Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tour Packages

About Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism: A union territory, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a conglomeration of 572 islands. It is the perfect destination for you to visit if you are looking for an international level travel experience within India.  Holidify offers you a plethora of fantastic Andaman and Nicobar Islands travel packages to experience the best of the region!

To give you a taste of what the best of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands looks like, your package includes destinations like Port Blair, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Ross Island and North Bay, and so much more! The capital city, Port Blair, is home to vast stretches of beaches, historical structures, museums and also serves as the headquarters for the INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy. Ross Island, or Netaji Subhash Bose Island is a short ferry ride away from Port Blair and is known for its British-era ruins and sanctuary housing deer, eagles, and peacocks.
Neil Island is a small island known primarily for its three beaches, namely Lakshmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Sitapur Beach.

You can go swimming, snorkelling, deep-sea diving, boating, fishing, scuba diving at the beaches and later on head over to the Neill Kendra market for some shopping! Havelock Island, majorly developed and massive, houses Ritchie's Archipelago and the five villages of Radha Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Shyam Nagar, Govinda Nagar and Vijay Nagar. It's immaculate, like Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach, and Elephant Beach attracts large crowds.

The islands experience pleasant dry weather between October and March.  Holidify's various customisable and affordable Andaman Islands tour packages are perfect for travelling with friends and family. Here are some benefits of booking with Holidify:

Cost savings: Andaman tour package often provide cost savings compared to booking each component individually. The travel agents that work with us have established relationships with hotels, ferry operators, and transportation services, allowing them to negotiate discounted rates and pass on the savings to you.

Expert planning and itinerary: When you book a Andaman package trip, you benefit from the expertise of travel professionals who have extensive knowledge about Andaman. They can help you plan an itinerary that covers the popular attractions and activities based on your preferences and the duration of your trip. 

Ferry booking: Andaman is a group of islands, and ferry travel is an essential mode of transportation to explore different islands. Booking a Andaman tour package usually includes ferry bookings, saving you the trouble of arranging it separately. The tour operator will handle the logistics, ensuring you have the necessary ferry tickets for your desired routes.

Hotel bookings: With a Andaman tour package, hotel bookings are often included. The tour operator will recommend and book accommodations based on your preferences and budget. They have partnerships with various hotels, ensuring you get suitable options that meet your needs. 

Local commute: Andaman Package usually covers local transportation arrangements, including transfers from the airport to your hotel and transportation for sightseeing and excursions. This saves you the hassle of figuring out local transportation options and negotiating fares.

Must Know Before Visiting Andaman

• Port Blair, the capital of this union territory, has a major airport and seaport connected with the rest of the country and with various tourist islands via multiple daily ferries. 
• Havelock and Neil Islands are popular among tourists for their white sandy beaches and excellent diving options.
• You can enter from Port Blair via flight or ship and spend multiple nights in Havelock and Neil Islands that offer some great resorts. 
• Port Blair is generally used as a base city to catch ferries to nearby islands. You can also spend a day or two here to explore the town and nearby beaches. 
• Some Andaman packages also include day trips to Ross Island and North Bay Island or Baratang and Jolly Buoy island from Port Blair.
• Apart from BSNL, the Airtel network is now available in Port Blair and Andaman and at a few points in Neil Island. It will be difficult to get connectivity for any other cellular service.

Places to Visit in Andaman

Radhanagar Beach: Awarded with the title of 'Asia's Best Beach' by the TIMES magazine in 2004, Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island with its turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands lives up to the moniker. Its vast shores of endless white grains stretch across 2 kilometres, making it a prime attraction of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Cellular Jail: The Cellular Jail, also known as 'Kala Pani' is an old colonial prison situated in Port Blair. Constructed by the Britishers during their colonial rule in India, the jail was used particularly to exile Indian political prisoners. The jail complex is now owned by the Government of India and it is recognised as the national memorial monument that showcases the life of prisoners during the British era. A light and sound show is held here every evening.

Ross Island: Ross Island is an uninhabited island, located just 2 kilometres east of Port Blair. At first sight of the island, it is tough to believe that this abandoned place was once the seat of British power and housed everything from a bazaar, a church, stores, bakery, a water treatment plant, tennis court, printing press, secretariat, hospital, cemetery and other vital institutions. Today, everything has disappeared except a few buildings, which housed some of these landmarks. The prime attraction here is the Japanese Bunker and a light and sound show conducted every evening. 

Elephant Beach: With its brilliant coral reefs and alluring cyan waters, the Elephant beach is a prime destination for tourists wishing to engage in watersports like snorkelling, swimming, banana boat rides, speed boats and diving. For those who are here to relax, the beach offers some exciting food and drink options while one lounges leisurely on the sands. One could also engage in other adventurous activities like bird-watching, trekking and kayaking. 

North Bay Island: North Bay Island in Andaman is most preferred by tourists for its breathtaking coral reefs and exhilarating adventure activities. This island competes with some of the most beautiful islands all over the world when it comes to attracting tourists. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and glass boat rides are what allures tourists the most. You will find more things to do here than at Neil Island or Havelock.

Neil Island: Neil Island is a part of the South Andaman Administrative District. A part of the massive ocean separates it from Ross Island and Havelock Island. Tourists visiting Havelock often make a day-long trip to Neil Island. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this island is its three sandy beaches, namely Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach and Lakshmanpur Beach. Due to its limited area, Neill Island can be covered with a simple walk. All three beaches are exquisite and extraordinarily clean and are well-connected to the mainland as well.

Chidiya Tapu: Known as the bird island, Chidiya Tapu is a picturesque little island in the Andamans, located around 25 kms from Port Blair. While birdwatching is the main allure of the location, there are some fun water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea walking, pearl hunting, and boating that one could engage in along its shores. The Sunset point of the island is considered one of the best sunset points in the Andamans. A trekking trail is also available here.

Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Corbyn's Cove is the nearest beach to Port Blair. The facilities for water sports are also not as impressive as many other beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But if one wants to, they can go Jet Skiing or go on a short boat ride into the sea. Certain parts of the Corbyn’s Cove Beach have some seating arrangement to get a good view of the horizon from a little height. There are some shacks that sell local snacks, drinks, coconut water etc. 

Viper Island: Years before Cellular Jail was constructed, Viper Island was used by the British to keep the freedom fighters in exile. You can still see the remains of the jail which was built in 1867 by the British. It is located at a distance of 10 minutes ferry ride from Port Blair. On the way to the island, you will also come across the main port and the navy ships of Port Blair. You can also enjoy the view of the cellular jail and its tower from the boat. 

Havelock Island: Havelock Island is one of the largest and most popular isles in the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.  The southern coast of the island has the charming Radhanagar Beach, while the azure beauty of Vijayanagar Beach is situated towards the east of the island. Elephant beach and Kalapather beach are two other destinations where the sunrise and sunsets are absolutely divine. Most Andaman tour packages include a 1 to 2 night stay in Havelock Island.

Things to Do in Andaman

Scuba Diving: Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a popular spot for scuba diving among tourists. Most popular island among all the islands for the dives however, is Havelock. It is an ideal diving destination for everyone, right from a novice to an experienced diver. For non-certified amateur divers, charges start from about INR 3,500 for a 30 minute dive

Snorkelling: There are various centres that offer short courses and provide the equipment required for snorkelling. They consist of various programmes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers. You can experience snorkelling at North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Red Skin Island, in Wandoor, Long Island, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Neill Island, South Button, Henry Lawrence Beach, Rutland Island and Kalipur. 

Mangrove Kayaking: Known for their breathtaking beauty, immense greenery, and numerous water bodies, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal destination for mangrove kayaking. Tour packages are available for morning and night. Port Blair, Havelock, Ross Island and Baratang are some of the most popular locations for the activity. Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Park is a well-known spot for mangrove kayaking, and the trip goes through the mangroves, a narrow lagoon, tiny islets, and open areas.

Sea Walking: An absolute joy for adventure lovers who wish to avoid diving and swimming constantly, sea walking is an excellent way to experience marine life in peace. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer multiple opportunities to go down to the sea bed, walk around and discover the unique geographical elements, coral reefs, fish and other aquatic life. Instructors prepare with a short tutorial and accompany throughout the sea walk’s duration. Havelock Island, Ross Island and North Bay are ideal for sea walking.

Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat: A one-of-a-kind boat experience, a ride atop the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat on North Bay Island is an excellent way to discover the island’s diverse marine life and coral reefs without actually having to go underwater. An international-quality speedboat, the Glass Bottom Dolphin Boat is the only one of its kind in India, with similar ones being found only in Australia. Suitable for adults and children alike, the ride provides an opportunity to discover various sea turtles, colourful fish and coral reefs.

Why Buy Tour Packages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Geographical Isolation: The Andaman Islands are isolated in the Bay of Bengal, and planning a trip independently may pose logistical challenges. An Andaman tour package addresses these concerns by providing well-organized itineraries, including transportation and ensuring a hassle-free journey to and within the islands.

Permit Requirements: Certain areas in the Andaman Islands require permits for entry. Navigating through these bureaucratic processes can be time-consuming and complex. Andaman packages typically handle all necessary permits, saving travelers from the hassle and ensuring a seamless exploration of the region.

Diverse Islands and Activities: The Andaman archipelago comprises numerous islands, each with its own charm. An Andaman tour package is curated to showcase the diversity of the islands, offering a mix of serene beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and historical sites. It ensures that travelers experience the best of what each island has to offer.

Cultural Immersion: The indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contribute to the region's unique cultural tapestry. Engaging with these communities requires sensitivity and adherence to guidelines. Andaman packages facilitate respectful interactions, allowing travelers to learn about the rich cultural heritage without causing any disruption.

Marine Life and Adventure: The Andaman Islands are renowned for their rich marine life and water-based activities. Coordinating activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports can be challenging independently. Andaman travel packages often include these activities, providing expert guidance, equipment, and ensuring safety standards are met.

Varied Accommodation Options: The Andaman Islands offer a range of accommodation options, from beachside resorts to eco-friendly stays. Booking suitable accommodations independently can be overwhelming. An Andaman and Nicobar tour package streamlines this process, offering options tailored to preferences and ensuring a comfortable stay.

Transportation Challenges: Traveling between islands in the Andaman archipelago involves a mix of ferries and flights. Coordinating these transport modes can be complex. Andaman packages handle transportation logistics, ensuring timely transfers and minimizing the risk of disruptions.

Conservation and Environmental Responsibility: The fragile ecosystems of the Andaman Islands require responsible tourism practices. Andaman travel packages often partner with eco-friendly initiatives and adhere to sustainable tourism guidelines, ensuring that travelers can enjoy the beauty of the islands without compromising their natural integrity.

Ideal Duration of Andaman Trip

The ideal duration for an enchanting trip to the Andaman Islands, according to Holidify's recommendations, is typically between 4 to 7 days. Here's a breakdown of how you can make the most of your time in this tropical paradise:

4-7 Day Trip: This duration allows you to explore the main highlights of Andaman, including Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island. You can indulge in water sports, relax on pristine beaches, and visit iconic attractions like Cellular Jail, Radhanagar Beach, and Natural Bridge. You can also add Ross Island and North Bay in this duration.

7-9 Day Trip: Extending your stay to 7 or 9 days provides a more relaxed pace. You can explore additional islands like Ross and Smith Island and Baratang (known for its Mangroves). 

Best Time to Visit Andaman

The best time to visit the Andaman Islands, as recommended by Holidify, is during the winter months, from October to April. While winter is the most popular time to visit, Andaman is a year-round destination. Here's why:

Pleasant Weather: During this period, Andaman experiences pleasant and relatively dry weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It's perfect for outdoor activities, water sports, and beach excursions.
Crystal Clear Waters: The sea is calm, and underwater visibility is at its best, making it an ideal time for snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring the vibrant marine life. The coral reefs around Havelock and Neil Island are especially captivating.
Festivals and Events: You can also experience the vibrant cultural festivals of Andaman, such as the Island Tourism Festival in January, which showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the islands.
Post-Monsoon Freshness: The post-monsoon period (October to November) brings lush greenery to the islands, offering a picturesque backdrop for your travels.

If you don't mind occasional rain, you can also consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to September when the islands are less crowded, and you may find attractive discounts on accommodations and activities. However, it's essential to be prepared for some rain during this time.