Chennai to Andaman Guide- a completee plan for your trip.

In the Andaman Islands you are standing on soft white sand, watching crystal-clear water stretch to the horizon. Palm trees sway behind you. The stress of city life feels like a distant memory. That’s what Andaman does to you.

I remember my first sunrise there. The sky turned shades of orange and pink I’d never seen before. The water was so clear I could see fish swimming around my feet. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget to check your phone.

The Andaman Islands sit in the Bay of Bengal like nature’s secret hideaway. They’ve got pristine beaches, tropical forests, fascinating history, plus some of the best underwater adventures in India. For us Chennai folks, it’s close enough to reach easily but far enough to feel like a real escape.

Planning a trip here used to stress me out. So many ferries to book, permits to arrange, hotels to compare. Then I discovered booking through operators like Shirdi Sai Nath Yatra keeps everything organized. Sometimes paying a bit more for peace of mind is worth it.

Two Ways to Get There from Chennai

Flying is the obvious choice. Chennai to Port Blair takes just 2.5 to 3 hours. You leave in the morning, you’re on the beach by afternoon. Most people I know choose this because life’s too short for long journeys.

But here’s the thing about the cruise. Ships like MV Nancowry take 60 to 70 hours. Yeah, that’s three full days at sea. Sounds crazy, right? But my colleague Ramesh did it last year. He said watching dolphins alongside the ship and sleeping to the sound of waves was magical. It’s not for everyone though. You need patience and a strong stomach if the sea gets rough.

What the Cruise Actually Costs

Bunk class tickets run Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000 per person. Think of it like a train sleeper but on water. Deluxe cabins cost Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000. Here’s what surprised me: meals aren’t included. You buy rice, curry, chapati, and chai from the ship’s canteen. Not fancy, but Ramesh said the food was decent enough.

Let’s Talk Real Numbers

Money matters when you’re planning a vacation. I hate when travel blogs gloss over actual costs.

Budget travelers can do 5 to 6 days for Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 per person. That’s bare bones though. Basic hotels, government ferries, minimal activities. Doable if you’re watching every rupee.

Mid-range packages cost Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 45,000 per person. This is where most people land. You get decent hotels, included meals, airport transfers, plus guided tours. No stress about booking ferries or finding your way around.

Couples should budget Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000 total for a comfortable trip with water sports and nice restaurants.

Families of four need Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000. My neighbor’s family went last December. They spent closer to Rs. 1 lakh because they splurged on a resort in Havelock. Their kids still talk about the pool overlooking the beach.

Packages often throw in special touches for honeymooners. Private beach dinners, flower decorations, things like that. Worth asking about if you’re newly married.

When Should You Actually Go?

July to September offers the cheapest rates. Monsoon season means empty beaches and half-price hotels. Sounds great until the rain cancels your snorkeling trip. My friend Priya went in August and spent two days stuck in her hotel. She got great photos of stormy seas though.

October to May is genuinely the best time. I went in February and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, barely any rain. Every activity runs smoothly. The sea stays calm for ferries. Water visibility is amazing for diving. Yes, everything costs more. But you’re actually enjoying your vacation instead of dodging rain.

Getting Between Islands

You’ll need ferries to reach Havelock and Neil Island from Port Blair. No way around it.

Government ferries are cheap and reliable but book out fast. I learned this the hard way. Tried booking two weeks before my trip and everything was full. Had to pay triple for private ferries.

Private ferries like Makruzz and Green Ocean cost more but they’re worth it. Air conditioning, comfortable seats, faster travel times. After a long day of sightseeing, that AC feels like heaven. The journey from Port Blair to Havelock takes about 90 minutes instead of 2.5 hours.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Five to six days hits the sweet spot for most people. You cover Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island without feeling rushed.

Want to squeeze in Baratang with those limestone caves? Or spend extra time at Ross Island? Then plan 7 to 8 days. I did six days and felt satisfied. Saw everything important. Still had time to just sit on the beach with a book.

Four days only works if you skip Neil Island entirely. Honestly, that feels too rushed to me.

Should You Book a Package or Go Solo?

You can absolutely plan everything yourself. Book your own flights and hotels. Figure out ferry schedules. Apply for permits. Some people love that control.

But here’s my take. Inter-island ferries are complicated. They sell out. Weather delays happen. One missed ferry messes up your entire schedule. When my ferry to Havelock got delayed by six hours, the tour operator rearranged everything. If I’d been on my own, I’d have lost a hotel night and activities I’d already paid for.

Packages cost more upfront but save you from potential disasters. For families and first-timers, I’d say go with a package.

Is Andaman Actually Expensive?

It’s moderately priced. Not dirt cheap because everything gets shipped to islands. Not crazy expensive like the Maldives either.

You can eat at local dhabas for Rs. 150 per meal. Or spend Rs. 1,500 at a resort restaurant. Stay in a basic guesthouse for Rs. 1,500 per night. Or book a luxury resort for Rs. 15,000. The choice is yours.

Is It Really Worth Going?

Listen, I’m not easily impressed by tourist destinations. But Andaman got me.

Radhanagar Beach actually looks like the photos. The water at Elephant Beach is so clear you feel like you’re floating in an aquarium. Cellular Jail made me emotional learning about India’s freedom struggle. Sunsets at Laxmanpur Beach are ridiculous. I took 50 photos trying to capture the colors.

The islands give you adventure, natural beauty, history, and peace all in one trip. A good package handles the logistics so you focus on actually experiencing it.

Your Next Move

The Andaman Islands aren’t some overhyped tourist trap. They’re genuinely special. Whether you want to dive with colorful fish, explore historical sites, or just disconnect from the world on a quiet beach, they deliver.

A quality tour package from Chennai makes the whole thing easier. You get reliable transportation, comfortable stays, knowledgeable guides, and time to make memories instead of stressing over bookings.

Ready to see what the fuss is about? Start planning your escape. Trust me, you won’t regret it.