First Timers’ Itinerary to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

If it’s your first time to visit Andaman, you will be bombarded with information on the web about what to do and where to go in Andamans. The white sandy beaches and picturesque beaches are the first to come in mind. You can take a flight to Andaman right now. But how you can plan an ideal itinerary to Andaman for the first-timers?

Read on to know a few important tips – 

Planning a Trip 

1. Group package – Some people prefer to travel in the comfort of a guided and pre-planned group tours. You can have someone who will handle each aspect of the tour, a planned experience and a group of like-minded fellow travelers. You can find a tour agency in your city for this experience. 
2. A package tour – This package is basically customized for friends, family, and couples. You can ask your tour operator regarding this. They have proper knowledge of the location and they know every nuance of the trip. 
3. Self-guided tour – Since all the details are now available online, you can easily book the trip on your own. You can get quotes from several tour operators and choose your desired package and get the best price. 

If you go for the first option, you may have already planned an itinerary for your solo trip. If you go with the second or third option, you can customize your trip on your own. After planning a trip, here’s what you can do next. 

Booking Flight Tickets

Flight tickets are basically the costly part of the Andaman trip. So, it is recommended to book as soon as possible and avail of all the discounts and options available. 

Number of Days for stay 

If you are getting here for the first time, it is recommended to take at least 5 days to stay. Add 2 more days to travel to make a week-long vacation. It is good enough for a honeymoon and a regular package. 

Plan a budget 

You can find a lot of affordable Andaman packages on the web. Usually, the packages start at Rs. 5000 per person and go up to Rs. 1 Lakh. It is up to the type of stay, level of service, and a number of activities you want to do. But the price is not the deciding factor as to whether you could get a good or poor experience. 

Planning your Itinerary – The Best Part 

There are lots of Andaman places to visit and most itineraries feature the best places. There are some quiet ones tucked away from the tourist crowd. Everyone wants the best of both worlds. You can explore some popular sites but you may also want to spend some quiet time alone, enjoying and relaxing. You can get some adventure with snorkeling or scuba diving, or even explore the natural attraction of limestone caves and get a bit of history in Port Blair. Obviously, your tour cannot complete without shopping for some souvenirs. Here’s how to do it all in your itinerary – 

Day 1 in Port Blair 

The Cellular Jail is the main attraction in this city along with its light and sound show. You can plan your tour in a way that you can visit the jail in a day, take your time for some souvenir shopping, and across the Corbyn’s Cove and catch the light and sound show in the evening.  

Day 2 at Neil Island 

You can visit some of the beautiful beaches in Neil Island, such as Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur. It also has the iconic Howrah Bridge to have a day to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Soak in the serene beauty of Andaman by spending a day in Neil Island. 

Day 3 at Havelock 

Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7 in Havelock Island is ranked 8th among the best beaches in the world and top in Asia. It is quite crowded due to its popularity but it is still worth a visit. You can spend one day extra to enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkeling. 

Day 4 – Scuba Diving 

Even non-swimmers can take a bit of adventure with a Try Dive. You can spend half a day with a brief of actual dive with a guide. It is something you have ever dreamed of. Come back to Port Blair to spend the night. 

Day 5 – Mud Volcano/Limestone Caves 

For enjoying this trip, you need to start your journey around 3 AM which crosses along with the dense Andaman forests and canoe along the mangroves to catch a few of the beautiful natural wonders. Get back the same day at around 5 PM to say in Port Blair. 

It is a nice 5-day itinerary which has a bit of everything Andaman has to offer. You can also explore some other beaches for more relaxation or scuba diving for more adventure by spending a day extra. 

Additional Notes 

• Photography is strictly prohibited at Port Blair airport because of security reasons.
• Don’t litter at the beaches as it is a punishable offense. 
• Be sure to carry sunscreen, especially if you are going to get tanned. 
• Don’t take signs like “Swimming is not Allowed” lightly in some areas like beaches. There are also chances that they may have crocodiles. So, it is always better to be safe and doesn’t ignore those warning signs. 
• It is highly recommended to keep mosquito repellants handy as islands may have mosquitoes and other bugs. 
• Don’t eat too spicy food or too much food if you suffer seasickness for constant ferry travel. You can take a few medications an hour before travel to prevent this condition. 
• Keep your ID proof handy for traveling across islands and booking tickets. 
• If you have a scheduled plan to visit the islands, stick to your timings given by your tour operator or travel agents, though it can be changed due to sudden weather changes. Book tickets in advance, especially when you are visiting during the peak season to avoid last-minute delays.