An Andaman & Nicobar Islands tour, focusing on Neil, Havelock, and Baratang, is a popular and well-rounded choice for travelers. These islands offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unique natural wonders, providing a perfect tropical getaway.
Here is a detailed guide to what a tour covering these specific islands might look like.
Most packages are structured with a base in Port Blair, the capital city, from which you travel to the other islands. A typical 6-7 day itinerary would be:
- Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair & Local Sightseeing
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXB) in Port Blair.
- Check into your hotel.
- In the evening, visit the famous Cellular Jail for the Light and Sound Show, a poignant tribute to India’s freedom fighters.
- Overnight stay in Port Blair.
- Day 2: Port Blair to Havelock Island
- After breakfast, board a private ferry (Makruzz, Green Ocean, etc.) to Havelock Island (now officially known as Swaraj Dweep).
- The ferry ride takes about 1.5-2.5 hours.
- Upon arrival, check into your resort and relax.
- In the evening, visit the world-famous Radhanagar Beach, renowned for its stunning sunset and pristine white sands.
- Overnight stay in Havelock.
- Day 3: Havelock Island Adventures
- Start your day with a visit to Elephant Beach, known for its vibrant coral reefs and water sports. You can reach it by a short boat ride or a trek through the forest.
- Engage in thrilling activities like snorkeling, sea walking, or a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the underwater world.
- The afternoon can be spent on leisure or on a scuba diving session, for which Havelock is a prime destination.
- Overnight stay in Havelock.
- Day 4: Havelock to Neil Island
- After breakfast, take a private ferry to Neil Island (now officially known as Shaheed Dweep), a small and tranquil island known for its untouched beauty.
- The journey is short, typically less than an hour.
- Upon arrival, check into your resort.
- Visit the beautiful beaches, such as Bharatpur Beach (known for water sports) and Laxmanpur Beach (famous for its natural rock formations and stunning sunset views).
- Overnight stay in Neil Island.
- Day 5: Neil Island to Baratang Island
- This is a less common route and requires careful planning. You would typically travel back to Port Blair by ferry and then take a road trip to Baratang.
- The journey to Baratang involves traveling through the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) in a convoy, which passes through a tribal reserve forest. This journey is an experience in itself, but photography and interaction with the Jarawa tribe are strictly prohibited.
- Upon reaching Baratang, you would take a ferry to the other side to explore the main attractions.
- Visit the fascinating Limestone Caves, which are reached by a thrilling boat ride through mangrove forests.
- See the unique Mud Volcano, a natural geological phenomenon.
- Overnight stay in Baratang or return to Port Blair. Given the travel time and limited accommodation, many tours opt for a day trip from Port Blair.
- Day 6: Baratang to Port Blair & Departure
- Travel back to Port Blair.
- Depending on your flight schedule, you can either depart on the same day or spend the evening exploring Port Blair’s local markets for souvenirs.
Key Attractions and Activities
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep):
- Laxmanpur Beach: Famous for its natural rock formations, especially the Natural Bridge. It is also an excellent spot for watching the sunset.
- Bharatpur Beach: Known for its calm, shallow waters and a variety of water sports, including snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Sitapur Beach: A serene spot famous for its breathtaking sunrise views.
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):
- Radhanagar Beach: Voted one of Asia’s best beaches. Its crescent shape, turquoise waters, and lush green forests make it a paradise for photographers and beach lovers.
- Elephant Beach: A hub for adventure activities like snorkeling, sea walking, and jet skiing. It is also known for its beautiful coral reefs.
- Scuba Diving: Havelock is a top diving destination in India with excellent visibility and a rich marine ecosystem.
- Baratang Island:
- Limestone Caves: A geological wonder where you can see stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The journey to the caves through mangrove creeks is a highlight.
- Mud Volcanoes: A unique sight to witness bubbling mud craters created by natural gases.
- Parrot Island: Known for its large population of parrots that flock to the island at sunset, creating a spectacular sight. This requires an overnight stay in Baratang.
Travel and Logistics
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the sea is calm, which is ideal for water activities and inter-island travel.
- Transportation: Travel between Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island is primarily by private ferries. Travel to Baratang is by road from Port Blair, which involves a bus or private cab and a short ferry ride.
- Permits: Indian citizens do not need a permit to visit most of the islands, including these, but foreigners may need a permit which can be obtained upon arrival at Port Blair.
- Accommodation: You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts, on these islands. Havelock and Neil have particularly well-developed tourism infrastructure.
