Andaman Honeymoon Plan: Real ₹2L Budget Breakdown
Most travel blogs quote a flat "₹1.5–2 lakh per couple" for Andaman and call it done. They don't tell you which islands you're actually skipping, how ferry costs eat into your budget, or why a ₹4,000 resort night in Port Blair doesn't equal ₹4,000 everywhere. This breakdown gives you a real 10-day island-hopping plan with every cost itemized—so you can spend ₹2 lakh and actually see Andaman, not just its Instagram spots.
1. The ₹2 Lakh Budget: Complete Breakdown
A ₹2 lakh honeymoon for two couples out assumes a return flight from a Tier 1 Indian city (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad), 10 nights of mixed accommodation, daily meals, inter-island ferries, and activities. This is tight but doable—and it means choices.
Here's the default split:
| Cost Head | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return, 2 pax) | ₹36,000–42,000 | Delhi/Mumbai to Port Blair; Sept–May pricing |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | ₹60,000–70,000 | Mix of 3-star Port Blair, Havelock budget resorts, Neil Island homestays |
| Ferry & inter-island transport | ₹18,000–22,000 | Port Blair ↔ Havelock (₹920–1,100 pp return), Havelock ↔ Neil (₹600–700 pp) |
| Meals & street food | ₹25,000–30,000 | ₹1,200–1,500 pp/day avg.; breakfast ₹200–300, lunch ₹400–600, dinner ₹600–800 |
| Activities & entry fees | ₹20,000–25,000 | Scuba (₹5,000–8,000 per dive), snorkeling ₹800–1,200, Cellular Jail ₹200, water sports |
| Miscellaneous | ₹5,000–10,000 | Travel insurance, tips, souvenirs, SIM card, emergency buffer |
| TOTAL | ₹2,00,000 | — |
This assumes mid-range choices. Skip scuba diving or choose homestays over resorts, and you drop to ₹1.7 lakh. Book resorts on Radisson-level comfort, and you hit ₹2.5 lakh.
The leverage points:
- Fly on Tuesday–Thursday (save ₹4,000–6,000 on flights).
- Stay 6 nights in Port Blair + 3 nights Havelock, not 5/5 split (ferry costs + accommodation variety = savings).
- Book activities after arrival; local agents undercut online prices by 15–20%.
- Eat breakfast at your hotel, lunch at local shacks, dinner at mid-range restaurants.
2. The 10-Day Island-Hopping Itinerary
The sweet spot for Andaman is 3 islands: Port Blair (cultural, mandatory), Havelock (beaches, water sports), Neil Island (quiet, budget-friendly). This avoids ferry-hopping burnout and keeps transport costs down.
Days 1–2: Port Blair arrival & Cellular Jail
Arrive at Port Blair airport (flights land 2–3 p.m.). Take a ₹400 prepaid cab to your hotel in Port Blair town (3 km from airport). Settle in, eat dinner near Phoenix Bay Jetty area (₹350–500 per plate for fresh fish or butter garlic crab). On Day 2, visit Cellular Jail (₹200 entry, 2-hour guided tour), grab lunch at Asha Nivas (south Indian, ₹300–400), and walk along Corbyn's Cove Beach at sunset. Evening: night market at Port Blair's main bazaar for souvenirs and street food (pani puri, jhal muri—₹50–100 per plate).
| Activity | Time | Cost (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport pickup cab | — | ₹200–300 |
| Hotel night (3-star) | — | ₹3,500–4,500 |
| Cellular Jail entry + guide | 2.5 hrs | ₹200 |
| Corbyn's Cove + sunset | 1 hr | free |
| Meals (3/day) | — | ₹1,200 |
Days 3–5: Havelock Island (Radhanagar, scuba, water sports)
Take the 6:30 a.m. ferry from Port Blair jetty to Havelock (₹1,100 pp, 90 min). Ferries run daily but book tickets online the night before at andamantourism.gov.in. Settle into a 3-star beachfront resort (₹4,500–5,500/night) on Beach #3 (Radhanagar).
Day 3 evening: free beach time. Day 4: Introductory scuba dive at Elephant Beach (₹5,500–7,000 pp, includes equipment, 1.5-hour dive, instructor). This is the big splurge but worth it for honeymooners. Afternoon: snorkeling trip to nearby reefs (₹1,200 pp includes boat + guide + lunch). Day 5: morning glass-bottom boat ride (₹800 pp, 1 hour), afternoon massage or spa at your resort (₹800–1,200/head, optional), pack dinner.
| Activity | Time | Cost (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Port Blair ↔ Havelock) return | — | ₹1,100 |
| Hotel night (3-star beachfront) | — | ₹4,500–5,500 |
| Intro scuba dive | 1.5 hrs | ₹5,500–7,000 |
| Snorkeling trip + lunch | 4 hrs | ₹1,200 |
| Glass-bottom boat | 1 hr | ₹800 |
| Meals (3/day) | — | ₹1,400 |
Insider move: Book scuba through your hotel or a local agent (Om Sai Water Sports, Mac Tours) rather than cruise-ship operators. Rates drop ₹1,500–2,000 per dive.
Days 6–7: Neil Island (budget, pristine, quiet)
Ferry from Havelock to Neil Island (₹600 pp, 45 min, once daily at 7:30 a.m.). Book a homestay (₹2,500–3,500/night, often includes breakfast and decent WiFi). Neil Island is the anti-Instagram Andaman—fewer tourists, zero big resorts, genuine island vibe.
Day 6: Laxmanpur Beach sunrise walk (6 a.m., free), fresh coconut juice (₹50), breakfast at homestay. Afternoon: Bharatpur Beach snorkeling on your own (₹800–1,200 for a local boatman, 2 hours). Evening: seafood curry dinner at a local shack (₹400–600 per plate). Day 7: Sitapur Beach for sunset, explore the island on foot or rent a scooter (₹300/day). Late dinner, early night.
| Activity | Time | Cost (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Havelock ↔ Neil) return | — | ₹600 |
| Homestay night | — | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Local boat snorkeling | 2 hrs | ₹800–1,200 |
| Scooter rental | — | ₹300 |
| Meals (3/day) | — | ₹1,000 |
Days 8–10: Return to Port Blair, departure
Ferry back to Port Blair (₹1,100 pp return from Neil, or hop Havelock if timing suits). Spend Day 8 afternoon at Elephant Beach or Vijayanagar Beach in Port Blair. Day 9: optional boat tour to Ross Island (₹700 pp, 3 hours, includes Chidiyatapu Biological Park). Day 10: morning shopping or beach walk, evening flight home.
This itinerary avoids the drowsy Day 6–7 "are we done yet?" feeling and spreads activity naturally. Use the Free AI itinerary generator to customize day-by-day timings based on your exact arrival time and preferences.
3. Accommodation Strategy: Where to Splurge and Save
Andaman's accommodation ranges wildly—₹1,500 guesthouses on Neil to ₹15,000+ resorts in Havelock. For a ₹2 lakh budget, split your stay across 3 tiers: comfort in Port Blair (gateway), mid-range resort in Havelock (water sports base), budget homestay in Neil (romance + savings).
Port Blair (3–4 nights): ₹3,500–4,500/night
Stay near the jetty or in port town proper, not 8 km out in Airport Road. You need easy morning ferry access. Recommended: Hotel Peerless, Sinclair's Bay View, Megapode Nest. These are 3-star properties with AC, decent WiFi, and in-house restaurants. Book direct via their websites; OTA commissions inflate prices by ₹500–800.
Havelock (3–4 nights): ₹4,500–6,000/night
Beach #3 (Radhanagar) is the honeymooner's zone. "Luxury" resorts (₹8,000+) add little value unless you want 24/7 AC and butler service. Mid-tier picks like Dolphin Resort, Havelock Island Beach Resort, or Holiday Resort give you beach access, restaurant, activity booking, and a pool. Avoid Beach #5 (Kala Pathar) unless you want rock-and-roll aesthetics; it's pretty but harder to navigate for honeymoon dinners.
Neil Island (3 nights): ₹2,500–3,500/night
Homestays > guesthouses. Properties like Dolphin Guest House, Nirmala Nivas, or family-run beach homestays offer character, local knowledge, and home-cooked breakfast (often included). WiFi is spotty but that's the point. A ₹2,500 homestay night on Neil beats a ₹5,000 resort night on Havelock for the honeymoon vibe.
Compare your options with the Trip reality check to see what other couples paid and whether you're overpaying for location.
| Island | Tier | ₹/night | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair | 3-star comfort | ₹3,500–4,500 | Gateway, ferry access, dining variety |
| Havelock | Mid-range resort | ₹4,500–6,000 | Water sports, beaches, activity hub |
| Neil | Budget homestay | ₹2,500–3,500 | Peace, romance, local flavor |
4. Ferry Costs and Scheduling: Don't Get Stranded
Andaman's inter-island ferries are the backbone—and the risk. The Andaman & Nicobar Administration runs two ferry operators: Andaman Sheship Nicobar Line (state) and private operators like Makruzz and Green Ocean. State ferries are ₹100–200 cheaper but run fewer routes and have tighter schedules. Private ferries are ₹1,100–1,400 but are more frequent and air-conditioned.
For your 10-day plan, assume private ferries (reliability > ₹200 savings on honeymoon). Book all ferry tickets online at andamantourism.gov.in or shipservices.nic.in 1–2 days in advance. During peak season (Dec–Feb, May–Jun), ferries sell out.
Ferry routes & costs (pp, round-trip):
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock: ₹1,100–1,200 (90 min, daily 6:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. from Port Blair)
- Havelock ↔ Neil Island: ₹600–700 (45 min, once daily at 7:30 a.m.)
- Port Blair ↔ Neil (direct): ₹1,300–1,500 (if available; rarer)
The money move: Book your Port Blair → Havelock ferry before you arrive (online with your Indian passport number). On Day 5, book Havelock → Neil at your hotel. On Day 8, book Neil → Port Blair from Neil itself. This staggers your spending and avoids port-side scrambles.
Avoid chartered boat hire (₹8,000–12,000 for private ferry) unless you're 4+ people. It's honeymoon indulgence, not budget sense.
Weather delays are real. In June–July, ferries sometimes cancel. Build a 1-day buffer into your itinerary—arrive a day earlier, or plan an extra Port Blair night if the weather turns.
5. Eating on ₹2 Lakh: Local Food vs. Tourist Restaurants
Andaman's food scene splits hard: tourist restaurants in Port Blair and Havelock charge ₹600–1,000 per plate. Local seafood stalls and homestay meals cost ₹300–500. Your honeymoon budget depends on which you choose.
Breakfast (₹150–300 pp):
- Hotel included: ₹0 (most homestays, some resorts)
- Idli/dosa/poha from local bakery: ₹80–150
- Fresh juice + toast: ₹150–250
Lunch (₹400–600 pp):
- Local rice + dal + vegetable: ₹250–350
- Fish curry + rice (local eatery): ₹400–500
- Tourist restaurant pasta/burger: ₹600–900
Dinner (₹600–900 pp):
- Local seafood (crab, lobster) with rice at local shack: ₹500–800
- Mid-range restaurant fish or prawn: ₹700–1,200
- Beachfront resort dinner: ₹1,200–1,800
Strategy: Eat breakfast at your hotel/homestay. Lunch at local places (ask your hotel staff for directions; they know the best spots). Dinner—split between one splurge (beachfront on Havelock, ₹1,500/plate) and casual meals. Over 10 days, this averages ₹1,200–1,400 pp/day, or ₹25,000–28,000 for two.
Food budget hack: Andaman markets (Port Blair main bazaar, Havelock Road) sell fresh fish, coconut, and vegetables dirt-cheap. Some homestays will cook your bought fish for ₹100–200 prep fee. A ₹800 fish dinner becomes ₹300.
6. Activities, Dive Costs, and Entry Fees
Andaman's activity roster is water-centric. A few are must-dos; others are expensive fluff. Here's where ₹1 spent matters.
| Activity | Location | Cost (pp) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Jail + light show | Port Blair | ₹200 | Must-do; 2 hrs, cultural, free light show at 5:45 p.m. |
| Intro scuba dive | Elephant Beach, Havelock | ₹5,500–7,000 | Splurge; unforgettable for honeymooners; 1.5 hrs |
| Snorkeling (boat) | Havelock reefs | ₹1,200–1,500 | Great value; 3–4 hrs, lunch included, live coral |
| Glass-bottom boat | Havelock | ₹800–1,000 | Skip unless weather prevents dive; 1 hr, touristy |
| Elephant Beach trek | Havelock | ₹600–800 | Free beach; guide ₹300–400 if you want history |
| Ross Island boat tour | Port Blair | ₹700–900 | 3 hrs; British history, wildlife. Optional. |
| Water sports (jet ski, parasail) | Havelock | ₹1,500–2,500/activity | Pricey; fun for 10 min; skip if tight on budget |
| Kayaking | Havelock mangroves | ₹800–1,200 | Peaceful; 2 hrs; good value |
| Night fishing trip | Port Blair | ₹1,200–1,500 | Unique; 4 hrs; romantic for couples |
| Chitty Chatty Island picnic | Day-trip from Port Blair | ₹2,000–2,500 | Overrated; crowded; skip |
Realistic picks for ₹2 lakh:
- Cellular Jail + light show: ₹200 × 2 = ₹400
- Intro scuba dive (Havelock): ₹6,000 × 2 = ₹12,000
- Snorkeling trip: ₹1,200 × 2 = ₹2,400
- Kayaking: ₹1,000 × 2 = ₹2,000
- Ross Island tour: ₹800 × 2 = ₹1,600
- Total: ₹18,400 (leaves buffer for spontaneous local activities, massage, sunset boat rides)
Don't book activities online in advance. Prices are inflated 20–30%. Arrive, ask your hotel, book the next day through a local agent. Commissions are baked in for hotels anyway; no loss for you.
Best travel insurance for Andaman includes water-sport coverage if you're diving; check with your policy. Visa wizard for Indians confirms that Indian passport holders don't need a permit for Andaman (it's a Union Territory open to Indians).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go to Andaman for a honeymoon?
October to May is peak season—clear skies, calm seas, perfect diving conditions. December–February is warmest and most crowded (book 6–8 weeks ahead). September and June–July see occasional rain and ferry cancellations but are cheaper and quieter. For a ₹2 lakh budget, fly in September or early November to dodge peak prices and still have good weather.
How much does scuba diving cost in Andaman, and is it worth it for beginners?
An introductory (PADI Open Water) scuba dive costs ₹5,500–7,000 per person and lasts 1.5 hours. It's the one splurge that justifies a honeymoon to Andaman—you'll see coral, fish, and shipwrecks up close. Snorkeling is cheaper (₹1,200–1,500) but scuba is the experience. Beginners are welcome; instructors guide you step-by-step.
Do I need a return flight booked to enter Andaman from India?
No, Indian citizens with a valid passport can enter the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for up to 30 days without any permit or visa. However, airlines may ask for proof of onward travel at check-in. Book a return flight to be safe, or arrange one before arrival. Visa wizard for Indians clarifies visa rules for international connections if you're extending beyond Andaman.
What's the difference between Havelock and Neil Island, and which should I stay on?
Havelock has more resorts, restaurants, water-sports operators, and crowds; it's the honeymoon hub. Neil Island is quieter, cheaper, and more authentic; homestays run ₹2,500–3,500/night vs. ₹5,000+ on Havelock. For a ₹2 lakh budget, stay 3–4 nights on Havelock (for scuba and activities) and 3 nights on Neil (for peace and romance). Combine both for the full Andaman experience.
Can I get a good exchange rate or forex in Andaman, or should I carry INR?
Andaman is 100% INR; you don't need forex. ATMs are plentiful in Port Blair and Havelock; withdraw cash before arriving if possible to avoid surcharge. Hotels and mid-range restaurants accept cards, but local shacks and ferries require cash. Carry ₹20,000–30,000 in notes to avoid ATM queues. Use the Forex & bargain check tool to track INR value if you're booking international flights.
Ready to Plan Your Andaman Honeymoon?
A ₹2 lakh Andaman honeymoon is real, achievable, and worth the precision. You'll island-hop without rushing, dive into coral gardens, and eat fresh seafood under palm trees. The budget works because you're smart about ferries, homestays, and where you splurge—scuba, not the glass-bottom boat.
Use the Generate your free AI itinerary → to build a day-by-day plan based on your exact dates, and lock in flight prices before peak season steals your budget.