Why the Andamans
The Andaman Islands are India’s most beautiful beach destination for many travellers: clear turquoise water, coral reefs, white sand and rainforest that comes down to the shore. They are far less developed than Goa, which is a large part of their charm.
They suit couples, families and divers, and they combine well with a few days in Chennai or Kolkata, or with a visit to relatives elsewhere in India.
Getting there from the UK
One long-haul flight and one domestic flight, ideally on one booking.
| Fly to | Then | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Domestic flight to Port Blair | British Airways non-stop from Heathrow |
| Kolkata | Domestic flight to Port Blair | One stop from the UK |
| Bengaluru | Domestic flight to Port Blair | Non-stops from Heathrow |
| Delhi | Domestic flight to Port Blair | Longer domestic flight |
Our tip: Spend a night in Chennai or Kolkata on the way. A same-day connection after an overnight flight is possible, but a rest makes the start of the holiday far nicer.
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Port Blair
Flights land at Veer Savarkar International Airport near Port Blair, the capital of the islands, which has regular flights from major Indian cities. Port Blair is worth a day for the Cellular Jail, now a national memorial, and its evening light and sound show about the freedom struggle.
From Port Blair, government and private ferries run to the main holiday islands.
Choosing your islands
Havelock Island, now officially Swaraj Dweep, is the most popular, with Radhanagar Beach often listed among Asia’s best beaches, and good diving. Neil Island, now Shaheed Dweep, is smaller and quieter, with coral close to the shore. Many visitors split their time between the two.
Ferries between Port Blair, Havelock and Neil take a few hours and can be booked in advance. Weather can affect sailings, so keep a spare day before your flight home.
Permits for foreign visitors
Foreign tourists visiting the Andamans have been issued Restricted Area Permits, which allow access to specific areas under conditions, while tribal reserves remain closed to visitors. Rules have changed over the years, so check the current requirements with the Indian authorities before you travel.
British passport holders also need an Indian visa or OCI card, plus the free e-Arrival card. Our e-Arrival card guide explains it.
When to go
The islands are warm all year, with temperatures typically in the mid-twenties to low thirties. The best weather for beaches, ferries and diving is in the drier months from about November to April. The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas from around May to September, and some activities stop.
Christmas, New Year and the Indian holiday season in May are the busiest times. Book flights and hotels early for those dates.
Diving and snorkelling
The Andamans are one of the best places in India to learn to dive, with dive schools on Havelock and Neil. Snorkelling from the beach is easy in many places. Choose an established operator and check that your travel insurance covers diving to the depth you plan.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from simple beach huts to a small number of upmarket resorts. The best rooms on Havelock sell out early in the peak season, so book once your flights are fixed. Power and internet can be patchy on the smaller islands, which many visitors find part of the appeal.
Combining with mainland India
The Andamans make a perfect end to a family visit or a tour. Spend time with relatives in Chennai, Kolkata or Bengaluru, or tour South India first, then finish with a week by the sea. An open-jaw or multi-city booking keeps it simple. See flights to Chennai and flights to Kolkata.
Honeymoons
Quiet beaches, sunsets at Radhanagar and good small resorts make the Andamans a favourite for honeymoons. Our honeymoon guide has more ideas, including combining India with the Maldives or Sri Lanka.
Practical tips
Carry cash, as cash machines are limited outside Port Blair. Bring reef-safe sun cream, insect repellent, light cotton clothes and a rain jacket outside the dry season. Respect local rules on protected areas, national parks and coral, and do not collect shells or coral, which is prohibited and can lead to fines.
A sample week
A relaxed week might start with a night in Port Blair for the Cellular Jail, then four nights on Havelock for Radhanagar Beach, diving and snorkelling, and two nights on Neil before returning to Port Blair for the flight back to the mainland.
With ten days, add more time on Havelock or a trip to the quieter islands further north, where the infrastructure is simpler and the beaches emptier. Keep the last night before your flight home in Port Blair, in case a ferry is delayed by the weather.
Food on the islands
Seafood is the highlight, from grilled fish to Bengali and South Indian curries, reflecting the mix of people who have settled on the islands. Beach shacks on Havelock serve simple, fresh food, and the resorts offer wider menus. Vegetarian food is easy to find, though choice is narrower on the smaller islands.
Questions people ask
Is the Andamans good for families?
Yes. Calm beaches, easy snorkelling and simple resorts suit families well, especially in the dry season.
Are there cash machines on the islands?
Mainly in Port Blair, with a few on Havelock. Carry enough cash for the smaller islands.
How many days do I need in the Andamans?
A week is enough for Port Blair, Havelock and Neil. Ten days lets you slow down or explore further.
Are there direct flights from the UK to the Andaman Islands?
No. Fly to an Indian city such as Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Delhi, then take a domestic flight to Port Blair.
Which airport serves the Andamans?
Veer Savarkar International Airport near Port Blair, with flights from major Indian cities.
Do foreign visitors need a permit for the Andamans?
Foreign tourists have been issued Restricted Area Permits. Check the current rules before you travel.
When is the best time to visit the Andamans?
About November to April, in the drier months. The monsoon brings rain and rough seas from around May to September.
What is the best island for a first visit?
Havelock, now Swaraj Dweep, for Radhanagar Beach and diving, with a few days on quieter Neil Island.
How do I get between the islands?
By ferry from Port Blair to Havelock and Neil. Book ahead and keep a spare day for weather.
Can I combine the Andamans with a family visit?
Yes. It is easy to add a week in the islands to a stay in Chennai, Kolkata or Bengaluru.
