How to Travel the Andamans on a Budget: ₹30,000 for 10 Days

The Andamans have a reputation for being expensive, but I managed a 10-day trip for under ₹30,000 (excluding flights) – and I didn’t feel deprived. Here’s how.

Accommodation

Skip the luxury resorts on Havelock (₹8,000+/night) and opt for homestays or budget guesthouses. I stayed at a simple cottage near Radhanagar for ₹1,200 per night – clean, with a fan and attached bathroom. On Neil, I found a beachfront hut for just ₹800. Book through local contacts or smaller booking sites – not every place is on Agoda.

Food

Eat where the locals eat. Thali meals at small eateries cost ₹150–₹200 and are filling. Seafood is cheaper than chicken – fresh catch grilled with lemon and spices is a steal. Avoid the upscale beachfront restaurants; they charge triple for the same view. Also, carry snacks and bottled water from Port Blair’s supermarkets – island prices are marked up.

Ferries

Choose government ferries whenever schedules align – they’re 80% cheaper than private cats. The only downside is limited timings; plan your days around them. I took the government boat to Neil and saved ₹1,500, which I later spent on an extra dive.

Activities

Dive packages are negotiable, especially if you book multiple dives. I bargained a 3-dive bundle for ₹10,000 (instead of ₹12,000). Snorkelling is free if you have your own mask – rent one for ₹100/day. Trekking to beaches like Elephant Beach costs nothing but a bit of sweat – skip the expensive boat rides.

Entry Fees and Permits

Indians require no permit; foreigners need an RAP (Restricted Area Permit), which is free and available on arrival. Some islands like Baratang require separate forest permits – minimal fees.

Money-Saving Mantra

Share taxis, cook occasional meals (if your homestay allows), and travel with a reusable water bottle to avoid buying overpriced plastic ones. The real expense is the flight; once you’re there, you can stretch your rupees.

I met backpackers who spent even less by camping on beaches (with permission) and hitchhiking. The Andamans reward resourceful travellers. Just remember – some experiences (like a boat trip to the limestone caves) are worth every penny, so pick your splurges wisely.

— Brought to you by The Kite Journeys – explore more at
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Neil Island: The Sleepy Sibling with a Big Heart

If Havelock is the star, Neil Island (now Shaheed Dweep) is its quieter, more laid-back sibling. Just a two-hour ferry from Port Blair, this tiny island measures barely 13 square kilometres, yet it packs in some of the most unspoilt beaches and a pace of life that feels like a gentle exhale.

I arrived at Neil’s jetty on a lazy morning, the water so calm it mirrored the sky. The first thing you notice is the absence of crowds. A single road runs through the island, lined with coconut palms and the occasional cycle rickshaw. My guesthouse owner greeted me with a fresh coconut and said, “Relax, nothing here is urgent.” He meant it.

Bharatpur Beach & Laxmanpur Beach

Bharatpur Beach is Neil’s most popular stretch, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The reef starts just a few metres from the shore, and I spotted parrotfish, clownfish, and even a small moray eel within minutes. But the real gem is Laxmanpur Beach, especially at low tide. Walk out over the exposed coral flats and you’ll reach the Natural Bridge – a rock arch carved by centuries of waves. Locals call it the “Howrah Bridge” of Neil, and watching the sunset through that arch is a moment you’ll carry forever.

A Birder’s Delight

Neil is also a birder’s delight. Early mornings bring flocks of white-bellied sea eagles and Brahminy kites gliding overhead. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare Andaman wood pigeon.

Food & Local Life

Food here is simpler than Havelock – think grilled catch of the day, coconut curries, and fresh juices. The island produces most of its own vegetables, so even a basic thali tastes remarkably vibrant.

Three days on Neil taught me that travel isn’t about ticking sights; it’s about sinking into a rhythm. I spent hours sitting on the jetty, watching fishermen haul their nets, children laughing as they jumped off the pier, and the sun painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. No Wi-Fi, no distractions – just the sound of the sea and the warm hospitality of the islanders.

If you’re seeking solitude and simplicity, Neil Island is your haven. It doesn’t try to impress – and that’s exactly why it does.

— Brought to you by The Kite Journeys – explore more at
thekitejourneys.com