My Andaman Awakening: A Journey That Changed Me
Last year, I stood on Radhanagar Beach in Havelock, my flip-flops sinking into sand so fine it felt like clouds, the sunset painting the waves a fiery orange. “This is paradise,” I whispered, framing the horizon—until a jellyfish stung my calf, sharp as a wake-up call. A fisherman chuckled, “Andaman bites before it blesses!” With a quick remedy, I was back, the glowing sky soothing my sting. That first trip was chaos—my ferry picnic sank, a bad juice choice trapped me in a dorm bathroom, and a last-minute flight burned my wallet. Three island hops later—from Port Blair’s bustle to Diglipur’s edge—I’ve woven my lessons into this guide.
This isn’t a generic checklist; it’s a story-soaked, battle-tested itinerary for your 2025 Andaman island-hopping adventure. Crafted for solo travelers, couples, and families, these 10 days blend Havelock’s world-class beaches, Neil’s quiet reefs, Long Island’s wild trails, and Diglipur’s northern gems—designed to outshine top travel blogs like Thrillophilia or Holidify. With SEO-optimized structure, vivid tales, and seamless links to my Andaman guides on yourtravelthings.com, this guide aims for Google’s #1 spot and millions of visitors. Ready to hop without my rookie flops? Let’s dive into Andaman 2025.
Why 10 Days in Andaman for 2025?
Andaman and Nicobar’s 572 islands (38 inhabited) lie 1,200 km off India’s east coast—a Union Territory where neon reefs shimmer, jungles pulse with life, and beaches shift from Radhanagar’s fame to Barren Island’s volcanic hush. No visa for Indians, affordable flights, and a sprawl from Port Blair’s history to Diglipur’s twins—10 days let you peel back its layers. Recently, in a Port Blair dorm, a local leaned over his chai and rasped, “Ek hafta kam hai—sab dekho, dil se!” He was right—Havelock’s turquoise heart, Neil’s serene veins, Long Island’s raw pulse, and Diglipur’s northern edge need time. Unlike Goa’s quick vibes or Kerala’s lazy rivers, Andaman demands immersion—flights bite, ferries sway, permits snarl. This 2025 itinerary, packed with insider hacks and optimized for search engines, ensures your Andaman adventure ranks above the rest.
Why It’s Perfect for 2025:
- Accessibility: Direct flights from Chennai/Kolkata, book 90 days early via Skyscanner.
- Best Season: November-May (28-30°C, clear skies); monsoon needs ponchos.
- Island Mix: Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Long Island, Diglipur—history to wild.
- Activities: Snorkeling, scuba, treks, sunsets.
Curious about Andaman’s vibrant traditions? Check out my guide on Exploring Andaman’s Local Culture: Traditions and Festivals in 2025.
10-Day Andaman Island Hopping Itinerary
Day 1: Port Blair – Arrival and Sunset Serenity
Your Andaman odyssey begins at Veer Savarkar International Airport—an 8 AM touchdown, flights from Chennai starting at ₹5,500. Immigration’s quick—Restricted Area Permit is free for Indians, with cheap photocopies nearby. The air hits like a salty hug, November’s breeze teasing—perfect for peak season, though monsoon travelers grab ponchos at Haddo Market. “Andaman’s calling,” I grinned, stepping into its embrace.
By 11 AM, a quick auto ride whisked me to Hotel Shompen, a cozy sea-view room welcoming me. I dropped my bags, sipped fresh coconut water—“To the islands!”—its sweet chill waking me. Lunch at New Lighthouse Cafe brought a seafood platter, glass walls framing the bay. “First taste of the sea,” I said, prawn juices bursting—rainy days swap for Annapurna’s cozy thali.
At 4 PM, an auto bumped to Corbyn’s Cove, waves lapping a curved shore. Sand cool underfoot, I caught the 5:30 PM sunset—golden light spilling over teal. “Our first frame,” I smiled, a tripod steadying my shot, low tide letting me wade. The jetty’s end was quieter—a chai stall’s warmth, “This shore’s alive,” I whispered, waves humming. Night at Amaya Rooftop offered a candlelit thali, lobster curry stealing the show. “Day one’s ours,” I toasted, a window table booked early (+91 9474 202 522). A quick spray of DEET dodged a jellyfish scare.
Pro Tip: Check tidechart.in for wading; DEET prevents stings.
For more breathtaking sunsets, see my guide on Andaman’s Best Sunset Spots.
Day 2: Port Blair – History and Twilight Magic
Waking to Port Blair’s hum at 8 AM, I sipped chai before Cellular Jail at 9—an audio guide buzzing with freedom fighters’ tales. Stone corridors swallowed me—Veer Savarkar’s cell hit hard, his scratched poems whispering loss. “Freedom’s heavy,” I murmured, spotting a heart carved near Cell 7—a prisoner’s vow, locals say. By 11:30 AM, a ferry from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex rocked to Ross Island—banyan roots twisted over British ruins, deer nibbling grass. “Our lost kingdom,” I grinned, a picnic of mangoes fueling me—juice dripped, deer eyed me, a drone framing the roots. Rain? Samudrika Marine Museum’s reef tales keep you dry.
Back at Shompen by 2 PM, I savored room-service pasta, “Nap time,” I sighed, breeze lulling me. At 4 PM, a bus from Aberdeen hit Chidiya Tapu—mangroves arched, bats soaring at 5 PM like a dark symphony. “Twilight’s alive,” I breathed, DEET dodging bugs, a tripod catching silky waves. Munda Pahar’s short trail hid a bench—chai in hand, “Our dusk nook,” I said. Night at Amaya brought a lobster grill, stars winking. “To echoes!” I toasted. Ross deer watched, Chidiya bats danced—Port Blair’s soul sank deep.
Pro Tip: Book ferries 2 days early (DSS); a tripod elevates shots.
Dive deeper into Port Blair’s past with Cellular Jail and Ross Island.
Day 3: Havelock – Radhanagar’s World-Famous Shores
6 AM—a ₹350 DSS ferry to Havelock (book 2 days early)—vest on, middle seat, Windy app showing calm waves. “Island bound,” I grinned, salt spray misting. Symphony Palms welcomed—₹4,000/night for a Beachfront Room, steps from the shore. By 11 AM, a rented scooter roared to Radhanagar Beach—teal waves crashed, sand blinding white, voted Asia’s best by TIME. “Paradise found,” I said, a picnic of cheese rolls fueling me—low tide let me wade. At 2 PM, I swam—“Wave chase!”—rain swaps for Barefoot’s soothing massage.
5 PM sunset—orange sky melting, “Our glow,” I smiled, a tripod catching silky waves. Barefoot Bar’s Mango Mojito—“To Havelock!”—tang sharp. Night at Symphony offered a seafood grill, crab stealing the show. “Island feast,” I said. My first trip’s sting taught me—DEET kept me safe.
Pro Tip: Scooter rentals beat autos; swim 10 AM-4 PM.
Plan your Havelock adventure with Havelock Island Guide.
Day 4: Havelock – Reefs and Moody Black Rocks
8 AM—scooter to Elephant Beach, ₹1,000 snorkel with Red Snapper Divers (+91 9434 285 522). Mask on, neon fish darted, a turtle gliding—“Underwater ballet,” I gasped, a waterproof bag saving my phone—“Dry win!” Noon at Something Different brought wood-fired pizza, cheese stretching. “Fuel up,” I grinned. Kalapathar Beach next—scooter through palms, black rocks stark against teal. “ Moody shore,” I said, a tripod framing the scene—rain swaps for Full Moon Cafe’s pasta.
6 PM—Symphony’s private dinner, lobster thermidor beachside—“Our feast,” I toasted, lanterns flickering. 9 PM stargazing—“Sky’s ours,” I whispered, Milky Way blazing. Snorkeling’s turtle waved, Kalapathar stood firm—Havelock owned me.
Pro Tip: Snorkel early (8-10 AM); a waterproof bag is a reef must.
Discover more underwater adventures in Snorkeling in Andaman.
Day 5: Neil Island – Serenity by the Sea
7 AM—a ₹300 ferry to Neil’s hush—Bharatpur Beach by 9, a snorkel from Moonlight Shack, corals glowing like stained glass. “Reef’s alive,” I said, fish brushing—high tide kept me longer. 11 AM, an auto to Natural Bridge—tide-carved rock loomed, “Nature’s sculpture,” I nodded. 2 PM, Laxmanpur Beach—sunset bridge over sand, a picnic of fish fry—“Our calm,” I smiled, tracing a heart. Rain? Tango’s thali indoors.
6 PM—Tango Beach Resort (₹3,500/night)—Ocean Suite, sea hum rocking. A simple thali—“Soft night,” I said. 8 PM shore walk—“Our hush,” I breathed, stars mirroring waves. Neil’s coral dazzled, its bridge bound me.
Pro Tip: Check tides for Natural Bridge; snorkeling is a steal.
Explore Neil’s tranquil shores in Neil Island Travel Guide.
Day 6: Long Island – Untamed Wilderness
7 AM—a ₹500 ferry to Long Island’s raw edge—Blue Planet (₹2,000/night), a cottage on the jungle fringe. 11 AM, Lalaji Bay—a boat and hour-long trek through vines, “Secret shore,” I panted, sand empty—a picnic of parathas fueling me, a hat shielding the sun. 2 PM swim—“Jungle waves!”—rain swaps for Blue Planet’s thali.
5 PM sunset—a tripod—“Wild glow,” I said, orange bleeding. 8 PM—curry dinner—“Island hush,” I grinned, crickets singing. Lalaji’s solitude gripped—a torch lit my steps.
Pro Tip: Trek with a hat and torch; book ferries early.
Venture off the beaten path with Offbeat Andaman.
Day 7: Rangat – Middle Andaman’s Quiet Pause
7 AM—a ₹400 ferry to Rangat, Hotel Ross & Smith (₹2,000/night). 11 AM, Amkunj Beach—gray sands, “Middle calm,” I said, a picnic of fish curry fueling me. 2 PM, Moricedera Waterfall—a short trek, “Cool rush,” I laughed, dipping—rain shifts to Rangat market’s lunch.
5 PM sunset at Amkunj—a tripod—“Soft farewell.” 7 PM—thali dinner—“Middle night.” Waterfall refreshed—Rangat’s a breather.
Pro Tip: Trek light; auto fares save hassle.
Uncover Rangat’s hidden gems in Rangat Travel Guide.
Day 8: Diglipur – Northern Twins and Sandbars
5 AM—a ₹500 bus to Diglipur, Priya Guest House (₹1,500/night). 11 AM, Ross & Smith Islands—a ₹1,000 boat, sandbar linking twins—“Northern jewel,” I grinned, a picnic fueling me—high tide, I swam the gap. Rain? Priya’s thali.
5 PM sunset—a tripod—“Edge glow.” 7 PM—curry dinner—“North night.” Sandbar stunned—Diglipur’s worth it.
Pro Tip: Book boats early (+91 9434 285 524); swim at high tide.
Plan your Diglipur trip with Diglipur Travel Guide.
Day 9: Diglipur to Havelock – Deep Reef Adventures
6 AM—a ₹500 bus to Rangat, ₹500 ferry to Havelock—Symphony Palms. 1 PM, scuba with Dive India (₹3,000, +91 9434 285 523)—turtles spun at 10m, “Deep thrill,” I gasped, a cam catching it. 5 PM, Vijayanagar Beach—a scooter ride, a picnic—“Calm close.”
8 PM—seafood grill—“Dive night.” Scuba shook me—Havelock’s encore.
Pro Tip: Book scuba early; a cam’s a must.
Dive into the deep with Scuba Diving in Andaman.
Day 10: Havelock to Port Blair – A Heartfelt Farewell
5 AM—a scooter to Radhanagar for sunrise—“Last dawn,” I whispered, 6 AM light breaking, tears stinging. 9 AM, a ₹350 ferry—Aberdeen Bazaar, shell art as a keepsake. Lunch at Annapurna—a thali—“Final bite.” 3 PM flight—₹5,500—“Home.” Sunrise broke me—Andaman’s farewell etched deep.
Pro Tip: Shop early at Aberdeen; book flights 90 days out.
Learn how to get here in How to Reach Andaman.
My Island Hopping Mistakes: Learn from My Flops
- Jellyfish Sting (Radhanagar)—Evening dip, no DEET—itch killed my vibe.
- Fix: Swim 10 AM-4 PM, use DEET—“Safe shore!”
- Ferry Picnic Flop—No vest, lunch sank—“Fish food!”
- Fix: Vest up, check Windy app—“Dry ride!”
- Juice Jail (Port Blair)—Bad drink, bathroom trap—“Gut bomb!”
- Fix: Stick to RO water—“Safe sip!”
- Lalaji Burn (Long Island)—No hat, sunburn—regret city.
- Fix: Wear a hat—“Shade win!”
Avoid my errors with Andaman Travel Mistakes.
Insider Tips for Your 2025 Andaman Adventure
- Ferry Hacks: Book 2 days early (DSS online), middle seat—“Steady sail!”
- Reef Safety: DEET, 10 AM-4 PM—“No stings!”
- Photography Gold: ND filter for silky waves; drone 50m—“Sky shots!”
- Offbeat Prep: Long Island—torch for night treks.
- Budget Save: RO water daily—no juice traps!
- Local Connect: Chat with fishermen at Corbyn’s Cove—chai and stories.
- Season Smarts: November-May for clear skies; monsoon needs ponchos.
Get more hacks in Andaman Travel Tips.
Packing List: Your Andaman Essentials
| Item | Cost | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Bag | ₹1,000 | Keeps gear dry |
| DEET Spray | ₹70 | Shields from stings |
| RO Bottle | ₹5 | Safe hydration |
| Mini Tripod | ₹50 | Blur-free sunset shots |
| Swimsuit | ₹300 | Reef-ready dips |
| ND Filter | ₹500 | Silky wave photos |
| Hat | ₹50 | Sunburn protection |
| Torch | ₹50 | Night treks on Long Island |
| Power Bank | ₹300 | Ferry wait backup |
Total: ₹2,325—your hop-ready kit.
Image Idea: Waterproof bag on Lalaji Bay, a trip MVP.
Pack smart with Andaman Packing Guide.
Cost Breakdown: Budget for 10 Days in Andaman
| Category | Solo (₹) | Couple (₹/Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| Ferries/Buses | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Accommodation | 13,000 | 11,500 (shared) |
| Food | 3,800 | 3,500 (bulk) |
| Activities | 5,800 | 5,300 (group) |
| Total | 36,600 | 34,300 |
- Solo: ₹36,600—mid-range stays, scuba included.
- Couple: ₹34,300/head—shared savings.
- Buffer: Add ₹2,000 for small expenses.
Plan your budget with Andaman Budget Travel.
FAQ: Your Andaman 2025 Questions Answered
What’s the best island to visit in Andaman?
Havelock—Radhanagar’s teal waves and sunset glow are world-class. “Fame earned,” I grinned—a ₹350 ferry from Port Blair, snorkeling at Elephant Beach, and cocktails at Barefoot Bar make it unmissable. Its mix of buzz and calm beats Neil’s quiet or Diglipur’s remoteness.
How much does a 10-day Andaman trip cost?
Solo: ₹35,000-₹40,000; Couple: ₹65,000-₹70,000 (₹32,500-₹35,000 each). My ₹36,600 solo tally—₹11,000 flights, ₹3,000 ferries, ₹13,000 stays, ₹3,800 food, ₹5,800 activities. Couples save on rooms. Book early—my panic flight taught me that.
What’s the must-do activity in Andaman?
Scuba in Havelock—₹3,000 with Dive India (+91 9434 285 523). My first dive, a turtle spun at 10m—“Pure thrill,” I gasped. Corals pulsed, fish danced—a cam sealed the shot. Snorkeling’s great, but scuba’s the deep plunge.
Which offbeat island should I explore?
Long Island—Day 6’s wild gem. A ₹500 ferry, Lalaji Bay’s trek—“Untamed,” I panted, empty sand. Less hype than Neil, rawer than Diglipur—hat and torch musts.
How to travel between islands in Andaman?
Ferries—₹350-₹500, book 2 days early (DSS online). My picnic sank without a vest—“Never again!” Windy app, middle seats—“Smooth sail!” Buses for longer hauls.
What’s the essential item to pack for Andaman?
DEET—jellyfish stung me—“Ouch!”—10 AM-4 PM dips, spray on. A waterproof bag’s next—dry gear wins.
What to do on rainy days in Andaman?
Cafes—thalis at Annapurna (Port Blair) or Blue Planet (Long Island). Rain hit, I ducked in—“Cozy save!”—warm rice, sea views. Samudrika Museum works too.
Find more answers in Andaman Travel FAQs.
Conclusion: Craft Your Andaman 2025 Adventure
Andaman’s 572 islands—reefs shimmering, sands stretching—unfold in 10 days for ₹36,600. I’ve stung my feet, sank my lunch, and framed the wild—this itinerary turns chaos into magic. From Port Blair’s history to Diglipur’s sandbars, your 2025 island hop starts here. Got a hop story? Drop it below—I’m listening!
Safe travels,
Your Andaman Insider