The Andaman Islands lie closer to Burma and Thailand than to India. Yet they have escaped the heavy development that has blighted so many beach destinations. So they remain refreshingly unspoilt. Getting there is, admittedly, quite an effort. First, you fly to Calcutta, Mumbai or Chennai. Then you take an internal flight to Port Blair. Finally, a ferry carries you across to Havelock Island. For years, only the most intrepid travellers made it.
Happily, things have changed in recent years. Two excellent hotels have now opened on Havelock. One sits up in the hills, the other down on the coast. So you can combine the two for real variety. Meanwhile, the islands keep their wild, castaway charm. The waters are wonderfully clear. As a result, the snorkelling and diving are superb.
Begin in Calcutta, one of India’s most interesting cities. Helpfully, it also has plenty of international flight connections. You spend two days here. On the second, explore on an immersive private tour with your guide. Together you take in the grand colonial architecture. Then you wander the atmospheric local markets. In short, it is a rich cultural prelude to the islands.
Next, fly to Port Blair and take the ferry to Havelock. Here you begin at Jalakara, a labour of love that opened in 2016. It sits peacefully in the island’s green interior. So you spend four nights or more settling in. From here, explore the more remote islands. Equally, take a nature walk or set out sea kayaking.
Afterwards, move down to the coast and Barefoot at Havelock. It sits right beside the best beach on the island. So this stretch is all about slowing down. You can simply relax on the sand. Alternatively, head into the clear water to dive or snorkel. Either way, the pace is gloriously gentle.
The Andamans reward the active and the idle alike. For example, snorkellers and divers will find the marine life exceptional. Meanwhile, kayakers can explore quiet mangrove channels. On land, there are forest trails and birds to look for. Of course, you can also do very little at all. In short, the islands bend to your mood.
The two hotels are chosen to complement each other. First, Jalakara offers boutique calm in the hills. Then Barefoot brings rustic luxury by the sand. So you experience both sides of the island. Naturally, we match the balance of nights to your taste. Above all, each is a genuine one-off.
Getting here takes a little patience, but we make it seamless. So we arrange every flight and ferry. Meanwhile, you are met and looked after at each stage. As a result, the long journey feels effortless. In the end, the reward is an island few travellers ever reach.
Generally, the drier months from late autumn to early spring are best. Then the seas are calm and the skies clear. By contrast, the monsoon brings heavier rain. Since island weather varies, we advise carefully. Either way, we plan around the best window for your dates.
Above all, this trip suits travellers craving an unspoilt beach. For example, it is ideal after a busy tour of the mainland. Equally, it rewards divers and snorkellers. Couples and honeymooners love it. As a result, it makes a wonderfully private island escape.
Finally, return by boat to Port Blair and fly to Chennai. There you spend a last night before flying home. After such pure island time, it is a gentle close. Indeed, many guests tell us the Andamans were the highlight of their whole trip.
What makes the Andamans special is how untouched they remain. Elsewhere, beautiful islands have been overdeveloped. Here, by contrast, the beaches stay quiet and wild. So you find soft sand, clear water and very few crowds. Above all, it feels like a true escape.
The islands also pair well with the mainland. For example, start with the temples of Tamil Nadu. Equally, begin with the culture of Calcutta, as this route does. Some guests even add a wider tour of the south. As a result, the Andamans make a perfect finale to a longer trip.
For many, the marine life is the real draw. So the snorkelling here is a joy. Just offshore, coral gardens teem with colour. Meanwhile, divers can explore deeper reefs with ease. The waters stay warm and clear for much of the year. As a result, even first-timers can take the plunge with confidence.
First, you fly from the mainland to Port Blair, often via Calcutta or Chennai. Then a ferry takes you to Havelock. We arrange every connection and meet you at each stage.
Generally, around a week on the islands works beautifully. That allows time in the hills and on the beach. Of course, you can extend it if the pace suits you.
Broadly, the drier months from late autumn to early spring are best. We will advise on the ideal window for your dates.
Entirely. You can adjust the nights, the hotels or the mainland start. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
| £2195P.P |
|---|
Prices include accommodation on a B&B basis, International Flights (from London), Private Transfers, Boat Transfers, and a private tour of Calcutta.
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Calcutta | The Oberoi Grand The Oberoi Grand |
| Day 3-6 | Havelock Island | Jalakara Jalakara |
| Day 7-10 | Havelock Island | Barefoot at Havelock Barefoot at Havelock |
| Day 11-12 | Chennai | Vivanta by Taj – Connemara Vivanta by Taj – Connemara |
Begin in Calcutta, one of India’s most interesting cities, with plenty of international connections. On the second day, explore the city on an immersive private tour with your guide. Together you take in the old British colonial architecture and the lively local markets.
Fly to Port Blair and take the ferry to Havelock Island. Here you stay four nights or more at Jalakara, up in the green interior. So settle in, take a nature walk, and kayak or snorkel in the clear water.
Move down to the coast and Barefoot at Havelock, right beside the island’s best beach. Here you spend your final nights by the sea. So simply relax, snorkel or dive at your own pace.
Finally, take the boat back to Port Blair and fly to Chennai. There you have a last night before flying home.
Take your time, and set off on a leisurely itinerary along Sri Lanka’s south coast, letting the shoulders drop as you meander slowly from Yala National Park to Galle and the palm-fringed beaches beyond.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.