The Andaman Islands sit 1,400km off the coast of mainland India — closer to Myanmar than Chennai — and they look like they belong in a different country. The water is a shade of turquoise you won't find anywhere else on Indian soil. The beaches are clean and uncrowded. And on certain nights, the ocean itself glows blue with bioluminescent plankton.
For couples, the Andamans offer something increasingly rare: genuine isolation and beauty, at a price that's a fraction of comparable destinations in Southeast Asia. A 6-day trip to the Andamans for two costs less than a 3-day trip to Bali.
The Andaman archipelago has 572 islands. Three are most relevant for tourists:
Port Blair: The entry point (airport + harbour). Has its own sights — Cellular Jail (a moving Colonial-era prison, now a memorial), the Anthropological Museum, and Corbyn's Cove beach. Plan 1–2 days here before moving on.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The most popular island and rightly so. Home to Radhanagar Beach (voted Asia's best beach by Time magazine) and India's best scuba diving. Plan 3–4 days.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Smaller, quieter, and more lush than Havelock. Less developed, which means fewer tourists and a more intimate feel. Ideal for couples who want solitude. Plan 2 days.
The classic route: Port Blair (2 days) → Havelock (3 days) → Neil (2 days) → Port Blair (fly home).
Radhanagar Beach at sunset: This 2km arc of white sand backed by forest is genuinely one of Asia's most beautiful beaches. Arrive at 4:30 PM and watch the sky turn pink and orange over the Andaman Sea. Entry is free.
Scuba diving at Havelock: India's best visibility diving. The coral reefs here are relatively healthy compared to most of Asia. Beginners can do a Discover Scuba session (₹3,500 per person, no certification needed). Advanced divers can explore North Bay's WWII wreck. Dive operators: Barefoot Scuba, Ocean Tribe, and Lacadives.
Kayaking through bioluminescent water: Some operators (Barefoot Resort, Lacadives) offer night kayaking tours where the paddle strokes light up the water blue with dinoflagellate plankton. This only works on moonless nights — check the lunar calendar when booking.
Limestone caves at Baratang: A 100km journey from Port Blair involving a police convoy through the Jarawa tribal reserve, mangrove creek by boat, and a jungle walk to limestone cave formations. Unusual and memorable. ₹700 per person all-in from Port Blair.
Glass-bottom boat at North Bay: For couples who don't dive, a 2-hour glass-bottom boat trip from Port Blair shows you the coral reef without getting wet. ₹800 per person.
Our recommendation: Stay at Barefoot at Havelock for at least one night. It's built on the beachfront, uses sustainable architecture, and the restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in India. Rooms start at ₹12,000 but the experience is worth it for a celebration.
By Air (Recommended): Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair has direct flights from Chennai (1h 30m), Kolkata (1h 45m), Delhi (3h 15m), Bengaluru (2h 15m), and Hyderabad (2h 30m). Fares: ₹4,000–12,000 per person return depending on season and advance booking. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best prices.
By Ship: Passenger ships from Chennai and Kolkata run approximately twice a week (3–4 days at sea). It's an adventure in itself — but with limited cabin availability and no guarantee of calm seas in monsoon season. Budget travellers who have time sometimes do the ship one way and fly the other.
Between islands: Makruzz and Nautika ferries connect Port Blair to Havelock (90 minutes, ₹1,500–2,500 one way) and Havelock to Neil (45 minutes, ₹800–1,200). Book these in advance — they sell out during peak season (December–January). Government ferries are cheaper but slower and less comfortable.
Book ferries the moment flights are confirmed. The Makruzz and Nautika high-speed ferries sell out weeks in advance in peak season (Nov–Feb). Visit makruzz.com or register at andamantourism.gov.in.
Carry cash. Havelock and Neil have limited ATMs — Neil Island had just one ATM that was frequently empty as of 2024. Withdraw enough in Port Blair.
Sunscreen with coral reef safe labels only. The Andaman reefs are fragile. Standard sunscreens with oxybenzone destroy coral. Look for mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) instead.
Alcohol availability. The Andamans are relatively liberal. Most resorts serve alcohol; beer is widely available at beach shacks. Carry it from Port Blair if visiting Neil Island, where selection is limited.
Restricted areas. Several islands (North Sentinel Island, Jarawa Reserve) are protected — you cannot visit. Photographing tribal people is a legal offence in India.
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Written by the Coupl Team
Coupl helps couples manage shared finances — from travel budgets to joint accounts. This guide was last reviewed in February 2025.
3–5 days · ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 per couple
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