Are you in Chennai and dreaming of turquoise waters, reefs of coral, and quiet island evenings? The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are closer than you think. Chennai is one of the best-connected mainland cities to Port Blair. Direct flights take just under two hours. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a family holiday, or an adventure-packed getaway, this guide walks you through everything—flights, ferries, islands, hotels, and the best time to go.
Chennai: The Best Gateway to Andaman
Chennai is one of the nearest cities to Port Blair and thus the most convenient departure point for Andaman travel. Direct flights are scheduled daily by several airlines, and the short flight time means you can arrive in the late morning and be island hopping by the afternoon.
For travellers who prefer sea travel or want to combine flight and ferry legs, Chennai also has periodic ship services to Port Blair, though these take considerably longer (around 60 hours) and are better suited to those who enjoy a slower, more scenic journey rather than a quick vacation.
If you'd rather skip the planning headaches, an Andaman Nicobar package that bundles flights, inter-island ferries, hotels, and sightseeing can save considerable time and effort—especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with island logistics.
Also read: Andaman for Solo Travellers: Tips and Tricks for a Safe and Enjoyable Journey
How Many Days Do You Need?
For a Chennai-to-Andaman trip, we generally recommend:
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4-5 days: Port Blair + Havelock Island (ideal for short breaks)
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6-7 days: Port Blair + Havelock + Neil Island (a well-rounded itinerary)
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8+ days: Add Baratang or Diglipur for a deeper, less-touristed experience
A week is the sweet spot for most travellers—enough time to enjoy each island without feeling rushed by ferry schedules.
Planning a romantic getaway? The Honeymoon Sunset Escape package pairs beachfront stays with sunset-view dinners across Havelock and Neil Island — explore the Honeymoon Sunset Escape
Getting Around: Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island
Once you land in Port Blair, inter-island travel happens almost entirely by sea. The Port Blair to Havelock ferry is the most-used route, connecting the capital to Andaman's most popular beach destination, home to the famous Radhanagar Beach. Several private operators run multiple daily crossings, and booking your Port Blair to Havelock ferry tickets in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (November to March), when seats sell out quickly.
From Havelock, a shorter ferry ride connects you to Neil Island—a quieter, less crowded alternative known for its natural bridge rock formation and laid-back pace. Many travellers use Neil Island as a relaxing last stop before heading back to Port Blair for their return flight.
Where to Stay: Matching Hotels to Your Itinerary
Accommodation across the islands ranges from budget guesthouses to premium beachfront resorts, and the right choice depends heavily on which island you're basing yourself in and what kind of trip you want.
For a broad overview across the archipelago, browsing best hotels in Andaman gives you a sense of what's available in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island together, sorted by budget, location, and amenities.
In Havelock, most visitors look for a Havelock Island beach resort close to Radhanagar Beach or Kalapathar Beach, since the island's biggest draws — beaches, diving, and water sports — are concentrated there. A Havelock Island beach resort with easy beach access saves you from long tuk-tuk rides after a day of snorkelling.
In Neil Island, the pace is slower, and the properties tend to be smaller and more intimate. Several hotels in Neil Island sit within walking distance of the ferry jetty and Bharatpur Beach, making them convenient for shorter stays.
Travelling with family? The Family Island Starter package is built around comfortable stays, manageable ferry transfers, and kid-friendly beaches—check out the Family Island Starter.
What to Do: A Sample Itinerary
Day 1-2 (Port Blair): Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show, Corbyn's Cove Beach, and a visit to the Anthropological Museum.
Day 3-4 (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach sunset, snorkeling or scuba diving at Elephant Beach, and Kalapathar Beach for sunrise.
Day 5-6 (Neil Island): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and simply slowing down before your journey home.
If you want a more adventure-heavy route that strings together multiple islands and activities in one continuous loop, an itinerary built around the Andaman Coastal Crusade covers a wider stretch of the archipelago—see the Andaman Coastal Crusade.
Also read: Best Time to Visit Andaman Islands in 2026
Best Time to Visit
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October to May: Best weather, calm seas, ideal for water activities
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November to February: Peak season—book flights, ferries, and hotels well in advance
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June to September: Monsoon season—fewer crowds and lower prices, but rough seas can disrupt ferry schedules and some water sports
Practical Tips for Chennai Travellers
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Book Port Blair flights and inter-island ferries together where possible to avoid schedule mismatches
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Carry a valid photo ID—mandatory for both flights and ferry check-ins
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Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), issued on arrival at Port Blair airport
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Cash is still preferred on Neil Island and for smaller vendors; ATMs are limited outside Port Blair and Havelock's main markets
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Pack reef-safe sunscreen—several beaches and dive operators now discourage regular sunscreen to protect coral
Planning Made Simple
Between flight timings, ferry bookings, hotel selection, and island-hopping logistics, Andaman trips have more moving parts than most domestic holidays. That's where a well-structured package helps—bundling transfers, stays, and sightseeing so you're not chasing separate bookings in the weeks before your trip.
Online Vacations has been contracting directly with hotels across Andaman & Nicobar since 2014, working with all four ferry operators, and has served over 1.1 lakh travellers with a 4.88 Google rating. Every package comes with GST-compliant invoicing and a transparent 20% booking deposit—no wholesaler markups, no hidden ferry surcharges.
Book Your Trip to Andaman Islands
Experience the tranquility and adventure of the Andaman Islands with Online Vacations. Let us be your travel planner in India and take you through this island.
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Phone: +91 998855 4232
mailto: enquiry@onlinevacations.in
