At a glance
Andaman Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Costs, Best Time and Trip Planning, in brief
Five to seven days is the standard andaman itinerary length, covering Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep without rushing ferry connections. Three days fits only Sri Vijaya Puram and one nearby excursion, while 10 days adds Baratang and Jolly Buoy. A good route moves in one direction and keeps a buffer night in Sri Vijaya Puram before flying out.
Andaman Travel Guide 2026: Islands, Costs, Best Time and Trip Planning.
7 days
- Ideal duration
- 7 daysCovers Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep at a relaxed pace
- Minimum sensible duration
- 5 daysGood fit for the standard two-island circuit
- Short-break duration
- 3 daysTight; Sri Vijaya Puram plus one excursion only
- Extended duration
- 10 daysAdds Baratang, Jolly Buoy and multiple water-activity days
- Arrival gateway
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Sri Vijaya PuramPrincipal air gateway for the islands
- Indicative land-only cost range
- ₹18,000 (3 days) to ₹98,000 (14 days) per personTwin-sharing, before airfare; planning range only, not a confirmed offer
Sample Andaman Itinerary Options by Duration
Andaman itinerary options split cleanly by duration: 3 days for Sri Vijaya Puram and one boat excursion, 5 days for the Sri Vijaya Puram–Swaraj Dweep circuit, 7 days for three islands, and 10 days for Baratang and Jolly Buoy. Longer trips add depth rather than more islands, because ferry time is the real limit.
3-Day Andaman Itinerary
Best forWeekend travellers and stopovers who want Cellular Jail plus one marine excursion
StrengthsLowest cost at roughly ₹18,000 per person land-only; minimal ferry exposure; easy to slot around a work week
Trade-offsNo Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep; any ferry delay can wipe out a full day; feels rushed
5-Day Andaman Itinerary
Best forFirst-time visitors wanting the classic Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep combination
StrengthsCovers Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach and one snorkelling or diving session; roughly ₹32,000 per person land-only
Trade-offsShaheed Dweep usually gets dropped; Baratang is impractical without accepting a very long day
7-Day Andaman Itinerary
Best forMost first-timers who want all three main islands without rushing
StrengthsAdds Shaheed Dweep, Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches and the Natural Bridge; roughly ₹48,000 per person land-only
Trade-offsTwo ferry transfers plus a return leg; peak-season ferries need early booking
10-Day Andaman Itinerary
Best forDivers, slow travellers and families who want Baratang and Jolly Buoy
StrengthsAdds Baratang mangrove creeks, limestone caves and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park snorkelling; roughly ₹68,000 per person land-only
Trade-offsHighest cost and most logistics; Baratang remains a long controlled day trip
5-Day Andaman Itinerary: Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep
A 5-day Andaman itinerary fits Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep with one water activity, suiting first-timers on a fixed leave window. Day 1 is arrival and Cellular Jail, Days 2 to 4 cover Swaraj Dweep and Radhanagar Beach, and Day 5 is a buffer morning plus departure from IXZ.
Day01 Stop 1 of 5Arrive Sri Vijaya Puram and Cellular Jail
MorningLand at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) and transfer to your Sri Vijaya Puram hotel.
AfternoonVisit Cellular Jail, including the freedom-struggle galleries.
EveningLight-and-sound show at Cellular Jail if slots are available; walk Aberdeen Bazaar for dinner.
Day02 Stop 2 of 5Ferry to Swaraj Dweep and settle in
MorningTake the morning ferry from Sri Vijaya Puram to Swaraj Dweep; check in after arrival.
AfternoonVisit a beach close to your stay and get oriented on the island's road network.
EveningDinner near your resort; confirm your Radhanagar Beach transfer for the next day.
Day03 Stop 3 of 5Radhanagar Beach and water activity
MorningHead to Radhanagar Beach early to avoid the midday crowd and heat.
AfternoonOptional snorkelling or an introductory scuba session with a licensed operator, subject to sea conditions.
EveningStay for the sunset at Radhanagar before returning to your resort.
Day04 Stop 4 of 5Elephant Beach and return ferry
MorningBoat or trek to Elephant Beach for snorkelling, conditions permitting.
AfternoonReturn ferry from Swaraj Dweep to Sri Vijaya Puram; keep the afternoon light after check-in.
EveningDinner in Sri Vijaya Puram and repack for departure.
Day05 Stop 5 of 5Buffer morning and departure
MorningKeep this slot free as a weather buffer; if conditions are clear, visit Chidiya Tapu or a local market.
AfternoonTransfer to Veer Savarkar International Airport for your flight.
EveningDeparture.
7-Day Andaman Itinerary: Three-Island Circuit
A 7-day Andaman itinerary adds Shaheed Dweep to the Sri Vijaya Puram and Swaraj Dweep route, covering Radhanagar, Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and the Natural Bridge. Research for this 2026 edition rates 7 days as the ideal first-visit length, with an indicative land-only cost near ₹48,000 per person on twin sharing.
Day01 Stop 1 of 7Arrive Sri Vijaya Puram and Cellular Jail
MorningArrive at IXZ and check in to your Sri Vijaya Puram hotel.
AfternoonCellular Jail visit, including the freedom-struggle galleries.
EveningLight-and-sound show at Cellular Jail if slots are available; dinner nearby.
Day02 Stop 2 of 7Transfer to Swaraj Dweep
MorningMorning ferry to Swaraj Dweep and hotel check-in.
AfternoonRest, then a short beach visit close to your resort.
EveningDinner at your resort; confirm the next day's Radhanagar plan.
Day03 Stop 3 of 7Radhanagar Beach and sunset
MorningEarly transfer to Radhanagar Beach for a quieter shoreline.
AfternoonLunch and a slow afternoon; optional kayaking or a beach walk.
EveningSunset at Radhanagar, then return to your resort.
Day04 Stop 4 of 7Diving, snorkelling or Elephant Beach
MorningScuba or snorkelling session with a licensed operator, or a boat trip to Elephant Beach.
AfternoonFree time; Kalapathar Beach is a quieter alternative if you want a second shoreline.
EveningDinner on Swaraj Dweep and pack for the Shaheed Dweep transfer.
Day05 Stop 5 of 7Transfer to Shaheed Dweep
MorningFerry from Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep; check in and rest.
AfternoonVisit Bharatpur Beach for shallow-water snorkelling.
EveningSunset at Laxmanpur Beach; dinner at your stay.
Day06 Stop 6 of 7Natural Bridge and island leisure
MorningVisit the Natural Bridge at low tide; timing depends on the day's tide table.
AfternoonLeisure time at Bharatpur or Laxmanpur; optional cycling around the island.
EveningDinner and early night before the return ferry.
Day07 Stop 7 of 7Return to Sri Vijaya Puram and depart
MorningFerry back to Sri Vijaya Puram; keep the morning free as a buffer.
AfternoonTransfer to IXZ for your onward flight.
EveningDeparture.
10-Day Andaman Itinerary: Adding Baratang and Jolly Buoy
A 10-day Andaman itinerary adds Baratang's mangrove creeks and limestone caves plus a Jolly Buoy snorkelling day inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Indicative land-only cost is about ₹68,000 per person on twin sharing, and the extra days suit divers and slow travellers rather than first-timers on short leave.
Day01 Stop 1 of 10Arrive Sri Vijaya Puram
MorningArrive at IXZ and check in.
AfternoonCellular Jail and the nearby museum circuit.
EveningDinner in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Day02 Stop 2 of 10Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and North Bay
MorningBoat to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) for the colonial ruins and deer grounds.
AfternoonContinue to North Bay Island for introductory snorkelling, sea conditions permitting.
EveningReturn to Sri Vijaya Puram; dinner and rest.
Day03 Stop 3 of 10Baratang excursion
MorningEarly departure for Baratang via the controlled reserve route.
AfternoonMangrove creek boat ride and limestone cave visit.
EveningReturn to Sri Vijaya Puram; keep the evening light.
Day04 Stop 4 of 10Transfer to Swaraj Dweep
MorningMorning ferry to Swaraj Dweep and check-in.
AfternoonRest and a nearby beach visit.
EveningDinner at your resort.
Day05 Stop 5 of 10Radhanagar and Kalapathar
MorningRadhanagar Beach early visit.
AfternoonKalapathar Beach for a quieter shoreline.
EveningSunset and dinner.
Day06 Stop 6 of 10Diving or Elephant Beach
MorningScuba session with a licensed operator, or a boat trip to Elephant Beach.
AfternoonFree time; optional second water activity if conditions allow.
EveningDinner on Swaraj Dweep.
Day07 Stop 7 of 10Transfer to Shaheed Dweep
MorningFerry to Shaheed Dweep and check-in.
AfternoonBharatpur Beach snorkelling.
EveningLaxmanpur Beach sunset; dinner.
Day08 Stop 8 of 10Natural Bridge and island leisure
MorningNatural Bridge at low tide.
AfternoonLeisure at Bharatpur or Laxmanpur; optional kayaking.
EveningDinner and early night.
Day09 Stop 9 of 10Return to Sri Vijaya Puram and Chidiya Tapu
MorningFerry back to Sri Vijaya Puram.
AfternoonChidiya Tapu for coastal views if time and weather allow.
EveningDinner in Sri Vijaya Puram; repack.
Day10 Stop 10 of 10Jolly Buoy or buffer, then departure
MorningJolly Buoy snorkelling day if permits and operating dates align; otherwise keep it as a weather buffer.
AfternoonTransfer to IXZ for your flight.
EveningDeparture.
Where to Base Yourself in Andaman
Base selection decides how much of your Andaman travel plan is spent on ferries. Sri Vijaya Puram suits arrival, heritage and Baratang access; Swaraj Dweep suits beach and diving time; Shaheed Dweep suits a quieter, compact stay. Most itineraries use all three in sequence rather than day-tripping back and forth.
- South Andaman
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Best base for Cellular Jail, museums, airport access and ferry departures. One day usually covers the core sights; a second day allows the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and North Bay circuit.
Best forArrival nights, heritage sightseeing and Baratang day trips
Do not schedule a same-day onward connection after an inter-island ferry; weather delays are common.
- Ritchie's Archipelago
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach combine shoreline time with accessible marine activities. Two nights is a sensible minimum; three nights allows a full diving day plus a relaxed beach day.
Best forBeach time, snorkelling and scuba diving
Reserve ferries early in peak season and keep a buffer night in Sri Vijaya Puram before flying out.
- Ritchie's Archipelago
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
The Natural Bridge, quieter beaches and shallow reefs make it a calmer alternative to Swaraj Dweep. One full day is often enough; two nights allows a slower pace.
Best forQuiet stays, shallow snorkelling and short island hops
Ferry timing usually limits sightseeing more than road travel, since the island is compact.
- Middle Andaman
Baratang Island
Mangrove creeks, limestone caves and the Jarawa-reserve route make this a distinctive excursion. Access through the controlled reserve is not permitted independently, so the trip is a long guided day.
Best forDay trips from Sri Vijaya Puram
The excursion is long; do not pair it with an evening ferry on the same day.
- Near Sri Vijaya Puram
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island)
Ruined colonial administrative buildings and deer-filled grounds sit minutes from Sri Vijaya Puram by boat, needing about half a day.
Best forHeritage walks and short boat excursions
Combine with North Bay only when boat timings and sea conditions allow; avoid overpacking the day.
- Near Sri Vijaya Puram
North Bay Island
A convenient introductory snorkelling and scuba site close to Sri Vijaya Puram, usually covered in half a day alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
Best forFirst-time snorkelling and diving
Visibility varies sharply after rain; do not expect high-quality diving just because the site is close.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Jolly Buoy Island
Clear-water snorkelling and coral viewing inside the marine national park, typically a full-day excursion. Visitor numbers, plastic restrictions and seasonal opening rules are tightly controlled.
Best forCoral viewing and snorkelling day trips
Confirm permits and operating dates well before your travel dates; the island is not always open.
First-Timer vs Repeat Visitor Itinerary
First-time visitors should follow the standard three-island circuit of Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep over 7 days. Repeat visitors can skip the Cellular Jail and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island circuit and redirect those days into diving, Baratang or a slower stay on one island.
First-Timer Route (7 days)
Best forTravellers seeing the islands for the first time
StrengthsCovers Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and the Natural Bridge in one logical sequence; rated ideal for first visits
Trade-offsTwo ferry transfers plus a return leg; peak-season ferries need early booking
Repeat Visitor Route (10 days)
Best forTravellers who have already done the main circuit and want more water time or Baratang
StrengthsAdds Baratang, Jolly Buoy and multiple diving days; more time on Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep
Trade-offsHigher cost and more logistics; Baratang remains a long controlled day trip
Andaman Travel Plan: Transfers, Pacing and Bookings
Andaman trip planning hinges on ferry buffers, advance bookings and realistic pacing. Keep the last night in Sri Vijaya Puram, book inter-island ferries early for the October-to-April season, and treat Baratang as a full controlled day rather than a half-day add-on.
- Keep a buffer night in Sri Vijaya Puram
Inter-island ferries are weather-dependent. Ending your andaman itinerary with a night in Sri Vijaya Puram before the flight reduces the risk of missing a connection.
Logistics - Book inter-island ferries early
Services commonly operate daily in the main season, but schedules, capacity and cancellations depend on weather and operators. Lock Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep crossings ahead in peak months, particularly October to April.
Bookings - Treat Baratang as a full day
Access runs through a controlled reserve route, so the excursion is long and independent travel is not permitted. Do not pair it with an evening ferry on the same day.
Pacing - Confirm Jolly Buoy operating dates
Visitor numbers, plastic restrictions and seasonal opening rules inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are tightly controlled. Confirm permits before building a day around Jolly Buoy.
Permits - Carry valid domestic ID
Indian citizens need valid domestic travel identification for the islands. Keep digital and printed copies; checks happen at ferry terminals and the airport.
Documents - Plan water activities for the morning
Visibility varies sharply after rain, and afternoon conditions are less predictable. Book scuba and snorkelling with licensed operators and keep a spare slot in case of cancellation.
Activities - Deepen time on one island rather than adding more
Adding remote islands during unstable weather is the most common planning mistake. If you have spare days, extend your stay on Swaraj Dweep or Shaheed Dweep instead of rushing to a new island.
Pacing
What to Skip on a Short Andaman Trip
On a 3-day Andaman itinerary, skip Shaheed Dweep, Baratang and multiple inter-island transfers, and focus on Cellular Jail, Sri Vijaya Puram sightseeing and one nearby marine or beach excursion. On a 5-day trip, drop Baratang unless your group accepts a very long day with an early start.
- Scheduling a same-day onward flight after an inter-island ferry
How to avoid itKeep the final night in Sri Vijaya Puram and book the flight for the following day.
- Attempting Shaheed Dweep and Baratang inside a 3-day trip
How to avoid itChoose Sri Vijaya Puram plus one nearby marine or beach excursion instead; save the other islands for a longer visit.
- Overpacking Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and North Bay into one tight day
How to avoid itCombine them only when boat timings and sea conditions allow; otherwise split across two days or drop one.
- Assuming Jolly Buoy is always open
How to avoid itConfirm permits and operating dates, since visitor numbers and seasonal rules inside Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are tightly controlled.
- Expecting clear diving visibility at North Bay after rain
How to avoid itKeep a spare slot for water activities and book with licensed operators who can advise on conditions.
- Treating Baratang as a half-day add-on
How to avoid itThe controlled reserve route makes this a long full day; do not pair it with a ferry transfer on the same afternoon.
Holiday ideas to start from
Reviewed itineraries for this destination — personalise with a specialist, never an instant booking.
Andaman Family Week 6 Nights: 2026 Tour Package & Itinerary
From₹48,000per adult, twin sharing, land only; standard duration bucket; within destination research bandAndaman Beach Resort Retreat 6 Nights: Luxury Tour Package 2026
From₹1,25,000per adult, twin sharing, land only; luxury duration bucket; within destination research band
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Before you go
Straight answers to help you plan — then personalise the trip with a specialist.
8 answered belowAsk a specialist anything about this trip — there’s no obligation.
Ask a specialist01How many days are enough for an Andaman tour?
Five to seven days suits the standard Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep circuit. Three days is tight and covers only Sri Vijaya Puram plus one excursion, while 10 days adds Baratang and Jolly Buoy for divers and slow travellers who want the full andaman itinerary.
02What is the best time to visit Andaman?
October to April is generally best, with February and March offering especially dry and reliable conditions. November to April gives the most dependable combination of clearer skies, calmer seas and operating water activities, which matters most when your andaman travel plan depends on ferries and snorkelling.
03Is a passport required when visiting Andaman?
No. Indian citizens need valid domestic travel identification but no passport or visa. Carry printed and digital copies of ID, ferry tickets and hotel confirmations, since connectivity on the islands can be patchy and checks happen at ferry terminals and the airport.
04Which airport is used for Andaman tours?
Veer Savarkar International Airport, code IXZ, at Sri Vijaya Puram is the principal gateway. Most andaman itineraries fly in and out of IXZ, then use inter-island ferries to reach Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, returning to Sri Vijaya Puram before departure.
05Which islands should first-time visitors include in Andaman?
Most first-time itineraries include Sri Vijaya Puram, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. That combination covers Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, Bharatpur, Laxmanpur and the Natural Bridge, and fits comfortably into a 7-day andaman itinerary without rushing ferry connections.
06Are ferries from Port Blair to Havelock available every day?
Services commonly operate daily in the main season, but schedules, capacity and cancellations depend on weather and operators. Book Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep crossings early in peak months and keep a buffer night in Sri Vijaya Puram before your flight.
07Is scuba diving safe in Andaman?
Introductory diving is widely offered through licensed operators, subject to medical suitability, weather and site conditions. Visibility varies sharply after rain, so keep a spare slot for water activities in your andaman trip itinerary and do not assume a nearby site guarantees good conditions on the day.
08How much does an Andaman tour package cost?
Indicative land-only twin-sharing packages are approximately ₹28,000 budget, ₹45,000 standard, ₹70,000 premium and ₹125,000 luxury per person, before variable airfare. Duration-based planning ranges run from about ₹18,000 for 3 days to ₹98,000 for 14 days per person; all figures are indicative planning ranges only.