3-Day Andaman Island Escape: Port Blair and Havelock’s Beaches, History, and Adventure
Welcome to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands—an emerald chain in the Bay of Bengal where rainforest meets reef. Once a remote British penal colony, the islands now draw travelers for silk-sand beaches, clear lagoons, and coral gardens teeming with life. The capital, Port Blair, anchors the archipelago with poignant history, lively harbors, and easy access to island-hops.
World War II left footprints here—Japanese bunkers on Ross Island (now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) and storied corridors at the Cellular Jail. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) adds the showstopper: Radhanagar Beach, often cited among Asia’s finest, with sunsets that rinse the sea in bronze. Offshore, mangroves shelter kingfishers and herons; reefs host butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional curious turtle.
Practical notes: The best time to visit is November–April for calm seas and clear skies; monsoon swells can disrupt ferries. Foreign travelers no longer need special permits for most tourist islands, but tribal areas remain strictly protected—observe posted rules, especially on the Baratang route. Carry cash for ferries and markets; ATMs cluster in Port Blair and connectivity can be patchy outside town.
Port Blair
Port Blair is your gateway: colorful fishing boats, palm-edged promenades, and a food scene blending coastal Bengali flavors with South Indian staples. Start at the Cellular Jail to understand the islands’ role in India’s freedom struggle before drifting to Marina Park for sea breezes and street snacks.
Top sights include the Cellular Jail and museum, the evening Light & Sound show, Corbyn’s Cove for gentle waves and parasailing, and the short boat hop to Ross Island’s vine-draped ruins with deer ambling through banyans. For sunsets, locals swear by Chidiya Tapu—forest, cliffs, and a sky that goes on forever.
- Where to stay (Port Blair): Browse villas and hotels near the harbor or hills:
- Getting there: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Typical nonstops/one-stops from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru:
- Flight time: ~2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 3–4 hours (often via a hub) from Mumbai/Delhi.
- Estimated fares: ~$90–$220 roundtrip (season dependent).
- Search options: Flights on Trip.com | Flights on Kiwi.com
- Where to eat and drink: Try Amaya Sky Lounge (grills and seafood with harbor views), New Lighthouse (tandoori fish and crab near Marina Park), Annapurna Cafeteria (comforting vegetarian dosas and thalis), and Icy Spicy (fast-casual Indian/Indo-Chinese, great for families).
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the island dream: powdery crescents, lazy coconut groves, and roads that meander past paddy and jungle. Radhanagar Beach (No. 7) is the headliner—wide, gentle, photogenic at any hour—and Kalapathar delivers moody black rocks against teal surf. Snorkel trips head to Elephant Beach when marine conditions permit.
Between swims, you’ll find beachside cafes serving grilled snapper, smoothies, and fresh bakes. Divers come for beginner-friendly reefs with patient instructors, while cyclists explore quiet village lanes perfumed by betel nut and frangipani.
- Where to stay (Havelock):
- Getting there from Port Blair: High-speed ferries take ~1.5–2.5 hours depending on service and seas; economy seats typically ₹1,500–₹3,000 (~$18–$36) each way. Show passports at check-in; arrive 60–90 minutes early.
- Where to eat: Full Moon Café (island-classic grilled fish and hearty breakfasts), Something Different – A Beachside Café (Indian/continental with live music nights), Anju Coco Resto (curries, tandoor, and fresh juices), and Bonova Café & Pub (tapas-style bites and desserts).
Day 1: Port Blair Arrival, Cellular Jail, and Harbor Views
Morning: Fly into Port Blair (IXZ). If you arrive early, drop your bags and stretch your legs along the Marina Park promenade for sea air and a tender coconut from a cart.
Afternoon: Settle into your hotel and break for a late lunch—New Lighthouse is reliable for tandoori tiger prawns and masala crab; vegetarians do well with Annapurna’s crisp dosas and lemon rice. Then head to the storied Cellular Jail, a moving walk through India’s freedom struggle with evocative exhibits and a rooftop view over the archipelago.
Full Day Port Blair Cellular Jail and Ross Island Tour (Viator)
Explore the jail’s history, ferry to Ross Island’s jungle-draped ruins, and trace WWII-era stories with a guide.
Evening: Time your visit for the Light & Sound show (English and Hindi slots vary; buy tickets on-site earlier in the day). Cap the night at Amaya Sky Lounge with grilled snapper or paneer tikka while the harbor glows, or try Mandalay at Fortune Resort Bay Island for coastal curries and a breezy terrace.
Day 2: Havelock Island Day Trip—Radhanagar Beach Bliss
Book a guided day trip so logistics are handled end-to-end and you spend the day on sand, not in queues.
Havelock Island Day Trip from Port Blair (Viator)
Early hotel pickup, ferry transfers, and on-island transport included; lounge at Radhanagar Beach, add Kalapathar photo stops, and return by evening.
Fuel up with a quick breakfast box from your hotel or a hot idli-vada at Annapurna before the early ferry. On Havelock, swim Radhanagar’s gentle slope (life guards on duty in designated zones), then grab an island lunch—Anju Coco’s tandoori fish, Full Moon Café’s tuna steak, or smoothie bowls and fries at Something Different. If seas are calm and time allows, ask your guide about a short Kalapathar stop for black-rock-and-turquoise photos.
Back in Port Blair, wind down with sunset mocktails at Nico Bar (great sea views) and a simple dinner—dal tadka and jeera rice if you want something light after a sun-drenched day.
Day 3: Parasailing, Markets, and Departure
Morning: Ease into the day with coffee and a masala omelet at Salt & Pepper (SeaShell’s café) or a South Indian breakfast at Annapurna. Then head to Corbyn’s Cove for beach time and an adrenaline hit: parasailing with seasoned crews and sweeping views of teal water and forested headlands.
Andaman FlyAir Parasailing (Viator)
A fun, quick adventure over Corbyn’s Cove—ideal for first-timers; safety briefing included.
Afternoon: For souvenirs, drop into Sagarika Government Emporium for shell craft, coconut carved art, and handwoven items at fixed prices. Lunch near the harbor—New Lighthouse for a quick seafood thali or Icy Spicy for a fast, family-friendly spread—then collect your bags.
Evening: Depart from IXZ in the mid/late afternoon. Aim to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight, especially on days when multiple ferries arrive and queues swell. If your flight is late-night and you want a big nature day instead, consider swapping in the Baratang experience below.
Optional swap/extra (if you have a late-night flight or an extra day):
Baratang, Limestone Cave and Mud Volcano Tour from Port Blair (Viator)
A dawn departure through mangroves to otherworldly limestone caverns and the rare mud volcano. Follow all rules in the Jarawa Reserve (no stopping/photography).
Insider tips:
- Carry reef-safe sunscreen and a light rash guard—sun is strong even on cloudy days.
- Cash is king for small eateries and rickshaws; keep small notes handy.
- Lifejackets are mandatory on ferries; arrive early for window seats and steadier rides mid-ship.
- Respect the sea: heed red flags and avoid isolated swimming outside lifeguarded zones.
Booking quick links
- Flights to/from Port Blair: Trip.com | Kiwi.com
- Hotels and villas in Port Blair: Hotels.com | VRBO
- Hotels on Havelock Island: Hotels.com | VRBO
In three days you’ll trace the islands’ powerful history, bask on one of Asia’s signature beaches, and taste the Andamans’ easygoing rhythm. Pack light, book ferries early, and leave room in your days to sit under a palm and simply watch the tide breathe in and out.