We took a flight to port Blair from Kolkata on 14th Feb last year,and arrived port Blair in afternoon..our hotel was pre booked via online booking site.we reached there rested for a while and in the evening went to see the light and sound show in cellular jail which was worth watching..
Remember to arrive in cellular jail a bit earlier because in peak season there is a big crowd
Next day we planned to visit the Ross and Northbay islands..you can easily get tickets from Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex..we took a auto from our hotel and reached there..The distance from Port Blair to ross island is not more than 40 mins..one can get to see the remains of Japanese bunker and remains of british architecture..we were amazed to see deers and peacocks roaming freely..ross is very close to nature..
Next we headed for northbay islands in the same boat..northbay island is mainly for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving,sea walk..charges ranges from rs 1000- 3500..For those who don't want to go for these activities but still want to get a glimpse of underwater life can have a ride in the glass bottom boat
Next day you can head for the jolly buoy island.. the pristine waters is worth seeing..you must get a prior permit before visiting these islands.you can get the permit from IP &T department portblair..you have to get to wandoor jetty from where boats for jollybuoy leave..the distance from port Blair to wandoor is around 17 kms..you can rent a bike or hire a car or auto to reach wandoor. Jolly buoy is a no plastic zone so no plastic bags or bottles are allowed..you can also enjoy snorkeling and glass bottom boat ride in jolly buoy..
Next day we headed for Neil island.we took the government ferry named bambooka early in the morning from Phoenix bay jetty..you can also avail the private ones..but as our was a budget trip we decided to go for the government ferry,as they are cheaper.it takes around 2.30 hrs to reach Neil.on reaching there we took a auto and went to laxmanpur 1,laxmanpur 2,bharatpur and sitapur beaches.
Remember to visit laxmanpur II beach during low tide,as you have to cross a long stretch of corals to see the natural bridge..
For those who want to indulge in underwater activities like scuba,bharatpur beach is the place for you
Next day we went to the havelock islands.this time we didn't get tickets in government ferry so we opted for the private one which also leaves from Phoenix bay jetty. The green ocean ferry which we took takes near about 2hrs to reach havelock.here also you can hire a transport or rent a bike and visit the beaches like radhanagar beach(also known as Asia's cleanest beach),kalapathar beach and the elephant beach. You can reach elephant beach either by trekking or by boat.
The beautiful radhanagar beach is worth visiting. The serene atmosphere and the long stretch of white sand is truly a beauty
Chidya tapu beach is also popular among tourist so we also headed towards chidiya tapu.renting a bike is a wise decision for roaming in and around port Blair. You can also visit samudrika marine museum, Chatham saw mill and also the cellular jail also known as the kala pani which was built to keep prisoners in complete isolation.
You can head towards the Corbyn cove beach to see sunset and also buy some stuffs for yourself from the local stalls
Quick tips- Always try to purchase your air tickets during the monsoon sale.the airfare is a little cheaper during this sale.
Avoid going to andamans during monsoon as the inter island ferry service is irregular because of the sea conditions
If you want to travel in the government ferry directly go to the booking counter in Phoenix bay jetty and try going early morning.many people will misguide you by saying government ferry tickets are unavailable and hard to get,but it's wrong
Government ferry is much better and cheaper option also
If you are hiring cars or autos please do bargain
