Discovering Andaman: A Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary
Friday, December 8: Arrival in Andaman
Welcome to Andaman! Upon arrival, check into your preferred hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby beach and enjoying the serene surroundings.
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Cellular Jail National Memorial. Explore the historic prison and learn about India's struggle for independence. Afterward, head to the picturesque Corbyn's Cove Beach for some relaxation and water activities.
Afternoon: Make your way to the Samudrika Marine Museum, showcasing Andaman's rich marine life. Discover interesting exhibits and get insights into the region's flora, fauna, and tribal culture.
Evening: Watch the captivating Light and Sound Show at the Cellular Jail. As the evening descends, the show narrates the hardships faced by freedom fighters in the jail, offering a powerful and emotional experience.
Cellular Jail National Memorial: Approx. cost: INR 30, Time spent: 2 hours
Light and Sound Show: Approx. cost: INR 100, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Annapurna Restaurant, located near Port Blair. Known for its authentic regional flavors, this restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, head to New Lighthouse Restaurant, a charming eatery with a stunning view of the sea. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Lighthouse Residency Restaurant. This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines, making it a great choice for diverse palates. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Havelock Island Escape
Morning: Catch an early ferry to Havelock Island. Once there, head straight to Radhanagar Beach, listed among the top beaches in Asia. Enjoy the pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and lush greenery surrounding this beautiful spot.
Afternoon: Embark on an underwater adventure with snorkeling or scuba diving. Discover the colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life, creating a fascinating underwater world.
Evening: Return to Port Blair and relax at your hotel or take a leisurely stroll around the local market.
Havelock Island ferry: Approx. cost: INR 800 (round trip), Time spent: 2 hours (one way)
Radhanagar Beach: Approx. cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving: Approx. cost: INR 1,000-5,000 (depending on package), Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Driftwood Cafe in Havelock Island. It offers a delicious range of continental and Indian breakfast options, with an average cost of about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try the seafood specialties at Full Moon Cafe in Havelock Island. Their fresh catch of the day is a must-try, with an average cost of about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, visit Anju Coco Resto in Port Blair for a delightful mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine. The cozy ambiance and mouthwatering dishes come with an average cost of about ₹700 per person.
Monday, December 11: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Morning: Embark on a thrilling boat ride to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, located on Wandoor Island. Explore the stunning biodiversity of the park, spotting vibrant coral reefs, exotic fish species, and other marine creatures.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby Jolly Buoy Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and striking coral formations. Engage in water activities like snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and beachcombing.
Evening: Return to Port Blair and enjoy local cuisine at one of the popular restaurants in the city.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Approx. cost: INR 50 (entry fee), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Local restaurant: Approx. cost: INR 500, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Milan Restaurant: A cozy eatery located in Port Blair, offering a delicious breakfast spread of traditional Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
New Lighthouse Residency: A popular lunch spot in Port Blair, serving a variety of seafood and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Gagan Restaurant: A well-known dinner destination in Port Blair, specializing in Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Explore Ross Island and North Bay
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to Ross Island, the former administrative capital of the Andaman Islands during the British Raj. Explore the ruins and witness the island's history come to life through the preserved buildings and monuments.
Afternoon: Head to North Bay Island, known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Engage in activities like snorkeling, sea walking, or taking a thrilling ride on a semi-submarine to witness marine wonders up close.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing beachside dinner, savoring delectable seafood dishes and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Ross Island: Approx. cost: INR 30 (entry fee), Time spent: 2-3 hours
North Bay Island: Approx. cost: INR 500 (ferry), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Beachside dinner: Approx. cost: INR 1,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe by the sea that offers a wide range of breakfast delights such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Seafood Shack, a popular restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes like butter garlic prawns, grilled fish, and seafood pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the romantic ambiance of Ocean Breeze, a beachfront restaurant that serves an exquisite menu of grilled lobsters, tandoori prawns, and seafood pasta. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 13: Baratang Island Excursion
Morning: Embark on an exciting journey to Baratang Island, famous for its limestone caves and dense mangrove forests. Explore the natural wonders by boat and witness the fascinating mud volcanoes.
Afternoon: Visit the Parrot Island, known for its enchanting sunset views and flocks of vibrant parrots returning to their roosting sites.
Evening: Return to Port Blair and spend the rest of the day at leisure, indulging in last-minute shopping or relaxing by the beach.
Baratang Island tour: Approx. cost: INR 1,000-2,000 (depending on package), Time spent: Full day
Parrot Island: Approx. cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When visiting Andaman, don't miss out on exploring the off-the-beaten-path attractions and hidden gems. One such gem is the Corbyn's Cove Beach, perfect for a relaxed family picnic. Another local favorite is the Chidiya Tapu or the Bird Island, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and a diverse range of bird species. These lesser-known spots provide a refreshing break from the popular tourist sites, allowing you to experience Andaman's natural beauty and tranquility.