Andaman Budget Trip: How to do Andaman on a Budget?

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 for round trip during this time and you’ll be beating the crowd this time of year. All the Flights 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 in monsoon season. 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 to reach Andaman Island (veer savarkar international airport), 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 best deals do come through, we don’t recommend relying on them if you’re planning a budget trip to Andaman. Booking in advance is the best way to secure flight tickets with affordable rates.

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.

Read More: Ferry Cost in Andaman

Did You Know? We’ve been helping travelers book ferries in the Andamans for years, making the process simple, fast, and reliable.

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Considering Andaman tour packages to reach Andaman Islands? DIY Budget tour 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 Swiggy and Zomato food delivery available in Port Blair. Here’s why a DIY budget package beats packages offered by tour operator:

1. 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.
   
2. Better Value for Money: A DIY Andaman trip means you choose your accommodations, meals, water sports and activities. Unlike some tour operators who may offer costly packages with basic hotel stay, a DIY budget tour lets you maximize value.
   
3. 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.
   
4. Avoid Group Restrictions: Unlike organized Andaman tour packages, a self-planned Budget tour 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

Most B&Bs, guest house and budget hotels 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.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Port Blair

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, 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, just like Elephant Beach in Havelock it offers 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 also called as water sports complex of Havelock Island is a must-see when you visit here, just like North Bay Island it offers clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling water sports. 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. Elephant Beach is the go-to spot for water sports activities on Havelock Island, offering exciting options like snorkeling, sea walking and many more.

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. Radhanagar Beach ranked as Asia’s No. 1 beach and the 7th best beach in the world, Radhanagar Beach is famous for its powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings. 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 at Cellular Jail 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).

Read More: Nightlife in Andaman

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 to limestone caves, making it one of the adventurous places to visit in Andaman Island. A trip to Baratang Island is perfect for travelers eager to see the hidden, raw beauty of the region.

9. Visit Ross Island

For an additional ₹1,000, a visit to Ross Island promises a interesting glimpse into the Andaman Island ‘s colonial past. Once known as the “Paris of the East,” Ross Island is dotted with ruins of British-era buildings, from grand bungalows to old churches, now reclaimed by nature. The short boat ride to the Ross Island offers scenic views, and once there, you can explore historical structures, spot deer roaming freely, attend Light and Sound Show and enjoy the peacefulness of the island. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, Ross Island offers a unique, nostalgic experience in the Andamans.

10. Witness a Live Volcano – Barren Island

For those with a spirit of adventure, Barren Island is an unforgettable bucket-list experience. It’s India’s only active volcano, and the sight of smoke gently rising from its peak over stark black lava cliffs is nothing short of surreal. Though visitors aren’t allowed to set foot on the island, you can witness this dramatic landscape up close by taking a scenic boat ride or chartering a seaplane from Havelock or Port Blair. It’s one of those rare “did I just see that?” moments, and trust us, you’ll be talking about it long after your trip is over. For travellers looking to see something truly unique in India – this is it.