Airtel works decently in Port Blair and Havelock. Internet speeds are generally agonizingly slow; do not expect to work remotely. Purchase your SIM on the mainland before flying over.
6. Driving Side
- Vehicles operate on the left side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Padauk Wood Carvings
- Padauk (Andaman Redwood) is an indigenous timber highly prized for its rich, deep crimson color and incredible durability. Local artisans carve this dense wood into beautiful bowls, walking sticks, and intricate miniature models of outrigger canoes.
2. Regulated Shell Jewelry
- The islands are famous for mother-of-pearl and cowrie shell crafts. However, India has extremely strict environmental laws regarding marine life. Tourists should only buy shell products from government-authorized emporiums (like Sagarika in Port Blair) and must keep the receipt to show customs, as exporting uncertified shells is a punishable offense.
3. Nicobari Mats
- Although tourists cannot visit the Nicobar Islands, authentic, tightly woven sleeping and decorative mats made from local pandanus leaves and coconut palm fronds by Nicobari tribespeople can occasionally be found in government-run handicraft stores in the capital.
Shell Jewelry
Location
Reviews
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