The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a dream destination for many travelers, offering pristine beaches, breathtaking marine life, exciting adventure activities, and a rich history. But what truly brings a place to life is the experiences of those who have been there.
In this article, we bring you real traveler stories from people who have explored Andaman firsthand. Their experiences will give you insights into what to expect, must-visit places, hidden gems, and useful tips to make your own journey unforgettable.
1. A Solo Traveler’s Journey – Finding Serenity in Andaman
📍 Traveler: Rahul Bhatia, a solo traveler from Delhi
“When I landed in Port Blair, I immediately felt the shift from city life to a more relaxed island vibe. My first stop was Cellular Jail, and standing there gave me chills. The stories of freedom fighters echoed in those walls. The Light and Sound Show at night was emotional and powerful.”
Havelock Island – The Best Beach I’ve Ever Seen
“The next morning, I took a ferry to Havelock Island. I had read about Radhanagar Beach being one of Asia’s best beaches, but experiencing it in person was surreal. The golden sand, turquoise water, and absolute peace made me sit there for hours. I also rented a scooter and explored Kalapathar Beach, which was much less crowded and had amazing sunset views.”
Scuba Diving – A Life-Changing Experience
“The highlight of my trip was scuba diving at Nemo Reef. It was my first dive, and I was nervous, but the moment I saw the colorful corals and schools of fish, all my fear disappeared. It felt like entering another world. I highly recommend diving in Andaman, even for beginners.”
🏆 Tip: If you’re traveling solo, stay at a backpacker’s hostel in Havelock like “Coconut Grove” to meet fellow travelers.
2. A Honeymooner’s Paradise – Romantic Escape to Andaman
📍 Travelers: Sanya and Rohan Mehta, newlyweds from Mumbai
“For our honeymoon, we wanted a destination that was both romantic and adventurous. Andaman turned out to be the perfect choice. We stayed at Taj Exotica in Havelock, which gave us an incredible luxury experience.”
Private Beach Dinner – A Night to Remember
“One of the best moments of our trip was a candlelight dinner on the beach arranged by our resort. It was just the two of us, under the stars, with the sound of waves in the background. The food was amazing, especially the fresh grilled lobster.”
Snorkeling at Elephant Beach
“We took a boat ride to Elephant Beach, which is famous for snorkeling. Even though we didn’t dive, the snorkeling experience was fantastic! We saw vibrant corals, sea turtles, and even a school of tiny clownfish. The water was crystal-clear, and the guides were very professional.”
🏆 Tip: For honeymooners, book a beach resort and opt for a private dinner experience. It’s worth every penny!
3. Family Fun in Andaman – A Memorable Vacation
📍 Traveler: Pooja Sharma, a mother of two from Bangalore
“Traveling with kids can be challenging, but Andaman was surprisingly family-friendly. We started our trip in Port Blair, where we visited Corbyn’s Cove Beach. The kids enjoyed playing in the gentle waves, and we took a thrilling jet ski ride.”
Glass Bottom Boat Ride – A Hit with Kids
“Since my kids were too young for snorkeling, we opted for a glass-bottom boat ride at North Bay Island. They were fascinated by the underwater world, pointing at colorful fish and corals beneath the boat. It was a great way for them to experience marine life without actually getting wet.”
Neil Island – A Hidden Gem
“Most tourists focus on Havelock, but Neil Island was our favorite. It’s smaller, quieter, and has some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. Laxmanpur Beach had an amazing sunset, and Natural Bridge was a great spot for photos. The best part? It wasn’t crowded at all!”
🏆 Tip: If traveling with kids, plan shorter ferry rides and stay at a beachfront resort with kid-friendly facilities.
4. The Backpacker’s Budget Trip – Andaman on a Shoestring
📍 Traveler: Vikram Singh, a budget traveler from Kolkata
“Many people think Andaman is an expensive destination, but I managed to explore it on a budget. Here’s how I did it.”
Budget Stays & Local Transport
“Instead of staying at expensive resorts, I booked dormitory beds at hostels like The Flying Elephant in Havelock. I also rented a scooter for ₹500 per day, which was cheaper than hiring taxis.”
Eating at Local Dhabas
“I avoided overpriced tourist restaurants and ate at local eateries. “Annapurna Restaurant” in Port Blair served amazing vegetarian meals for under ₹200. In Havelock, I found roadside stalls selling fresh seafood at reasonable prices.”
DIY Snorkeling & Trekking
“Instead of booking expensive snorkeling tours, I rented a mask and snorkel for ₹300 and explored Elephant Beach on my own. I also hiked to Chidiya Tapu for a stunning sunset view—no entry fee, just a great adventure.”
🏆 Tip: If you’re traveling on a budget, take government ferries instead of private ones. It saves a lot of money!
5. Offbeat Andaman – A Nature Lover’s Dream
📍 Traveler: Meenal Joshi, a wildlife photographer from Pune
“Andaman isn’t just about beaches; it has some of the most diverse wildlife in India. I spent most of my trip exploring its natural beauty beyond the tourist hotspots.”
Mangrove Kayaking at Baratang
“One of my best experiences was kayaking through the mangroves in Baratang Island. The narrow waterways, the silence except for bird calls, and the sheer greenery around me made it feel like an untouched paradise.”
Birdwatching at Chidiya Tapu
“As a photographer, Chidiya Tapu was a dream. I spotted exotic birds like Andaman Woodpecker and Nicobar Pigeon. If you love nature, don’t miss this place!”
🏆 Tip: For an offbeat experience, explore Baratang, Diglipur, and Mayabunder instead of sticking to Havelock and Neil Island.
Final Thoughts: What Makes Andaman Special?
Every traveler has a unique experience in Andaman, but one thing remains constant—its natural beauty, friendly locals, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a solo traveler, honeymooner, family, budget traveler, or nature enthusiast, Andaman offers something special for everyone.