The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India unfold as a single union territory across two distinct island groups, separated by the Ten Degree Channel. To the north lie the Andamans, while the Nicobars stretch further south, together creating a landscape shaped by coral reefs, mangrove forests, and dense tropical jungle. Spread across roughly 8,249 sq. km, much of the territory remains protected forest or marine reserve, preserving its extraordinary natural character.
These islands are also home to Indigenous communities whose histories stretch back thousands of years. Some communities remain largely uncontacted, while several are officially recognised as particularly vulnerable because of their small populations and traditional ways of life. Their territories remain protected, and access is restricted, making respect for these boundaries an essential part of experiencing the Andamans responsibly.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): One of the Andamans’ best-known islands, Havelock is home to Radhanagar Beach, with its powdery white sand, swaying palms, and clear blue waters.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Slower and more peaceful, Neil Island draws you towards uncrowded beaches and quiet stretches of coastline, including Bharatpur and Laxmanpur.
Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep): Once a British administrative base, Ross Island offers a glimpse into the colonial history of the Andamans through its atmospheric ruins.
Baratang: Take a boat through mangrove-lined creeks to reach limestone caves and active mud volcanoes, revealing a wilder side of the archipelago beyond its beaches.
Long Island: One of the Andamans’ quieter corners, Long Island is known for the calm waters of Lalaji Bay, inviting snorkelling, and a peaceful coastline that feels removed from the busier island circuit.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: Explore the clear, shallow waters around several islands, where colourful coral reefs and marine life create some of the Andamans’ most memorable underwater experiences.
Mangrove Kayaking: Paddle through quiet mangrove creeks, with kingfishers and other resident birds often appearing along the waterways. Check the tide charts before setting out.
Rainforest and Waterfall Treks: Follow trails through dense rainforest, past waterfalls, and towards secluded beaches, with options suited to leisurely walkers as well as experienced hikers.
Birdwatching and Night Walks: Begin with dawn bird trails or venture out after dark to experience the rainforest when its nocturnal inhabitants emerge.
Beach Hopping: Take your time discovering the islands’ different shores, from Havelock’s celebrated Radhanagar Beach to the quieter Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches on Neil Island.
Hop Aboard and Explore the Islands
Ferries are the easiest way to move between the main islands, with the Port Blair to Havelock route offering frequent departures throughout the day. The journey from Havelock to Neil takes as little as 45 minutes on faster private services, making island hopping pleasantly effortless. Government and private ferries operate daily, though advance booking is advisable during the busier winter months. Reaching Baratang or Long Island takes a little more time, usually combining a road journey from Port Blair with a boat ride.
The Best Time to Visit
October through March brings the most reliable weather, with clear skies suited to diving and island hopping. Monsoon rains from June through September can disrupt ferry services and beach activity, though rates and crowds both drop. A dedicated season-by-season breakdown is worth reading separately before locking in your exact travel dates.
Cuisine and Responsible Travel
The flavours of the Andamans are as closely tied to the sea as the islands themselves, with fresh seafood taking centre stage alongside produce grown locally rather than shipped from the mainland. Responsible travel matters here more than in most destinations, given the fragile reefs and protected tribal lands nearby. Reef-safe sunscreen, respectful photography, and avoiding single-use plastic all help protect the ecosystem that draws visitors here.
Barefoot at Havelock sits within walking distance of Radhanagar Beach, making us a natural base for exploring Havelock’s beaches, rainforests, and waters. Our 31 island-inspired tents, cottages, and villas are woven into a tropical canopy, with renewable cane, thatch, and wood bringing an unmistakable sense of place to each stay. Built on stilts, several of our cottages and villas allow rainwater to follow its natural course, while spacious interiors and thoughtful comforts offer you a welcoming retreat after a day of island adventures.
Spend your time here getting to know the island at a slower pace. Walk through the rainforest in search of endemic birds, head out on a night walk, or explore the shoreline during an intertidal walk. Take a waterfall or rainforest trek, kayak through the Andaman waters, snorkel among marine life, or follow a guided trail to Kalapathar Beach. You could also start the morning with Breakfast with Birds or head out to sea for a sunrise trip.
Back at the resort, choose from several ways to settle into the evening. Dine at The Swimming Elephant on dishes shaped by fresh garden produce and local ingredients, stop by Dugong Dugon for a drink, or visit Robber Crab Café for a relaxed bite. For something more intimate, opt for a candlelit dinner by the shore at Radhanagar Beach, followed by a restorative treatment at Oma Spa.
With Neil Island and Baratang within easy reach for day trips, your time at Barefoot at Havelock also leaves room to discover more of the Andamans without giving up the pleasure of returning to the forested calm of our resort. Plan a 4-day Andaman itinerary around these islands, with enough time to linger over the beaches, waters, and slower moments in between.
