Everyone who googles “Andaman trip” gets the same list: Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, Neil Island, Cellular Jail, and Elephant Beach. These are stunning, no argument there. But the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago is made up of 572 islands scattered across the Bay of Bengal, and only a tiny fraction of visitors ever venture beyond those five popular stops. What lies beyond is arguably more spectacular, far less crowded, and in many cases, more affordable.
This guide is for those who want the real Andaman — the one with twin islands connected by a magical sandbar, mud volcanoes bubbling out of the earth, limestone caves millions of years old, and surfing beaches where you might be the only person on the sand for kilometres.
Here is your complete, practical 2026 guide to the hidden gems of Andaman & Nicobar.
Before You Start: Getting to Andaman
The only practical entry point for most travellers is Port Blair (now officially called Sri Vijaya Puram), served by Veer Savarkar International Airport. Direct flights operate from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. From Ranchi or other Tier-2 cities, you will typically connect via Kolkata or Chennai. Flight prices range from ₹5,000 to ₹18,000 one-way depending on season and advance booking. Kolkata is usually the cheapest connecting city and shortest flight time.
The government ship service (M.V. series) from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam also reaches Port Blair in roughly 60 hours, but sailings are infrequent (2–4 per month) and seats must be booked weeks in advance through the Directorate of Shipping Services. For most travellers, flying is far more practical.
Once in Port Blair, everything else in this guide is reached by a combination of road and ferry.
1. Baratang Island — India’s Most Surreal Landscape
Why it’s hidden: Most tourists skip it because reaching it requires passing through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve on a mandatory convoy. That slight inconvenience keeps crowds away, and that is exactly why you should go.
Baratang, located roughly 100 km north of Port Blair in Middle Andaman, is home to two of the most jaw-dropping natural formations you will see anywhere in India: limestone caves that are millions of years old and one of India’s only active mud volcanoes.
The limestone caves feature surreal stalactite and stalagmite formations. You reach them by a boat ride through mangroves followed by a short jungle trek. The mud volcano is equally unforgettable — bubbling grey mud oozing up from the earth, strange and prehistoric.
How to Reach: From Port Blair, you must join the daily government convoy that departs from Jirkatang Check Post around 6:00 AM. The route passes through the Andaman Trunk Road, which cuts through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Private cabs from Port Blair cost ₹3,000–₹4,500 for a full day trip. After the convoy crossing, boats from Nilambur Jetty take you to Nayadera Jetty through wide creeks for about one and a half hours, after which the caves are a one and a half kilometre walk through tropical forest.
Estimated Budget (per person, day trip from Port Blair):
- Cab hire (shared, 4 pax): ₹800–₹1,000
- Boat to limestone caves + forest permit: ₹1,500–₹2,500
- Mud volcano entry (included in boat package): ₹0 extra
- Meals: ₹300–₹500
- Total: ₹2,600–₹4,000 per person
Things to Do:
- Explore the ancient limestone caves with a forest guide
- Watch the mud volcano up close (one of very few in India)
- Boat ride through dense mangrove creeks
- Visit the Parrot Island near Baratang for a mesmerising evening show of thousands of parakeets returning to roost at sunset
Practical Tips: The convoy timing is strict. If you miss the 6 AM window, the next opportunity may not be until the afternoon convoy. Permission for the limestone caves must be obtained from the Andaman Forest Department — your boat operator at Nilambur Jetty will help arrange this. Photography inside the tribal reserve area is not permitted.
2. Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur) — The Twin Islands with a Magic Sandbar
Why it’s hidden: Getting here from Port Blair involves a 10–12 hour road journey via the Andaman Trunk Road, passing through Baratang, Rangat, and Mayabunder. Most tourists find that daunting and never make it. Their loss is your gain.
The most famous sight in North Andaman is the twin islands of Ross and Smith connected by a thin fifty-metre-long sandbar. This silky white sandbar descends into the sea at high tide and surfaces again during low tide. During low tide, you can literally walk from one island to the other across the sand. The warm waters are crystal clear, the untamed virgin beaches are among the most picture-perfect in the islands, and the beach is seldom crowded.
Ross and Smith Islands lie 20 kilometres from Diglipur and 320 kilometres from Port Blair.
How to Reach:
Option A (Road): From Port Blair, travel via Andaman Trunk Road (NH-4). Rangat is 6–7 hours away, Mayabunder is 8–9 hours, and Diglipur takes 10–12 hours. From Aerial Bay Jetty near Diglipur, small fibre motorboats (carrying 6–10 people) take you to the islands in about 20 minutes.
Option B (Ferry): A direct government ferry service connects Diglipur to Port Blair with 1–2 sailings per week, also connecting Mayabunder and Rangat. This is far more comfortable than the road journey.
Permits & Entry: Entry permit for Indian adults costs ₹50, for children ₹25, and for foreigners ₹500. To preserve the island’s serenity, the government does not permit visitors to stay overnight.
Estimated Budget (per person, day trip from Diglipur):
- Boat from Aerial Bay Jetty to islands (shared): ₹500–₹800
- Permits: ₹50 (Indian adults)
- Snorkelling gear rental (available at jetty): ₹200–₹300
- Total from Diglipur: ₹800–₹1,200
- Stay in Diglipur the night before: ₹600–₹1,500 (guesthouse/resort)
Things to Do:
- Walk the natural sandbar connecting both islands at low tide — plan your visit around low tide timings
- Snorkelling in the crystal clear, calm waters on both sides of the sandbar
- Nature trail through the tropical forest interior of Smith Island
- Fishing (local guides sometimes arrange this)
- Trek to Saddle Peak National Park nearby — the highest peak in Andaman at 732 m, offering panoramic island views
Practical Tips: Carry all your food, water, and sunscreen. There are changing rooms and bamboo huts with shade on Smith Island but no food stalls. Check tide timings before you go — the sandbar experience is only possible at low tide.
3. Long Island — The Truly Forgotten Island
Why it’s hidden: Long Island sits between Havelock and Rangat in Middle Andaman and somehow gets skipped by the vast majority of tourists despite being one of the most serene places in the entire archipelago. It has no ATMs, very limited internet, and minimal tourist infrastructure — which means you will practically have the beaches to yourself.
Lalaji Bay Beach, nestled on Long Island, is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The journey there passes through lush green landscapes and dense mangrove forests. Once you arrive, you will find soft sand and crystal clear waters. The lack of tourist crowds adds to the beach’s major attraction.
From Long Island, you can also access Merk Bay Beach and the curiously named Guitar Island (a tiny islet that looks like a guitar from above).
How to Reach: Government ferries connect Port Blair to Long Island with a journey time of about 4–5 hours. Ferries also run between Long Island and Rangat (1.5–2 hours). Government ferries cost less than private ferries, though private options offer more comfort and cleanliness. Book government ferry tickets at Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair as early as possible — seats are limited.
Once on Long Island, local boats take you to Lalaji Bay (30–40 minutes) and Merk Bay.
Estimated Budget (per person):
- Ferry from Port Blair to Long Island (government): ₹300–₹600
- Local boat to Lalaji Bay: ₹400–₹600 (shared)
- Accommodation (basic guesthouse): ₹500–₹1,200 per night
- Meals (very limited options — carry packed food for beach days): ₹200–₹400
- 2-day total: ₹2,000–₹4,000
Things to Do:
- Swim and sunbathe at Lalaji Bay Beach
- Trek through the jungle path to Merk Bay (approximately 1.5 km, moderately challenging)
- Birdwatching — Long Island has rich forest cover and diverse bird life
- Visit Guitar Island by local boat for snorkelling
Practical Tips: Carry cash. There are no ATMs on Long Island. Pack sufficient dry food, water, and sunscreen for beach days as facilities near the beaches are extremely limited. Facilities at Lalaji are very limited, so pack essentials.
4. Mayabunder — The Forgotten Town of the Karen People
Why it’s hidden: Mayabunder is the administrative headquarters of North and Middle Andaman district, yet virtually no tourist itinerary includes it. This small coastal town has a fascinating history — it was settled by the Karen tribe from Myanmar who were brought to the islands during British rule. Their village, unique weaving traditions, and way of life are unlike anywhere else in India.
Beyond the cultural interest, Mayabunder is a gateway to Avis Island, a small private island known for its turquoise lagoon, and to Interview Island, a wildlife sanctuary famous for its wild elephant population — elephants that were brought to the island for timber logging and then left behind when operations ceased.
How to Reach: From Port Blair, Mayabunder is 8–9 hours by road via the Andaman Trunk Road. Government ferries from Port Blair also connect to Mayabunder (journey approximately 6–8 hours). A weekly government bus service also operates but road journeys can be bumpy.
Estimated Budget (per person):
- Ferry from Port Blair to Mayabunder: ₹400–₹700
- Guesthouse accommodation: ₹600–₹1,500 per night
- Local boat to Avis Island or mangrove creeks: ₹800–₹1,500
- Meals (local eateries): ₹200–₹400 per day
- 2-day total: ₹3,000–₹5,500
Things to Do:
- Visit the Karen village and interact with the community (respectfully and without intruding)
- Boat ride to Avis Island with its turquoise lagoon
- Arrange a permit and boat trip to Interview Island to spot wild elephants (permits from the Forest Department office in Mayabunder; usually ₹50–₹100 per person)
- Birdwatching at the mangrove creeks around Mayabunder
- Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway: a boardwalk through dense mangrove forest that costs nothing and takes about 30–40 minutes
Practical Tips: Interview Island is closed during nesting and monsoon seasons. Confirm with the local Forest Department before planning. The Kadai Restaurant at Sea ‘N’ Sand hotel in Mayabunder serves home-made Indian dishes and Indo-Chinese cuisine — one of the better dining options in town.
5. Little Andaman — Surfing Paradise and Waterfall Wonderland
Why it’s hidden: Little Andaman offers pristine beaches, lush waterfalls, and surfing spots, making it a quieter alternative to the main tourist hubs. It is an excellent place for offbeat travellers who want to experience untouched nature. It sits 120 km south of Port Blair across the Duncan Passage and remains one of the least visited inhabited islands in the archipelago.
The island has three major waterfalls (White Surf Waterfall, Whisper Wave Waterfall, and Butler Bay Waterfall) and a long beach at Butler Bay that is considered one of the best surfing spots in the Andaman Islands.
How to Reach: The primary way to reach Little Andaman is by government ferry from Haddo Jetty in Port Blair. The journey takes approximately 6–8 hours depending on sea conditions. Ferries run a few times a week; check the schedule at the Andaman Shipping Office before planning. A private helicopter ride is another option — the 101 km distance becomes just an hour away by air, though seats are extremely limited and costs are significantly higher.
Estimated Budget (per person):
- Ferry from Port Blair to Hut Bay (Little Andaman): ₹400–₹800
- Auto-rickshaw/scooter rental on the island: ₹300–₹500 per day
- Guesthouse accommodation in Hut Bay: ₹500–₹1,200 per night
- Meals: ₹200–₹400 per day
- 3-day total: ₹3,500–₹6,000
Things to Do:
- Surf at Butler Bay Beach — one of the few genuinely good surfing spots in India. Board rentals available locally (₹300–₹500/hour)
- Trek to White Surf Waterfall and Whisper Wave Waterfall through dense jungle
- Visit Butler Bay Beach at sunset for a spectacular sky show with almost no one around
- Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the dense forests
- Snorkelling in the coral-rich shallows
Practical Tips: Little Andaman was severely affected by the 2004 tsunami but has fully recovered ecologically. Internet connectivity is patchy. The monsoon (June–September) makes the ferry crossing rough and sometimes cancels services entirely. Plan your trip between October and May.
6. Kalipur Beach and Saddle Peak, Diglipur — Turtles and Treks
Why it’s hidden: Most people who make it to Diglipur focus entirely on Ross & Smith Islands and don’t realise what else is right next door. Kalipur Beach is one of the primary nesting beaches of the Leatherback Sea Turtle — one of the world’s largest and most endangered reptiles — and Saddle Peak is the highest point in the entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Kalipur Beach is known for turtle nesting. A trek through the cluster of limestone caves at Diglipur is a must as well.
How to Reach: Same route as Ross & Smith Islands — road (10–12 hours from Port Blair) or by government ferry to Aerial Bay Jetty, which is very close to Kalipur Beach.
Estimated Budget (per person, added to Diglipur trip):
- Entry to Saddle Peak National Park: ₹50 (Indian), ₹500 (foreign)
- Trek guide for Saddle Peak: ₹300–₹600 (mandatory for the national park)
- Turtle nesting tour (arranged through forest department or local tour operators, November–February season): ₹300–₹500
- No additional transport cost if already in Diglipur
Things to Do:
- Trek to the summit of Saddle Peak at 732 m for panoramic island views — the trek takes 3–4 hours round trip through dense forest
- Attend a guided night walk to watch Leatherback and other sea turtles nesting (October to February only, strictly regulated, no lights or noise)
- Explore the 41-cluster limestone caves (Alfred Caves) near Diglipur
- Visit Ramnagar Beach, another turtle nesting site
Practical Tips: Turtle nesting is a fragile natural phenomenon. Do not use torch lights or camera flash on the beach at night. Engage only with guides authorised by the Forest Department to minimise disturbance. The best months are November–January.
7. Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point) — Port Blair’s Best-Kept Secret
Why it’s hidden: It is technically within South Andaman and just 25 km from Port Blair, yet many visitors on short itineraries skip it entirely in favour of more activities in town. That is a mistake.
Chidiya Tapu (which translates to “Bird Island”) is a lush, forested headland at the southern tip of South Andaman, famous for its biodiversity, mangroves, and what is arguably the most beautiful sunset in all of Andaman. The beach itself is quiet, clean, and accessible with almost no commercialisation.
How to Reach: From Port Blair, hire a cab (₹700–₹900 for a return trip) or an auto-rickshaw. For places manageable by road like Chidiya Tapu, it is best to hire a cab from Port Blair. The journey takes about 45–50 minutes.
Estimated Budget (per person, half-day trip):
- Cab (shared, 4 passengers): ₹200–₹250 per head
- Entry (minimal/free for beach area)
- Forest trek entry: nominal fee of ₹25–₹50
- Total: ₹300–₹500
Things to Do:
- Take the beginner-friendly trek starting near Chidiya Tapu Beach — about 25 minutes to the top with one of the prettiest views on the islands.
- Birdwatching — the mangroves and forest here host an extraordinary variety of endemic and migratory species
- Watch the sunset from the rocky headland — the sky turns deep orange and gold over the open sea
- Snorkelling at the rocky beach area with moderate marine life
Practical Budget Summary for an Offbeat Andaman Trip (8–10 Days)
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a solo or couple traveller focused on the hidden places in this guide, in 2026 prices:
Flights (round trip from mainland to Port Blair): ₹8,000–₹18,000 per person depending on origin city and booking time. Book 45–60 days in advance for best rates.
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses and homestays across the offbeat islands range from ₹500–₹1,500 per night. Mid-range options go up to ₹3,000. Luxury resorts are mainly available only on Havelock and Port Blair.
Food: Street food and local restaurants run ₹150–₹300 per meal. A full day’s meals costs ₹500–₹900 comfortably at local eateries. Budget travellers can eat well for as low as ₹50 per meal at street food stalls.
Ferries: Government ferries between islands cost ₹300–₹800 per leg. Government ferries cost less but private ferries offer more comfort. Always book ferry tickets first before booking accommodation, as ferries connect the islands on fixed schedules with limited seats.
Activities: Snorkelling: ₹500–₹800. Scuba diving: ₹3,500–₹5,500 per dive. Cave tours: ₹1,500–₹2,500. Trekking with guides: ₹300–₹600.
Rough total for 8–10 days (offbeat circuit) per person: ₹25,000–₹45,000 including flights, covering Port Blair, Baratang, Long Island, Diglipur, and Mayabunder. This is a mid-budget estimate.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is from October to May, when the seas are calmer, skies are clearer, and most water activities operate smoothly. October–December brings lush landscapes after the monsoon with pleasant weather and the odd shower. January–March is peak for scuba and snorkelling with stable weather and good underwater visibility. April–May is hotter and more humid but great for island-hopping with slightly lower crowd levels.
Avoid June to September. The monsoon brings heavy rain, rough seas, and frequent ferry cancellations that can strand you on an island with no return option for days.
Essential Permits and Rules
Indian nationals do not need any special permit to visit Andaman. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is available on arrival at Port Blair airport.
No Indian or foreign tourist is permitted to make contact with or photograph the Jarawa tribe or the Sentinelese tribe. This is strictly enforced by law. While passing through the tribal reserve on the Andaman Trunk Road convoy, you must remain in your vehicle and cannot stop, photograph, or interact.
Some islands like Interview Island require separate Forest Department permits obtained locally. Carry your Aadhaar card or passport for all permit registrations.
Final Tips Before You Go
Book ferry tickets through the Directorate of Shipping Services website (dss.and.nic.in) or at Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair. Online booking is available but can be unreliable — physical booking at the jetty a day before is often more reliable for less-trafficked routes.
For accommodation, guesthouses, hostels, and homestays save money and offer a much more authentic experience than resorts. Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb list options across the islands. Book well in advance during peak season.
Carry enough cash at all times. ATMs exist only in Port Blair, Havelock, Neil Island, and Mayabunder. Cards are not accepted at most places beyond these centres.
The Andaman you know from travel brochures is real and beautiful. But the Andaman beyond it — the one with mud volcanoes, magical sandbars, nesting sea turtles, Karen villages, and surfing beaches where you will not hear another tourist — is in a different league entirely. It takes a bit more effort to reach, and that is exactly what makes it worth every bit of the journey.
