Why Honeymoon in the Andaman Islands
Mostly for the water and the space. Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep (formerly Neil Island) have long beaches backed by jungle, warm calm sea in the dry season and reefs within swimming distance. Even in high season, a short walk from the main access point leaves you largely alone.
The islands also feel different from the rest of India. The pace is slow, traffic is light and evenings are quiet, with dinner at a small beach restaurant rather than a nightclub.
Diving is a highlight for couples who want it. Several established dive centers on Swaraj Dweep run courses and trips to reefs and wrecks, with chances of turtles, rays and reef sharks. Non-divers can snorkel from boats or straight off the beach at places like Elephant Beach.
And it is honest value. A comfortable beach resort here costs far less than its equivalent in the Maldives.
When to Go
December to April is the best time. Seas are calm, skies are mostly clear and visibility for diving is at its best. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid to high 80s Fahrenheit year-round, so the difference between seasons is about rain and sea conditions rather than heat.
The southwest monsoon arrives around late May or June and lasts into September. Heavy rain, rough seas and canceled ferries are common. Many dive centers reduce operations. Some resorts close or discount steeply.
October and November are transition months with lower prices and greener landscapes, though the northeast monsoon can bring showers and choppy crossings.
The sun rises very early here because the islands use Indian time despite lying far to the east. In winter it is dark not long after 5:30 PM, so plan days around the light.
Where to Stay
Swaraj Dweep has the widest choice. The most upscale option is Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, set behind Radhanagar Beach with villas and private pools. Jalakara is a small boutique hotel set in the hills inland, with a pool and only a few rooms, popular with couples seeking privacy. Barefoot at Havelock offers eco-style cottages near Radhanagar.
Other resorts and guesthouses cluster along Beach No. 2 to No. 5 on the east coast, which faces sunrise and has calm shallow water.
Shaheed Dweep is smaller and quieter, with simpler places to stay. It makes a good second stop for two nights if you want even less going on.
Port Blair, now officially Sri Vijaya Puram, has business-style hotels. Most couples only stay one night here, if any, to match flight and ferry times.
Romantic Things to Do
Walk Radhanagar Beach at sunset. The beach faces west and the sun sets straight into the sea, with the forest behind you turning dark green.
Get up early for sunrise at Kalapathar, a quiet beach on the east side of Swaraj Dweep with black rocks and turquoise water.
Book a dive or a snorkeling trip. Dive centers on Swaraj Dweep offer introductory dives for beginners and boat trips to reefs and wrecks for certified divers. For snorkeling, take a boat to Elephant Beach or join a guided trip to nearby reefs.
Take a day or two on Shaheed Dweep for cycling between quiet villages and beaches, plus the natural rock arch on the shore at low tide.
In Port Blair, see the Cellular Jail, a colonial prison where Indian freedom fighters were held. Its evening light and sound show tells the story.
Getting There and Around
There are no international flights to the Andamans. Fly to Port Blair from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru or other Indian cities; Chennai and Kolkata are about two hours away. Morning flights work best because ferries often leave early.
From Port Blair, private fast ferries such as Makruzz and Nautika run to Swaraj Dweep in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours and also link to Shaheed Dweep. Book them ahead in peak season and keep a buffer day before your flight home in case of rough weather.
Only some islands are open to visitors and tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Carry your passports, since ferry operators and hotels ask to see them.
On the islands, use taxis, auto rickshaws or rented scooters.
Food and Drink
Seafood is the main reason to eat out. Grilled fish, lobster, crab and prawns are served at small beach restaurants and resort kitchens, often with a choice of Indian spices or simple lemon and garlic. Ask what came in that day.
Because many islanders have roots in Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, you will see dishes from all three: fish curries in mustard or coconut, dosas for breakfast and Bengali sweets.
The restaurant scene is small and relaxed. On Swaraj Dweep, most places are clustered around the main market area and along the eastern beaches. Resorts serve candlelit dinners on the sand if you ask.
Alcohol is available at licensed hotels, resorts and a few shops, but is more limited than in Goa. Pick up wine in Port Blair if you want a bottle on your balcony.
Honeymoon Tips
- Leave a full buffer day before your flight home. Ferries can be canceled in rough weather.
- Book the ferry and resort together if possible so transfers line up.
- Mobile and internet connections can be weak. Download maps and keep cash, since card machines and ATMs sometimes fail.
- Respect signs about saltwater crocodiles and swim only at designated beaches.
- Never try to visit tribal reserves or photograph indigenous people. It is illegal and harmful.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and don't touch or stand on coral.
- Swimwear is fine on the main beaches, but cover up with a sarong or T-shirt when you walk into villages or the market.
- Pack insect repellent for evenings. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for India before you go.
