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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
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Suited for
India – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D , Type M
Type C:
   Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Indian Rupee (INR) £1 ≈ ₹126.52 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in India, especially in urban areas. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe are widely accepted in cities.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in India but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, typically 10-15% for good service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly seen in India. Alcohol is typically consumed in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport stations. |
| Independence Day (15 August) |
A national holiday celebrated with flag hoisting and parades |
|---|---|
| Diwali (October-November) |
The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Ola, Uber |
| Other: | India is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of experiences from ancient temples to modern cities. Prepare for varying infrastructure and safety conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Monsoon June to September: ferries, diving trips and water sports often suspended
Cyclone risk April to May and October to December
Nicobar Islands closed to tourists; tribal reserves and North Sentinel Island strictly off limits
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on Radhanagar Beach, Asia's best beach
- 🏰 Explore Cellular Jail, a historic colonial prison
- 🤿 Snorkel at Elephant Beach’s vibrant coral reefs
- 🏝️ Visit Ross Island’s British-era ruins and wildlife
- 🌋 Discover limestone caves and mud volcanoes of Baratang
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The Andamans captivate visitors with their astonishing natural beauty that exceeds what you see in tourism videos or nature documentaries. The archipelago offers a rare combination of experiences – from exploring underwater marine wonderlands through scuba diving and snorkeling to encountering unique wildlife in protected forests. The islands host around 270 bird species, including 14 endemic varieties, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. What's particularly special is how accessible these experiences are; even non-swimmers can enjoy water activities like sea walking, glass-bottom boat rides and banana boat rides. Beyond the natural splendor, the islands offer fascinating cultural and historical dimensions. The indigenous tribes have inhabited some islands for over 2,000 years and while their areas are restricted to preserve their culture, you can learn about them at the Samudrika Marine Museum. The colonial history is preserved in sites like the Cellular Jail, offering thoughtful historical context to your tropical getaway. Just note that while the Andaman Islands welcome tourists, the Nicobar Islands are entirely closed to visitors without specific government permission, as they fall under tribal restricted areas.
🏙️Cities & Regions
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1
Havelock Island
A tropical paradise in the Bay of Bengal, Havelock Island features pristine beaches, coral reefs and lush greenery. It's quieter than Port Blair, offering serene sunsets, water sports and a relaxed island atmosphere perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility away from crowds.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
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1
Aberdeen Bazaar
🎈Events
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Island Tourism Festival
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Beach Festival
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Subhash Mela
-
Monsoon Festival
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Andaman Day
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Freedom Fighters' Remembrance Day
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Marine Life Festival
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World Tourism Day celebrations
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New Year celebrations
-
Cultural heritage festivals
Knowledge before you go
- Book flights early. Limited seats from mainland India.
- Ferries to Havelock, Neil sell out fast; reserve tickets day before at Port Blair counters.
- RAP permit covers most islands; Nicobar, tribal reserves need special DC approval.
- Visit Radhanagar Beach dawn or dusk; bioluminescent waves sparkle under starlit skies.
How to travel to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The primary gateway to the Andaman Islands is through flights to Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram). Direct flights operate from major Indian cities including Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, with flying times ranging from 2.5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, passenger ships sail to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam, though this is a longer journey. Non‑Indian nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the Andaman Islands, which is typically issued upon arrival at Port Blair.
Access summary
- From Port Blair Veer Savarkar Airport (IXZ): Short taxi ride into town, about 10–20 minutes.
- From mainland cities like Chennai/Kolkata: Direct flights to Port Blair, roughly 2–3 hours.
- Inter-island: Government ferries and speedboats between Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, several hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Accommodation options in the Andaman Islands range from luxury beachside resorts to mid-range hotels and budget guesthouses. The major tourist hubs of Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island offer the widest selection of places to stay. Havelock Island is known for its eco-friendly resorts and beachfront cottages, while Port Blair has more conventional hotel options. Advance booking is essential during peak tourist season (November to February). Some remote islands offer limited accommodation choices, so plan accordingly if venturing beyond the main tourist areas.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Getting around the Andaman Islands primarily involves ferry services between the major islands. Regular government and private ferries connect Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram) to popular destinations like Havelock Island and Neil Island. Private ferries are more comfortable and faster (about 1.5 hours from Port Blair to Havelock) but cost more than government options. Within each island, auto-rickshaws, taxis and rental scooters/bicycles are common transportation methods. For remote areas and wildlife sanctuaries, guided tours are often the best option.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to INR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are considered one of the safest destinations in India for all travelers, including solo women travelers. Normal precautions regarding valuables apply. The main safety concerns relate to water activities - always follow guide instructions and be aware of currents when swimming.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside of Port Blair. Carry a basic first aid kit including band-aids, antiseptics, prescription medications, pain relievers and motion sickness pills. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to mainland India may be necessary, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Accessibility
Accessibility is limited throughout the islands. Many beaches, boats and natural attractions require navigating uneven terrain. Major hotels in Port Blair offer some accessible facilities, but the infrastructure for those with mobility challenges is generally underdeveloped across the islands.
Tap water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Rely on bottled water, which is readily available at hotels and shops. When engaging in water activities or hiking, carry sufficient water as drinking sources may be limited in remote areas.
Packing recommendations for Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🩴
Flip-flops
🤿
Snorkelling gear
optional
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📱
Waterproof phone case
👒
Sun hat
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
💊
Travel sickness tablets
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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