Andaman Travel Journal

The island group's best-known beach, a long stretch of clear shallow water with a tree-lined shore that is the standard sunset stop on Havelock itineraries.

Best forCouples, swimmers, sunset photography

Reach by late afternoon for the sunset and carry your own water; there are limited shacks and no lifeguard cover along the full stretch.

A national memorial built during the colonial period and used to hold freedom fighters, now a museum with the original cell blocks and a light-and-sound show in the evening.

Best forHistory, families, first-time visitors

Book the light-and-sound show slot in advance during peak months and keep two hours for the museum walk.

A short boat ride from the Port Blair jetty, this island holds colonial-era ruins, a small museum and shaded walking paths that survive amid the regrown forest.

Best forDay trips, heritage walks

Combine it with North Bay in one boat trip; morning departures leave more time before the afternoon wind picks up.

The usual snorkelling and sea-walking stop near Port Blair, with shallow reef sections that suit first-time snorkellers and glass-bottom boat rides.

Best forSnorkelling, sea walking, day trips

Carry a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen; operators run fixed slots, so confirm your activity at the jetty before boarding.

Reached by a short boat ride or a forest trek from the Havelock jetty side, this beach is the island's main snorkelling and water-sports point.

Best forSnorkelling, water sports, day trips

The boat ride is weather-dependent; if the sea is rough, the trek route is the fallback and takes longer.

A quieter stretch on the far side of Havelock, known for its dark rocks and open water, and far less crowded than Radhanagar at most times of day.

Best forQuiet mornings, photography

Pair it with a Havelock village breakfast ride; there is little shade, so go early or late.

Neil Island's main swimming and snorkelling beach, with calm shallow water near the jetty and boat operators offering reef trips.

Best forSnorkelling, families, day trips

It is a short ride from the Neil jetty, so it fits into the arrival afternoon without a separate day.

A rock formation on the island's shore that visitors reach by a short walk, best seen when the tide is low enough to expose the arch.

Best forGeology, short walks

Check the tide timing locally; at high tide the formation is largely submerged and the walk loses its point.

A long sunset beach on Neil Island with shallow water and open views, used as the evening stop after a Bharatpur morning.

Best forSunsets, couples

Stay for the sunset and carry a torch for the walk back if your resort is away from the jetty road.

The city's seafront and Aberdeen Bazaar area, where the jetty, market and most Port Blair hotels sit within a short drive of each other.

Best forArrival nights, shopping, ferries

Use it as your arrival-day base; the ferry jetty and airport are both close, which keeps transfer time low.

Fresh catch grilled with local spices and lime, usually served with rice or bread; the simplest way to eat what the islands actually produce.

Best forSeafood eaters, casual dinners

Ask what came in that morning rather than ordering from a fixed menu; the answer changes daily.

Prawns cooked in a coconut-milk base with mild spice, closer to the island kitchen than restaurant-style curries and usually eaten with steamed rice.

Best forSeafood eaters, first-time visitors

Ask for the spice level to be adjusted; island kitchens often cook milder than mainland expectations.

The everyday island meal, with a thin spiced fish curry poured over rice; found at small local eateries rather than hotel restaurants.

Best forBudget meals, local food

Try it at a local eatery near Aberdeen Bazaar for a lower price than hotel dining.

Mixed seafood platters cooked on the grill, useful when a group wants to share several items in one sitting.

Best forGroups, evening meals

Confirm the price per platter before ordering; portions vary widely between shacks.

Coconut, banana and seasonal island fruit sold at roadside stalls and the Aberdeen Bazaar market, cheap and easy to carry for beach days.

Best forSnacks, vegetarians, beach days

Buy from the market in the morning for the best selection and wash fruit before eating.