Introduction – Why Andaman & Nicobar Will Be India’s No.1 Travel Destination in 2026

If there is one place in India that feels like a tropical paradise with blue water, untouched beaches, coral gardens, and unbelievable peace — it is the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

By 2026, the islands have become even more traveler-friendly:

• Better flight connectivity

• Faster ferry services

• Digital permit system

• Cleaner beaches

• Safer water sports

• More luxury stays

• Improved 4G/5G coverage

Travel Explorer considers Andaman the perfect blend of Maldives + Goa + Bali — all in one.

This blog will show you exactly how to visit the islands in 2026, what to see, where to stay, what to avoid, and how to plan the perfect trip.

1. How to Reach Andaman & Nicobar in 2026

There are two ways:

A. By Flight (Fastest)

Direct flights to Port Blair (IXZ Airport) from:

• Delhi

• Kolkata

• Chennai

• Bengaluru

• Mumbai

• Hyderabad

• Bhubaneswar

2026 flight duration: 2.5 to 4 hours

Prices depend on season (₹6,000 – ₹20,000 per person).

B. By Ship (Slow but Interesting)

Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.

• Takes 3–4 days

• Only suitable for adventurous or long vacations

• Limited comfort compared to flights

Travel Explorer recommendation: Always choose flights.

2. Do You Need Any Permits in 2026?

Good news — most restrictions have been removed.

Indian tourists do NOT need permits for:

• Port Blair

• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Ross Island

• North Bay

• Baratang

• Cinque Island (permission via tour operator only)

Only tribal-protected areas remain restricted.

3. Best Time to Visit Andaman & Nicobar (2026 Guide)

Best Season:

October to May – Clear sky, calm sea, perfect for water sports.

Avoid:

June to September (rains, rough sea).

4. How Many Days Do You Need?

The ideal duration:

• 4 Days – Basic trip

• 6 Days – Havelock + Neil + Port Blair

• 8+ Days – Ross & Smith, Cinque Island, Baratang, Long Island

Travel Explorer ideal plan: 6–7 days

5. Complete 2026 Itinerary (Travel Explorer Style)

Below is a perfect 7-day plan:

Day 1 – Arrive at Port Blair + Cellular Jail

• Land at Port Blair

• Check-in hotel

• Visit Cellular Jail

• Attend Light & Sound Show

Stay: Port Blair

Day 2 – Havelock Island + Radhanagar Beach

• Morning ferry to Havelock

• Explore Radhanagar Beach (World’s top 10 beaches)

• Sunset viewpoint

Stay: Havelock

Day 3 – Elephant Beach (Water Sports Day)

Activities in 2026 include:

• Sea Walk

• Scuba Diving (Updated 2026 PADI centers)

• Snorkeling

• Jet Ski

• Parasailing

• Banana Boat

• Glass Boat Ride

Stay: Havelock

Day 4 – Transfer to Neil Island

• Take ferry to Neil Island

• Visit:

  • Bharatpur Beach

  • Laxmanpur Beach

  • Natural Bridge

Stay: Neil Island

Day 5 – Back to Port Blair + Corbyn’s Cove

• Return to Port Blair

• Enjoy Corbyn’s Cove Beach

• City shopping

Stay: Port Blair

Day 6 – Ross Island + North Bay Combo

A full-day island hopping trip:

• Explore Ross Island ruins

• Spend the second half at North Bay Beach for snorkeling

Stay: Port Blair

Day 7 – Baratang (Limestone Caves + Mangrove Boats)

• Early morning road trip

• Visit Limestone Caves

• Mud Volcano (optional)

• Dense mangrove boat ride

Return and fly back.

6. Top Places to Visit in 2026

1. Havelock Island

Crystal-clear water, world-class scuba diving.

2. Neil Island

The calmest, cleanest, most beautiful small island.

3. Port Blair

History + beaches + city comfort.

4. Ross & Smith

Two islands connected by a white sand bar.

5. Baratang

Limestone caves and mangrove forests.

6. Cinque Island

One of India’s most beautiful untouched islands.

7. Hotels to Stay (2026 Update)

Budget Hotels (₹1,000 – ₹2,500)

• De Meadows

• Hotel Shreesh

• White Coral

• Blue Bird Resort (Neil)

Mid-Range (₹3,000 – ₹6,000)

• Symphony Palms

• Coral Reef

• Haywizz

• TSG Blue

Luxury (₹8,000 – ₹30,000)

• Taj Exotica (Havelock)

• Seashell Resort

• Barefoot at Havelock

• Munjoh Ocean Resort

Travel Explorer Tip:
Book ferries & hotels 1–2 months early.

8. Transport Inside the Islands

Ferries (Main transport)

• Government Ferries

• Makruzz

• Green Ocean

• Sea Link

• ITT Majestic

2026 ferries are cleaner, faster, and fully digital.

Local transport

• Scooters (₹500–₹700/day)

• Autos

• Taxis

• Private cabs

9. Food Guide for Andaman (2026 Edition)

Must-try:

• Fresh Lobster

• Red Snapper

• Grilled Fish

• Coconut Pudding

• Local Banana Chips

• Seafood Thalis

Best restaurants:

• Lighthouse Restaurant

• Full Moon Café (Havelock)

• Something Different Café (Beach view)

10. Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Economic Trip (₹18,000 – ₹25,000)

Mid-range Trip (₹30,000 – ₹50,000)

Luxury Trip (₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000)

Includes: flights, stays, food, ferries, activities.

11. Safety Guide (2026 Rules)

• Stick to designated beaches only

• Deep water sports must be with licensed guides

• No drone flying without permission

• No touching corals

• No plastic on beaches

12. Things You MUST Carry

• Underwater camera / GoPro

• Quick-dry clothes

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Sunscreen (VERY IMPORTANT)

• Lightweight slippers

• Powerbank

• Travel documents

Conclusion – Why 2026 Is the Golden Year to Visit Andaman

Travel Explorer believes that 2026 is the perfect time to visit Andaman because:

• Tourism infrastructure is at its peak

• Water sports are upgraded

• Mobile connectivity improved

• Beaches cleaner than ever

• Resorts offering huge discounts

• Zero crowd compared to other tourist places

If you want a peaceful, romantic, exciting, and unforgettable island experience —
Andaman & Nicobar 2026 is the best place in India.