Places to Visit in Andaman

Places to visit in Andaman: Top 12 Spots for Every Traveler

The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago holds 572 islands and islets. Only about 37 are inhabited, and a far smaller number are open to visitors. That gap is why choosing the right places to visit in Andaman matters so much! At Andaman Emerald Tour, I plan island routes every week, and I have watched travelers lose half a day to one badly timed ferry. Short trips punish guesswork.

This guide fixes that. I cover twelve stops across Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island, Baratang, and the north, with timings, transport notes, and honest advice on what deserves your time. First-timers and returning visitors alike will leave with a route they can actually book!

Places to visit in Andaman at a Glance

Short on time? Start here! The table below lists the twelve places to visit in Andaman that I recommend most often, along with the time each one really needs.

Look closely at the time column. Most first-timers pack too much into a single day, and I understand why! Everything looks close on the map. Ferry schedules and tides say otherwise.

Best Places to visit in Andaman Around Port Blair

Port Blair is where almost every trip begins, and it deserves a full day rather than a rushed stopover. I treat it as the history chapter of the journey.

1. Cellular Jail

The British began building Cellular Jail in 1896 and finished it in 1906. Political prisoners from the freedom struggle were held here, which is why many Indians call the islands Kala Pani. Seven wings once radiated from a central tower. Three remain today, and they are quiet enough to make you stop talking.

The evening light and sound show narrates the prisoners’ story. Book it early, because seats fill fast in December and January!

Visitor Tips for Cellular Jail

• Visit in the morning for the museum and cells, then return for the evening show.
• Allow two to three hours and wear comfortable footwear.
• Confirm show timings and language slots at the counter, since they change with the season.

2. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep)

Ross Island was once the British administrative headquarters. A short ferry ride from Aberdeen Jetty takes you there. Today the jungle has swallowed the church, bakery, and officers’ quarters, and roots split the old walls. Deer wander the paths. I find it the most photogenic ruin in the region!

Visitor Tips for Ross Island

• Take an early ferry so you have time to walk the full loop.
• Carry water, because shops on the island are limited.
• Confirm the weekly closing day at the jetty before you plan around it.

3. Chidiya Tapu

About 25 km south of Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is known as the bird island, and it earns the name. Several species found only in these islands live in the surrounding forest. The sunset here is soft and unhurried, and I would pick it over any crowded viewpoint. Arrive around 4 pm, walk up to the Munda Pahad viewpoint, and stay until the light fades!

4. Mount Harriet National Park

Mount Harriet offers a forest walk and a wide view over the bay. The road climbs through thick tree cover, so I suggest a morning visit, when the air is cooler and the light is clear. Bring binoculars; the canopy is busy with birds!

Places to visit in Andaman on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock is the reason many travelers book the trip. Ferries from Port Blair take roughly two hours, and I always advise a morning departure so your first afternoon stays free.

5. Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar is a long curve of pale sand with shallow entry and forest behind it. It is often cited among the best beaches in Asia, and I understand the praise. Come for sunset, then walk toward the quieter end, where the crowds thin out. Swim only in the marked areas, because currents can be strong!

6. Elephant Beach

Elephant Beach sits on the northwest side of the island. Reach it by a short boat ride from Havelock Jetty or, when open, by a forest trek. Coral lies close to shore, so snorkeling is easy. Water clarity drops after heavy rain, so I plan reef days for the dry months. Never stand on coral, and choose reef-safe sunscreen!

7. Kalapathar Beach

Kalapathar means black rock. Dark boulders against pale sand make the beach striking at sunrise, and it is far quieter than Radhanagar. Arrive before 7 am and you may have the shore to yourself!

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil is smaller, calmer, and slower than Havelock. A day trip is possible, but I prefer one night so you can see both sunrise and sunset.

8. Neil Island

Bharatpur Beach

Shallow, clear water makes Bharatpur ideal for beginners and families. Glass-bottom boats and snorkeling trips leave from the shore.

Laxmanpur Beach

This is the island’s sunset beach. At low tide, you can see coral and shells along the sand. Look, photograph, and leave everything where it lies.

Natural Rock Bridge

Sea waves carved this rock arch over thousands of years. Check the tide chart before you go. The bridge is only reachable, and only safe, at low tide!

Neil rewards slow travelers. Rent a bicycle and ride between beaches; the island is small enough that you will rarely need a taxi!

Middle and North Andaman

9. Baratang Island

Baratang is a full-day trip from Port Blair, roughly 100 km along the Andaman Trunk Road. The route crosses the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Vehicles travel in convoys at fixed times, so leave early. Stopping, photographing, or feeding the Jarawa is illegal, and I ask every guest to respect that.

At the jetty, you take a boat through mangrove creeks to the limestone caves, then walk a short forest path. Nearby, a small mud volcano bubbles quietly. It is modest, but it is rare!

10. Ross and Smith Islands (Diglipur)

Two small islands are joined by a sandbar that appears at low tide. Diglipur sits far north, so reaching it costs you a full day of road travel. If your trip is under a week, skip it. If you have ten days or more, it is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Andaman for travelers who prefer solitude!

11. Saddle Peak

Saddle Peak National Park holds the highest point in the archipelago, at about 732 m. The trek climbs through dense evergreen forest. Start at sunrise, carry plenty of water, and expect humidity. The views from the top are worth every wet step!

Wandoor and the Marine Park

12. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park lies near Wandoor, roughly 30 km from Port Blair. Boats take you to reef islands for snorkeling and glass-bottom rides. Entry is regulated, so carry photo ID. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin usually operate on a rotation to protect the reef, so confirm which one is open on your dates. The reef here is some of the best I have seen near Port Blair!

Best Time to Visit the Islands

Timing shapes your trip more than any hotel choice does!

My rule is simple. Travel between October and May, and lock in ferries early for December and January. If you travel in the monsoon, buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day in your plan. I have seen cancelled sailings turn a tight schedule into a scramble!

What to Do and Where

Different places to visit in Andaman suit different interests. Use this table to match the activity with the location.

Beginners can try an introductory dive with a trainer. I have watched nervous swimmers surface grinning after twenty minutes underwater!

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Seven days is the sweet spot for the classic islands. I built this route around ferry timings so you rarely backtrack!

Want Baratang or the north? Add two nights and swap Day 6 for a long road day. Keep at least one buffer day, because weather has the last word!

How to Reach and Get Around

By Air

Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. Chennai and Kolkata have the most regular connections, and other Indian cities link through them. Book early, since fares climb sharply in peak months!

Between Islands

Private and government ferries connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Private ferries are faster and more comfortable. Government ferries cost less but run slower and less predictably. Book ahead and carry government photo ID for every traveler. Foreign visitors should check current permit rules before booking, because they change.

Money and Signal

ATMs are limited outside Port Blair and Havelock, so carry cash for Neil and the smaller stops. Mobile signal is patchy on some islands. Download offline maps and save your booking confirmations before you sail!

Choose the Right Package for Your Trip

Once you know your places to visit in Andaman, the next question is how to travel. Here is how I match travelers to trips at Andaman Emerald Tour.

• Divers, trekkers, and thrill-seekers: Our Andaman Adventure Packages build in diving, snorkeling, and trekking time.
• Cost-conscious travelers: Our Andaman Budget Packages keep the classic route while trimming extras, so you still see Havelock and Neil without overspending!
• Government employees: Central government staff can look at our Andaman Ltc Packages, designed with Leave Travel Concession travel in mind. Check your department’s rules on eligible routes and paperwork.
• Families: Our Andaman Family Packages focus on gentle pacing, shorter transfers, and shallow beaches. Children love the glass-bottom boat at Bharatpur!
• Couples: Our Andaman Honeymoon Packages prioritize quiet stays and sunset spots like Radhanagar and Laxmanpur, so couples get unhurried time together!
• Friends and large parties: Our Andaman Group Packages suit friends, colleagues, and extended families who want shared transport and one clear plan!

Travel Responsibly on the Islands

The islands are fragile, and a few habits protect them.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen, and never stand on or touch coral.
• Leave shells, coral, and sand where you found them.
• Do not photograph, feed, or approach the Jarawa people.
• Skip single-use plastic and carry a refillable bottle.

I say this at every briefing: the reef is the reason people visit, so protecting it protects the trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which places to visit in Andaman suit first-time travelers?

Start with Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Together they cover history, beaches, and reefs in about a week, and they have the most reliable ferry links and stays!

2. How many days do I need?

Five days is the minimum for Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil. Seven days feels comfortable. Add two more for Baratang or the north.

3. What is the best time to visit Andaman?

October to May works best, with December to February the busiest. The monsoon brings rough seas and cancellations. I prefer February to April for clear water and steadier weather!

4. Is Havelock or Neil Island better?

Havelock has bigger beaches, more dive operators, and more stays. Neil is quieter and easy to cover by bicycle. I suggest both if your schedule allows!

5. Do Indian travelers need a permit?

Indian citizens usually need only valid photo ID for the main tourist islands. Some tribal reserves and remote areas are restricted, and marine park entry is regulated at the jetty. Rules can change, so confirm before you travel.

6. Can I visit the Jarawa Tribal Reserve?

You may drive through on the Andaman Trunk Road in a regulated convoy, but you must not stop, photograph, or interact with the community. It is illegal, and it harms the people who live there!

7. Is scuba diving safe for beginners?

Yes, with a certified instructor. An introductory dive needs no certification, only a short briefing and reasonable comfort in water. Tell your trainer about any health concerns first. I recommend Havelock or Neil for first dives!

8. Are the ferries reliable?

Mostly, from October to May. Weather can cancel sailings, so avoid booking a flight out on the same day as an island ferry. Keep a buffer day!

9. What should I pack?

Pack light cotton clothes, a rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, a power bank, and some cash. A small dry bag helps on boat rides!

10. Can I book a customized trip?

Yes. I build itineraries around your dates, budget, and pace, whether you want a quiet week or a packed adventure schedule!

Plan Your Trip with Confidence

Choosing places to visit in Andaman comes down to three things: your season, your pace, and your ferries. Get those right, and the rest falls into place! Pick two or three stops that match your interests, give each one enough time, and let the islands do the rest! If you want a plan built around your dates, message Andaman Emerald Tour. I will map the route with you, step by step!