Andaman Nicobar is best known for its tropical paradise, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage. Let’s take you all on a virtual trip to this amazing place where you will find a confluence of Sun, Sand and Calmness. This blog series will definitely help you plan your itinerary.
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Confused about planning for the Andaman Nicobar Islands?? Luckily, you have just arrived at the right place.
We will be sharing some important tips you need to know before you plan your trip to this amazing place to indulge yourself in exploring some of the best beaches in the world of Andaman.
Let’s begin…
Best time to visit Andaman
The best time to visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands is during the winter months or during the autumn or spring, specifically from November to mid-May. Be aware that this period is also considered as peak tourist season when the weather is most favourable for outdoor activities and exploration.
It is always advisable to visit from mid-May to September. During these monsoon months, there are high chances of heavy rainfall that can affect your outdoor activities. On top of that rough sea conditions hamper your chances.
Things to carry in your backpack
- Hats/Caps.
- Water-resistant shoes/crocs.
- Sunscreen lotion with high SPF.
- Sunglasses.
- Moisturiser.
- First aid kit with essential medicines.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Light snacks.
- Power bank to charge phone on the go.
Visa for Foreigners
Foreign travellers can apply for an Indian Visa through here. Check the visa requirements and the documents required from your country of travel.
Travel Insurance
Though travel insurance is not mandatory to enter India, it is highly recommended to get one as it provides coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip cancellation, etc.
There are many online options available to choose from. Most of them are pretty affordable. You can check out various options available online.
Things to keep in mind before you book your Stay
We have chosen our stay considering the below points. Also, for budget travellers, these will be helpful.
- Check out the stay options, which are located close to local attractions or the areas from where these spots are easily accessible.
- There are various types of stay options available, such as budget stays to luxurious resorts. You can choose as per your budget and preference.
- Look out for the food options from the hotel where you booked
- Also, you can check for the reviews of the stay property.
- Check out the cleanliness and hygiene around the stay area.
- You could opt for local homestays and get a cultural insight into the place by staying with the locals.
- Check whether the property owner is able to help you book with the cruise tickets or possible cab options.
Food Options in Andaman Nicobar
If you are a non-vegeterian, Andaman has a lot to offer. Starting from grilled fish, lobster, crab curry, and prawn masala to local delicacies that include fish amritsari and cutlet chaat. We can assure you that this place has a wide variety of sea food options.
Vegeterian people can try the Andamanses Thali that include rice, dal (lentil curry), vegetable curries. The best thing is that the locals add rich coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices in their preparation. Do try out the local snacks like banana chips, coconut barfi, and Andamanese sweets.
There is also a typical Andaman Coffee. You might find it a little different from the regular coffee that you have.
Local Transport
Unfortunately, there is no Ola or Uber in Andaman. However, you can take the help of your hotel manager to book cabs. Scooter rentals are available in the Andaman Island. Both government and private Buses ply between North and South Andaman. You will also get auto-ricksaw. So depending on your choice and requirement, you can plan.
Budget Breakup for the Trip
By Flight: You can expect the round-trip flight fare from Kolkata to Port Blair can range from 14000-16000 INR per person depending on the booking date from your journey date.
Stay Options:
Port Blair: The best part of Port Blair is that you will find stay options within 1 km from either the airport or any beach whichever you may feel like. The room rent can be 1400-2000 INR per day.
Havelock Island: In Havelock, the room rent can be starting from close to 2000 INR to 2500 INR per day. Mostly travellers prefer to stay close to Radhanagar Beach.
Neil Island: This is a small island, where the room rent can be between 1500 to 2000 INR per day. Irrespective of were you stay, the place is quite reachable within 10-15 minutes from any tourist attractions.
Diglipur: A will find a few stay options in Diglipur. Mostly, the preference is towards staying close to the jetty from where you can travel to Ross & Smith Island. The room rent can be starting from anywhere between 3000-3500 INR per day.
Transport: For travelling to Havelock and Neil Island from Port-Blair and vice-versa, the one-way ticket price for the catamaran can be anywhere from 1600-2000 INR per person.
Most importantly you need to book a cab or take a public transport for exploring any island that can cost you 750 to 2000 INR per day, depending on whether you choose public transport of private ones. You will get bike or scooter rental in the Andaman Islands for a small rent of 500 INR per day.
Underwater Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports can cost 2,000 to 7,000 INR per activity depending on the duration and other specific criteria.
Food: The average meal cost could be around 300 to 400 INR per person. Do try out the local delicacies while travelling in Andaman and Nicobar.
Entry Tickets and Permissions: This can cost you anywhere beteen 3000 to 4000 INR per person for a week long trip.
Miscellaneous: It includes tips, snacks, etc., you can keep 2000 INR per person for the whole trip aside.
For us, the cost was around 33000 INR per person for a 10 days and 9 nights trip. It included underwater activities, meals, buying small souvenirs, entry tickets, permission, conveyance within the islands and most importantly flight tickets to and from Kolkata to Port Blair. We visited during the month of February 2020. Also, the cost may vary depending on the season. You can get in touch with us to know more. In case you plan to visit on your own, you can also look at the above cost breakup. Kindly note that the above breakup is only for your rough estimation, it can vary a little at the time of booking.
Places we visited during our Trip
1. Port Blair Landing
Plan an Amazing landing at Port Blair in 2024 with These Insider Facts
2. North Bay & Ross Island
Plan a Perfect Day Trip to North Bay Island and Ross Island With These Insider Facts in 2024
3. Havelock Island
Plan a Perfect Trip to Havelock Island in 2024 With These Insider Facts
4. Neil Island
Plan a Perfect Trip to Neil Island in 2024 With These Insider Facts
5. Diglipur
Plan a Perfect Trip to Diglipur in 2024 With These Insider Facts
6. Port Blair Attractions
Plan a Perfect Day Trip to the Port Blair Local Attractions in 2024 With These Insider Facts
What kind of help are we going to provide?
Let us inform you that we prepare itineraries not only for anywhere in India but also for South East Asia too. We have been travelling since we were toddlers. So here in our blogs and stories, we will give you a glimpse of our journey and help you plan your trip.
Read about our Uzbekistan blogs.
Read about our Kazakhstan blogs.
Read about our Singapore blogs.
Read about our Vietnam blogs.
Read about our Cambodia blogs.
Read about our Bali blogs.
Read about our Kuala Lumpur blog series.
Read about our Sri Lanka blogs.
Read about our Nepal blogs.
Read about our Char Dham blogs.
Read about our Ladakh blogs.
Read about our day trip to Hyderabad.
Read about our Madhya Pradesh blogs.
Do follow our Instagram handle @mindfulllofvacations and watch for the next destination story. For any query related to any trip, drop a mail at @mitkau007@gmail.com.
by mitkau
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