Local FavouritesLong-standing Port Blair vegetarian favourite
Annapurna Cafeteria
The go-to vegetarian spot in Port Blair for quick, clean South Indian meals.
Order Dosa; veg thali; filter coffee
Islands · India
Andaman Islands
Tropical islands with clear water, coral reefs, colonial ruins and forested beaches. Some tribal reserves are strictly off-limits.
Best timeNovember to April
Ideal trip5–7 days
Budget level₹₹₹₹
Getting thereVeer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair; ships from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam
Great Okay Not ideal
BeachesSnorkellingDivingCouples
Four ways to see Andaman Islands
Touristy, offbeat, local or hidden?
Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
Radhanagar Beach, HavelockFree
Powdery white-sand beach regularly named among Asia's best, ideal for sunset swims.
relax · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningCellular Jail and light show≈ ₹30
Colonial-era prison where freedom fighters were held, with a moving evening sound and light show.
culture · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningElephant Beach snorkelling≈ ₹1,200
Boat trip to a shallow reef for snorkelling or sea walks, often with guides.
adventure · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Laxmanpur Beach tide pools — Free coral-rock pools for shallow snorkelling at low tide; calmer, with fewer fish.
Ross Island ruins≈ ₹100
Overgrown British-era ruins with friendly deer and peacocks, a short ferry ride away.
culture · about 3 hrs · best in the morningNorth Bay Island≈ ₹700
Coral-rich bay for glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and water sports near the lighthouse.
adventure · about 3 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Kalapathar Beach — Free quiet beach with clear water for a swim; no glass-bottom boat.
Limestone caves, Baratang≈ ₹500
Long road convoy and boat ride to dripping limestone caves. Convoy timings apply; no photography on the road.
nature · about 8 hrs · best in the morningBharatpur Beach, Neil IslandFree
Calm shallow beach with coral and glass-bottom boat trips, an easy day away from Havelock.
relax · about 3 hrs · best in the morningQuieter, still easy to reach
Laxmanpur Beach, Neil IslandFree
Quiet sunset beach with sand flats and a natural coral rock bridge at low tide.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningKalapathar Beach, HavelockFree
Black-rock beach with soft shade and few visitors, great for sunrise.
relax · about 2 hrs · best in the morningChidiya Tapu sunsetFree
Bird-rich southern tip of Port Blair with forest trails and a famous sunset.
scenic · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningMahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor≈ ₹500
Boat trips to coral islands such as Jolly Buoy or Red Skin. Permits and seasonal closures apply.
nature · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Corbyn's Cove beach — Free sandy beach near Port Blair with shallow swimming; no coral boats.
Ross and Smith Islands, Diglipur≈ ₹100
Twin islands joined by a sandbar, in the far north, reached by boat from Diglipur.
scenic · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFood, markets, crafts and people
Aberdeen Bazaar, Port BlairFree
Port Blair's historic market for snacks, textiles, spices and household goods.
shopping · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningJunglighat fish marketFree
Watch boats unload tuna, red snapper and squid, then taste the catch at a nearby eatery.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningGovind Nagar village eats, Havelock≈ ₹400
Simple local restaurants serving Bengali-style fish curry and fried calamari.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningCycling Neil Island villages≈ ₹300
Rent a bicycle and ride between paddy fields, coconut trees and friendly village shops.
nature · about 3 hrs · best in the morningSippighat farm and spice plantation≈ ₹200
Wander through plantations of coconut, areca and spice trees outside Port Blair.
nature · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonSpots most visitors miss
Mount Harriet viewpoint≈ ₹100
Forest hill with colonial ruins and a view of the sea, visited early before heat.
scenic · about 3 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Chidiya Tapu sunset point — Free coastal viewpoint with forest and sea views, easy to reach by road.
Karmatang turtle beach, MayabunderFree
Long beach in the north where sea turtles come to nest in season. Visit only with local guides.
wildlife · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningSaddle Peak trek, Diglipur≈ ₹50
Highest point in the islands, through forest trails; permission from the forest office is needed.
adventure · about 5 hrs · best in the morningAmkunj BeachFree
Secluded northern beach with mangroves and calm water, far from the main tourist circuit.
relax · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonEntry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Specialities
What Andaman Islands is famous for
food
Fresh seafood grill
Fish, prawns and squid cooked simply on Havelock and Port Blair.
food
Coconut-based fish curry
Bengali and Tamil style curries served by local families.
drink
Tender coconut water
Sold fresh on every beach road.
experience
Snorkelling and scuba diving
Colourful reefs and clear water make Andaman a diving hotspot.
experience
Cellular Jail light show
A short evening show telling the island's freedom struggle history.
souvenir
Handmade cane and coconut crafts
Responsibly made decor; avoid shells and corals, which are protected.
experience
Bioluminescence kayaking
Night paddles when sea plankton glows, offered by local operators in season.
Where to eat
A taste of Andaman Islands
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Must try
- Grilled fish of the day / lobsterFresh reef fish, crab and lobster grilled with lemon-butter or local masala.
- Andaman fish curryCoconut-based fish curry reflecting the islands' Bengali, Tamil and Malayali settlers.
- Prawn or crab masalaSpicy island-style seafood masalas eaten with rice or parotta.
- Tender coconut water vegStraight from the shell on every beach.
- South Indian veg thali / dosa vegThe easiest vegetarian meal in Port Blair.
Street food trail
Port Blair evening: Aberdeen Bazaar to the waterfront
- Best time
- 5–9 pm
- Takes
- 2 hours
- Start at
- Aberdeen Bazaar clock tower, Port Blair
- Budget
- ₹400–800
- Aberdeen BazaarPort Blair town centre
Try Momos (veg option); egg rolls; samosa and chai (veg)
The island's main market; most stalls cluster around the clock tower.
₹100–200Map
- Seafood stalls and dhabasAberdeen Bazaar side lanes
Try Fish fry; prawn curry with rice; Bengali-style fish thali
Order the catch of the day; ask price per plate first.
₹200–400Map
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex / Marina ParkWaterfront
Try Bhel and chaat (veg); roasted corn (veg); ice cream (veg)
Families stroll here in the evening; light-and-sound show at Cellular Jail is nearby.
₹80–150Map
- Tender coconut sellersAlong the seafront road
Try Tender coconut (veg)
Cheapest and safest drink on the islands.
₹50–80Map
Eat smart · every traveller
Diets & dietary needs
- Vegetarian
- Fine: South Indian, Bengali and North Indian veg restaurants in Port Blair; fewer choices on Havelock and Neil.
- Vegan
- Manageable with South Indian food and coconut; ask about ghee.
- Jain (no onion, garlic)
- Hard; plan with hotels, especially on Havelock and Neil.
- Halal
- Available at Muslim-run eateries in Port Blair; ask.
- Gluten-free
- Good with rice-based fish thalis and South Indian food.
- With children
- Corn, ice cream and dosa; be careful with shellfish and with food in the midday heat.
- Spice level
- Mostly mild-to-medium; say 'teekha kam'. Hindi is the islands' link language; Bengali and Tamil are also common.
Say it like a local
Useful phrases
- I am vegetarian (Hindi)Main shakahari hoonmain sha-kaa-haa-ree hoon
- No meat, no fish, no egg (Hindi)Maans, machhli, anda nahinmaans, mutch-lee, un-daa na-heen
- Not spicy, please (Hindi)Teekha kam, pleasetee-khaa kum, please
- How much? (Hindi)Kitne ka hai?kit-nay kaa hai
- Internet and UPI can be patchy, especially on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep); carry cash.
- On Havelock, the eating hub is the market near Beach No. 3 (Govind Nagar), cheaper than resorts.
- Drink bottled water; avoid ice at small stalls.
- Ferry days are long; pack snacks.
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Where to eat, by budget
Street food, markets and humble legends
Local FavouritesWidely recommended for seafood
New Lighthouse Restaurant
A casual waterfront spot where you choose the fish and they cook it your way.
Order Pick-your-own fresh fish grilled or in curry; crab
Local FavouritesPopular island café
Anju Coco
A relaxed, all-day café that works for breakfast pancakes as well as a seafood dinner.
Order Lemon-butter-garlic fish; prawn tikka; pancakes and crepes
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
Smart & StylishPopular divers' hangout
Full Moon Café
A breezy café inside a dive resort, good for post-dive meals and fresh juices.
Order Peri-peri prawns; grilled fish platter; banoffee pancake
Smart & StylishWidely recommended rooftop
Amaya by SeaShell
Port Blair's smartest rooftop for sunset drinks and a candle-lit seafood dinner.
Order Seafood platter; cocktails
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Fine Dining & SplurgeFine-dining restaurant of the islands' top luxury resort
The Settlers (Taj Exotica Andamans)
The most refined table in the islands, with bespoke menus and private beach dinners on request.
Order Regional Indian and seafood specials; private beach dinner
Fine Dining & SplurgeTaj Exotica restaurant
Turtle House (Taj Exotica Andamans)
A relaxed poolside grill using island produce — easier than formal dining after a beach day.
Order Grilled seafood; international plates
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Local tip: Book ferries between islands in advance; sea conditions can cancel sailings, so leave a buffer day.
Make Andaman Islands yours
Build a free itinerary in a minute, or let our team plan it all — stays, transport and a clear price.