The Andaman Islands, adrift in the Bay of Bengal, are India’s far-flung paradise—emerald jungles, glassy lagoons, and beaches so pale they glow at dusk. Once a remote outpost of the British Raj, the archipelago still bears the solemn imprint of the Cellular Jail, even as reef-fringed isles like Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) are now synonymous with daydreamy honeymoons and world-class diving.

History runs deep here: from indigenous communities who have called these islands home for millennia, to World War II Japanese occupation, to present-day marine conservation wins guarding coral gardens and mangrove forests. You’ll taste the islands’ cultural blend in the food—Bengali-style fish curry, South Indian breakfasts, and tandoori seafood grilled just off the boat.

Practical notes: Peak season is October–April with calmer seas for ferries and watersports. ATMs exist but can run low; carry cash. Mobile data can be patchy, and drones need permission. Standard tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock) don’t require special permits beyond your Indian visa. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and respect marked swim zones—currents and marine life deserve caution and care.

Port Blair

Port Blair is your gateway—part harbor town, part living museum. Wander the seafront promenade, then step into the stark corridors of the Cellular Jail, where India’s freedom struggle echoes in nightly light-and-sound narrations.

• Top sights: Cellular Jail (book the evening show), Samudrika Marine Museum (corals, shells, and local ecology), Corbyn’s Cove (quick beach fix), and boat trips to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) for photogenic British-era ruins and deer.
• Food & drink: Try Amaya (rooftop grills and seafood, perfect for a scenic date night), Mandalay at Fortune Resort Bay Island (coastal Indian fare with harbor views), New Lighthouse Restaurant (tandoori lobster, red snapper), and Annapurna or Icy Spicy for reliable vegetarian and North Indian plates.
• Fun fact: The iconic red-and-white lighthouse motif you’ll see everywhere nods to the islands’ maritime soul—the best views are between Aberdeen Jetty and Marina Park.

Where to stay (mid-range picks; search and compare): SeaShell Port Blair, Fortune Resort Bay Island, J Hotel. Browse stays on Hotels.com (Port Blair) or VRBO (Port Blair).

How to get there: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Typical one-way fares from Chennai/Kolkata/Bengaluru range ~$90–$220 depending on season (2–2.5 hours). Compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock is the Andamans’ poster child: sweeping sands, jungle-backed lanes, and water so clear you can count starfish from the boat. It’s equal parts barefoot and boutique—ideal for beach bums and newlyweds.

• Top beaches: Radhanagar Beach (No. 7) for a legendary sunset, Kalapathar for emerald shallows and quiet mornings, and Elephant Beach for snorkeling and water sports.
• Activities: Discover Scuba with Dive India/Barefoot Scuba, guided mangrove kayaking (at dawn or night—sometimes with bioluminescence), jet skis, and reef-friendly snorkeling.
• Where to eat: Anju Coco Resto (grilled seafood, Thai curries), Full Moon Café at Dive India (catch-of-the-day, eggs and pancakes for breakfast), Something Different – A Beachside Café (global comfort food, beanbags on the sand), and Bonova Café & Pub (craft mocktails, tandoor, live music nights).

Where to stay (romance-friendly, mid-range): SeaShell Havelock, Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort (often pricier but watch mid-season deals). Compare on Hotels.com (Havelock Island) or VRBO (Havelock Island).

Getting there from Port Blair: Fast catamarans (private) take ~1.5–2 hours; government ferries ~2.5–3 hours. Budget ~₹1,600–3,000 per adult on private boats or ₹550–850 on govt ferries. Most morning departures are between 7:00–9:00 am; arrive 60–90 minutes early with photo ID.

Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair, History and a Harbor Sunset

Morning: Fly into Port Blair (IXZ). Taxis to city hotels cost ~₹250–400; most properties can arrange a pickup. Drop bags and refresh.

Afternoon: Visit the Cellular Jail—walk through the galleries to understand the “Kala Pani” era. Reserve the Light & Sound Show at the ticket counter; English and Hindi narrations run most evenings. Coffee break at the nearby seaside promenade; try coconut water from a vendor, then peek at Marina Park for sea views.

Evening: Romantic dinner at Amaya—order the seafood platter or tandoori tiger prawns and watch ships twinkle in the bay. For a more old-school vibe, Mandalay serves coastal curries with a heritage ambiance. Nightcap stroll along the waterfront.

Day 2: Ferry to Havelock + Kalapathar’s Dreamy Blues

Morning: Early ferry to Havelock (1.5–2.5 hours). On arrival at Havelock Jetty, hire a tuk-tuk or resort transfer (₹300–700). Check in, then fuel up with a late breakfast at Full Moon Café (eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit bowls).

Afternoon: Head to Kalapathar Beach. It’s a quieter stretch with jade-tinted water—perfect for hand-in-hand shoreline walks. Pack a simple picnic: samosas and fruit from the main market, plenty of water, and a sarong to sit on. Swim only in calm, marked zones.

Evening: Make your way to Radhanagar Beach for one of Asia’s most celebrated sunsets. As the sky turns apricot, photographers love the silhouettes of sea mahua trees. Dine at Bonova Café & Pub: wood-fired kebabs, fish tikka, and mocktails; often live tunes add to the date-night mood.

Day 3: Couple’s Scuba or Snorkel + Slow Island Evenings

Morning: Try a Discover Scuba Diving session (no certification needed). Operators like Dive India or Barefoot Scuba typically run a briefing, shallow-water practice, and a guided 20–40 minute dive—expect clownfish, parrotfish, and soft corals. Budget ~₹4,500–7,000 per person depending on season and inclusions.

Afternoon: Lunch at Anju Coco Resto—grilled catch of the day, butter garlic calamari, or green curry with jasmine rice. Nap, beach read, or a gentle cycle around Govind Nagar. If diving isn’t your thing, swap for a guided mangrove kayak at dusk or dawn.

Evening: Couples’ spa time at your resort (many offer aromatherapy or Abhyanga-style massages; book ahead). Later, choose Something Different – A Beachside Café for a casual toes-in-sand dinner—try their tikka platters or wood-fired pizza. End with stargazing; on moonless nights, the Milky Way can be vivid.

Day 4: Elephant Beach Snorkeling + Night Kayak (Bioluminescence When Nature Allows)

Morning: Boat to Elephant Beach (10–15 minutes from Havelock Jetty; lifejackets mandatory). Alternatively, a 30–40 minute forest walk leads to the beach. Snorkeling off the lagoon reveals branching corals and curious damselfish. Watersports—sea walk, jet ski, banana boat—are available; agree on prices beforehand (snorkel hire ~₹500–800; sea walk ~₹3,500–4,500).

Afternoon: Return to the main island for late lunch at Full Moon Café—fish tacos or prawn wrap with a cold lime soda. Browse small handicraft stalls near the market for shell art and local spices (skip conch/shells that look newly harvested—choose ethical souvenirs).

Evening: If conditions are right, join a night mangrove kayaking tour (often 6:00–8:00 pm). On dark, clear nights you may witness bioluminescent plankton fizzing like stars in the water—an unforgettable, quiet-glow experience. For dinner, return to Anju Coco or try beachside BBQ specials that many resorts set up by lantern light.

Day 5: Back to Port Blair + Departure

Morning: Catch an early ferry back to Port Blair (aim for the first sailing to buffer flight times). Store bags at your hotel or a left-luggage counter if available.

Afternoon: Squeeze in the Samudrika Marine Museum to deepen your reef knowledge, or a quick swim at Corbyn’s Cove if seas are calm. Lunch at New Lighthouse Restaurant—tandoori fish and butter naan—before heading to the airport for your afternoon flight.

Evening: Fly out with salty hair and sandy sandals. If you have a late departure and missed the Day 1 show, the Cellular Jail Light & Sound is an atmospheric finale—just keep airport transfer times in mind.

Budget-savvy, romantic tips:

• Choose one splurge dinner (e.g., rooftop at Amaya or a private beach BBQ) and balance with casual cafés (₹350–800 per person) to keep overall costs mid-range.
• Government ferries are cheaper but slower; private catamarans save time for couples’ activities.
• Scooter rentals (~₹500–700/day) are a fun, economical way to beach-hop; helmets are required.

Booking hub: Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. For stays, see Hotels.com (Port Blair), Hotels.com (Havelock), VRBO (Port Blair), and VRBO (Havelock).

In five days you’ll trace the Andamans’ arc from stirring history to reef-humming serenity. Sunsets at Radhanagar, a first breath underwater, and a candlelit meal by the bay create a love-letter of moments you’ll replay for years. The islands reward the unhurried—leave space for serendipity between tides.