Turquoise water, white sand, old ruins and thick green forest: the Andaman Islands pack a lot into a small map. But with so many islands, it is easy to wonder where to start. This guide covers the places to visit in Andaman, what you can see at each one and how to plan the trip without mistakes.
All details come from official and trusted travel sources. Prices, timings and ferry schedules change often, so always confirm them before you book.
Last updated: November 13, 2026. Always check official sources for current prices, timings and permit rules.
Places to Visit in Andaman at a Glance
| Place | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Radhanagar Beach | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | White sand and sunsets |
| Elephant Beach | Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | Glass-bottom boats and sea walking |
| Neil Island | Shaheed Dweep | Quiet beaches and snorkelling |
| Cellular Jail | Port Blair | History and an evening light show |
| Ross Island | Near Port Blair | Colonial ruins |
| North Bay | Near Port Blair | Snorkelling and boat rides |
| Chidiya Tapu | South of Port Blair | Sunsets and birds |
| Baratang Island | Middle Andaman | Limestone caves and a mud volcano |
| Jolly Buoy | Marine national park | Coral reefs |
| Mount Harriet | Near Port Blair | Forest trails and views |
10 Places to Visit in Andaman
1. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Radhanagar is the most famous beach in the Andamans. It has a long stretch of soft white sand, clear water and beautiful sunsets. Travel sites often rank it among the best beaches in Asia, and it holds Blue Flag certification.
Swim only inside the marked safe zone, and keep an eye on your belongings. Havelock is officially called Swaraj Dweep, and you reach it by ferry from Port Blair.
2. Elephant Beach, Havelock Island
Elephant Beach is a popular spot for water activities. Operators offer glass-bottom boat rides and sea walking, so you can see colourful fish and coral without a long swim.
Book activities with a licensed operator and ask about safety gear before you start.
3. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil is calmer and smaller than Havelock. Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches are known for snorkelling, and the island is perfect for slow walks, cycling and quiet sunsets.
Ferries run from Port Blair and Havelock, and a ride from Havelock takes about an hour.
4. Cellular Jail, Port Blair
Cellular Jail is the most important historic site in Port Blair. The British used it as a colonial prison. Of its original seven wings, three remain today, and a central tower now holds a museum.
In the evening, a light and sound show tells the story of the freedom struggle. Daytime visiting hours are roughly 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM, and the site is usually closed on Mondays. Ticket prices and show times change, so check the official e-Tourist portal.
5. Ross Island
Ross Island was once the British administrative centre of the Andamans and was nicknamed the “Paris of the East”. Today, you can walk among old ruins that are slowly being covered by tree roots. It is officially called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.
Boats leave on fixed timings, so go in the morning and book ahead.
6. North Bay Island
North Bay is a short boat ride from Port Blair. It is popular for snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides, and you can see coral reefs close to the surface. Go early, when the sea is calm and the crowds are small.
7. Chidiya Tapu
Chidiya Tapu means “bird island” and is a favourite for birdwatching and sunsets. It sits south of Port Blair, so plan transport in advance because taxis can be hard to find after dark.
8. Baratang Island
Baratang is a long day trip from Port Blair. You travel by road and then by speedboat through mangroves to reach the limestone caves, and there is also a mud volcano nearby. The best months are October to April, because paths become slippery in the rainy season.
The road passes through a tribal reserve. Do not stop, take photos of tribal people or offer them anything. Respect the local rules and travel with registered operators.
9. Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy is part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor. It is known for its coral reefs, but it is open only for part of the year. When it is closed, nearby Red Skin Island takes its place.
Entry needs a permit, and permits can sell out, so book a day or two ahead.
10. Mount Harriet National Park
Mount Harriet offers forest trails, birdwatching and wide views over the bay. It is a nice choice if you want a break from beaches.
For Adventurers: Extra Places to Visit in Andaman
- Barren Island: India’s only active volcano, about 140 km northeast of Port Blair. Trips are limited and cost more, so book early.
- Saddle Peak: The highest point in the Andamans at 732 m, near Diglipur. The trek is steep.
- Kalipur Beach: A turtle nesting site, with nesting season from December to March.
- Little Andaman: Known for surfing, with a surf season from December to February. The ferry from Port Blair takes about 8 hours.
Best Time to Visit Andaman
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | December to February | Dry, calm seas and the busiest crowds |
| Shoulder | October to November, March to early May | Warm, fewer people and good for water sports |
| Monsoon | Mid May to September | Heavy rain, rough seas and possible ferry delays |
Mid December to early January is the busiest time, so book hotels and ferries early. Our guide to Black Friday hotel deals 2026 can help you save on a winter trip. You can also see our list of the best countries to visit in February.
How to Reach the Andaman Islands
Most visitors fly into Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. Direct flights run from cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Visakhapatnam. Flights from Kolkata or Chennai take under 2.5 hours.
Ships also sail from mainland ports, but the journey takes about three to four days, so most travellers choose to fly.
Once you are in the islands, private and government ferries connect the main islands:
- Port Blair to Havelock: about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Port Blair to Neil Island: about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Havelock to Neil Island: about 1 hour.
Book ferries online and early, especially in peak season.
Permits and Rules
Indian citizens do not need a permit for popular islands such as Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Ross and Baratang. Foreign visitors need a passport and a valid Indian visa, and rules can change by nationality, so check the official Andaman and Nicobar tourism website before you travel.
Some places are strictly off-limits, including North Sentinel Island and the Jarawa tribal reserve. Follow every local rule to protect both the visitors and the island communities.
A Simple 5 Day Andaman Plan
- Day 1: Arrive in Port Blair, visit Cellular Jail and watch the evening show.
- Day 2: Take a boat to Ross Island, then North Bay.
- Day 3: Ferry to Havelock and enjoy Radhanagar Beach at sunset.
- Day 4: Visit Elephant Beach in the morning and relax in the afternoon.
- Day 5: Visit Neil Island, or return to Port Blair for your flight.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Carry cash. ATMs and mobile networks can be weak on smaller islands.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. It protects coral and your skin.
- Finish island trips before sunset. Ferries and boats follow strict timings.
- Pack light. A good travel bag makes ferry hopping easier.
- Plan more Asia trips. Try our Thailand lantern festival guide for another island-friendly idea.
Final Thoughts
The best places to visit in Andaman mix easy beaches with history, wildlife and adventure. Start with Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail and Neil Island, and add Baratang or Jolly Buoy if you have more time.
Pick the right season, book ferries early and check the latest rules. Then enjoy one of the most beautiful island groups in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Andaman?
Top picks include Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Neil Island, Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay, Chidiya Tapu, Baratang Island, Jolly Buoy and Mount Harriet.
What is the best time to visit the Andaman Islands?
October to May is the best period. December to February has dry weather and calm seas, while the monsoon from mid May to September brings heavy rain and rough seas.
How many days are enough for Andaman?
Five days is enough to see Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island at a relaxed pace. Add two or three more days if you want to visit Baratang or Jolly Buoy.
Do Indian citizens need a permit to visit the Andaman Islands?
Indian citizens do not need a permit for popular islands such as Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Ross and Baratang. Some places, such as marine park islands, need entry permits, so check with your operator.
How do I get to the Andaman Islands?
Most visitors fly to Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair, with direct flights from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Visakhapatnam. Ships take three to four days.
