11 Best Andaman & Nicobar Islands for First‑Time Travelers — Practical Guide

Plan, pack, and respect the islands

A first trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands can be joyful and straightforward with a little planning. Start by locking in flights to Port Blair and securing your Restricted Area Permit early; that removes the largest paperwork hurdle and keeps your arrival stress low. Build flexibility into inter-island ferry legs and allow extra days for key islands like Havelock and Diglipur, where transport can add time. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, a basic first-aid kit, and any speciality snacks you prefer — tiffin-style lunches work well for long day trips. Budgeting in USD with approximate INR conversions helps avoid surprise costs: expect slower-travel days to average USD 40–100 (≈ INR 3,280–8,200) depending on activities and islands visited. Respect local communities and protected areas: do not collect shells or corals, avoid single-use plastics on beaches, and follow guide instructions near tribal reserves and protected habitats. Use licensed operators for diving and long boat trips, and prefer accommodations that emphasise local employment and low environmental impact. With care and simple planning, your first Andaman trip can combine memories of quiet beaches, colourful reefs, and comfortable cultural encounters — the kind of journey you’ll recommend to a neighbour.