Land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in the late afternoon or early evening, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes for baggage collection and the taxi queue. Prepaid taxis and app-based availability can be inconsistent, so a hotel-arranged transfer is the least stressful option; most central Port Blair hotels are about 10–20 minutes away, depending on traffic. August can bring sudden heavy showers, so keep a rain layer and waterproof phone pouch handy.
After settling in, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Corbyn’s Cove Beach, around 15–25 minutes from central Port Blair. The beach is best treated as an easy first-evening stop rather than a swimming destination: stroll the palm-lined shore, watch the light change over the bay, and leave some flexibility for rain. Small snack stalls and coconut vendors are usually present, but avoid carrying valuables onto the sand. Plan about 1–1½ hours here, returning before it gets too late; fares should be agreed in advance, with a short auto ride often costing roughly ₹150–₹300 depending on your starting point.
Head to New Lighthouse Restaurant on the waterfront for dinner, allowing about 20–30 minutes by taxi or auto from Corbyn’s Cove. The menu is a comfortable introduction to the islands, with seafood, Indian dishes, rice, and simple preparations; budget approximately ₹500–₹1,000 per person. After dinner, continue to Aberdeen Bazaar, the liveliest central shopping area, for an hour of browsing handicrafts, packaged island snacks, and everyday local life. Shops commonly wind down around 8:30–9:00 PM, so go straight after dinner rather than leaving the market until late. Keep purchases modest tonight—you will have better energy for sightseeing after breakfast tomorrow.
Start at Samudrika Naval Marine Museum when it opens, usually around 9:00 AM; allow about 1½ hours. This compact museum is the best introduction to the islands’ reefs, shells, mangroves, and marine life, with a small aquarium and displays that make the rest of the trip more meaningful. Take an auto-rickshaw or hotel taxi from central Port Blair—roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic—and carry some cash for the entrance fee, generally under ₹100. From here, continue by auto to the Anthropological Museum, about 10–15 minutes away. Spend around an hour, but approach the exhibits respectfully: they document Indigenous communities and cultures, and photography may be restricted in parts of the museum. It is commonly open from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a midday closure on some days, so arriving before lunch is sensible.
Have lunch near Aberdeen Bazaar, then take a short taxi or auto ride to Cellular Jail for the afternoon. Give yourself roughly two hours to walk through the former prison, including the galleries, central courtyard, and upper levels; the heat can be intense, so wear light clothing and bring water. Tickets are inexpensive, but check the day’s visiting hours and show schedule locally because maintenance or weather can cause changes. Return to the jail in the evening for the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show—arrive at least 30 minutes early to collect or validate tickets and get through the entry queue. The Hindi and English performances run on selected days and times, so confirm the language and slot when booking; expect about an hour.
After the show, walk or take an auto-rickshaw toward Aberdeen Bazaar for dinner at a well-reviewed local restaurant—Annapurna Cafeteria is a dependable choice for South Indian vegetarian food, while seafood-focused restaurants around central Port Blair are better for fish curry or grilled catch. Budget ₹400–₹900 per person, and expect dinner service to wind down around 9:30–10:00 PM. Keep the evening unhurried: traffic is generally manageable, but autos may quote higher fares after the show, so agree on the price before setting off.
Have breakfast early and reach the Water Sports Complex jetty on the Aberdeen waterfront by about 8:00 AM. The boat crossing to Ross Island is short, but allow around 30 minutes for ticket checks, boarding, and possible queues; boat schedules and sailings can change with tides and August weather. Return tickets for the combined boat circuit generally cost about ₹500–₹1,000 per person, with equipment and activities charged separately. Carry water, sun protection, footwear with a firm grip, and only a small day bag—the jetty can be busy and exposed.
Spend roughly three hours on Ross Island, now officially called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, following the shaded paths through the old British administrative settlement. Look for the remains of the chief commissioner’s residence, church, bakery, and swimming pool as banyan roots gradually reclaim the ruins. Deer are often seen near the paths, but do not feed them. The island has limited shade and basic refreshments, so take your time rather than trying to cover every trail; boats may be adjusted or cancelled if the sea becomes rough.
Continue by boat to North Bay Island for about two hours, choosing either a glass-bottom boat ride or introductory snorkeling if conditions are calm and the operators are running. Visibility varies considerably after rain, and the boat crew—not a fixed itinerary—will make the final call on entering the water. Expect roughly ₹500–₹1,500 for a basic activity, and confirm the total price, duration, and whether gear is included before paying. After returning to Aberdeen, take an unhurried hour along the waterfront, watching the harbor traffic and cooling off with a drink before dinner. For a casual seafood meal near the jetty, try New Lighthouse Restaurant on M.G. Road; fish curry, fried local catch, prawns, and rice usually work out to around ₹500–₹1,000 per person. Ask what arrived fresh that day, and allow extra time for service.
Take the earliest suitable Makruzz or comparable scheduled ferry to Swaraj Dweep; the sailing itself usually takes around 1½–2½ hours, and arriving in the morning leaves a comfortable buffer for the afternoon. Your ferry ticket should show the final boarding point, as operators can use different terminals around Haddo Wharf. Carry a light day bag with sunscreen, swimwear, dry clothes, and valuables—the sea can be choppy, particularly in late August. On arrival, collect your luggage and take an auto-rickshaw or pre-arranged hotel transfer to Govind Nagar; allow roughly 20–30 minutes depending on where you are staying. Keep the afternoon flexible in case the ferry runs late.
After checking in and having a quick lunch near Govind Nagar, head to Elephant Beach for the day’s main outing. The excursion generally involves a short boat transfer arranged through a local operator, with the complete experience taking about three hours. Snorkeling is the highlight, while beginner-friendly activities such as a glass-bottom boat ride or sea walking may be offered depending on sea conditions and availability. Expect roughly ₹1,000–₹2,500 per person for a shared excursion, with equipment and activities often charged separately. August weather can bring cancellations or reduced visibility, so use a licensed operator, confirm the return boat time, and avoid carrying loose electronics; there are limited changing and storage facilities on the beach.
Return to Govind Nagar, freshen up, and have an easy dinner at Full Moon Cafe, a relaxed, open-air spot known for simple Indian and international dishes. Budget approximately ₹500–₹1,000 per person, and allow about 1½ hours; service can be leisurely, which suits the island pace. Afterwards, walk down to Govind Nagar Beach for around 45 minutes. It is quieter than the island’s headline beaches and makes a pleasant first-night introduction to Havelock, especially as the sky darkens. Bring a torch or use your phone’s light for the walk back, and arrange an auto-rickshaw in advance if your accommodation is beyond easy walking distance.
Start early for Radhanagar Beach, ideally leaving your resort around 7:30–8:00 AM by rented scooter, auto-rickshaw, or hotel taxi. The drive from the main Swaraj Dweep jetty area takes roughly 30–40 minutes; scooters commonly cost about ₹400–₹700 per day, while a taxi for the outing may be ₹1,500–₹2,500. Spend the cooler morning on the wide white-sand beach, when the water is usually calmer and the crowds are lighter. Swimming is generally best near the designated safe areas, but follow the lifeguards’ flags and avoid going far out, especially during monsoon conditions. There is usually no meaningful admission fee, though changing facilities and refreshments are basic, so carry water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag.
After roughly three hours at Radhanagar Beach, stop at a simple beachside café near the access road for lunch and fresh juice. Expect around ₹300–₹700 per person; service can be leisurely, so allow a full hour rather than trying to eat quickly. Keep the order uncomplicated—rice, noodles, grilled fish, or fruit juice—and confirm prices before ordering, as menus and opening hours vary in the quieter August season. Then continue by scooter or auto for about 35–45 minutes to Kalapathar Beach, on the eastern side of the island. Give yourself around two hours here for the striking blue-green water, driftwood, and a quieter shoreline; swimming may be less suitable than at Radhanagar because of rocks, currents, and seasonal wave conditions, so treat it primarily as a scenic walk and photography stop.
Return toward western Havelock Island before dusk, allowing at least 45 minutes because wet roads, potholes, and occasional rain can slow the ride. Finish at a sunset viewpoint near the western coast, choosing an open stretch or resort-side lookout rather than trying to navigate unfamiliar forest roads after dark. Sunset is often around 5:45–6:00 PM in late August, but clouds can obscure it, so arrive by about 5:15 PM for the changing light. Afterward, head back to your accommodation for dinner; avoid riding quickly at night, as road lighting is limited and stray dogs or fallen branches are common after rain.
Begin at Govind Nagar Beach around 7:00–7:30 AM, before the heat builds and while the water is usually at its calmest. Spend about 1½ hours swimming or walking the shoreline; keep footwear nearby because small coral and shell fragments can make parts of the beach uncomfortable barefoot. From the main jetty area, it is only a short auto-rickshaw ride, or roughly 10 minutes by scooter. There is no meaningful entry fee, but bring cash for tea, water, and changing-room use where available.
Continue east by scooter or auto to Vijay Nagar Beach, allowing around 15–20 minutes depending on your starting point and road conditions. This coast feels quieter, with tropical forest and palms coming right down toward the shore, so it is better for a peaceful walk and photographs than for a long swim. Spend about 1½ hours here, then have a simple lunch at a nearby resort restaurant rather than rushing back toward the jetty; service on this side of the island can be leisurely, and August weather may bring a sudden shower.
After lunch, take an easy two-hour bicycle or scooter loop through Havelock’s forest roads, passing village lanes, coconut plantations, and stretches of dense green between the beach settlements. Ask your rental provider to check the scooter’s brakes, fuel, and rain cover, and carry your driving licence; expect roughly ₹400–₹700 for a scooter or ₹100–₹250 for a bicycle, with fuel extra. Avoid unfamiliar sandy tracks after rain, and aim to be back near Govind Nagar before dusk, when some roads become poorly lit.
For dinner, choose a well-reviewed Indian or seafood restaurant near Govind Nagar, such as Full Moon Café or Something Different—A Beachside Café, budgeting about ₹500–₹1,000 per person and allowing around 1½ hours. Finish with a relaxed browse through the Govind Nagar market area, where small shops sell snacks, drinks, beach essentials, and basic supplies. Pick up sealed water, biscuits, and fruit for the next day’s ferry journey; most shops close around 8:30–9:00 PM, and it is worth confirming your ferry ticket, boarding point, and reporting time before turning in.
Take an early scheduled ferry from Swaraj Dweep to Shaheed Dweep, allowing extra time for August–September weather delays and arriving at the jetty 45–60 minutes before boarding. The crossing generally takes 1–2 hours; once you arrive, arrange an auto-rickshaw through your hotel or the jetty stand. Head first to Bharatpur Beach, where the shallow, usually calm water is ideal for a relaxed swim. Glass-bottom boat rides are available when sea conditions permit—typically around ₹500–₹1,000 per person—though operators may pause trips if the wind or swell rises. Allow about two hours, and keep valuables with your driver or in a waterproof bag.
Continue by auto-rickshaw toward the Natural Bridge, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes from Bharatpur Beach depending on traffic and road conditions. Visit around low tide, when the coastal walk and rock formation are easiest to appreciate; check the day’s tide times locally before setting out. Wear sandals with a firm grip, as the rocks can be slippery and sharp, and avoid walking too close to the water’s edge. After about 1½ hours, stop for lunch at a simple local vegetarian or seafood restaurant around Neil Bazaar. Expect ₹300–₹700 per person; choose the busiest clean-looking café, and ask what seafood arrived that morning rather than relying on a fixed menu.
After lunch, take an auto-rickshaw to Laxmanpur Beach, allowing around 15–20 minutes. Settle in for the evening rather than trying to add another stop—the broad shoreline and quieter atmosphere make this one of the best places on Shaheed Dweep for sunset. Bring water, mosquito repellent, and a torch for the walk back, as lighting can be limited after dark. Sunset timing is roughly 5:45–6:00 PM in early September, but clouds often create the most dramatic colors; arrange a return auto with your accommodation before leaving, since roadside availability becomes patchy after sunset.
Leave your hotel before dawn for Sitapur Beach, ideally reaching the sand around 5:30–6:00 AM for a peaceful sunrise. The beach is on the eastern side of Shaheed Dweep, roughly 15–25 minutes by auto-rickshaw from the bazaar area; arrange a return ride in advance, as autos are less frequent early in the morning. Spend about 1½ hours walking the shore and taking in the rocky coastal scenery. Swimming can be unsafe here, particularly with swell or a changing tide, so treat it as a sunrise and photography stop rather than a bathing beach.
After breakfast, hire a bicycle or auto-rickshaw for a relaxed tour through the Neil Island village and paddy-field roads. Allow around two hours, keeping the pace slow: the interior is best enjoyed for its palms, small homes, fields, ponds, and glimpses of everyday island life rather than for specific landmarks. Bicycles are practical on the flatter roads, though an auto-rickshaw is more comfortable in August’s humidity and on wet stretches. Ask the driver to use quieter farm roads and confirm the full fare before setting off.
Stop at a small café near Neil Bazaar for tea, fresh fruit, and a light lunch. Menus and opening hours vary, but most local cafés begin serving breakfast and snacks from around 8:00–9:00 AM; expect roughly ₹200–₹500 per person and allow an hour. Carry cash, as card machines and mobile connectivity can be unreliable. After lunch, continue by auto-rickshaw to Laxmanpur Beach 2, generally a 15–20-minute ride from the bazaar. Spend about 1½ hours enjoying the quieter shoreline and reef views; check the tide before walking over exposed rocks, wear sturdy sandals, and avoid stepping on coral or entering the water if the sea is rough.
Finish with an early dinner at a seafood restaurant near the Neil jetty, ideally arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM before the area becomes quieter. Ask what was landed that day rather than ordering a dish that may not be available; fish curry, grilled catch, and simple rice-and-vegetable meals are usually the safest choices. Budget approximately ₹400–₹900 per person and keep dinner unhurried, but confirm the next morning’s ferry arrangements with your hotel before turning in. Island restaurants can take time to prepare food, and ferry counters or agents may close early, so avoid leaving tickets, luggage plans, or transport arrangements until late at night.
Take the earliest practical scheduled ferry from Shaheed Dweep to Port Blair, arriving at the jetty 45–60 minutes before departure with passports, tickets, and valuables in your hand luggage. The crossing usually takes about 1½–2½ hours, though August–September weather can cause delays. Once you reach Port Blair, collect your luggage and take a pre-arranged taxi or auto-rickshaw to Chatham Saw Mill on Chatham Island—roughly 20–30 minutes from the jetty, depending on traffic. If it is open, allow about an hour for the historic site; confirm same-day visiting hours locally, as access can be restricted and operating times may vary. Keep luggage with your driver rather than leaving it unattended.
From Chatham Saw Mill, continue by taxi toward the waterfront and stop at the Japanese Bunkers, wartime concrete remnants that take around 30 minutes to see. They are a brief, atmospheric detour rather than a major attraction, so this is a good place to stretch your legs and take a few final photographs without committing to a long visit. Allow roughly 15–20 minutes for the transfer, and ask the driver to wait if you have checked luggage.
Finish at Aberdeen Bazaar, where a café such as Ananda Restaurant or Courtyard Café is convenient for a final meal before the airport. Budget approximately ₹300–₹700 per person and allow about an hour, but verify opening times on the day. Keep this stop practical: use the nearby shops for snacks or packaged water, then leave for Veer Savarkar International Airport around two hours before your domestic flight—closer to 2½ hours if your ferry was delayed or you are travelling during a busy holiday period. The airport is generally 10–20 minutes from central Aberdeen Bazaar by taxi, but pre-arrange the vehicle and keep your ferry ticket and onward flight details accessible.