1. Andaman Archipelago Geography
Lying in the eastern Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands constitute an archipelago of 572 islands, islets, and rocks stretching 800 kilometres from the Irrawaddy Delta of Myanmar in the north down to Indonesia and the Six Degree Channel in the south.
Geographically, the islands are the submerged summits of the Arakan mountain range — the same geological chain that forms Myanmar's Rakhine hills. The Andaman Islands are topographically mountainous, covered in dense tropical evergreen forests, while the coral-rich coastlines host some of the world's finest pristine reefs.
The archipelago is governed as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory from Port Blair, the capital, accessible by daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi, or by passenger ship services (36-hour journey) from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.
🌊 The Underwater Wonders of Andaman Sea
The Andaman Sea is home to some of the last intact coral reef ecosystems in India. The underwater world features massive table corals, brain corals, sea fans, seahorses, manta rays, barracuda schools, Napoleon Wrasse, Whale Sharks (seasonal), and over 1,200 species of tropical fish.
2. 12 Island Directory
Havelock Island
Most popular tourist island with Radhanagar Beach (Asia's Best), Elephant Beach snorkeling, and multiple dive schools. 57 km from Port Blair by ferry.
Neil Island
Quiet, lush island famous for natural arch rock formations, Bharatpur coral beach snorkeling, and vivid bioluminescent phytoplankton in the shore waters at night.
Baratang Island
Accessible via a unique journey through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Famous for limestone sea caves (accessible by boat), mud volcanoes, and dense mangrove creek boat rides.
Little Andaman
The southernmost major island accessible from Port Blair (3 hours by ship). Features Butler Bay beach (famous surf break), White Surf Waterfall, and Netaji Nagar Watchtower.
South Andaman (Port Blair)
Gateway city to the islands. Features Cellular Jail National Memorial, Corbyn's Cove Beach, Anthropological Museum, Marina Park Aquarium, and the Aberdeen Bazaar seafood market.
Ross Island
Former capital of British Andaman administration. Jungle-reclaimed ruins of colonial buildings — Chief Commissioner's house, church, and the famous crumbling swimming pool — now roamed freely by spotted deer and peacocks.
3. Master 7-Day Circuit Itinerary
Arrival Port Blair → Cellular Jail → Ross Island
Port Blair Local CircuitArrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair. Check in to hotel. 10:00 AM: Visit Cellular Jail National Memorial — the colonial penal colony where Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned. 17:30 PM: Attend the iconic Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail. Evening motorboat to Ross Island (20-minute ride) to see jungle-claimed British ruins at sunset.
North Bay Snorkeling → Port Blair to Havelock Fast Ferry
1.5–2.5 hrs Ferry08:00 AM: Glass-bottom boat and snorkeling at North Bay Island (30 minutes from Phoenix Bay Jetty). Spot Crown-of-Thorns sea stars, moray eels, and juvenile reef sharks. 12:30 PM: Board fast ferry (Makruzz / Green Ocean) to Havelock Island. Arrive and check into beach resort. Evening walk on Beach No. 5 (Radhanagar Beach) at low tide.
Havelock Full Day: Radhanagar Sunrise + Elephant Beach Snorkeling
Havelock Island05:30 AM: Catch sunrise over the Andaman Sea at Radhanagar Beach — ranked Asia's best beach by Time magazine. Gentle waves, ivory-white sand, and tropical forest treeline. 10:00 AM: Speed boat to Elephant Beach (20 minutes) for world-class snorkeling over massive coral gardens. Afternoon: Optional certified scuba dive (Aqua India / Dive India operators).
Havelock → Neil Island → Bharatpur Beach Natural Arch
30-min FerryMorning ferry from Havelock to Neil Island (30 min). Rent a bicycle and explore the island. Visit Natural Bridge Rock — a natural coral rock arch standing at the sea edge. Snorkel at Bharatpur Beach coral garden and Laxmanpur Beach for bioluminescence after dark.
Neil → Port Blair → Baratang Limestone Caves
3 hrs Andaman Trunk Road JourneyEarly ferry back to Port Blair. Join convoy for Andaman Trunk Road through Jarawa Tribal Reserve (convoy departs at set timings). Arrive at Baratang — board motorboat through dense mangrove creeks to reach sea Limestone Caves. Detour to active Mud Volcanoes. Return by evening convoy.
Rangat → Long Island → Yerrata Beach Camping
North Andaman ExploreDrive north to Rangat (120 km) and visit Amkunj Beach — a hidden beach known for mangrove walks and bioluminescent waters. Take a government boat to Long Island for virgin beaches with no tourist crowds. Night camp at a forest camp near Yerrata Beach.
Return Port Blair → Corbyn's Cove → Departure
Airport TransferReturn to Port Blair. Relaxed morning swim at Corbyn's Cove Beach. Shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar for natural sea shell jewellery and Andamanese handicrafts. Transfer to airport for afternoon flight departure.
4. Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Deep Dive
| Beach | Official Name | Distance from Jetty | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach No. 1 | Vijaynagar Beach | 7 KM | Long, wide beach; most resorts located here |
| Beach No. 3 | Vijaynagar Beach (NE stretch) | 8.5 KM | Quieter stretch with fishing boats |
| Beach No. 5 (★★★) | Radhanagar Beach | 12 KM | Asia's Best Beach — clear turquoise water, white sand, no facilities |
| Elephant Beach | Reef Point | Boat Only | Dense shallow coral gardens — best snorkeling in Andamans |
| Kalapathar Beach | Kalapathar | 15 KM | Black rocky shoreline with dramatic wave crashing |
5. Neil Island Coral Garden Guide
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is nicknamed the "Vegetable Bowl of Andamans" as it supplies fresh produce to Port Blair. The island is 37 km² and completely free of the frenetic tourism that marks Havelock. Located in India, The Master Andaman Islands Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.
Its three main beaches — Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur — each offer distinct character. Bharatpur, near the jetty, has excellent snorkeling over shallow coral heads. Sitapur Beach faces west — perfect for photographing dramatic sunsets. Laxmanpur Beach is famous for its Natural Arch rock formation and for bioluminescent waves after dark during monsoon.
6. Baratang Limestone Caves Permit
⚠️ Jarawa Tribal Reserve Road Rules
The Andaman Trunk Road (ATH) passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve — home to the Jarawa tribe, one of the world's last uncontacted indigenous peoples. Strict rules apply: (1) Do not stop on the road. (2) Do not interact with, photograph, or offer food to Jarawa people. (3) Convoys are strictly supervised by armed escort police vehicles. Violations are a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Convoy Departure Times (Jirkatang) | 06:00 AM, 09:00 AM, 12:00 PM (northward) — check live updates |
| Total ATH Length through Reserve | 60 KM (approximately 1.5 hr drive at controlled slow speed) |
| Limestone Cave Permit | Issued at Baratang Forest Counter (₹50 Indian; ₹250 Foreigner) |
| Mangrove Creek Boat Duration | 30-minute one-way boat ride to Limestone Cave mouth |
| Mud Volcano Location | 4 km from Baratang village; accessible by 15-min hike through forest |
7. Top 12 Dive Sites Directory
8. Cellular Jail & Colonial History
Built between 1896 and 1906 by the British colonial government, the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) was designed to house Indian political prisoners in solitary cellular confinement — far from the Indian mainland with no hope of escape across the open ocean. Located in India, The Master Andaman Islands Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.
The jail originally had seven wings radiating out from a central watchtower like spokes of a wheel (hence "cellular"). Freedom fighters including Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Yogendra Shukla were imprisoned here under brutal conditions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Construction Period | 1896 – 1906 (10 years) |
| Total Cells | 696 individual cells across 7 wings (3 wings demolished) |
| Cell Size | 4.5 m × 2.7 m — barely enough for one prisoner and a bedroll |
| Light & Sound Show Timings | Hindi Show: 17:30 PM • English Show: 18:45 PM |
| Entry Ticket | ₹30 per Indian national; ₹300 per foreign national |
| Museum & Gallery | Open 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 13:30 PM – 16:45 PM (closed Mondays) |
9. Inter-Island Ferry Schedule
| Route | Operator | Duration | Approx. Fare (Economy) | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair → Havelock | Makruzz / Green Ocean / ITT | 1.5 – 2.5 hrs | ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 | Online 2–3 days ahead |
| Port Blair → Neil Island | Makruzz / Green Ocean | 1.5 hrs | ₹900 – ₹1,500 | Online booking |
| Havelock → Neil Island | Makruzz / ITT | 30 min | ₹600 – ₹900 | Counter or online |
| Port Blair → Long Island | Govt. Ferry (ANIIDCO) | 3 hrs | ₹200 – ₹350 | Phoenix Bay Jetty counter |
| Port Blair → Little Andaman | Govt. Ship | 6 – 8 hrs | ₹250 – ₹450 | Directorate of Shipping |
10. Permits, Jarawa Reserve & Rules
Indian nationals do not require a special permit for the main tourist islands. However: Located in India, The Master Andaman Islands Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for Nicobar Islands, Narcondam Island, and Interview Island. Not tourist-accessible for general visitors.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Entry fee required. Certain zones like Wandoor Beach are now closed to protect coral bleaching recovery.
- Jarawa Reserve Transit: No photography of Jarawa tribe. Keep vehicle windows rolled up. Convoy strictly at police pace. Do not stop for any reason.
11. 30-Eco Resort & Beach Camp Directory
| Property | Location | Category | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barefoot at Havelock | Beach 7, Havelock | Luxury Eco Resort | Beachfront bamboo cottages, own dive center |
| Symphony Palms | Beach 5, Havelock | Luxury Resort | 2 minutes walk to Radhanagar Beach |
| Emerald Gecko | Beach 5, Havelock | Boutique Eco Stay | Stylish cabanas in tropical garden setting |
| Pearl Park Beach Resort | Neil Island | Beach Resort | Sea-facing rooms with direct coral reef access |
| Peerless Sarovar Portico | Port Blair | City Hotel | Pool & sea view rooms, close to Cellular Jail |
| Sea Shell Hotel | Port Blair | Mid-Range | Popular base, multiple restaurant options |
| Blue Planet | Neil Island | Budget Eco Hut | Thatch-roof huts under coconut palms |
| Wild Orchid | Beach 5, Havelock | Boutique Resort | Garden pool, excellent open-air restaurant |
12. Ocean Conditions & Monsoon Calendar
| Season | Months | Conditions | Diving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Dry) Season | Oct – Feb | Calm seas, excellent visibility 20–30 m | ✅ Best diving all dive sites open |
| Shoulder Season | Mar – May | Slightly warmer, visibility 15–20 m | ✅ Good — some offshore sites accessible |
| South-West Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Rough seas, heavy rains, 2–5 m swells | ⚠️ Most ferries and dive boats suspended |
13. Andamanese Seafood Guide
The Andaman Islands are a seafood lover's paradise. Must-try dishes include Red Snapper curry in coconut milk, Grilled Barracuda, Lobster Thermidor, Crab Masala, fresh Coconut Prawn Fry, and Seafood Noodle Soup with influences from Burmese and Malay immigrant communities. Located in India, The Master Andaman Islands Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.
Best eating spots include Annapurna Cafeteria in Port Blair (local Andamanese thali), Full Moon Café on Havelock Beach 5, Anju Coco Resto on Neil Island, and the Aberdeen Bazaar fish market for buying fresh daily catch directly from fishermen.