Budget Andaman itinerary for group travellers under ₹40,000
Yes, it’s possible. The sweet spot is a 5 to 6 day plan with one premium water activity, two islands, and smart travel moves. Here’s what makes the under-₹40k magic happen:
- Book flights early (60–90 days). Pick shorter routes from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad when possible.
- Stay in clean, well-located budget hotels or homestays. Choose group-friendly rooms and triple shares.
- Use government ferries for inter-island hops, or pick one private catamaran to save time.
- Pick free or low-cost beach days. Buy only one big-ticket activity (like a beginner scuba dive).
- Share cabs, rent scooters on islands, and eat local thalis and fresh seafood.
In short: fly smart, ferry smart, stay smart, and play smart. Read on for the exact breakdown.
Best time to visit Andaman on a budget
Weather matters. Prices do too. Plan around both:
- November to April: Peak season. Calm seas. Great visibility for snorkeling and scuba. Book early to keep flight costs low.
- May to September (monsoon): Fewer crowds. Deals on stays. Some ferries and water sports may get canceled due to rough seas.
- October and early November: Shoulder season. Good balance of price and weather.
Pro tip: Avoid long weekends and Christmas–New Year for the best prices.
Cheap flights to Port Blair for groups
Flights are the biggest variable. A few smart steps cut costs:
- Book 60–90 days ahead. Prices rise fast for island routes.
- Fly mid-week (Tue–Thu) and early morning for lower fares.
- Use fare alerts and airline sales. Carry-on only if you can.
- Route choices: From Chennai or Kolkata often costs less. Try one-stop via these hubs.
Typical return fares per person if you plan well:
- Chennai/Kolkata: ₹7,000–12,000
- Bengaluru/Hyderabad: ₹10,000–15,000
- Mumbai/Delhi: ₹14,000–20,000
This guide assumes you can land fares in those bands with early booking.
Affordable accommodations in Andaman for groups
Groups save big by sharing. Look for these options in Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep):
- Homestays and guesthouses near main beaches or markets.
- Budget hotels with triple or quad rooms.
- Beach huts and boutique stays on Havelock for that island vibe.
What to aim for per person per night:
- ₹800–1,500 in triples/quads
- ₹1,500–2,200 for couples (budget boutique)
Tip: Book cancellable rates early. Confirm exact bed types and AC. Ask for group discounts for 6–12 people.
Low-cost island hopping in Andaman: Havelock and Neil
Two islands give you the best of Andaman without packing your trip too tight:
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Famous for Radhanagar Beach (Asia’s top beach), Elephant Beach (snorkeling), and beginner scuba.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Chill vibe, clear shallows at Bharatpur Beach, sunset at Laxmanpur Beach, natural rock arch.
How to hop:
- Government ferry: Cheapest (around ₹500–800 per sector). Book in person; seats limited.
- Private catamarans like Makruzz or Sea Link: Faster, smoother (₹1,500–2,800 per sector). Book online in advance
(Makruzz).
Budget pick: government ferry one way + private catamaran for one busy leg. Mix and match to save time and money.
Budget activities in Andaman: beaches, snorkeling, scuba and more
Balance free-time beach days with one or two hero experiences:
- Free or low-cost: Radhanagar Beach sunset, Laxmanpur Beach sunset, early morning beach walks, DIY snorkeling near safe zones.
- Beginner scuba dive (shore intro at Havelock): ₹3,500–5,000 when booked locally with licensed operators.
- Snorkeling trip (Elephant Beach or Bharatpur): ₹1,000–1,500 including boat and gear.
- Glass-bottom boat: ₹500–800 per person.
- Sea walk (North Bay): ₹3,000–3,800.
- Kayaking in mangroves (Havelock): ₹2,000–2,500 for sunrise/bioluminescence tours.
Keep it under budget by choosing just one premium activity and one or two low-cost add-ons. Beaches are the main show and they are free.
Andaman local transport tips for budget groups
Getting around doesn’t have to be pricey:
- Airport transfers: Pre-book a van for the whole group or use local taxis.
- In Port Blair: Use autos or shared cabs for short hops. Plan cluster sightseeing.
- On Havelock/Neil: Rent scooters (₹400–600/day) or one van for the group. Cycle rentals are also fun for short distances.
- Ferries: Arrive early, carry print or soft copies of tickets and IDs. Keep your ferry day light on activities.
Food and dining in Andaman on a budget
Eat well without overspending:
- Thalis and seafood meals: ₹200–700 per person.
- South Indian breakfast: Idli, dosa, poori bhaji for ₹80–150.
- Local bakeries and fruit stalls for snacks.
- Hydrate smart: Carry refillable bottles; buy 5-liter cans for the group at your stay.
Daily food budget: ₹600–900 per person depending on choices.
Sample 6-day Andaman itinerary under ₹40,000 for group travellers
This plan blends famous sights, island time, and one top water experience.
Day 1: Arrive Port Blair + Cellular Jail
- Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair).
- Check-in at budget hotel near Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Visit Cellular Jail and the evening Light & Sound Show.
Approx cost today: local transfer ₹150–300; entry/show ₹330; dinner ₹300–500.
Day 2: Ferry to Havelock + Radhanagar Beach
- Morning ferry to Havelock (government or private).
- Check-in. Late lunch near the jetty.
- Sunset at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7).
Approx cost: ferry ₹600–2,500; meals ₹700–1,000; scooter rental or shared cab ₹100–300 per person.
Day 3: Elephant Beach + snorkeling or beginner scuba
- Boat to Elephant Beach for snorkeling and beach time; or choose a beginner scuba dive with a licensed dive shop.
- Sunset chill at Vijaynagar or Kalapathar Beach.
Approx cost: snorkeling ₹1,000–1,500 or scuba ₹3,500–5,000; meals ₹700–1,000; transfers ₹100–300 per person.
Day 4: Havelock to Neil + Bharatpur Beach
- Morning ferry to Neil Island.
- Relax at Bharatpur Beach. Try a glass-bottom ride if you skipped snorkeling.
- Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach and visit the natural rock arch.
Approx cost: ferry ₹600–2,500; meals ₹600–900; activities ₹500–800 optional; scooter/cab share ₹100–300 per person.
Day 5: Neil to Port Blair + Ross Island or city sights
- Morning ferry back to Port Blair.
- Option A: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) + North Bay boat combo.
- Option B: City sights—Samudrika Marine Museum, Chidiya Tapu sunset.
Approx cost: ferry ₹600–2,500; boat combo ₹700–1,200; meals ₹600–900; cabs ₹150–300 per person.
Day 6: Fly home + souvenir stop
- Last-minute shopping at Sagarika Emporium or Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Depart from Port Blair.
Approx cost: souvenirs as per choice; local transfer ₹150–300 per person.
Optional swap: If your group wants an adventure day, replace Day 5 with a Baratang Island trip for the Limestone Caves, mangroves, and Mud Volcano. It’s a long day and costs more, but groups love it. Only with a licensed operator and convoy rules.
Cost breakdown: How to keep your Andaman trip under ₹40,000
Here’s a realistic per-person estimate for 6 days if you plan early and travel as a group:
- Flights (return): ₹10,000–16,000 (varies by city and timing)
- Stay (5 nights): ₹4,500–8,000 (triple/quad rooms in budget stays)
- Inter-island ferries: ₹1,800–6,000 (govt vs private mix)
- Local transport: ₹1,500–2,500 (shared vans, autos, scooters)
- Food & water: ₹3,500–5,500
- Activities & entries (one premium + a few low-cost): ₹3,000–6,000
- Misc & buffer: ₹1,000–2,000
Total: ₹25,300–46,000 per person. With early flight deals and government ferries, most groups hit ₹36,000–40,000. If flying from Mumbai/Delhi in peak season, plan a slightly higher buffer.
Land-only (without flights): You can keep it around ₹20,000–25,000 per person for 6 days with this plan.
Andaman travel permits, safety, and connectivity for groups
- IDs: Indians need valid government photo ID. Foreign nationals need a passport and may require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) on arrival. Check the latest advisory on the official tourism site
(Andaman Administration). - Safety: Swim only in marked zones. Follow lifeguards. Wear life jackets on boats. Respect flag warnings.
- Respect nature: No touching corals. No littering. Reef-safe sunscreen is best.
- Connectivity: BSNL and Airtel work better than others. Expect patchy data on islands.
- Payments: UPI works in many places in Port Blair and Havelock; carry some cash for remote spots.
- Baratang convoy: If visiting, you must follow convoy timings through the Jarawa reserve with an authorized operator only.
- Drones: Need permission. Don’t fly near airports or protected areas.
- Insurance: A basic travel plan that covers water sports is a good idea.
Packing list for a budget Andaman group trip
- Light cotton clothes, swimwear, quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Flip-flops and secure water sandals
- Waterproof phone pouch, power bank
- Reusable water bottle, basic meds, motion-sickness tablets
- Copies of IDs, ferry tickets, and hotel vouchers
- Light rain jacket if traveling May–Sept
- Small daypack for beach days
Family-friendly Andaman on a budget
Traveling with kids or parents? Keep things smooth and simple:
- Pick two bases max (Port Blair + Havelock or Neil). Avoid too many ferry days.
- Choose AC rooms with easy beach access and on-site dining.
- Book glass-bottom boats and calm beach time at Bharatpur and Radhanagar.
- Carry snacks, caps, and plenty of water for day trips.
- Plan rest windows; don’t stack long travel and water sports on the same day.
Honeymoon in Andaman without blowing the budget
You can still add romance within ₹40k:
- Upgrade one night to a beachfront boutique at Havelock.
- Book a sunrise kayaking tour or a private candlelight dinner on the beach.
- Pick Radhanagar sunset and an early morning walk at Kalapathar for quiet moments.
- Time your ferry to avoid crowds and allow slow mornings.
Affordable luxury picks in Andaman for value seekers
If you enjoy comfort, choose smart upgrades that matter and skip those that don’t:
- Use a private catamaran for one leg to save time and enjoy a smoother ride.
- Upgrade to a sea-view room for one or two nights.
- Pick a high-quality dive shop with small group ratios.
- Book a curated island-hopping day with a trusted operator instead of piecing it together.
These choices bring the “luxury feel” without breaking your under-₹40k goal, especially if flights were booked early.
Sustainable and responsible travel in the Andamans
These islands are fragile. Keep them beautiful:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid single-use plastics.
- Never step on corals. Choose licensed water sports operators only.
- Respect local culture and rules on protected areas.
- Leave no trace at beaches. Take your trash back.
For latest protected area and ferry advisories, check local notices or the official portal
(Andaman Administration).
Pro tips to make your Andaman group trip go viral (and stay under budget)
- Put the best beaches at golden hours: Radhanagar at sunset, Kalapathar at sunrise, Laxmanpur at sunset.
- Batch experiences: Sightsee on ferry arrival days; keep heavy water activities on full free days.
- Lock the hero shot: Clear-mask snorkeling video at Elephant Beach or a GoPro dive clip will make memories pop.
- Book one anchor experience: Either beginner scuba, sea walk, or bioluminescent kayaking—don’t try to do all.
- Keep a buffer morning: Weather happens. A spare slot saves the plan.
Quick FAQs for Andaman on a budget
- Is ₹40,000 enough? Yes, with early flight booking, budget stays, and one premium activity.
- How many days? Five to six days gives you Port Blair + two islands at a relaxed pace.
- Cash or card? UPI works in many places; keep some cash for remote beaches and small vendors.
- Do I need swimming skills? Not for glass-bottom, sea walk, or many dive try-outs; always follow your instructor.
- Government ferry or private? Government is cheaper, private is faster. Mix both for balance.
Ready to plan your under-₹40k Andaman group escape?
At Touracle, we craft smart, flexible Andaman plans that put the spotlight on beaches, clear water, and real local flavor—without stress. Share your group size, city of departure, and travel dates, and we’ll help you fine-tune routes, pick the right ferries, and choose stays that fit your style and budget. Reach out and let’s start shaping your island story.
Contact Touracle to plan your Andaman group trip under ₹40,000 with a custom itinerary, real-time ferry guidance, and honest cost-saving tips.