The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated approximately 1,200 km away from the eastern coast of India, being nearer to Myanmar and Thailand than to Chennai. The total number of islands in the area is 572. Out of these islands, only 40 have any inhabitants and merely a few permit tourists’ landing on them. This one fact alone, expressed in a single sentence, makes your travel plans totally different.

Most travel websites overwhelm you with 30 names without making it clear which of these islands are accessible to you by law, the cost of your ticket, and the ferry timings affecting your itinerary. This website will help you with that. Below, you will see all the islands that are worth visiting in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, along with the approximate costs in rupees, the official names of the islands as will be mentioned in your ferry ticket, and the cut off for Nicobars.

Andaman and Nicobar at a Glance: The Basics Before You Book

Read this table first. It answers about eighty percent of the questions people ask before booking flights.

Detail	What You Need to Know
Location	Bay of Bengal, roughly 1,200 km from Chennai and Kolkata
Total islands	572, with around 38 inhabited and about a dozen open to tourists
Capital	Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly called Port Blair
Main airport	Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram
Best time to visit	October to May, with November to March the most comfortable
Permit for Indians	No permit needed for open islands, tribal reserves are prohibited
Permit for foreigners	No Restricted Area Permit for most listed islands since 2018, Nicobar remains closed
Typical trip length	5 to 7 nights for a first visit
Local transport	Ferries between islands, taxis and scooters on land
Currency and cash	ATMs are reliable only in Sri Vijaya Puram, carry cash for smaller islands
Time quirk	Sunrise near 5:00 AM and sunset near 5:15 PM through most of the year

Why the Names on Your Ticket Look Different: A Quick Rename Guide

This is where the confusion normally starts for newcomers. There have been some renaming efforts concerning certain islands, but the ferry operators, websites, and even Google maps use the new names, while blogs and guidebooks continue using the old names. For example, you can easily make a reservation for a ferry ride to Swaraj Dweep while not realizing that it is Havelock Island.

New Official Name	Old Name You Will Still See	What It Is
Sri Vijaya Puram	Port Blair	Capital city and arrival point
Swaraj Dweep	Havelock Island	The famous beach island
Shaheed Dweep	Neil Island	The quiet, slower island
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep	Ross Island	Colonial-era ruins near the capital
Mount Manipur	Mount Harriet	The high point of South Andaman

Lastly, do note that some ferry websites still refer to the route as being from Port Blair to Havelock; therefore, do some research on both names.

Places to Visit in Sri Vijaya Puram: History, Museums and Easy Day Boats

It is the place from where each journey starts because all the flights land there. A minimum of one full day must be spent in the capital city at the start or end of the journey.

Cellular Jail National Memorial

This is the emotion center of the islands. The multiple-storeyed building where the Indian freedom fighters were kept in separate cells is now protected as a national monument. The entrance fees for Indians and foreigners stand at Rs. 30 and Rs. 100 respectively and the kids below the age of five years are exempted from paying the entrance fee. The museum remains closed on Mondays through the day. The light and sound show that takes place in the evening has a separate entry fee of Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 150 for kids and runs for about 45 minutes in the open-air theater.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, the old Ross Island

It takes around 15 minutes for one to reach East Paris through the waterways. The area used to be the center of administration until the earthquake in 1941 destroyed the area. Currently, the ballroom, the church, the bakery, and the swimming pools can be seen to have been covered up with the banyan tree roots with deer and peacocks roaming around freely. The ticket cost for a round trip would be approximately Rs 400-Rs 600, including the entry charge.

North Bay Island

Generally comes along with the tickets for Ross Island too. The place where people start with the water walking, glass bottom boat journey, and snorkeling is North Bay. Look at the lighthouse carefully as it is the same lighthouse that appears on the currency note of India for Rs. 20. Boat tickets for Ross Island and North Bay generally cost Rs. 900 – 1300.

Corbyn’s Cove and Chidiya Tapu

Corbyn’s Cove is the closest beach near the city for a quick dip in the sea and some pictures of the coconut palms. The second place for an evening out would be Chidiya Tapu, located at a distance of 25 kilometers from the north. Chidiya Tapu is the bird watching site and offers the best sunset view on the South Andaman Island.

Samudrika Marine Museum and the Anthropological Museum

Two small yet excellent museums that everybody misses out on. Samudrika deals with coral reef life, conches and island geology and is managed by the Indian Navy. While the Anthropological Museum talks about the six aboriginal tribes of the islands viz Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese, Nicobarese and Shompen. Admission is Rs 50 for each museum and they are closed on Mondays.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor

It is located about 30 kilometers away from the city, and is the starting point for taking a boat trip to the Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands. On these two islands, the corals are protected, and there is no use of plastic whatsoever. These two islands operate in rotation during the season to give the reefs some time to regenerate themselves. The forest permit costs about Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners.

Mount Manipur National Park

Mount Harriet, which used to be called Mount Harriet, is the tallest peak in South Andaman with an elevation of 365 metres. It can be accessed either by road or through a short ferry ride and drive. The walk from Kalapathar to Mount Manipur passes through the rainforest and is likely to come across Andaman wood pigeon.

Places to Visit in Swaraj Dweep: Beaches, Coral and the Big Sunset

Swaraj Dweep, which retains its old name of Havelock, is the island that comes to mind when one thinks of the Andamans. Two nights would be the minimum stay, but three would be preferable if diving was on the itinerary.

Radhanagar Beach

This is beach number seven and the beach that made these islands famous through the pages of Time magazine when it was named the best beach in Asia way back in 2004. This is a long, gentle curve of fine sand with mahua trees behind it but not the sort of shacks that can clutter the beachfront. The beach entry is free. Swimming is safe inside the flagged area and is closed by lifeguards after dark. Visit the beach at 4:30 PM for the sunset.

Elephant Beach

The most popular site for snorkelling. This can be reached in a 20-minute speedboat journey from the Havelock Jetty, or alternatively in a 40-minute trek through the muddy jungles, which is usually closed post-rainfall. It’s because the reef begins near to the shoreline that all the water sports providers offer this site as part of their packages. Prices will be around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,300 one way.

Kalapathar Beach

A calmer spot on the east side of the island, named after the dark-colored rocks next to blue water. It’s the sunrise beach, which means that since the sun rises at around 5:00 AM in this place, you will probably have this beach all to yourself. Access is free.

Scuba diving at Swaraj Dweep

Havelock is one of the more affordable dive spots in Asia. A try dive or discover scuba course for novices costs around Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000, while a 4 day open water course can be priced between Rs 22,000 to Rs 28,000. The popular diving sites are Nemo Reef, Aquarium, and The Wall.

Places to Visit in Shaheed Dweep: Slow Days and a Natural Rock Bridge

The Shaheed Dweep, formerly known as Neil Island, is such a small place that you could probably cover it in one day on a scooter. Those who spend just one night here normally wish they had stayed for two.

Natural Bridge at Laxmanpur

It has been named the Howrah Bridge by the local people. This is a stone arch formed from corals by the action of tides in the water. And this is the only place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that is dependent on the tides for visiting purposes. At high tide, it gets submerged into the water.

Bharatpur Beach

The jetty-facing beach is relatively shallow and calm, along with the concentration of water sports centers on the island. The glass bottom boat ride starts around Rs 500 – 800 per head, making it a family-friendly option.

Laxmanpur and Sitapur Beaches

Laxmanpur is the sunset beach with its broad and shallow waters where you can venture far out in the water. On the other hand, Sitapur is the easternmost beach that receives the first rays of the sun. These beaches are both free for use and close enough for a scooter rental of around Rs 500.

Baratang Island: Mangrove Creeks, Limestone Caves and a Mud Volcano

Baratang is the most misinterpreted day tour of the Andamans. It is long, tiresome and very much worth it, but you need to understand what you’re in for.

The route from the capital takes one through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, so your private vehicle cannot pass through. You get transported in the government escorted convoy, which leaves from the Jirkatang check post at specific slots, the first lot being around 6:00 AM. It is the reason for leaving early, at around 3:30 or 4:00 AM from the city. Photography, filming and any kind of interaction with the Jarawa tribal members is strictly prohibited in this area, and the penalty is very heavy. Do not keep your mobile out.

Once past the convoy, a shared speed boat transports you across a narrow mangrove channel, to reach Nayadera Jetty, and after that, a short walk of 1.5 kilometres through the jungle leads you to the limestone caves. The stalactites and stalagmites in the caves are still forming. There is no entry ticket to the caves. Only forest permit, costing about Rs 50, and the shared boat fee of about Rs 700 to 900 is paid.

If there is more time available, then include the mud volcano, which is a small cone that bubbles, and the Parrot Island in your itinerary. Parrot Island requires an overnight stoppage at Baratang, so it is left out by most visitors on day trips.

North Andaman and Diglipur: Twin Islands, a Peak and Nesting Turtles

Diglipur is located 290 kilometres to the north of the capital city and takes a full day’s travel to reach from the mainland through road or the overnight ferry provided by the government. Most of the tour packages do not cover Diglipur because it is only here that tourists can experience solitude.

Ross and Smith Island is the most prominent feature of Diglipur. They consist of two islands connected with a natural sandbar which can be crossed only at low tides. It is one of the rare sandbar structures available in India. The forest permit fee is between Rs 50 to Rs 100 and the fare of the boat from Aerial Bay Jetty is Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per trip, depending on how many people are travelling.

Saddle Peak National Park is the highest point in the archipelago standing at 732 metres high. It is a strenuous trekking spot that takes approximately eight kilometres in one direction and 4 to 5 hours of ascent time. Water should always be carried during the trekking. Nearby is Kalipur Beach where turtles nest from December to February.

Offbeat Islands Worth the Extra Effort: Long Island, Little Andaman and Barren Island

• They are meant for repeat tourists or those who have more than one week to spend.
• Long Island: no vehicles, no crowds, access by government ferry. The main attraction here is Lalaji Bay Beach, which can be reached by way of a walk through the jungle or a short dinghy ride.
• Little Andaman: Butler Bay Beach, the White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls, and the only surf beach in the islands that experienced divers often refer to. Access is via a long government ferry from the capital.
• Barren Island: the only confirmed volcano in South Asia. Landing on the island is completely prohibited. One can see it from a chartered boat or diving liveaboard; black volcanic slopes dropping down into the blue waters of the ocean make it unique to the entire country.
• Cinque Island: uninhabited island, connected by a sand bar between two parts. It is possible to visit it during the daytime with a special forest permission and is often included in dive packages.

The Nicobar Truth: What You Can Visit and What Is Closed

Almost all articles on the destination conveniently omit the Nicobar part of the name and hope you don’t notice. Here is the truth.

Nicobar Islands region is not a destination for tourism. It is a protected area both for its sensitive ecosystem and tribes living there and strategic location. General tourists can not enter. The tribal pass granting access is valid only if it is for research work, official duties, family members of posted officials or specific invitations. The purpose of visiting is never for tourism.

Only Campbell Bay in the Great Nicobar is the place where tourists have been told that they could come. However, it is also subject to a special permit to land which can take several days to get and would hardly be issued for tourists. Non-citizens are not allowed at all. Indira Point, the southernmost point of India and Galathea National Park are located there.

Special warning is needed for North Sentinel Island. It is forbidden, dangerous and a criminal act to approach it. No captain of a boat will agree to take you there and it is illegal if he does.

Thus, whenever you look for this destination, please realize that in reality you plan to visit only the Andaman part of the group. There is nothing wrong with it. It is just the truth.

Entry Fees and Ticket Prices: What You Actually Pay

These are approximate figures for planning purposes. Government and forest department rates are revised periodically, so confirm the current rate at the counter or on the official Andaman Tourism portal before you travel.

Place or Activity	Approximate Cost (Rs)	Notes
Cellular Jail entry, Indian	30 per person	Under five free, closed Mondays
Cellular Jail entry, foreign national	100 per person	Camera charged separately
Cellular Jail light-and-sound show	300 adult, 150 child	About 45 minutes, book ahead in season
Ross and North Bay boat ticket	900 to 1,300	Combined trip, water sports extra
Ross Island entry	30 or thereabouts	Charged on arrival, about 90 minutes allowed
Radhanagar Beach	Free	Parking and lockers charged separately
Elephant Beach boat	1,000 to 1,300	Return trip from Havelock Jetty
Baratang forest permit	50 per person	Plus convoy timing rules
Baratang shared speedboat	700 to 900	Private boat costs more
Limestone caves entry	Free or nominal	Cost sits in the boat and permit
Jolly Buoy or Red Skin permit	50 Indian, 500 foreign	Islands rotate through the season
Jolly Buoy boat from Wandoor	1,000 to 1,500	Plastic banned on the island
Natural Bridge, Shaheed Dweep	50 per person	Low tide only
Glass-bottom boat, Bharatpur	500 to 800	Good for non-swimmers
Try scuba dive	3,500 to 5,000	Includes instructor and gear
Open-water certification	22,000 to 28,000	Three to four days
Sea walk, North Bay or Elephant Beach	3,000 to 4,000	Age and health conditions apply
Museums in the capital	50 each	Closed Mondays
Saddle Peak or Mount Manipur permit	50 to 100	Forest department counter

Ferries, Flights and Getting Around: Costs and Booking Order

Here is the single most useful planning rule for these islands. Book your ferries before you book your hotels. Ferry seats sell out well before rooms do in peak season, and a sold-out sailing can collapse an entire itinerary.

Route or Service	Approximate Cost (Rs)	Duration
Private ferry, capital to Swaraj Dweep	1,150 to 2,500 per person	1 hour 25 min to 2 hours
Private ferry, Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep	1,000 to 1,800 per person	About 1 hour
Government ferry, any sector	400 to 900 per person	Slower, limited seats
Airport taxi to city or Haddo Jetty	400 to 800	15 to 30 minutes
Scooter rental per day	400 to 600	Carry a valid licence
Full-day taxi in the capital	2,000 to 3,000	Covers city sightseeing
Baratang day-trip cab	5,000 to 7,000 per vehicle	Departs around 3:30 AM

The privately-owned catamarans like Makruzz, Nautika and Green Ocean operate on all the major tourist zones and have air-conditioned seats. The government boats operate from Phoenix Bay Jetty and are much cheaper than the privately owned ones; however, there is limited seating and bookings are done manually. It is important that each individual has his own government photo ID card.

Best Time to Visit: Month by Month

Months	Conditions	Verdict
November to February	Cool, dry, calm seas, best visibility for diving	Peak season, book early
March to April	Warm and clear, slightly fewer crowds	Excellent, especially for water sports
May	Hot and humid, pre-monsoon showers begin	Acceptable, prices start dropping
June to September	Heavy rain, rough seas, ferry cancellations	Avoid unless you are flexible
October	Rain easing, greenery at its best, low rates	Good value shoulder season

One caution about the monsoon. It is not the rain that ruins a trip, it is the sea. When sailings are suspended, you can be stuck on an island for two days with no way out, and that eats into your return flight buffer.

How Many Nights Each Island Deserves: The Short Version

If you read nothing else, read this table. It is the fastest way to build a realistic itinerary.

Island	Nights	Best For	Do Not Miss
Sri Vijaya Puram	1 to 2	History and museums	Cellular Jail, Ross Island
Swaraj Dweep	2 to 3	Beaches and diving	Radhanagar, Elephant Beach
Shaheed Dweep	1 to 2	Slow, quiet days	Natural Bridge at low tide
Baratang	Day trip	Landscape and caves	Mangrove creek boat ride
Diglipur	2 to 3	Offbeat travel	Ross and Smith sandbar
Long Island	1 to 2	Doing nothing well	Lalaji Bay Beach
Little Andaman	2	Surf and waterfalls	Butler Bay Beach

A comfortable first trip is six nights. Two in the capital split across arrival and departure, three in Swaraj Dweep, one in Shaheed Dweep, with Baratang slotted in as a day trip from the capital.

The Sunlight Trap: Why Your Day Ends at 5 PM

This piece of advice never features in any Andaman guidebook and totally turns your plans around.

The time in the Andamans is set according to the Indian Standard Time zone, which means it’s adjusted to the longitude far to the west of the islands. Here the sun comes up at about 5:00 AM and goes down not later than 5:15 PM throughout most of the year. The period of twilight is very short.

This way a departure at 10:00 AM means that you lose half a day already. The local people have their lunch before noon and by six all the beaches are deserted, while most of the restaurants close at this hour. Set your body clock ahead of two hours and wake up at 5:00 AM for watching sunrise at Kalapathar or Sitapur.

Practical Tips Most Guides Skip:

• Mobile signals are spotty beyond the capital. BSNL, Airtel, and Jio have coverage in the major towns of Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, but are nonexistent everywhere else. Tell family back home you might not be able to get through to them.
• ATMs are empty on the lesser islands, particularly over the weekend. Draw out your cash in Sri Vijaya Puram before boarding your boat.
• Buy reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen harms coral reefs, and plastic bottles are not allowed on some protected islands.
• Schedule your domestic flights with a margin of safety of one extra day. Ferries cancel because of rough seas are the number one cause for missing connecting flights.
• Water shoes are more practical than sandals. Coral, sharp rocks, and even sea urchins are plentiful at Bharatpur and Elephant Beach.
• Alcohol is available but is not found everywhere. Drinking on beaches is prohibited. Restrictions on carrying unopened bottles vary from ferry company to ferry company.
• Do not purchase shells, coral, or tortoise shell trinkets. It is illegal according to the Wildlife Protection Act and is checked by customs.

Trivia You Can Use to Sound Like a Regular:

• The lighthouse printed on the Indian twenty-rupee bill is the North Bay Island Lighthouse.
• Ross Island was nicknamed the Paris of the East due to its many amenities such as a ballroom, bakery, swimming pool, and printing press while nothing much existed in the mainland settlement.
• Cellular Jail initially consisted of seven wings extending from a central tower, but only three remain intact due to earthquakes and war damages.
• Barren Island boasts of an active volcano that erupts frequently ever since it awakened in 1991 after lying dormant for close to two hundred years.
• The 732 metre tall Saddle Peak is the highest peak among the total 572 islands, making the entire group lower than most Indian hill stations.
• Radhanagar Beach was named Asia’s best beach by Time magazine in 2004; this single accolade made Andaman Islands what they are today in terms of tourism.

Final Take: Plan Around Ferries, Not Beaches

Finding the best spots to visit in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands does not require much effort. Radhanagar for its beach, the Cellular Jail for the historical significance, Baratang for its unique mangrove and limestone formation, Shaheed Dweep for the pace, and Diglipur for an untouched part of these islands. The Nicobar Islands, while being part of the same region, remain strictly out of bounds for visitors; any tour guide that claims otherwise is only wasting your time.

For new arrivals, simplicity is the key. Seven days in six nights on three islands with one day trip. Pre-book your boat journeys the moment you know your flights and bring cash. Start your days from early morning rather than the usual midday and leave a day before your flight back home. This way, you get the clearest water and most tranquil beaches in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Note: All fees and fares listed here are approximate and revised periodically. Confirm current rates at the ticket counter or on the official Andaman Tourism portal before your visit.

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