Turquoise Seas and Untamed Coastlines: A Week in the Andamans

Overview

Floating in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands offer a dramatic contrast of dense primeval jungle, powder-soft sands, and vibrant coral reefs. This one-week itinerary focuses on South Andaman and the Ritchie's Archipelago—specifically Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram), Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)—minimising long transits to give you maximum time on the water and along the coastline.

Getting There

From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), there are no direct flights to Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). The most seamless journey involves booking a long-haul flight to an Indian hub followed by a domestic connection:

• Recommended Route: Fly AMS to New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), or Chennai (MAA) on carriers like KLM, Air India, or IndiGo, then connect onward to Port Blair (IXZ).
• Total Travel Time: Typically 16 to 22 hours depending on layover duration.
• Local Transit: Upon arrival in Port Blair, island transfers to Havelock and Neil operate via private high-speed catamarans (such as Makruzz, Nautika, or Green Ocean) or government ferries departing from the Phoenix Bay Jetty.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair & Cellular Jail

• Arrive at Port Blair in the morning or early afternoon.
• Check into your hotel and refresh after the long journey.
• Visit the historical Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) in the late afternoon to understand India's colonial-era freedom struggle, followed by the evening light and sound presentation.
• Have fresh seafood dinner along the Marine Drive waterfront.

Day 2: Ferry to Havelock Island & Radhanagar Sunset

• Board an early morning private ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island (approx. 90–120 minutes).
• Settle into your beachfront resort.
• Rent a scooter or hire an auto-rickshaw to spend the late afternoon at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7), regularly ranked among Asia's best beaches for its wide curve of white sand and spectacular sunset views.

Day 3: Scuba Diving & Elephant Beach

• Start early with a guided scuba diving or discover-scuba session along Havelock's fringing reefs (sites like Dixon's Pinnacle or Elephant Reef offer vibrant marine life).
• Take a short boat ride or complete the forest nature trek to Elephant Beach for snorkelling among shallow corals, kayaking, or swimming in turquoise lagoons.
• Spend a laid-back evening exploring local cafes near Govind Nagar.

Day 4: Mangroves & Kalapathar Beach

• Experience a sunrise kayak tour through the mangrove creeks near Havelock's eastern side.
• Head to Kalapathar Beach, known for its contrast of dark volcanic rocks, white sand, and deep aqua waters.
• Dedicate the afternoon to downtime, reading by the sea, or indulging in an Ayurvedic massage.

Day 5: Ferry to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Take a morning ferry from Havelock to the smaller, sleepy island of Neil (approx. 1 hour).
• Visit Bharatpur Beach for gentle swimming and vibrant marine life.
• In the late afternoon, head to Laxmanpur Beach 1 to witness limestone formations, explore the Natural Bridge at low tide, and catch one of the region's most dramatic sunsets.

Day 6: Return to Port Blair & Ross Island

• Catch a morning ferry back from Neil Island to Port Blair.
• In the afternoon, take a 15-minute boat ride to Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) to explore vine-covered British colonial ruins, peacocks, and spotted deer roaming freely.
• Finish with souvenir shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar for local spices, coconut shell handicrafts, and pearls.

Day 7: Departure from Port Blair

• Enjoy breakfast overlooking the bay.
• Transfer to Port Blair Airport (IXZ) for your domestic flight to Chennai, Bengaluru, or Delhi, connecting back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay

• Port Blair: Stay around Marine Hill, Shadipur, or Dollygunj for convenient access to the airport and the jetty.
• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Opt for eco-cottages or boutique beach resorts along Govind Nagar (Beach No. 2 & 3) or Vijay Nagar (Beach No. 5), where properties sit directly under coconut groves leading to the sand.
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Choose low-key boutique stays near Sitapur Beach (great for sunrise) or Laxmanpur for easy beach walks.

Budget

Estimates per person for a 7-day trip (excluding international flights from AMS to India):

• Domestic Flights (Mainland India to Port Blair return): €180 – €300
• Inter-Island Ferries (Catamarans): €60 – €90 total (3 segments)
• Accommodation (Mid-range to boutique): €50 – €140 per night (€350 – €980 total)
• Food & Dining: €20 – €40 per day (€140 – €280 total)
• Activities & Scuba Diving (1–2 dives + water sports): €70 – €160
• Local Transport (Taxis, auto-rickshaws, scooter rental): €10 – €20 per day (€70 – €140 total)
• Estimated Ground Total: €870 – €1,950 per person (plus international airfare Amsterdam–India approx. €650 – €950 return).

Know Before You Go

• Visas & Permits: Dutch passport holders require a standard Indian e-Visa before travelling. Foreign tourists no longer need a separate Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the main tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil), but you will undergo a brief passport check and registration on arrival at Port Blair airport.
• Protected Tribal Areas: Visiting or photographing indigenous tribal reserves (such as the Jarawa areas) is strictly illegal and heavily penalised. Always stick to authorized tourist trails.
• Ferry Bookings: Book private inter-island catamarans well in advance during peak season (November–February), as seats fill rapidly.
• Connectivity & Cash: High-speed internet is available on major networks (Airtel/BSN/Jio), but Wi-Fi at hotels can still be intermittent on Neil and Havelock. Carry sufficient Indian Rupees in cash, as island ATMs occasionally run out of currency and card machines can drop connection.