Until recently, Indian honeymooners and families were flying to Phuket or Bali for the beach trip. Then the rupee weakened, flights got expensive, and somebody finally noticed: we have Asia’s #1 rated beach (Radhanagar, Havelock Island) on our own coast. No visa. No currency exchange. Better food. Better stories.
The numbers speak
A 5-night Andaman trip from Bangalore: ₹40,000-55,000 per head all-in. The same Phuket trip: ₹70,000+. And in Andaman you don’t spend your evenings translating Google for a vegetarian thali.
Day 1-2: Port Blair
The Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) sound & light show is a national-pride moment that will stay with you. The 5:00 PM Hindi show is the more emotional one — the 7:15 PM English show is for international guests. Either way, plan for tears.
Day 3-5: Havelock Island
2-hour ferry from Port Blair (Makruzz private ferry, ₹2,500-4,000 one way, book 30+ days ahead). Then it’s pure island life:
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): sunset is non-negotiable
- Elephant Beach: snorkel directly off the shore, see live coral 50m from the beach
- Try-dive scuba: ₹4,500-6,000, no experience needed, 8m depth
- Kalapathar Beach: sunrise photography paradise
Day 6: Neil Island (optional)
1-hour ferry from Havelock. Quieter than Havelock. Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches. A perfect day to do nothing.
Best time to visit
October-May. Avoid June-September monsoon — ferries cancel often and diving conditions are poor. December-February is peak season.
The honest disclaimer
WiFi is patchy. ATMs are limited. Bring cash. And accept that for 5 days, you will not be reachable on Slack. That’s exactly why you’re going.
Plan an Andaman trip: Andaman packages — we handle the ferry tickets, scuba bookings and luxury beach resorts.
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