[manjubp]

We're gearing up for a trip to Andaman this October, aiming for a 5-day/6-night adventure. I'm in search of a comprehensive tour package where budget isn't a concern. However, I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of individually booking hotels, ferries, tickets, and all the rest.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[jkrishnakj]

Originally Posted by manjubp

We're gearing up for a trip to Andaman this October, aiming for a 5-day/6-night adventure. I'm in search of a comprehensive tour package where budget isn't a concern. However, I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of individually booking hotels, ferries, tickets, and all the rest.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

experienceandamans.com is pretty decent. I had used them a couple of years back and they did a good job. Had no headache. Nothing great to write about their services, but I have no complaints either.

[vijayols]

Originally Posted by manjubp

We're gearing up for a trip to Andaman this October, aiming for a 5-day/6-night adventure. I'm in search of a comprehensive tour package where budget isn't a concern. However, I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of individually booking hotels, ferries, tickets, and all the rest.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I guess @jkrishnakj has answered the query.

Both me and Kanthi are the self planning guys with her handling the stay and me the places to visit.

Yet to pen the rest of my current visit details which combined with the original blog has a fairly exhaustive information.

For 5-6 days my best pick assuming its beaches and snorkeling/scuba/night kayaking you are looking for

Day 1- Port Blair.If you plan to land before 12 then by 2 or so is the last ferry to Havelock.So either spend night 1 at havelock.Havelock would demand at least 2-3 days including snorkeling /scuba with Bare foot or Luca Dives.Check all the beaches there Radhanagar/Kala pathar/Elephant/Govindnagar and experience great food and possibly look at some cycling or Night kayaking with bio luminescence.

Day 3 or 4- Neil island again with similar activities .

Day 5 maybe long island and then return back for final day to port Blair to fly back.

Ideally a visit to North Andaman and Diglipur or little andaman or the now accessible active volcano island Barren mountain.(Prashob from Zone Connect Hotel 7695072455 can help with off beat locations) but that would need a 10 day plan.

PM me for any help if you need.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by manjubp

We're gearing up for a trip to Andaman this October, aiming for a 5-day/6-night adventure. I'm in search of a comprehensive tour package where budget isn't a concern. However, I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of individually booking hotels, ferries, tickets, and all the rest.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Eyes closed go for Taj Exotica at Radhanagar beach; they will coordinate everything.

[vijayols]

Day 3- Exploring beaches of Havelock and some snorkeling.

The reporting time at Havelock Jetty was at 7 am.We had signed up with Luca Dives who along with Bare foot are among the best folks to do your dives in Havelock.They are located at Taj Exotica near Radhanagar beach and charge Rs 3500 per person for the snorkeling.

Little things like the equipment being a proper fit and water not entering your mask,the right fitting fins all of these and especially the safety equipment and the guide who accompanies you on the snorkeling dive all go to make the experience exhilarating and safe.For all the points mentioned would vouch for Luca Dives to be superb and even made someone like me who is terrified of water feel safe and secure.


We start on the snorkeling dive.


The colorful corals seen through the crystal clear water.

The dive site was in Turtle bay off elephant beach and we were lucky the day was bright and sunny and above all there were no winds which meant the sighting would be clear.

Took lots of videos on my go pro as we enjoyed the 1 hour of being in the ocean holding on to the tube.Super fun time.

Gorged on the fruit in the boat on the way back.We were famished and had a scrumptious breakfast at cafe 4.Rested for some time and then we headed for lunch first at Something Different which was highly rated.This was close to the jetty and opened out to the beach.Food was good and the experience even better.The service included a personal photograph taken and printed of us and handed over while we were still enjoying the food.We loved the home made ice-cream.


The beach outside Something Different Restaurant.

After lunch we drove towards Kala Pathar of which we had fond memories.We wanted to visit secret beach which was not marked on the map and not many local shop keepers knew about.We later learnt it was about 2 kms hike away through the forest.We kept walking for about 3 kms from the far end of the beach but couldn't locate the secret beach which was a lagoon.The walk though without a single soul in sight was awesome.
Like we experienced just walking a few 100 metres from the crowd gives us exclusive access to the beach all by ourselves.Let the photos do the talking.













We didn't dip into the ocean and then drove off on the far side of the beach and enjoyed a brilliant sunset as we aimlessly drove through the local villages.

Dinner was in a Punjabi restauarant Aoji Khao Ji which was nothing extraordinary.Went back to Matsya resort after grabbing a bar of ice cream in a super market and were all set for an early morning 3.30 am start for night Kayaking which included bio luminescence and man grove experience.The kayaking was offered by Murugan Pilliai( Ph 7695035951) who was trained under Tanaaz.Tanaaaz with whom we had done the kayaking with 8 years ago is a pioneer who introduced this experience in the island.

[jkrishnakj]

Originally Posted by manjubp

We're gearing up for a trip to Andaman this October, aiming for a 5-day/6-night adventure. I'm in search of a comprehensive tour package where budget isn't a concern. However, I'd prefer to avoid the hassle of individually booking hotels, ferries, tickets, and all the rest.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Agree with what Itwasntme suggests. I did exactly the same. They coordinated the entire package.

One tip though - Depending on your landing time there, pls book a hotel ahead of time at Port Blair. Given the last ferry out from Port Blair is 2 pm, suggest you book the Lemon Tree hotel that's right opposite the airport. It sells out quite fast. And the other hotels there are aren't that great.

[vijayols]

Originally Posted by jkrishnakj

Agree with what Itwasntme suggests. I did exactly the same. They coordinated the entire package.

One tip though - Depending on your landing time there, pls book a hotel ahead of time at Port Blair. Given the last ferry out from Port Blair is 2 pm, suggest you book the Lemon Tree hotel that's right opposite the airport. It sells out quite fast. And the other hotels there are aren't that great.

Yes we too struggled to find an alternative to lemon tree on the return journey and booked at zone control which was 30 mins away.

While on the onward we booked at Bell Elite which is less than 10 minutes from the airport.

[vijayols]

Day 4- Plan was to do kayaking and visiting Elephant beach(walk up to Turtle bay beach) and if possible Govind Nagar beach.

It was pouring at 2.30 am and we called Murugan to check if the plan was on only to be informed the weather here constantly changes and the 3.30 am plan was on.So both Smrithi and me biked to Havelock jetty to meet Murugan.

It wasn't raining till we reached the jetty and met up with Murugan and one more couple who were part of the entourage. However to our bad luck it started pouring thereafter and we took shelter near the jetty waiting for the rains to stop.

A couple of observations from the last time we had kayaked with tanaaz(refer the earlier pages of this thread) was that last time around we had done it in late evening which included bio luminescence observation,star gazing and then boating around the mangroves. Apparently now the government regulations ensured that only early morning Kayaking is allowed.

Also now the popularity has increased multi fold with ads all around and many operators in the fray.However again would recommend going with Murugan as he was experienced having trained under Tanaaz and also the other groups had all kayaks tied to each other for safety which made the experience a little weird.

Some pointers on the Bio luminescence is that its best done when the moon is closer to new moon and the night at its darkest and as the morning breaks early in Andaman(by 4.30 am) a early start is best.Wind is an enemy as the planktons which cause the effect disperses.

We were told by Murugan that the effect takes place when the male and female react and here it appears typically like white diamond like unlike the blue color you often see on the internet.

With all factors against us we did see a bit of the effect though and were lucky to experience a glorious sun rise and then the kayak through the mangroves was so soothing.The clear view of the corals from the river like crystal sea waters was amazing.

We were both glad we did opt for the experience despite the early hour.Cost us Rs 3000 in total for both.



After that we again some some great breakfast which honestly was top notch at cafe 4 in Matsaya resort.It started drizzling again to we spent time in the resort before heading out after lunch to elephant beach by far the most popular beach in Havelock as all water based sports and activities happen there.

To access the place we need to park the scooter near the entrance and trek for about 3 kms or so I guess till we reached the beach.The timing for access is from morning till a return by 4 so I guess they do not allow visit after 2.We pleaded and got to access the trek.Boats are also available.Guides are available for the trek but we chose not to take one as path is well defined.

The beach as expected was crowded and so we as usual moved a little away towards turtle beach and lo and behold we were soon the only ones in the beach there.Was again wonderful to walk in the pristine soft sand and see fishes and corals practically a few metres into the sea.Could have spent hours there but were bound to get back on time before it got dark or the heavens opened up as we could see dark clouds gathering.


clear waters near turtle bay beach.


A lone fishing boat as we walked back to elephant beach.


Just a few minutes walk away from the crowd and we had the beach all to ourselves.




The jungle trek is fairly easy.

Dinner was at a joint popular for divers called divers hub.Bonovo cafe was a joint we missed visiting.

We returned the scooters and were all set for the morning boat to Neil Island on day 5 of the trip.

[vijayols]

Day 5- We took the morning ferry from Havelock to Neil in pouring rains.We had booked at Sea shell samasara which opened to Laxmanpur Beach 1.
Went out in the rain to a nearby small hotel to have lunch and hire a couple of scooters to explore the island.When the downpour reduced a bit both me and Kanthi went on to explore the beach armed with an umbrella.


Path to the beach from the resort.


It was fun exploring the beach in the rain with an umbrella.


The hermit crab is there all over the beach.




Tree trunks on the beach is a feature of all beaches.Probably the Tsunami or cyclone effect?


The crystal clear ocean waters with fishes visible a few feet into the ocean.

Surprisingly there were others as crazy as us who too decided to enjoy the rains.When we reached the edge of the beach where there was the sunset point there were strong head winds and we had to hang on to the umbrella.

Just off the beach we stopped at a tea shop to have hot tea and bhajji.Of course it was yummy.Isn't it weird that in the mountains and pouring rains hot bhajji's and chai seem to be the best food in the world.


The chai shop.

Not much that we could do that day and we walked back through the beach back to the hotel.

Day 6- Exploring Neil and all the beaches like laxmanpur 2,sitapur,Ramnagar and the happening one bharatpur beach.

Neil is a pretty small island and the best way to explore every nook and corner of it is on a scooter.

We first went to Laxmanpur beach 2 which generally people do later in the day during low tide as the water recedes and the natural arch 1 can be accessed from the beach.Other wise its a climb over the rocks to reach there.Natural Arch 2 a little further away can be accessed by a walk through the jungle.

But trust us to not follow the trend and take the adventurous way over the rocks to reach Natural Arch 1.Looking at us a few more also followed suit.


The entrance to the beach.As we were probably the first ones to reach shop were just opening their shutters.


The breathtaking beach.


The Natural Arch 1.


The view of the path scaled from the vantage point standing on the rocks.We had reached here by going around the mountain.


From the other side of the Natural Arch1.




At the far end if we zoom on the Natural Arch 2 can be spotted.

We then took the scooter to reach Ramnagar beach where we were chasing a bit of nostalgia by going to a resort/restaurant called Elephant and four wise men.Eight years ago when we visited it was run by a Israeli couple and had basic huts for stay. Mainly for back packers from around the world.The home made ice cream and honey was advertised by them as the best ice cream and honey in the world and we had enjoyed it then thoroughly.


Scootering away on the empty roads which seemed to be freshly laid.

When we reached we were greeted by Shivankar who runs the place now himself and had leased it to the couple earlier.He was shut for business due to the monsoons.Apparently the food here is top class and he also offers snorkeling which too was closed for the season and is touted to be better than in Havelock.We played for some time with a mother dog and her horde of cute puppies who were so small they were still blind.A kitten too seemed to believe the dog was her mom and was naughtily playing with us.

It had started raining again and we quickly put on our ponchos and went to explore the ramnagar beach which was full of corals.


Mommy with her pup and the kitten.




The Feared Dementors from Hogwarts fighting each other.


The Ramnagar beach.


The walk over corals avoiding the Jelly fish.


The blue green waters of Ramnagar Beach.


The pineapple look alike inedible fruit.


A fisherman who were the only men on the deserted beach besides us with his fresh catch.

We then drove to sitapur beach which was famous for its sunrise.This being the eastern part of the island.


The sitapur beach.

Vibes and Dives restaurant which had glowing reviews on Sitapur beach was closed as the cook had gone on vacation so we stopped for lunch at Organikaa which was also good.

From here we made our way to Bharatpur beach near the Jetty which had all water based activities.Kanthi and Smrithi tried their hand at water jetting and then we decided to get or feet wet and floated away on the beach.


Water Jet ski.


Bharatpur Beach where we had fun simply floating.


Sunset point at Laxmanpur beach which was crowded.

We ended the day going to laxmanpur beach and the sunset point which was a damp squid as it was cloudy.

Day 7- D Day for which we had made this trip.It was Smrithi's birthday.

A "Surprise" cake which we managed to sneak into the room last night where comically the door was opened by Smrithi when kanthi knocked on the room door with cake behind her back.In an obvious (for us) gesture I immediately called out to Smrithi to look out of the balcony which she unsuspectingly did and we managed to hide the cake in the fridge.


The "Surprise"cake.

We cut the cake and let her enjoy time on then phone responding to wishes from her friends.Meanwhile me and kanthi decided to take a random ride around the island before returning the scooters and we had a post lunch ferry to catch to Port Blair.


Random ride to a village.


One last Adrak Chai on the beach Front.


Ramdom pics while scootering.

Had a rough ride back to Port Blair as a storm was threatening to strike Andaman.Kanthi failed to get a room in Lemon tree opposite the airport and booked a room in Zone Connect.

There we met Prashob (7695072455)who gave us some recommendations of unexplored parts of Andaman including the now open to public Barren Island about 140 kms away from Havelock and a day trip done by boat.His options included

1) Barren Island -140 kms from Havelock done by boat.Only active volcanic mountain in India.

2) Rutland.

3) Sugar Mundi.

4) Kalapahad

5) Mudhuban

Day 8- Had a safe return back to Bangalore to end another lovely trip to Andaman which even after 8 years remains our favorite beach destination in India.

[skdking]

Originally Posted by vijayols

Day 5- We took the morning ferry from Havelock to Neil in pouring rains.We had booked at Sea shell samasara which opened to Laxmanpur Beach 1.
Went out in the rain to a nearby ........



Day 8- Had a safe return back to Bangalore to end another lovely trip to Andaman which even after 8 years remains our favorite beach destination in India.

Dear Vijay, fantastic travelogue. Kudos.

PS - Since you appear to be a beach bum, I will advise you to try Bangaram island in Lakshadweep. It is fantabulous.

Thank me on coming back.

[haisaikat]

What a detailed thread Vijay, great it got bumped up or else I would have continued to miss it. Seems your travel style of exploring and trekking by staying close to the soil of the land is not a new hobby, it was there all the way back in 2017 too.

I went through that one and the 2024 revisit as well. Certainly loved it. The green see water and the blue sky with the artistic bend of the tree branches on the beach, that is a signature composition of the wonderful landscape on offer that drives people crazy to visit this place again and again. Will certainly be my reference for future. Keep travelling !!

[vijayols]

Thanks @skdking.My daughter in particular is a complete beach bum.Lakshwadeep especially bangaram has been on our to do list forever and even last December we just changed our plan from Lakshwadeep to Thailand and the wonderful beaches of Koh Yao Noi (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...iday.html).The (Get, set & go with Vijay | The beaches of Thailand | 10-day Holiday) mountains are more my calling though.

Next year for sure and post that would not forget to thank you.

[vijayols]

Originally Posted by haisaikat

What a detailed thread Vijay, great it got bumped up or else I would have continued to miss it. Seems your travel style of exploring and trekking by staying close to the soil of the land is not a new hobby, it was there all the way back in 2017 too.

I went through that one and the 2024 revisit as well. Certainly loved it. The green see water and the blue sky with the artistic bend of the tree branches on the beach, that is a signature composition of the wonderful landscape on offer that drives people crazy to visit this place again and again. Will certainly be my reference for future. Keep travelling !!

Thanks Buddy.Its fun when some old blog turns up and rekindles the memories.Wish we have a state wise places to visit thread as a reference ready reckoner for all states in India..The Andaman one was so close to our heart with the exquisite beauty of the place and new places to discover in each visit.

Yes the driving,people,unconventional places and hiking has been part of our travels forever.

Hope to catch some time during our common love to travel.

Great you find time to go through the rather lengthy blog.