The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal off the Eastern Coast of mainland India is a sight to behold with gorgeous beaches, pristine waters, and unending white sands dotted with mangroves. Towards the north of the islands, there are mud volcanoes, limestone caves, giant turtle nesting grounds, and abundant marine life in the coral reefs beneath the crystal pristine sea. Be it lush green areas or the beaches, the Andaman Island is blessed with ample of nature’s treasure gifts that remind you of Roald Dahl’s escapades to the islands on summer afternoons.
Before we explore the itinerary, let us get acquainted with a few essential information about this spectacular island.
About Andaman
The 300 big and small islands of Andaman probably date back thousands of years. Most of these islands are not inhabited even today and pretty much remain inaccessible. The indigenous people of Andaman (Jarawa, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese, Onge are aboriginal tribes) appear to have African origin and have inhabited the island from time immemorial until the British landed in the 18th century followed by people from mainland India and Japanese (during WWII)
How to Reach Andamans
The best mode of transport is to fly to Port Blair from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. The option to travel by ship from Kolkata and Chennai but is not the preferred mode as airfares just got affordable.
Best Time to Visit Andamans
December to March is the ideal time to visit. The monsoon months between June and August are best avoided. The weather is pleasant and warm and the sea and it’s a pleasure to soak in the sea.
Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL- CORBYN’S COVE- CELLULAR JAIL LIGHT & SOUND SHOW
For centuries, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were cloaked in mystery due to their inaccessibility. These islands are shimmering like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal and present a scenic and picturesque landscape. The dense forests cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers & birds create a romantic and lovely atmosphere.
After check-in at the hotel, take some rest and thereafter, drive straight to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, which is about 7 km from Port Blair. The beach is perfect for swimming.
Further, visit the National Monument the Cellular Jail. Cellular Jail, formerly known as Kala Pani, it was a colonial prison used by the British to deportee political prisoners to this remote location. Look at the saga of the Indian Freedom struggle through the Sound and Light Show, which takes place within the same complex.
Day 2
HAVELOCK ISLAND
Catch a ferry to Havelock from Port Blair Jetty and the journey time would approximately 2 hours. The port Blair jetty is extremely beautiful surrounded by blue water with patches of cyan in between. This destination is rated as the best island in India. Visit Radhanagar Beach, one of the most scenic beaches on the Islands. You can spend some quality time and have fun alongside this naturally beautiful beach. Later, return back to the resort/hotel for an overnight stay.
Best Hotels to Stay: Barefoot at Havelock, Havelock Island Beach Resort are some of the best places to stay in Havelock Island. They offer a calm, comfortable, romantic, and spacious stay.
Day 3
ELEPHANT BEACH
© Travel Triangle
Leave for the Elephant beach after breakfast in a sharing speedboat. This beach offers tranquil blue shallow water to professional as well as beginner snorkelers. The reef close to the shore is around 1 meter deep and the larger reef is formed by an amazing variety of corals and marine life. Further, it offers a great place to laze on the beach and have a wonderful time. he boat ride from Havelock Island to Elephant beach takes around 23 minutes. This surely is going to be an unforgettable snorkeling experience for you.
The beach is very stunning with white sand and fallen trees offering an ideal opportunity to photographers. Later, return back to the hotel/resort at Havelock Island for an overnight stay.
Day 4
NEIL ISLAND
Catch the ferry to Neil Island from Jetty according to the ferry timings. On arrival at Neil Island, check-in at the hotel and visit unspoiled white sandy beaches at Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Lakshmanpur.
Bharatpur Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach. Here one can relax, enjoy a leisurely walk on the sands and treat their eyes with the coral views. The Sea around the Jetty area is full of corals and schools of fishes swimming around.
Located 2 kilometers north of Neil Jetty, Laxmanpur Beach is a secluded beach scattered with white shell sand with shallow water offering snorkeling opportunities. Swimming and sun basking are the other two options. Tourists can enjoy spectacular sunset views from the beach.
Later, return back to the hotel at Neil Island for an overnight stay.
Best Hotels to Stay: Symphony Summer Sands Beach Resort, Pearl Park Beach Resort very near to the airport makes them one of the best view hotels to stay.
© IG: @soulandfuel
Day 5
RETURN TO PORT BLAIR FROM NEIL ISLAND
Take the return ferry to Port Blair according to the ferry timing. On return from Neil Island, take an overnight stay at your hotel/resort at Port Blair.
Day 6
PORT BLAIR CITY TOUR- ROSS ISLAND
Visit the Administrative Capital Before Independence from where the Britishers governed the entire A & N Islands – ROSS ISLAND. A destination for nature walk amidst friendly deers & peacocks.
The Island still houses the Commissioner’s Palace, the bakery, British Officer’s Club, a church and an old cemetery of the British officer’s on the Island though these buildings now lie in ruins
Later, proceed for a City Tour of Port Blair that includes a visit to the Fisheries Museum (Aquarium) – exhibits species of marine life peculiar to the islands, Anthropological Museum – displays tribal essential and artifacts’, Naval Marine Museum (Samudrika) – gives a good retrospect of the history, shells, Corals marine life, geography, and archaeology of these islands Enjoy a night stay at Port Blair.
Day 7
BARATANG ISLAND DAY TRIP
© Enjoy Andamans
Depart to Baratang Island (On sharing Basis) early in the morning. It is about 110kms by a road that is blessed with ample natural beauty. During the road journey from Port Blair to Baratang, you will be crossing through coves and dense equatorial forest. Also, if time permits, do take a creek journey in small boats and thereafter, trek through a small village to reach the caves.
In the evening, return back to the hotel in Port Blair for an overnight stay.
Day 8
NATIONAL PARK – MOUNT HARRIET
After breakfast, you can head on straight to Mount Harriett. It was the summer headquarters during the British Raj. The place offers fascinating views of the open sea and the nearby islands. Mount Harriett is the highest point in the South Andaman.
Keep your evening free for shopping. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel/resort at Port Blair.
Day 9
DEPARTURE FROM PORT BLAIR
Drop at the airport to catch the flight for onwards destination. Return home with sweet memories of the mesmerizing islands.
