How to travel Andaman and Nicobar

Before you pack your swimsuit, nail down these essentials:

1. Best Time to Visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
   • Peak Season (November – Mid-May): Ideal! Sunshine, minimal rain, calm seas (perfect for diving, snorkeling, ferries). Expect warm temperatures (23°C – 30°C). Downside: Highest crowds & prices (book flights/accommodation months ahead).
   • Shoulder Season (October & Late May): Good compromise. The weather is generally good, with fewer crowds and lower prices than peak. Slight chance of early/late monsoon showers.
   • Monsoon Season (June – September): Heavy rainfall, rough seas. Government ferry cancellations are frequent, and many water activities (especially diving/snorkeling trips to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Elephant Beach boat rides) are suspended. Upside: Lush greenery, lowest prices, few tourists. Recommendation: Avoid Monsoon unless you specifically seek solitude and don’t mind limited activities and travel disruptions. Peak Season is best for most travellers.
2. Entry Formalities & Permits (CRITICAL!):
   • Indian Nationals: No permit is required to visit the major tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Baratang, Little Andaman). Carry a valid Photo ID proof (Passport, Voter ID, Aadhaar) at all times.
   • Foreign Nationals: You MUST obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
     • How to Get It: It’s FREE and issued on arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) or the Seaport in Port Blair. Fill out the form upon landing.
     • Validity: 30 days from date of entry. It can sometimes be extended in Port Blair for a valid reason.
     • Islands Covered: The RAP allows access to most tourist areas: South & Middle Andaman (incl. Port Blair, Wandoor, Chidiyatapu, Baratang, Rangat), North Andaman (Diglipur, Mayabunder), and the Ritchie’s Archipelago (Havelock Island, Neil Island, Henry Lawrence Island, John Lawrence Island). Check the stamp for exact islands.
     • RESTRICTED AREAS (STRICTLY OFF-LIMITS): The entire Nicobar Group of Islands (Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Car Nicobar, etc.) and specific Tribal Reserves (e.g., areas inhabited by the Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shompen tribes) are ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED for tourists. Respect these restrictions completely; violations carry severe penalties. 
   • Myth Buster: You do NOT need a permit for Havelock or Neil as a foreigner if your RAP covers them (which it typically does).
3. How to Reach Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
   • By Air (Fastest & Most Common):
     • Hub: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
     • Major Connecting Cities: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam. Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air.
     • Flight Duration: 2-3.5 hours from mainland India (e.g., ~2.5hrs from Chennai, ~3hrs from Kolkata, ~5.5hrs from Delhi incl. stopover).
     • Approximate Cost: Varies wildly. ₹5,000 – ₹12,000+ one-way depending on season, airline, and booking time. BOOK EARLY (3-6 months) for peak season deals.
   • By Sea (The Adventurous Route – Ships):
     • Routes: Passenger ships sail from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair.
     • Operators: Directorate of Shipping Services (Govt.) & Private operators (like Makruzz sometimes offer cargo/passenger combos).
     • Journey Time: 50-60 hours (approx. 3-4 days).
     • Ships & Cabins: Vary (Deluxe AC, AC First Class, AC B-Class, Bunk Class). Govt. booking portal: https://www.shipandaman.gov.in.
     • Cost: Significantly cheaper than flights (₹2,000 – ₹10,000+ depending on class).
     • Pros: Unique experience, budget-friendly, and see the ocean.

Cons: Very long journey, risk of seasickness, basic amenities, frequent cancellations/delays possible, especially in monsoon.

(Table: Air vs. Sea Travel to Andaman & Nicobar Islands)