Andaman Budget Trip: How to do Andaman on a Budget?
Written By Manveenaa Bhasker on November 04, 2024 Money & BudgetPlanning Your HolidayTravel Tips
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Wondering how to do Andaman on a Budget Trip? The short answer is yes!. The long answer is it really depends on when and how you choose to travel. In this blog, We’re putting together everything you’ll need to know for a budget trip to Andaman Islands before you head out.
Cheapest Flights to the Andaman Islands
It’s no secret that the off-season in any destination is the best time for budget travellers. Off-season in the Andaman Islands runs from May to September. You’re sure to get an inexpensive flight ticket during this time and you’ll be beating the crowd this time of year. Most flights during this season arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport in the capital city Port Blair Andaman, which serves as the main entry point to the islands.
The flipside of the Andaman Islands is that the weather is a bummer during this time with some heavy rainfall. If you’re someone who’s in it for the long haul this shouldn’t bother you, because you’ll see a good number of sunny days with the rainy ones. If you’re someone looking to visit Andaman Islands for a week or less, we’d recommend going during June when the weather is slightly drier than the other months. During this time of year, you can find best deals on round trip flight tickets, with flights from most metro cities often costing less than ₹10,000 both ways.
If you’re keen to visit Andaman Islands during the peak season that lasts between October to May and want to save money on flights, one way to do it is to book flight ticket at least 2-3 months in advance. The Andaman Islands get very busy during the high and peak season which can lead to huge hikes in ticket prices. Even though, at times, last-minute deals do come through, we don’t recommend relying on them if you’re planning a budget trip to reach Andaman. Booking in advance is the best way to secure affordable rates.
Cheapest Ferry Tickets for Inter-Island Travel
The cheapest way to get from one island to another in the Andaman Islands will have to be government ferries. The ticket costs are usually half that of private ferries and it has an open deck, something not common in private ferries. While they’re an economical option, they’re also pretty basic; some may find it unclean and uncomfortable. Also, the travel times tend to be longer than that of private ferries and you’ll have to secure your tickets directly at the government ferry office, which can be a hassle if you want everything planned well in advance. You can expect to pay Rs. 1500 both ways, while for a private ferry the average will be Rs. 3000 both ways.
Click to Book Your Ferry Tickets
Why Skip Andaman Tour Packages and Go for a DIY Budget Trip
Considering tour packages for the Andaman Islands? DIY may be a better choice, especially for budget travellers. While Andaman tour packages were once necessary, the islands now have improved internet, more flights, faster ferries, and even local food delivery in Port Blair. Here’s why a DIY budget package wins:
- More Flexibility: With Andaman budget packages, you’re often on a strict schedule. A self-planned trip lets you linger on beautiful beaches and explore hidden gems, unlike a typical tour package.
- Better Value for Money: A DIY Andaman trip means you choose your accommodations, meals, and activities. Unlike some tour operators who may offer costly packages with basic hotels, a DIY budget tour lets you maximize value.
- Unique Local Experiences: Skip the tourist trail and dive into local culture—chat with islanders, try street food, and explore where tour operators rarely venture.
- Avoid Group Restrictions: Unlike organized Andaman tour packages, a self-planned trip lets you move at your own pace without adjusting to group preferences.
A self-planned Andaman budget tour packages offer freedom, better value, and authentic experiences that a travel agent/tour operator-arranged Andaman trip can’t match
Budget-Friendly Stays on Port Blair
Most B&Bs, guest house and budget accommodations in Port Blair are concrete buildings built in the style of town hotels and accommodations. Even on a budget trip to Andaman Islands, you can find plenty of stays and best hotels that have sea-facing rooms. We highly recommend staying somewhere with a sea view.
Here are a few budget hotel stay in Port Blair:
1. Salt Life, Port Blair
Salt Life in Port Blair offers a cozy bed & breakfast experience with clean, functional rooms. Their sea-facing rooms are a highlight, providing a relaxing coastal view.
Their rooms are priced at INR. 2,500 to INR. 3,500 per room for one night.
2. Ocean Terrace, Port Blair
Sitting in a quiet residential area, this homestay gives you a partial view of Port Blair Harbour.
You can expect to pay anywhere between INR. 2000 to INR. 2200 per night for their rooms.
3. Seaview Residency, Port Blair
As its name suggests, Seaview Residency in Port Blair offers sea-facing views and well-kept, comfortable rooms.
They’re priced upto INR. 3000 per room for one night.
4. Andaman Bay View, Port Blair
Andaman Bay View is a unique co-living and co-working space run by a travel startup based in Port Blair. They offer a clean, comfortable spare bedroom as a cozy B&B, complete with stunning sea views, high-speed internet, and excellent coffee. Perfect for relaxing and connecting with like-minded travellers in a laid-back setting.
You can expect to pay anywhere between INR.1500 to INR. 2000 per night for their room.
Budget-Friendly Stays on Havelock Island
Most B&Bs, guest house and budget accommodations in Havelock are cottage-style buildings built in the style of island resorts. We recommend either staying on the beach or at a maximum of 5-minute walking distance from the beach.
These are your top choices for budget hotels in Havelock Island:
1. Flying Elephant
Located in a secluded, quiet part of Havelock Island, surrounded by thick rainforest and rice fields of Andaman Islands, this eco-resort is only a 2-3 minute walking distance from Kalapathar Beach. With sustainable bamboo interiors, this place truly embodies everything on Havelock Island.
They’re priced between Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 for one night.
2. Lemongrass Beach Resort
Location sure is everything and this resort boasts of a terrific beach-front property, making for a wonderful workstation spot. Located right on the Vijay Nagar Beach, Lemon Grass has simple, concrete cottages with A/C and non-A/C options.
Their rooms are priced between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 5000 for one night.
3. Outback Resorts
With a young, fresh vibe and a cute little cafe called Cafe Salt Water, Outback resorts is a great budget place for the young-at-heart. Part of the room interiors are made of recycled plastic bottles giving it an edgy, sustainable feel.
Their rooms are priced between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 for one night.
Budget-Friendly Stays on Neil Island
Most B&Bs, guesthouses and budget accommodations in Neil Island are cottage-style buildings built in the style of island resorts. The options on Neil Island are limited compared to Havelock Island because it’s not as popular as Havelock Island. So, it’s ideal for people looking for a serene, island-village experience. We recommend either staying on the beach or at a maximum of 5-minute walking distance from the beach.
Here are the top budget hotels in Neil Island:
1. Emerald Gecko
A quaint eco-resort, Gecko is at a 2-minute walking distance from Sitapur beach which is known for its picturesque sunrise. It’s a lovely place for nature lovers looking for a quieter experience. The rooms feature bamboo interiors and thatched roofing.
The price ranges from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3000 per night.
2. Blue Sea
With basic bungalows that are best for backpackers, Blue Sea has comfortable access to Beach No. 3 which is great for a swim. They also have a shack-y restaurant popular for its seafood and shell decor.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of options for the budget traveller in terms of eateries in the Andaman Islands. You’ll find that most restaurants serve Indian and Indo-Chinese food with some international options. In most of the restaurants we’ve listed below, you can do a meal for around Rs. 500/person.
Port Blair
1. Kattabomman, Port Blair
Bang in the middle of Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair, this is one of the local eateries that serves some quality South-Indian vegetarian food and makes for a great budget breakfast place.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 250
Opening Hours: 6.30 am to 9.00 pm
2. Food Trucks, Marina Park – Port Blair
If you want to experience something off-beat on a budget, head to the food trucks located at the end of Marina Park in Port Blair. Perfect for a casual dinner with sea-side, plastic-chair seating and fuss-free food, you’ll find a large variety of dishes here ranging from noodles to barbeques, ice cream to pizzas.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 700
Opening Hours: 4:30 pm to 10 pm
3. Syndicate Mess, Port Blair
Started over 52 years ago by a local Tamil family in Port Blair, this one’s a humble Andaman island favourite with unlimited veg & non-veg thalis. They’re known for their warm and welcoming hospitality: so don’t hesitate to ask for more food! You can expect a basic, frills-free ambience – tin shed, community tables and steel cutlery.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 500
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
4. New Lighthouse Restaurant, Port Blair
An open-air restaurant in the centre of the city, New Lighthouse Restaurant is known to serve savoury seafood in Port Blair along with beer and wine. Crabs, lobsters, and whole fish grilled to perfection are what they do best. With main course prices starting from INR 80, the restaurant is making waves among its diners.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 1000
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
Havelock Island
1. Full Moon Cafe
Full Moon Cafe is the place to visit when you want to spend a day lazing around, doing absolutely nothing. It is located right by the beach and you’ll even find a couple of hammocks you can use for an afternoon siesta. With laidback, shack vibes, Full Moon Cafe does fresh juices (a rarity on Havelock Island), an amazing dip platter and perfectly cooked seafood.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 1200
Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 10:30 pm
2. Anju Coco Resto
Anju Coco is an island favourite for a reason: they do consistently great food, they have a vast menu, they are reasonably priced, their ambience is neat & friendly and they’re located in a highly accessible location. We’d recommend going with any of their meal platters which have generous portions and are great value for money.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 1200
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 10:30 pm
3. Restaurants in the Main Havelock Market like Squid Restaurant
If you want to do it like the locals, head to the main market at Havelock Island to any of the smaller restaurants and order their thalis. You’ll also find some yummy Bengali food in the shops here.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 800
Opening Hours: Depends from shop to shop, most shops are shut on Sundays
Neil Island
1. Cafe Bohemian Grove
Brightly painted wall-paintings, mandalas and upcycled furniture will greet you at Bohemian Grove which is located close to Sitapur Beach. It can be a little difficult to find, but is well worth the search. They serve generic Cafe food with Indian and international options. If you want something specific made like lobsters, crabs or squid, you can let them know in advance, so it’s purchased fresh from the market.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 1400
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 10:30 pm
2. Blue Sea Restaurant
Head here for reasonably priced seafood and cute interiors with hand-made shell hangings. The only flipside is waiting times can be a bit much here. But, it’s located at Beach no. 3, so you can place your order, head for a little swim and come back to a scrumptious meal. Nothing quite like a post-swim meal.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 1000
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 11:00 pm
3. Grains Pure Veg, Bharatpur Beach
After a long day filled with sea activities and scuba diving at Bharatpur Beach , it’s natural to feel super hungry but don’t worry because there are a lot of small eatery options lined up along the shore of the Bharatpur beach. You’ll get all sorts of options – north indian, south indian, chinese, and seafood.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 400
Opening Hours: 9: am to 10:00 pm
4. Food Stalls at Lakshmanpur Beach
Popular for its pretty sunset views, Lakshmanpur Beach has a lot of small eateries serving everything from evening munchables to full-fledged meals. This is one of the better places to end your evenings at Neil Island.
Avg. meal for 2: ₹ 600
Opening Hours: Evenings before sunset
Getting around on a Budget Trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The most economical way to get around Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island is on a rental two-wheeler. It also happens to be the best way to experience various islands, giving you access to less-explored parts of the islands while also allowing you the flexibility to move around without waiting for a cab. A rental two-wheeler will cost you anywhere between Rs. 400 to Rs. 450 per day exclusive of additional costs on fuel. Cabs are expensive and will usually cost you a minimum of Rs. 1200 per day. Public transportation is infrequent and unreliable, so it’s best not to rely on this as an option.
Activities on a Budget Trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you’re planning to travel during the off-season, you can expect that some of the activities will be non-functional. But those that are functioning will generally be discounted by 25-30% and also, will tend to be less crowded. There are also plenty of things to do that don’t cost any money like going on a trek, visiting some popular Picturesque beaches and snorkeling. Yay to that!
Here’s a list of some things you can do that cost little to nothing:
1. Munda Pahad Trek, Chidiya Tapu
Starting close to the Chidiya Tapu Beach in Port Blair, this is a beginner-friendly trek that takes all of 25 minutes to finish. It’s one of the prettiest views you’ll see in your time on the islands and you won’t regret doing it, that’s a guarantee. Once you reach the top, you’ll see a connecting rock formation that takes you to the smaller rock. It can be dangerous to cross over and go to the other side once you’ve reached the peak (you’ll see what we mean when you get there), so we’d recommend giving that a skip.
2. North Bay Island, Port Blair
North Bay Island Isl, located in the South Andaman Islands is renowned as one of the famous islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for water sports complex and offers a range of exciting water activities on budget. North Bay Island is home to a historic lighthouse, which is featured on the old 20-rupee note, and offers Ariel views of nearby Islands like Havelock, Neil Island and Ross Island, adding to its stunning beauty and significance. Guess what? North Bay Island is also a hidden gem for Andaman budget travellers, conveniently accessible by a short boat ride from Port Blair, offering affordable water sports activities like scuba diving, sea walking, snorkelling, glass bottom boat ride and banana boat rides. Even though it’s affordable, we don’t recommend scuba diving in North Bay Island due to crowded conditions and poor visibility.
3. Elephant Beach Trek, Havelock Island
Elephant Beach at Havelock is where all the water activities happen. You have the option of choosing a guided trek or exploring on your own, as the route is not too challenging. The trek to Elephant Beach typically starts around 8 AM when the temperature is moderate, allowing for a comfortable experience. After spending ample time at the beach, you can return by 1 PM.
Before reaching the beach, you’ll traverse approximately 300 meters of marshland and mangrove forest. This is a sight to behold and the unique patch will surely imprint in your mind! A guide will assist you throughout this part of the journey, ensuring a smooth path to the Elephant Beach.
4. Visit Radhanagar Beach
It costs nothing to visit the prettiest beach in the Andaman Islands! We know, we know. It costs nothing to visit most beaches in the world but we’re saying we’d pay to go to Radhanagar Beach as it is one of the main attractions when you visit Havelock Island, it’s THAT pretty. It’s good to know that the best things in life really are free.
5. Visit Cellular Jail, Port Blair
If you’re big on history, you can consider visiting Cellular Jail in Port Blair which was where the English held political prisoners from the Mainland during the time of freedom fights. You’ll need entry tickets for visiting Cellular Jail that cost Rs. 30/person. And attend the Light and Sound show for a brief history if time permits.
6. Free Candlelight Dinner @ Lakshmanpur Beach, Neil Island
Lakshmanpur Beach at Neil Island is known for its stunning sunset views and every evening, you’ll see a bunch of people who’ve come to see it. This beach is also lined with little food stalls, and one of these puts out makeshift seating and tables with candles. It’s a whole vibe is what we’re saying and one that is very enjoyable with a partner (or not).
7. Natural Bridge @Neil Island
Natural Rock Formation a.k.a Natural Bridge 1 in Neil Island, is locally called the Howrah Bridge. To witness this unique natural bridge, you’ll need to visit Beach No. 2 of Neil Island during low tide, when it’s possible to walk across the dead corals and rocky terrain to reach this impressive sight. The beach’s rocky pools are filled with small marine creatures, such as fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and starfish. In certain areas, you’ll even spot colourful corals slowly regenerating. These natural wonders in Neil Island are one of the best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for nature lovers.
8. Visit Baratang Island
If you have an extra ₹2,500 on hand, visiting Baratang Island offers an unforgettable day trip filled with natural wonders. Famous for its mud volcano and limestone caves, this island lets you experience the Andamans’ unique geology up close. The journey includes passing through lush mangroves and taking scenic boat rides, making it an adventure in itself. A trip to Baratang Island is perfect for travelers eager to see the hidden, raw beauty of the region.
Insider Tips for the Andaman Budget Traveller
We’ve put together some tips for the Andaman budget traveller based on our own travels and that of friends who’ve travelled on a budget recently. These are just little things that’ll help you cut costs along the way. Here they are
1. Visit off-beat islands like Long Island, Little Andaman Island and Great Nicobar Islands
By virtue of being under-explored, these places are not yet commercial and as a budget traveller, you’ll find that most things cost very little. Everything from stay to food to activities is inexpensive and they’re also great for long-term, secluded stays. On the other hand, options are limited, so you can’t be too picky about accommodation or food.
2. Eat where the locals eat
Generally, places that are tourism-centric will tend to be pricier than smaller locals-frequented restaurants. The main markets on all islands are a great place to look for local-friendly restaurants.
3. Use Public Transportation & Government Ferries
Given that the Andaman Islands is a small place, public transportation is fairly frequent. Government ferries and buses are quite regular on certain routes and you can take advantage of that. Having said that, it can make for some discomfort because they’re not the cleanest and schedules can be erratic
In Conclusion
So, we’ve seen a bunch of things that people can see and do on a budget trip to Andaman Islands. If you’re looking for a LONG stay, we’d recommend reaching out to the budget places individually for the best prices. Most places will give you a pretty good deal for a long stay, especially if you travel around the off-season. If you’d like to know more about this or if you have any questions, write to us and we’ll be super happy to help in any way we can!
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Hi there! I’m a local from the Andamans; born, bred and raised, like they say. I’ve been happily travelling around here for the last 29 years of my life and have been to off-beat locations like Little Andaman, Long Island, Rutland, Barren Island and Ross & Smith. It may seem like a small place, but I feel like I still have so much to see! I’ve also been ridiculously in love with reading and writing for as long as I can remember. Put two and two together and it gives you this blog post.
