Offbeat Andaman 8N/9D — 8 Nights / 9 Days
An 8 nights 9 days Andaman tour that heads north to Diglipur for the Twin Islands and the Baratang caves, then returns south for Havelock and Neil.
About this itinerary
This tour goes where most itineraries do not. After the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, you make the long drive north to Diglipur for two nights, taking in the Baratang limestone caves on the way, the Twin Islands of Ross and Smith and the turtle beach at Kalipur.
The return runs the long road back to Port Blair, then covers Havelock for Radhanagar, a Kalapathar sunrise and an Elephant Beach snorkelling session, closing with the Natural Rock Formation and Laxmanpur on Neil.
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day below can be moved, shortened or swapped. Replanning is free — you only pay the difference in what you change.
- Day 1Port BlairArrival day
Arrival in Port Blair and Cellular Jail
Arrive at Veer Savarkar Airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and rest.
In the late afternoon, visit the Cellular Jail, its museum and photo gallery, then stay for the evening Light and Sound show.
Cellular Jail
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays
- Suggested Duration: 2 hours
- Ideal For: History, museum, Light and Sound show
- Category: Historical & Memorial
Transfer: Private CabTransfer duration: Cab about 25 to 30 minStay: Port Blair - Day 2DiglipurIsland hop
Port Blair to Diglipur via Baratang
Set out early for the long drive north, crossing by convoy from Jirkatang through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve to Baratang Jetty.
Take a boat through the mangrove creek and walk in to the limestone caves, then continue on to Diglipur, reaching your hotel by evening.
Baratang Limestone Caves
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 4 PM, subject to convoy and boat timings
- Suggested Duration: 2 hours
- Ideal For: Caves, mangrove creek, forest trek
- Category: Natural Landmark
Transfer: Private Cab + BoatTransfer duration: Cab about 13 to 14 hrs with stops, boat through the mangroveStay: Diglipur - Day 3DiglipurSightseeing
Twin Islands (Ross and Smith) and Kalipur Beach
Drive to Aerial Bay and take the boat to the Twin Islands of Ross and Smith, joined by a sandbar you can walk across at low tide, for swimming, snorkelling and beach walks.
In the afternoon, visit Kalipur Beach, an ash-sand turtle-nesting shore, for a quiet sunset before returning to Diglipur.
Twin Islands (Ross and Smith)
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 4 PM, boat from Aerial Bay, permit required
- Suggested Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Ideal For: Swimming, snorkelling, sandbar walk
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Kalipur Beach
- Opening Time: Daylight hours
- Suggested Duration: 1 hour
- Ideal For: Turtle nesting, walking, quiet time
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Transfer: Private Cab + BoatTransfer duration: Cab about 20 min, boat about 35 to 40 minStay: DiglipurBreakfast included - Day 4Port BlairIsland hop
Diglipur to Port Blair
Make the long return drive to Port Blair, crossing Mayabunder, Rangat, Baratang and the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, with breaks on the way.
Arrive by evening and check in at your hotel for the night.
Transfer: Private CabTransfer duration: Cab about 10 to 12 hrs with stopsStay: Port BlairBreakfast included - Day 5HavelockIsland hop
Port Blair to Havelock and Radhanagar Beach
Cross from Phoenix Bay to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and transfer to your hotel to check in.
In the afternoon, head to Radhanagar Beach for the sunset and a walk along the sand.
Radhanagar Beach
- Opening Time: 6 AM to 7 PM
- Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Ideal For: Sunset viewing, walking, lounging
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Transfer: Private Cab + FerryTransfer duration: Cab about 15 to 20 min, ferry about 1.5 to 2 hrsStay: HavelockBreakfast included - Day 6HavelockSightseeing
Kalapathar Sunrise and Elephant Beach
Set out early for a Kalapathar Beach sunrise on the eastern coast, then return for breakfast.
Take the boat to Elephant Beach for your complimentary snorkelling session over the shallow reef, with corals, sea cucumbers and reef fish, before heading back to Havelock.
Kalapathar Beach
- Opening Time: Daylight hours, best at sunrise
- Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Ideal For: Sunrise viewing, walking, photography
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Elephant Beach
- Opening Time: 8 AM to 4 PM, boat from Havelock Jetty
- Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Ideal For: Snorkelling, corals, swimming
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Transfer: Private Cab + BoatTransfer duration: Cab about 25 to 30 min, boat about 25 to 30 minStay: HavelockBreakfast included - Day 7NeilIsland hop
Havelock to Neil, Natural Rock Formation and Laxmanpur
Take the cruise from Havelock to Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) and transfer to your hotel to check in.
In the afternoon, visit the Natural Rock Formation on Laxmanpur Beach No 2, then move to Laxmanpur Beach No 1 for the sunset.
Natural Rock Formation (Howrah Bridge)
- Opening Time: Daylight hours, accessible only at low tide
- Suggested Duration: 1 hour
- Ideal For: Photography, coral spotting, walking
- Category: Natural Landmark
Laxmanpur Beach No 1
- Opening Time: 5 AM to 6 PM
- Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Ideal For: Sunset viewing, walking, photography
- Category: Beach & Recreation
Transfer: Private Cab + FerryTransfer duration: Cab about 15 min, ferry about 45 to 60 minStay: NeilBreakfast included - Day 8Port BlairIsland hop
Neil to Port Blair and Aberdeen Bazaar
Take the cruise back to Port Blair and transfer to your hotel to check in.
In the afternoon, an optional trip covers Aberdeen Bazaar and Sagarika Emporium for seashells, jewellery and tribal handicrafts.
Transfer: Private Cab + FerryTransfer duration: Ferry about 1.5 to 2 hrs, cab about 15 minStay: Port BlairBreakfast included - Day 9Departure
Departure from Port Blair
After breakfast, transfer to Veer Savarkar Airport for your onward flight, closing your 8 nights 9 days Offbeat Andaman tour.
Transfer: Private CabTransfer duration: Cab about 25 to 30 minBreakfast included
Hotels on this package
Rooms are held on twin sharing with daily breakfast. Switch the category to see the properties it puts you in — the tab you pick here also sets the price shown at the top of the page and on the enquiry form.
The base category — comfortable, well-run properties in walkable locations, picked for reliable power, water and staff more than for the view.
| Island | Nights | Standard category | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair | 3 | Hotel Aparupa or similar | Standard, twin sharing |
| Diglipur | 2 | Hotel Land fall or similar | Deluxe, twin sharing |
| Havelock | 2 | Bowfin Resort or similar | Standard, twin sharing |
| Neil | 1 | Blue Bird Residency or similar | Deluxe, twin sharing |
Before you travel
- Day 1 stays in Port Blair, so a morning or early afternoon landing works best. Standard hotel check-in in Port Blair is from about 2 PM, with earlier check-in subject to availability.
- Ferry tickets are included and held once your trip is confirmed: the Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair ferries. Catamarans open bookings 60 to 90 days out and morning slots fill first.
- The Cellular Jail and its museum are closed on Mondays and national holidays, with a lunch break from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. The Light and Sound show runs in Hindi from about 5:50 PM and in English at about 6:50 PM. Non-professional camera charges are about Rs 200 per camera and professional cameras about Rs 1000.
- The drives to the north run by convoy along the Andaman Trunk Road through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. Photographing or interacting with members of the tribe is prohibited. These are long road days with few places to eat, so start early and carry water and snacks. The return from Diglipur is a ten to twelve hour day.
- The Baratang caves are reached on foot after a boat ride through the mangrove creek. Wear sturdy shoes with a firm grip, carry a torch as there may be bats inside, and take a mosquito repellent.
- The Twin Islands of Ross and Smith have no shops, cafes or lifeguards, only basic changing huts. Carry your own snorkelling gear and refreshments, and attempt snorkelling only if you are a confident swimmer.
- Kalipur Beach is an undeveloped turtle-nesting site with no commercial facilities. The nesting season runs roughly October to March.
- The Natural Rock Formation at Laxmanpur Beach No 2 on Neil is reachable only at low tide, and the rocks are slippery, so wear footwear with a firm grip.
- Breakfast is included as per itinerary. Any meal not listed for a day is payable directly.
- The Elephant Beach snorkelling session is complimentary and cannot be moved to another day or refunded if not used. Any other water sport is paid directly at the site, so carry cash as card and online payments are often unavailable.
Popular add-ons
| Add-on | Price | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Boat Ride | ₹500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Glass Bottom Boat Ride | ₹500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Jet Ski | ₹500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Parasailing | ₹3,500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Scuba Diving | ₹3,500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Sea Walk | ₹3,500 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Snorkelling | ₹1,100 | Port Blair — Day 1, 4 or 8 |
| Banana Boat Ride | ₹700 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Glass Bottom Boat Ride | ₹700 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Jet Ski | ₹700 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Night Kayak | ₹2,500 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Parasailing | ₹3,500 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Scuba Diving | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Sea Walk | ₹3,500 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Snorkelling | ₹1,100 | Havelock — Day 5 or 6 |
| Banana Boat Ride | ₹700 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Glass Bottom Boat Ride | ₹700 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Jet Ski | ₹700 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Parasailing | ₹4,000 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Scuba Diving | ₹4,000 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Sea Walk | ₹4,000 | Neil — Day 7 |
| Snorkelling | ₹1,100 | Neil — Day 7 |
What’s included
Included
- Hotel stays in the category you choose at the time of booking.
- Airport pick-up and drop at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ).
- A private cab for every transfer and sightseeing run. No shared coaches.
- Private ferry transfers as per the itinerary, covering Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil.
- All full-day tours, with transfers and airport pick-up and drop included.
- Entry tickets, ferry tickets, and permit charges.
- Meals as per the itinerary, usually breakfast, with lunch added on the days your plan includes it.
- A dedicated tour coordinator who stays your single point of contact through the trip.
- On-ground assistance at the main points you pass through: the airport, the jetties, Cellular Jail, Corbyn's Cove, the Water Sports Complex, Havelock, and Neil Island.
- An on-ground representative and phone support available 24/7.
Not included
- Airfare and flight tickets to and from Port Blair.
- The cab on disposal. It runs strictly to the itinerary, not for unplanned trips.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and laundry.
- Room service and special hotel requests.
- Beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, apart from the welcome drink.
- Water sports, which can be added on request.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Costs from unforeseen situations such as medical needs and emergencies.
- Extra costs caused by flight or ferry delays, cancellations, or rescheduling.
- Anything not listed under What is included.
Good to know before you book
Terms and conditions
- 50 percent of the package amount confirms your booking. The balance is due before departure or on arrival.
- Prices are per person on twin sharing, land only. They do not cover air or rail fare, so adding flights or trains raises the price.
- Rates move on peak dates. These include 20 December to 5 January, Onam, Christmas, New Year, festive holidays, and long weekends.
- Quoted rates hold for the hotel category confirmed at booking. Any room or meal-plan upgrade is re-quoted.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 PM and check-out by 11 AM or 12 noon. Early check-in and late check-out depend on availability and are not guaranteed.
- Costs from events beyond our control, including hartals, floods, landslides, roadblocks, and other natural calamities, and from any delay or change they force, are borne by the guest and are not refundable.
- The cab runs as per the itinerary and is not at your disposal for unplanned travel.
- The itinerary may be re-sequenced on the ground for weather, traffic, or similar reasons.
Payments
50 percent of the package value confirms the booking, with the balance due before departure or on arrival.
Payments are made by wire transfer to our bank account. Our team shares the account details once you are ready to confirm.
Cancellation and refunds
You can move, shorten, or cancel confirmed dates only if you tell us in writing at least 30 days before your check-in date. Any change is subject to availability at the time.
If you ask to change, postpone, or cancel within 30 days of check-in, we cannot make the change. The full package value is retained and no refund is due.
Dates with no refund
Bookings for the following peak periods are non-refundable. If your travel falls in any of these windows, no refund applies, whenever you cancel:
- 1 March to 15 July
- 13 August to 26 August
- 1 October to 12 October
- 15 October to 25 October
- 5 November to 15 November
- 15 December to 15 January
This also covers any long weekend, festive weekend, or other high-demand date. On these dates 100 percent of the package value is retained, and you will not receive a refund or a credit note for a future trip.
Refund timeline
Once we receive your cancellation request, we start the refund from our side within 5 working days. After we release it, the money usually reflects in your account within 5 to 14 days, depending on your bank.
Cancellation surcharge
For any cancellation processed under this policy, a surcharge of 10 percent plus 18 percent tax applies, deducted from the refund amount.
For any question about a change or cancellation, contact the Andaman Tourism team in writing before your travel dates.
Traveller reviews — 4.9 average from 412 trips
Questions about this package
It reaches Diglipur in the far north for the Twin Islands and Kalipur, with the Baratang caves on the way, islands most Andaman trips skip.
The drive up via Baratang runs most of a day, and the return from Diglipur is a ten to twelve hour day, so both start early.
Ross and Smith islands off Diglipur, linked by a natural sandbar you can walk across at low tide. There are no shops or lifeguards there.
Yes. The Port Blair to Havelock, Havelock to Neil and Neil to Port Blair ferries are held once your trip is confirmed. The north is reached by road.
Kalipur is a nesting site, with the season running roughly October to March. Sightings depend on the night and the tide.
October to May, when the roads north and the boat trips are easier and the sea is calmer.
Similar itineraries
Same islands, different pace or budget.
Classic CircuitWelcome Andaman 8N/9D
Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
Classic CircuitAndaman Runaway 8N/9D
Port Blair → Neil → Havelock → Port Blair
LTCAndaman Twin Island LTC 8N/9D
Port Blair → Diglipur → Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair
Want this trip on your dates?
- The same day-by-day plan, priced for your dates and hotel category
- Ferry seats held the moment your trip is confirmed
- Free replanning — swap Neil for Baratang, add nights, upgrade the resort