Field notes
Andaman Islands Itinerary Guide for Indians 2026
This Andaman Islands itinerary guide for Indians covers a 6-night route through Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Most travellers choose 4 to 8 nights to combine Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach snorkelling and the Natural Bridge. The usual season runs October to May, and the entry point is the airport at Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly Port Blair.
What does a 6-night Andaman Islands itinerary look like?
A standard 6-night Andaman plan splits the stay as two nights in Port Blair, three on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and one on Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). Ferries link all three islands in one loop, so you never backtrack.
Ferry timings on this loop: Port Blair to Havelock is 57 km and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel. Havelock to Neil takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Neil back to Port Blair takes about 1.5 hours. Sources quote slightly different crossing times, so treat these as ranges and confirm your sailing time at booking.
The Andaman archipelago sits in the Bay of Bengal and is connected to mainland India mainly by air. Tourism is concentrated on a few inhabited islands and protected natural areas, which is why a short island chain like this one works so well for first-time visitors from across India.
This Andaman Islands itinerary guide gives three plans: a 4-night quick escape, the standard 6-night route, and an 8-night leisurely version for honeymooners and slower travellers. Each plan has a day-by-day breakdown and a logistics table. Costs are described by what drives them rather than quoted as fixed figures, because ferry fares, entry tickets and activity charges change by season and operator.
Quick comparison of the 4, 6 and 8-night plans
The three plans differ in how many islands you cover and how much downtime you get. Pick by trip length and pace: 4 nights drops Neil, 6 nights covers all three islands, and 8 nights adds a rest day and South Andaman side trips.
| Plan | Islands covered | Nights split | Best suited to | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A: 4 nights | Port Blair, Havelock | 2 Port Blair, 2 Havelock | Long weekends, first look at the islands | Fast |
| Plan B: 6 nights | Port Blair, Havelock, Neil | 2 Port Blair, 3 Havelock, 1 Neil | First-timers, families, couples | Moderate |
| Plan C: 8 nights | Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, plus South Andaman side trips | 3 Port Blair, 3 Havelock, 1 Neil, 1 Port Blair | Honeymooners, slow travellers, nature lovers | Relaxed |
Plan A: 4 nights for a quick Andaman escape
Plan A suits travellers with a long weekend. You stay two nights in Port Blair and two on Havelock, skip Neil Island, and make just one ferry crossing each way.
Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair and Cellular Jail
Land at the Port Blair airport, check in, and spend the afternoon at Cellular Jail, the heritage site tied to the islands' colonial-era history. Dinner near Aberdeen Bazaar keeps the first evening easy.
Day 2: North Bay, Corbyn's Cove and Marina Park
Take a morning boat excursion to North Bay for snorkelling and other water activities. Corbyn's Cove beach follows, and Marina Park is a short waterfront stop on the return. The Anthropological Museum and Chatham Saw Mill fit in if time is left before dusk.
Day 3: Ferry to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach
Catch a morning ferry to Havelock and check in. Spend the afternoon at Radhanagar Beach and stay for sunset. It is the beach most visitors travel to the island for.
Day 4: Elephant Beach and return to Port Blair
Do an early boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling and be back by noon. Take the afternoon ferry to Port Blair and stay the night, or fly out the same day if your flight timing allows.
| Day | Activity | Distance | Duration | Approx Cost (INR) | Hotel Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, Cellular Jail | Within Port Blair | Half day | Entry ticket, confirm on arrival | 3-star, Port Blair |
| 2 | North Bay, Corbyn's Cove, Marina Park | Short boat and road hops | Full day | Boat and activity charges, confirm at booking | 3-star, Port Blair |
| 3 | Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach | 57 km by ferry | 1.5 to 2.5 h ferry | Ferry fare depends on operator and class | 3-star, Havelock |
| 4 | Elephant Beach, return ferry | 57 km by ferry | Half day plus 1.5 to 2.5 h ferry | Boat and ferry charges, confirm at booking | 3-star, Port Blair |
Plan B: 6 nights, the standard Andaman route
Plan B is what most Indian families and first-timers book. It gives two nights in Port Blair for the heritage circuit, three on Havelock for beaches and water sports, and one on quieter Neil Island.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair, Cellular Jail and Aberdeen Bazaar
Fly in, check into a mid-range Port Blair hotel and visit Cellular Jail in the afternoon. Have dinner at a seafood restaurant around Aberdeen Bazaar. A 3-star or 4-star hotel is the usual choice here.
Day 2: North Bay, Corbyn's Cove and Chatham Saw Mill
Start with a boat to North Bay for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides. Spend the afternoon at Corbyn's Cove. Chatham Saw Mill and the Japanese Bunker are both in Port Blair and quick to cover if you have energy left.
Day 3: Ferry to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach sunset
Take the morning ferry across the 57 km stretch to Havelock and check into a beachside resort. Head to Radhanagar Beach for the afternoon and stay on for sunset.
Day 4: Elephant Beach snorkelling and water activities
Go early by boat to Elephant Beach for snorkelling and other water activities. Keep the afternoon free for the resort or a second visit to Radhanagar.
Day 5: Ferry to Neil Island and the Natural Bridge
The Havelock to Neil ferry is short, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Visit the Natural Bridge, then the island's quieter beaches. Neil is known for stargazing after dinner, so plan a late evening.
Day 6: Return to Port Blair and South Andaman
Ferry back to Port Blair takes about 1.5 hours. In the afternoon, visit Mount Manipur National Park or Chidiyatapu viewpoint, both in South Andaman and known for scenery and biodiversity.
Day 7: Departure
Fly out from Port Blair. If your flight is late, Wandoor Beach works as a half-day stop before heading to the airport. Note that a 6-night stay means you depart on Day 7.
| Day | Activity | Distance | Duration | Approx Cost (INR) | Hotel Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, Cellular Jail, Aberdeen Bazaar | Within Port Blair | Half day | Entry ticket, confirm on arrival | 3 to 4-star, Port Blair |
| 2 | North Bay, Corbyn's Cove, Chatham Saw Mill | Short boat and road hops | Full day | Boat and activity charges, confirm at booking | 3 to 4-star, Port Blair |
| 3 | Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach | 57 km by ferry | 1.5 to 2.5 h ferry | Ferry fare depends on operator and class | 3 to 4-star, Havelock |
| 4 | Elephant Beach, water activities | Short boat ride | Half day | Activity charges, confirm at booking | 3 to 4-star, Havelock |
| 5 | Ferry to Neil, Natural Bridge, stargazing | Havelock to Neil by ferry | 45 min to 1 h ferry | Ferry fare depends on operator and class | 3-star, Neil |
| 6 | Ferry to Port Blair, Mount Manipur National Park or Chidiyatapu | Neil to Port Blair by ferry | About 1.5 h ferry plus half day | Ferry and entry charges, confirm at booking | 3 to 4-star, Port Blair |
| 7 | Departure, optional Wandoor Beach | Within South Andaman | Half day | Cab fare, confirm at booking | Not applicable |
Plan C: 8 nights for honeymooners and slow travel
Plan C adds a South Andaman day trip and a spa and rest day on Havelock. It suits couples and anyone who prefers not to change islands every second day.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair, Cellular Jail
Same start as Plan B. Check into a 4-star hotel, visit Cellular Jail in the afternoon and keep the evening relaxed.
Day 2: North Bay, Corbyn's Cove and Marina Park
Boat excursion to North Bay, then Corbyn's Cove, with an evening walk at Marina Park on the waterfront.
Day 3: Chidiyatapu and Mount Manipur National Park
Day trip to South Andaman for the Chidiyatapu viewpoint and Mount Manipur National Park. Both are known for and biodiversity, and they pair well in a single day.
Day 4: Ferry to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach
Morning ferry, check in at a beach resort and spend the afternoon at Radhanagar.
Day 5: Elephant Beach and water activities
Snorkelling and other water activities at Elephant Beach, then a slow evening at the resort.
Day 6: Spa day and a quiet beach
Book a morning spa session at the resort and spend the afternoon at a quieter Havelock beach. This rest day is the main difference from the standard route.
Day 7: Ferry to Neil Island and the Natural Bridge
Ferry across to Neil, visit the Natural Bridge and a nearby beach, and stay up for stargazing.
Day 8: Return to Port Blair and Wandoor Beach
Ferry back to Port Blair, then Wandoor Beach in the afternoon if time allows.
Day 9: Departure
Fly out of Port Blair. An 8-night stay means departure on Day 9.
| Day | Activity | Distance | Duration | Approx Cost (INR) | Hotel Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, Cellular Jail | Within Port Blair | Half day | Entry ticket, confirm on arrival | 4-star, Port Blair |
| 2 | North Bay, Corbyn's Cove, Marina Park | Short boat and road hops | Full day | Boat charges, confirm at booking | 4-star, Port Blair |
| 3 | Chidiyatapu, Mount Manipur National Park | South Andaman road trip | Full day | Entry and cab charges, confirm at booking | 4-star, Port Blair |
| 4 | Ferry to Havelock, Radhanagar Beach | 57 km by ferry | 1.5 to 2.5 h ferry | Ferry fare depends on operator and class | 4-star, Havelock |
| 5 | Elephant Beach, water activities | Short boat ride | Half day | Activity charges, confirm at booking | 4-star, Havelock |
| 6 | Spa day, quiet beach | Local transfers | Full day | Spa charges vary by resort | 4-star, Havelock |
| 7 | Ferry to Neil, Natural Bridge, stargazing | Havelock to Neil by ferry | 45 min to 1 h ferry | Ferry fare depends on operator and class | 3 to 4-star, Neil |
| 8 | Ferry to Port Blair, Wandoor Beach | Neil to Port Blair by ferry | About 1.5 h ferry plus half day | Ferry and cab charges, confirm at booking | 4-star, Port Blair |
| 9 | Departure | Within Port Blair | Half day | Cab fare, confirm at booking | Not applicable |
Where to stay on each island
Each island plays a different role in the trip. Port Blair is the arrival base, Havelock is the beach and water-activity hub, and Neil is the quiet stop. Match your hotel category to the role, not just to the budget.
- Port Blair: Main arrival and departure base with Cellular Jail, city sightseeing and boat access to nearby islands. Best for families and budget travellers.
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Beach-focused, with Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, water activities and sunset visits. Best for couples and families.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter, with beaches, the Natural Bridge and stargazing. Best for couples and families.
Money-saving tips for the Andaman Islands
Andaman costs depend mainly on ferry class, hotel category and how many water activities you add. These five habits trim the bill without trimming the trip.
- Book ferries before hotels. Ferry seats, not rooms, are the real constraint in peak months. Lock the sailings first and build the stay around them.
- Keep Port Blair to two nights. Port Blair stays are usually cheaper than Havelock resorts, but every extra night there is a night away from the beaches. Two nights covers the heritage circuit.
- Bundle water activities on one day. Snorkelling and other Elephant Beach activities are often cheaper as a combined booking than as separate purchases across days. Ask the operator about combos.
- Travel in shoulder months. October and April sit outside the December to January peak, so hotel and ferry demand is lighter while the weather stays workable. Our best time to visit Andaman guide breaks this down by month.
- Carry some cash for the smaller islands. Banking access is thinner on Neil and parts of Havelock, and small beach vendors may not take cards.
How to customise Day 3 for kids, parents, budget and honeymoon trips
Day 3 is the pivot in every plan because it is usually the first island transfer. Change it according to who is travelling and how much energy the group has.
| Travelling with | What to change on Day 3 |
|---|---|
| Kids | Replace the South Andaman day trip with a short North Bay boat ride and an easy afternoon at Corbyn's Cove. Move the Havelock ferry to the next morning so children are rested. |
| Parents | Skip boat excursions. Cover Cellular Jail, the Anthropological Museum and Chatham Saw Mill at a slow pace with a private cab. |
| On a budget | Choose the government ferry where the schedule fits and a guesthouse over a resort on Havelock. Use the evening for Aberdeen Bazaar instead of paid shows. |
| Honeymoon | Take the morning ferry to Havelock, check into a beachfront resort and keep the afternoon for Radhanagar Beach at sunset. Leave Day 4 free for a spa session. |
Facts to check before you book
A few route facts stay constant, while prices and schedules do not. Use the points below to sanity-check any quote for your Andaman Islands itinerary.
- Port Blair to Havelock Island is 57 km by ferry, taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vessel.
- Havelock to Neil Island takes 45 minutes to 1 hour by ferry.
- Neil Island to Port Blair takes about 1.5 hours by ferry.
- Cellular Jail, Chatham Saw Mill, the Anthropological Museum and the Japanese Bunker are all in Port Blair and can be covered in about a day.
As of 2026, ferry timetables, museum entry charges and activity rates still change by season and operator. Check the official Andaman and Nicobar tourism website or confirm at booking before you pay. Most Indian travellers fly in via the Port Blair airport, and many Andaman tour packages bundle ferry tickets with stays so the sailings are sorted for you. For a wider overview of the islands, read the Andaman travel guide.
Which plan should you pick?
Choose by time and temperament: 4 nights for a long weekend, 6 nights for a first visit covering all three islands, and 8 nights if you want a rest day and South Andaman side trips.
- Pick 4 nights if you want the headline beaches and are fine skipping Neil Island.
- Pick 6 nights if this is your first Andaman holiday and you want Port Blair, Havelock and Neil in one loop.
- Pick 8 nights if you are honeymooning or prefer fewer rushed transfers.
Whichever plan you choose, lock ferry seats first, keep a spare half day for weather delays and confirm every fare at the time of booking.