Andaman Travel Information
Everything you need to know before planning your Andaman trip
How to Reach
By Air
Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is well-connected to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. Direct flights operate daily from these cities with a flight duration of 2-4 hours.
By Sea
Passenger ships operate from Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey takes 3-4 days. Booking should be done well in advance, especially during peak season.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (October - May)
Pleasant weather, calm seas, perfect for water activities. December to February is ideal with temperatures around 20-30°C.
Monsoon (June - September)
Heavy rainfall, rough seas. Many water activities are suspended. Not recommended for tourists.
Permits & Documents
Entry Permit
Indian nationals do not need any special permit. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which is issued on arrival at Port Blair airport.
Documents Required
Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport). Keep multiple photocopies for various permits and ferry bookings.
Inter-Island Transport
Government Ferries
Affordable but require advance booking. Operating between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Book tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season.
Private Ferries
Faster and more comfortable. Makruzz and Green Ocean are popular operators. Higher cost but better reliability and comfort.
Currency & Expenses
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs available in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Carry sufficient cash for remote areas and islands.
Budget Guidelines
Budget travelers: ₹2,000-3,000/day. Mid-range: ₹4,000-7,000/day. Luxury: ₹10,000+/day per person including accommodation, food, and activities.
Connectivity
Mobile Network
BSNL and Airtel work on most islands. Jio and Vi have limited coverage. Internet speeds are moderate. Network may be weak on remote islands.
WiFi
Most hotels and resorts offer WiFi. Speeds are generally slower than mainland. Carry offline maps and download important information beforehand.
Essential Travel Tips
- •Book ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season
- •Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited on smaller islands
- •Pack light cotton clothes, sunscreen (reef-safe), sunglasses, and comfortable footwear
- •Respect local culture and marine life. Do not touch or damage coral reefs
- •Keep medicines for common ailments. Medical facilities are limited on remote islands
- •Plastic bags are banned. Carry reusable bags and bottles
- •Book water activities with certified operators only
- •Keep photocopies of all important documents