Andaman Tour Package from Bangalore 2026
I spent seven days in the Andamans last November, and I’m still thinking about that first glimpse of turquoise water from the flight window. If you’re in Bangalore and dreaming of pristine beaches without the Goa crowds, an Andaman tour package from Bangalore is probably the smartest island escape you can book this year. The direct connectivity, reasonable pricing, and sheer variety of experiences make this route increasingly popular among South Indian travellers.
Here’s what most travel websites won’t tell you upfront: the Andaman Islands aren’t just about beaches. They’re about forest treks through endemic species, colonial history that’ll give you chills, and underwater worlds that rival the Maldives at a fraction of the cost. But they also require more planning than your typical beach vacation.
How to Reach Andaman from Bangalore
Your only practical option is flying into Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. The flight takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, though there are no true direct flights from Bangalore. Most routes connect through Chennai or Kolkata, adding 1 to 3 hours depending on your layover.
IndiGo and Air India operate the most frequent services, with round-trip fares ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on when you book. I’ve noticed prices spike dramatically during December and May, so booking 45 to 60 days in advance saves you real money. SpiceJet occasionally runs direct seasonal flights, but availability is unpredictable.
What About Ships from Chennai?
You can technically sail from Chennai to Port Blair on government-operated ships, but this takes 50 to 60 hours one way. Unless you genuinely enjoy being on water for three days and have a strong stomach, I’d skip this. The ships are basic, often delayed, and save you very little money compared to advance-booked flights.
Best Time to Book Your Andaman Package
The sweet spot runs from October through early May. Monsoons hit the islands hard from June through September, with heavy rainfall, rough seas, and most water activities suspended. I’ve met travellers who tried visiting in July and spent their entire trip watching rain from hotel windows.
Peak season falls between December and January when hotel rates climb 30 to 40 percent above normal. If you want the best combination of good weather, manageable crowds, and fair pricing, aim for October to November or February to April. Water visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving peaks during March and April.
Typical Andaman Tour Package Costs from Bangalore
Budget packages start around Rs 25,000 per person for 5 nights and 6 days, covering accommodation, inter-island ferries, and basic sightseeing. These put you in 2-star hotels and skip premium activities like scuba diving or sea walking.
Mid-range packages run Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per person, including 3-star beach resorts, private cab transfers, and one or two adventure activities. This is where most Bangalore travellers land, and honestly, it’s the right balance. Premium packages with luxury resorts like Taj Exotica or Munjoh Ocean Resort cross Rs 80,000 easily.
Hidden Costs Most Packages Don’t Mention
Watch out for entry fees to attractions like Cellular Jail (Rs 30), Radhanagar Beach (Rs 50), and various island landing permits. Water sports are almost never included. Scuba diving costs Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,500 per dive, snorkeling Rs 800 to Rs 1,500, and sea walking around Rs 3,500. Budget an extra Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per person for these activities.
What Does an Andaman Tour Package Include
Standard inclusions cover airport transfers, accommodation, inter-island ferry tickets, and guided sightseeing at major spots. Most packages use government ferries like Makruzz or Green Ocean for Havelock and Neil Island transfers. Some budget operators use the slower government ferries, which can be uncomfortable in rough weather.
Meals vary widely. Some packages include only breakfast, others offer MAP (breakfast and dinner), and a few premium ones go full board. Always clarify this before booking. Eating out in Andaman isn’t cheap. A decent meal at Havelock costs Rs 400 to Rs 800 per person.
Must-Visit Destinations on Your Andaman Trip
Port Blair serves as your base, but spend no more than 1.5 days here. Visit Cellular Jail for the evening light and sound show (genuinely moving if you’re interested in freedom struggle history), check out Corbyn’s Cove beach, and maybe hit Ross Island if time permits. The real Andaman experience lies elsewhere.
Havelock Island, officially renamed Swaraj Dweep, deserves 2 to 3 full days. Radhanagar Beach consistently ranks among Asia’s best, and it delivers. The sunset views are unreal. For snorkeling, head to Elephant Beach. Serious divers should book with Dive India or Barefoot Scuba. Their instructors are PADI certified and know the local reef systems intimately.
Neil Island: The Quieter Alternative
Most packages include one night at Neil Island, now called Shaheed Dweep. It’s smaller, quieter, and has a laid-back vibe that Havelock is slowly losing. Bharatpur Beach offers shallow, calm waters perfect for families. The natural rock formation at Howrah Bridge is worth a sunrise visit. Don’t expect nightlife here. This island shuts down by 9 PM.
Choosing Between Package Tours and DIY Planning
Package tours make sense if you’re travelling with family, have limited time, or simply don’t want logistical headaches. Ferry bookings during peak season can be genuinely stressful. Hotels get fully booked weeks in advance. Having someone else handle this has real value.
However, DIY planning saves you 15 to 25 percent and offers flexibility that packages don’t. You can extend your Havelock stay if you fall in love with the place, skip crowded tourist spots, and eat where locals eat. I’ve done both approaches and prefer DIY for solo or couple trips and packages for family groups.
Popular Andaman Itinerary from Bangalore
Here’s a realistic 6-night itinerary that most tour operators offer with minor variations. Day 1 involves arrival in Port Blair, hotel check-in, and the Cellular Jail light and sound show. Day 2 covers Ross Island, North Bay Island for snorkeling, and Corbyn’s Cove.
Day 3 is your ferry to Havelock, which takes about 2 hours on a private ferry. Spend the evening at Radhanagar Beach. Day 4 stays on Havelock for Elephant Beach water sports and optional scuba diving. Day 5 moves to Neil Island via ferry for Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches. Day 6 returns to Port Blair via Neil, with free time for shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar. Day 7 is departure.
Things Most Tourists Get Wrong
The biggest mistake is overpacking the itinerary. I’ve seen packages that squeeze in every island, every activity, and every attraction, leaving travellers exhausted. The Andamans are meant to be experienced slowly. Leave room for doing nothing on a beach.
Another error is booking water activities with random beach operators. Stick to established names with proper safety equipment. I witnessed a near-accident at Elephant Beach involving a shady operator with poorly maintained gear. Your Rs 500 savings isn’t worth the risk.
Network and ATM Reality
Mobile networks work reasonably well in Port Blair but get patchy on Havelock and nearly nonexistent on smaller islands. ATMs exist but often run out of cash, especially during peak season. Carry enough currency for 2 to 3 days of expenses. Many beach shacks and smaller hotels don’t accept cards.
Booking Your Package: What to Verify
When selecting a tour operator, insist on seeing exact hotel names, ferry types, and inclusion breakdowns in writing. Ask specifically about vehicle types for transfers. Some budget packages use shared tempos rather than private cabs, which significantly affects comfort.
Reputable operators like SOTC, MakeMyTrip Holidays, and local specialists like Andaman Bubbles have track records worth checking. For customized packages, local operators often provide better value than national chains. Read recent reviews, not just star ratings. Look for comments about actual service delivery versus promises.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your Trip
An Andaman tour package from Bangalore offers something increasingly rare in Indian tourism: genuinely uncrowded natural beauty that’s still accessible and affordable. The islands haven’t been commercialized to the extent of Goa or Kerala, though that’s changing year by year.
Book smart, travel during shoulder seasons if possible, and resist the urge to see everything. The Andamans reward those who linger. Your best memories won’t come from ticking off a checklist but from unexpected moments. That surprise dolphin sighting during your ferry ride or that perfect empty beach you stumbled upon while exploring. Those can’t be packaged, and honestly, that’s the whole point.
0 Comment