Interesting facts about Andaman - Port Blair, Havelock & Neil

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are so silently tucked away from the eyes of the world..

it is difficult to spot them on a map so easily.

Even though there are 572 islands in total here, however..
every island is not accessible to the general public. Some of them are in fact inhabited. 

Over here you will find intensive check posts and presence of the Indian army. The islands are heavily guarded but despite all of this, these islands are a perfect place to spend your holidays. 
The oceans are crystal clear, the color of the water is deep blue and the place has a magic of its own.

• How to go :-

There are many direct flights to Port Blair from Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.

But.. I would suggest you to book Indigo or Vistara.

Cost - 9000 - 12000 INR (Round Trip) - 

• How to travel island to island :-

Port Blair to Havelock - 

The distance between Havelock and Port Blair is 60 km approx and takes about 2 hours to reach. There are many privately owned ferries that run between these ports. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well.

We took Makruzz, whose services are very nice and the cruise was comfortable as well. Some of the other ferries/cruise operating between the two islands are – Sea Link Cruise, Green Ocean, Express Bhagya, ITT Majestic.

The ferry starts to operate from 6 AM, 6:30 AM, 8 AM, 10AM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

Havelock to Neil -

Neil Island is located 20 Km approx from Havelock Island and takes about an hour to reach. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well. When we traveled from Havelock to Neil, the ferry was mostly empty.

We took Makruzz just like from Port Blair to Havelock. 

The ferry operates between 11 AM to 1 PM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

Neil to Port Blair -

Neil Island is located 40 Km approx from Port Blair by sea route and takes about one to one and a half hours to reach. You can book the tickets online or tickets are also available on the port as well.

We took Makruzz as usual. Some of the other ferries/cruise operating between the two islands are – Sea Link Cruise, Green Ocean, Express Bhagya, ITT Majestic.

The ferry operates post 12 PM.

Cost - 900 to 1400 INR

The total cost for all the ferry rides, that is, from Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair would be about INR 3,000 to INR 4,000.

• How to travel inside the island :-

The best way to travel inside the islands is by renting a Bike/Scooty. You will find many rental shops everywhere. In fact.. as soon as you will get down at the jetty you will be swamped with locals who would give you all these rental options. If not, then ask your hotel staff and they will guide you through.

Usually the cost of renting a scooter per day is INR 400 – 1000, petrol excluded. 

Requirements - INR 2000 for security deposit (refundable) and Indian/International Driving License.

 and.. If you wish to book cab the approximate rates are here :- 

Place	Tickets (Per Person)	A/c	Non A/c
Airport pick & Drop (City)	Nil	₹1200	₹1000
Sound & light show	₹150	₹800	₹600
Corbyn's cove beach	Nil	₹1400	₹1200
Ross island pick & Drop(City)	₹350	₹1200	₹1000
North Bay Island Pick & Drop	₹550	₹1200	₹1000
Wandoor Beach	Nil	₹2500	₹2000
Jolly Buoy Island	₹1100	₹2500	₹2000
Chidiyatapu	Nil	₹2500	₹2000
Chatham Island & Sawmill	₹20	₹300	₹200
Samudrika Marine Museum	₹50	₹400	₹200
Anthropological Museum	₹20	₹400	₹200
The Cellular Jail	₹30	₹400	₹200
Fisheries Museum	₹10	₹400	₹200
Science centre	₹10	₹00	₹200
Baratang (limestone cave)	₹700 (+ 20 ferry tickets)	₹9000	₹8000
Diglipur Island	₹800	₹22,000	₹16,000
Havelock Jetty Drop & Pick	₹1600 (Govt. ferry) ₹2700 (Private ferry)	₹1200	₹1000

• Stay :-

Port Blair -

We stayed in Ripple Resort  that was very close to the market,Cellular Jail and Corbyn’s Cave, making it a perfect place to stay in. The rooms were exceptionally cozy, the food was good and the staff over here is incredible. 
If you wish to stay here on an average it would cost you INR 3500 to INR 3800 per night for two people. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to stay at budget rooms or home stays that would be of INR 1,000 to 1500 for two people.

Havelock -

From Port Blair, we moved to Havelock and stayed in The Ocean Blue Resort. The best part about The Ocean Blue Resort was its location. Just a few minutes distance from Kalapathar beach. Also, they had a bar, and a restaurant and beachfront which made our stay very memorable and lively.

If you wish to stay here on an average it would cost you INR 3800 to INR 4500 per night for two people. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to stay at budget rooms or home stays that would be of INR 1200 to 2000 for two people.

• Food :-

Port Blair, Neil and Havelock have many food stalls,restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal. I'm a non-vegetarian so for me the cost was about INR 600 per day (100+250+250 maximum). 

• Sightseeing :-

Port Blair :-

• Cellular Jail - 

Entry Fee: INR 30 (adults), INR 100 (permits video recording), INR 50 for Light & Sound Show. There are two shows every day at 6pm and 7pm in Hindi & English.

Timings - 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4pm (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)

• Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex - 

Timings - 10am to 6pm

• Corbyn's Cove -

• Butler Bay Islands - 

• Chidiya Tapu - 

• Sagarika Emporium (Shopping) 

Havelock & Neil :-

• 
  

Elephant Beach

Radhanagar Beach

Vijaynagar Beach

Laxmanpur Beach

Kalapathar Beach

• Water Sports Activities :-

1. Scuba Diving (Best at Havelock, Cost :- INR 3000 - 5000 gears, training, photos & videos included. 15 minutes training session + 45 minutes activity)
2. Sea Walk (Best at Neil, Cost :- INR 3000 - 5000 gears, training, photos & videos included. 15 to 30 minutes activity)
3. Snorkeling (Cost :- INR 800 - 1500 with gears)
4. Jet Ski Ride (Cost :- INR 500. 10 to 15 minutes activity)

• Best time to visit :-

Andaman is considered an evergreen destination.

The islands weather do not fluctuate much and it remains pleasant always. Usually the footfall of tourists increase multiple folds during the months of November to March. Further, monsoons are usually avoided due to high tidal waves.

Feel free to mail me to hazraniladri1997@gmail.com for more information and sample itinerary.