Want to travel from Delhi to Andaman and Nicobar Islands? If yes, then you’re at the right place. The remote tropical islands of Andaman and Nicobar located in Bay of Bengal features azure waters, powdery beaches, and pristine beauty that can only mesmerize anyone visiting the place. Traveling all the way to Andaman from Delhi might sound far-fetched but visiting Andaman from Delhi isn’t as tough as you think. So, whether you want to travel here to snorkel in the beautiful coral reefs or want to explore interesting monuments, visit the gorgeous beaches or just laze around doing nothing, read on to find out everything about traveling from Delhi to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Understanding Your Travel Options from Delhi

Planning your journey from Delhi to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands requires careful consideration of two primary routes: air travel and sea travel. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your budget, time constraints, and appetite for adventure.

Flying to Port Blair: The Quick and Convenient Route

By Air – Air Travel remains the best and convenient mode for most people leaving from Delhi. Regular flights between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair take around 5-6 hours. There may not always be direct flights and many will have layovers in Kolkata, Chennai or Bhubaneswar extending your journey times to 8-12 hours. Popular airlines include Air India, IndiGo and Vistara. 

Prices vary depending on season with peak tourist season being between October – May. Planes tickets range from ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 for a round-trip flight ticket. Prices and flight times are subject to availability, so try to book your flights 2-3 months in advance for cheaper rates.

Key considerations for air travel:

• Book flights during weekdays for potentially lower fares
• Early morning departures from Delhi often mean better connectivity
• Check baggage policies carefully, especially if carrying water sports equipment
• Consider travel insurance that covers flight delays or cancellations
• Monitor fare alerts on comparison websites for seasonal discounts

The Sea Route: For the Adventurous Traveler

While less common, reaching the Andaman Islands by ship from the mainland offers a unique experience. However, this journey doesn’t originate from Delhi but from coastal cities like Kolkata, Chennai, or Visakhapatnam. Travelers from Delhi would first need to reach one of these ports, typically by train or flight.

The voyage from Kolkata to Port Blair aboard passenger ships like MV Nicobar or MV Swaraj Dweep takes approximately 50-60 hours, covering a distance of about 1,200 kilometers across open ocean. Ships usually depart 3-4 times monthly, with fares ranging from ₹3,500 for bunk class to ₹12,000 for deluxe cabins.

This option appeals to budget-conscious travelers with ample time and those seeking an unconventional adventure. However, the journey can be challenging, with rough seas particularly during monsoon months making it unsuitable for those prone to seasickness.

Essential Documentation and Permits

Before embarking on your Andaman adventure, ensuring you have the proper documentation is crucial. While Indian citizens don’t require special permits to visit most areas of the Andaman Islands, there are important regulations to understand.

Upon arrival at Port Blair airport or harbor, all visitors receive a free 30-day permit. This permit allows access to the main tourist destinations including Port Blair, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and other popular locations. Your permit is typically stamped in your passport or travel documents during immigration clearance.

However, visiting certain restricted areas requires special permits obtained from the Forest Department or Deputy Commissioner’s office in Port Blair. These areas include Baratang Island (for limestone caves), Diglipur, and some tribal reserves. Foreign nationals face more restrictions and must obtain Restricted Area Permits (RAP) prior to travel.

Documents you’ll need:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar card, passport, voter ID, or driving license)
• Confirmed return tickets (air or ship)
• Hotel booking confirmations
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate (requirements may vary with current health guidelines)
• Travel insurance documents (highly recommended)

Best Time to Plan Your Delhi to Andaman Trip

Timing your visit significantly impacts your experience in the Andaman Islands. The archipelago enjoys a tropical climate, but distinct seasons offer different advantages for travelers from Delhi.

The peak season from October through May delivers the most favorable conditions. During these months, the weather remains pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 31°C, calm seas facilitate water activities, and visibility for diving and snorkeling reaches its peak. This period coincides with Delhi’s cooler months, making the tropical escape even more appealing. However, expect higher accommodation costs and crowded attractions during December and January.

The monsoon season from June through September brings heavy rainfall and rough seas. Many water sports operators suspend activities, and ferry services to outer islands become irregular. However, this off-season offers dramatically reduced prices and a chance to experience the islands’ lush, rain-washed landscape in solitude.

For Delhi residents seeking the best balance, November and February through early April represent ideal windows—offering excellent weather without the peak-season crowds and prices.

Planning Your Itinerary and Budget

Creating a realistic budget for your Andaman trip from Delhi requires accounting for multiple expense categories. Based on current travel patterns, here’s what most travelers can expect:

A moderate 6-day, 5-night trip for two people typically costs between ₹60,000 and ₹1,00,000, including flights, accommodation, meals, local transport, and activities. Budget travelers staying in homestays and limiting activities can manage with ₹40,000-50,000, while luxury seekers might spend ₹1,50,000 or more.

Flight costs constitute the largest single expense, followed by accommodation. Mid-range hotels in Port Blair charge ₹2,000-4,000 per night, while beach resorts on Havelock Island range from ₹3,500 to ₹15,000 depending on proximity to the shore and amenities. Inter-island ferries cost between ₹500 and ₹2,500 per person per journey, and activities like scuba diving (₹3,500-5,500), sea walking (₹3,000-4,000), and parasailing (₹3,500-4,500) add to the budget.

This is where planning assistance becomes invaluable. Andaman Fiesta helps travelers navigate these costs by providing transparent pricing information and helping optimize itineraries based on budget constraints and interests, ensuring you don’t overspend on unnecessary elements while missing must-see attractions.

Navigating Between Islands

Once you’ve arrived in Port Blair from Delhi, your Andaman adventure truly begins with inter-island travel. The archipelago consists of over 570 islands, though only a handful are accessible to tourists. Understanding the transportation network saves time and frustration.

Government-operated ferries connect Port Blair with popular islands like Havelock (approximately 2.5 hours), Neil Island (1-2 hours from Havelock), and other destinations. These ferries offer the most economical option, with tickets ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500 depending on class and destination. However, they operate on fixed schedules, book up quickly during peak season, and can be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Private ferry operators like Makruzz, Green Ocean, and Nautika provide faster, more comfortable alternatives with air-conditioned cabins, onboard refreshments, and more reliable scheduling. These premium services cost ₹1,500-2,500 per person but significantly reduce travel time and discomfort.

For those with limited time, seaplane services now connect Port Blair with Havelock Island, offering a spectacular aerial perspective of the archipelago. This 20-minute flight costs approximately ₹4,000-5,500 per person and transforms the journey into an experience itself.

Inter-island travel tips:

• Book ferry tickets at least 3-4 days in advance during peak season
• Morning ferries typically offer calmer seas and better punctuality
• Carry motion sickness medication even if you’re not typically prone
• Keep all belongings in waterproof bags during ferry journeys
• Confirm ferry schedules upon arrival as they occasionally change

Must-Visit Destinations Accessible from Port Blair

Your journey from Delhi culminates in exploring the diverse attractions spread across these islands. Each destination offers unique experiences that justify the long journey from India’s capital.

• Port Blair serves as your gateway and deserves 1-2 days of exploration. The Cellular Jail National Memorial stands as a sobering reminder of India’s freedom struggle, with its light and sound show moving visitors to tears. The Anthropological Museum provides fascinating insights into indigenous tribal communities, while Corbyn’s Cove Beach offers your first taste of Andaman’s coastal beauty just 7 kilometers from the city center.
• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) consistently ranks among Asia’s best beaches. Radhanagar Beach’s pristine shoreline earned it the title of Asia’s Best Beach, while Elephant Beach beckons snorkeling enthusiasts with its easily accessible coral reefs. Adventure seekers find world-class scuba diving at sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle and Lighthouse, where visibility often exceeds 30 meters.
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) offers a more laid-back alternative to Havelock’s relative bustle. Natural Bridge (also called Howrah Bridge), a stunning rock formation visible during low tide, provides Instagram-worthy moments, while Bharatpur Beach’s shallow waters are perfect for beginner snorkeling.
• Baratang Island presents a completely different landscape with its limestone caves and mud volcanoes. The journey through dense tropical forests and mangrove creeks adds to the adventure, though it requires starting early from Port Blair and securing necessary permits.

How Andaman Fiesta Simplifies Your Journey

Planning a complex trip from Delhi to the Andaman Islands involves coordinating flights, ferries, accommodations, activities, permits, and contingency plans. This is where comprehensive travel guidance becomes invaluable.

Andaman Fiesta specializes in helping travelers navigate the complexities of Andaman tourism. Rather than spending hours researching ferry schedules, comparing hotel options, and worrying about permit requirements, travelers benefit from consolidated information and expert recommendations based on real travel experiences.

The platform provides detailed insights into:

• Optimal itinerary planning based on available days and interests
• Honest assessments of different accommodation options across price ranges
• Activity recommendations suited to different experience levels
• Updated information on ferry schedules and booking procedures
• Practical tips on managing expenses without compromising experiences
• Weather considerations and seasonal planning advice

Practical Tips for Delhi Travelers

Travelers from Delhi will notice significant differences in climate, pace, and infrastructure when visiting the Andaman Islands. Preparing for these differences ensures a smoother experience.

The tropical humidity and heat require different clothing than Delhi’s variable climate. Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothing, but include long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection during water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential, as many resorts and marine parks ban harmful chemicals that damage coral ecosystems. A good quality waterproof bag protects electronics and documents during boat rides and beach visits.

Unlike Delhi’s extensive ATM network, cash machines are limited outside Port Blair. Withdraw sufficient cash before heading to outer islands, though most established hotels and tour operators now accept digital payments. Internet connectivity remains patchy beyond main tourist areas, so download important documents, maps, and entertainment before losing connectivity.

Delhi’s extensive metro and ride-sharing services don’t exist here. On most islands, you’ll rely on auto-rickshaws, rented scooters, or bicycles for local transportation. Havelock and Neil Islands are small enough that rented scooters (₹500-700 per day) provide perfect freedom to explore at your own pace.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

The Andamans are probably one of the last places in the world which hasn’t been spoiled by tourism yet. As visitors from Delhi to these Islands, we have an opportunity to tread lightly and give back to the local inhabitants as much as we take.

Say no to plastic bags/polythene Carry your own bottles Don’t touch coral reefs! (collected shells are a harsh reminder of dead coral reefs. Remember, coral reefs are living organisms!!) Reef safe sunscreen lotion, maintains a safe distance from wild animals & Do not intrude while clicking photos, remember you are a visitor in their habitat Buy from local vendors. Dumping – Few resorts/travellers bring their own snazzy looking bins to the Islands, aware of the pathetic garbage disposal systems here. Please carry your own water bottle with a filtering system attached to it. We still see bottles floating in the beautiful sea!

Ask permission before clicking photographs of tribes/ villagers. Wear sensible clothes when visiting tribes /villages Several beaches are closed for visitors during certain months of the year as they are nesting sites for sea turtles. Help us save this endangered species.

Frequently Asked Questions