The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit like jade droplets in the Bay of Bengal—tropical, biodiverse, and storied. From the colonial-era Cellular Jail in Port Blair to Havelock’s famous Radhanagar Beach and the coral gardens off Neil, this trip blends history with soft-sand bliss. The archipelago’s reefs and rainforest-fringed shores make it one of India’s best places for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Once a penal colony under the British, the islands now protect rich marine parks and mangroves. You’ll hop short ferries between inhabited islands, meet easygoing coastal culture, and taste very fresh seafood. Fun fact: Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7) has repeatedly ranked among Asia’s top beaches for its powder-fine sand and sapphire gradient.

Practical notes: October–May brings the best seas; June–September can see monsoon swells and occasional ferry disruption. Respect marine life (no touching coral, no shell collection), avoid restricted tribal areas, and follow local advisories at beaches. For flights into Port Blair (IXZ), compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; most routes connect via Chennai or Kolkata.

Port Blair

Port Blair is your gateway—part harbor town, part heritage hub. Wander the atmospheric Cellular Jail, then drift by ferry to forested Ross Island (now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) and the snorkeling-friendly shallows off North Bay. Evenings hum along the waterfront with rooftop grills and sea breezes.

• Top sights: Cellular Jail & Sound-and-Light Show, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, North Bay Island, Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Chidiya Tapu sunset.
• Eat & drink: Rooftop seafood and mocktails at Amaya (SeaShell), heritage views and coastal curries at Mandalay (Welcomhotel Bay Island), classic seafood grills at New Lighthouse Restaurant, vegetarian South Indian plates at Annapurna Cafeteria, and fast-casual chaats at Icy Spicy.
• Stay: Browse stays on VRBO (Port Blair) or Hotels.com (Port Blair). Consider sea-facing hotels near Marine Hill or Haddo for sunset views and quick jetty access.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock is the Andaman postcard: sugar-soft sands, turquoise lagoons, and tall dipterocarp forests. Radhanagar Beach dazzles by day; bioluminescence can shimmer on moonless nights. Elephant Beach and nearby reefs are beginner-friendly for snorkeling and Discover Scuba dives.

• Top sights: Radhanagar Beach (No. 7), Elephant Beach snorkel zone, Kalapathar Beach sunrise, Nemo Reef for easy diving.
• Eat & drink: “Something Different — A Beachside Cafe” for Indian-global comfort food and sea views, Anju Coco Resto for curries and grilled fish, Bonova Cafe & Pub (SeaShell) for live music vibes, and The Swimming Elephant (Barefoot) for refined coastal fare near Radhanagar.
• Stay: Compare beachfront resorts and cottages on VRBO (Havelock) and Hotels.com (Havelock). Staying near Govind Nagar keeps you close to dive centers and cafes.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil is slower, greener, and set to a soundtrack of lapping waves. Its shallow reefs are ideal for casual snorkeling and glass-bottom trips, while Natural Bridge and Laxmanpur frame effortless sunsets. Cycle lanes and short distances make it delightful to explore in a day or two.

• Top sights: Bharatpur Beach coral garden, Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) at low tide, Laxmanpur Beach sunset, Sitapur Beach sunrise.
• Eat & drink: Try resort restaurants for consistency—TSG Aura’s kitchen, SeaShell Neil’s multi-cuisine menu—or beach shacks at Bharatpur for grilled catch-of-the-day and coconut water.
• Stay: Search island stays on VRBO (Neil) and Hotels.com (Neil). Aim for Neil Kendra or Bharatpur to be near boats and beaches.

Getting in and around

• Flights to Port Blair (IXZ): 2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; 3–5 hours (often via a connection) from Delhi/Mumbai. Typical one-way fares $90–220 depending on season. Compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Inter-island ferries: Port Blair ↔ Havelock ~1.5–2 hours; Havelock ↔ Neil ~1 hour; Neil ↔ Port Blair ~1.5 hours. Private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link) usually ₹1,500–3,000 ($18–36) per person per leg. Morning sailings are smoothest; book a day or two ahead.
• On-island transport: Prepaid cabs, autos, and scooters. Roads are simple; helmets and headlights on at dusk. Many beaches have lifeguards—obey flag systems.

Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, history at dusk

Afternoon: Land in Port Blair and check into your hotel. Grab a late lunch at New Lighthouse Restaurant—order lemon-butter lobster or masala crab with steamed rice.

Evening: Tour the evocative Cellular Jail, then stay for the Sound-and-Light show (most evenings; book on arrival). Dine at Amaya’s rooftop for tandoori prawns, smoked aubergine, and island-style mocktails with harbor views.

Day 2: Ross Island, North Bay reefs, and marine museums

Morning: Take the first boat to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross) for banyan-choked colonial ruins and friendly deer. Continue to North Bay for beginner snorkeling; glass-bottom boats run all morning. Expect ₹600–1,200 for basic snorkel; optional sea-walks are pricier.

Afternoon: Late lunch at Annapurna Cafeteria for crisp dosas and filter coffee. Visit the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum (shells, corals, fish taxonomy) and the Anthropological Museum for context on the archipelago’s indigenous communities and why tribal reserves are off-limits to visitors.

Evening: Sunset at Corbyn’s Cove or drive to Chidiya Tapu if you prefer a wilder horizon. Dinner at Mandalay (Welcomhotel Bay Island): try fish moilee, appams, and coconut-laced veg stews.

Day 3: Ferry to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach

Morning (travel): Board a morning catamaran Port Blair → Havelock (~1.5–2 hours; ₹1,800–2,800). On arrival, transfer to your resort near Govind Nagar or Radhanagar. If you need flights later in the week, price-check again on Trip.com.

Afternoon: Lunch at Anju Coco Resto—order the tuna steak, dal fry, and lime soda. Spend the rest of the day at Radhanagar Beach: long, gently shelving surf, lifeguards, showers, and postcard sunsets.

Evening: Settle into The Swimming Elephant (Barefoot) for a refined dinner—grilled reef fish with citrus beurre blanc, local greens, and a sorbet finish. Alternatively, Bonova Cafe & Pub has live music nights and wood-fired bites.

Day 4: Scuba or snorkel, Elephant Beach, and starry waters

Morning: Try Discover Scuba at Nemo Reef with a reputable PADI operator (e.g., Dive India, Barefoot Scuba). Typical first-timer dives cost ~₹3,500–6,000 including gear and photos; expect 30–45 minutes underwater amid anemones, fusiliers, and clownfish. Non-divers can join a guided snorkel session.

Afternoon: Head by speedboat to Elephant Beach (or trek through the forest if open). Clear, shallow water suits beginners; rent masks on-site and follow designated reef zones to avoid coral contact. Refuel with fresh coconuts and pakoras at the temporary stalls.

Evening: If skies are clear and the moon is slim, book a guided night kayak for bioluminescence—a magical, plankton-lit paddle along calm mangroves. Dinner at “Something Different — A Beachside Cafe” for smoky tikkas, thin-crust pizzas, and fresh juices.

Day 5: Ferry to Neil, Bharatpur corals, Natural Bridge sunset

Morning (travel): Early ferry Havelock → Neil (~1 hour; ₹1,200–2,000). Check into your stay near Neil Kendra or Bharatpur. Grab breakfast at your resort or a local chai stall with hot puri-bhaji.

Afternoon: Spend the day at Bharatpur Beach—choose between glass-bottom rides (₹500–800), snorkeling from shore, or a lazy swing under casuarina trees. Water is lagoon-calm, great for families.

Evening: Walk to Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge) at low tide to see tidal pools with tiny crabs and corals (watch your step). Then continue to Laxmanpur Beach for a wide, pastel-pink sunset. Dinner at your resort (TSG Aura or SeaShell Neil) for consistent seafood curry and tandoor breads.

Day 6: Sitapur sunrise, back to Port Blair, Aberdeen Bazaar

Morning: Greet the sun at Sitapur Beach (east-facing)—minimal crowds and roaring surf. After breakfast, catch a late-morning ferry Neil → Port Blair (~1.5 hours; ₹1,500–2,500). Check back into your city hotel.

Afternoon: Souvenir time in Aberdeen Bazaar: look for spices, island-made condiments, and responsibly sourced crafts. Skip any stalls selling shells or coral.

Evening: Reserve a final seaside dinner—either Amaya for a rooftop grill spread or Bayview at Sinclairs for coastal thalis. Toast the trip with a fresh lime soda or pineapple ginger cooler.

Day 7: Chidiya Tapu trails and departure

Morning: Early drive to Chidiya Tapu for bird calls and a short Munda Pahad forest trail with cliff views. If you prefer an easy beach morning, opt for Corbyn’s Cove with tea and samosas under umbrellas.

Afternoon: Early lunch and airport transfer for your outbound flight. Reconfirm timings and any schedule changes, especially in monsoon months. For last-minute flight options, check Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Where to stay (quick picks)

• Port Blair: Sea-facing hotels near Marine Hill/Haddo for harbor views and proximity to jetties. Browse VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Havelock: Beachfront cottages near Govind Nagar for dive access, or near Radhanagar for sunset. Compare on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Neil: Resorts around Neil Kendra/Bharatpur for easy beach days and boat trips. See VRBO and Hotels.com.

Responsible travel tips

• Do not touch or stand on coral; use reef-safe sunscreen and follow guide instructions in marine parks.
• Drone use requires permits; many beaches restrict alcohol and single-use plastics—pack reusable bottles.
• Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Never attempt contact or photography of indigenous communities.

Optional mainland add‑ons (before/after your Andaman trip)

• Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey

  

• Day trip from Kolkata to Bishnupur for Terracotta Temples and Silk

  

• Mumbai Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle (helpful if your IXZ connections route via BOM).

This 7-day Andaman itinerary balances Port Blair’s history with Havelock’s blue lagoons and Neil’s tranquil reefs. Expect short, scenic ferries, generous seafood, and sultry sunsets that slow time to island pace. With a touch of adventure and a lot of barefoot ease, you’ll leave with sand in your shoes and salt on your smile.