Sharing my experience of my visit to Andamans in Feb 2012

I visited Andaman islands during Jan / Feb 2012 of this year. Thanks to all the posts in these forum - I was able to finally plan for the trip and experience not only the beauty of Andamans but lot more.I wanted to share my experience so that it may be beneficial to others.

Note:- My experience is mostly from an Indian family perspective. After visiting Andamans - it turned out for me as more of a pilgrimage from an Indian perspective.

Photo slide show of my visit at https://bitly.com/kaalapaani

1) I booked 7 day flight + hotel package. The total cost for 3 people was around 85K INR.
2) I had hired a tourist taxi for the 7 days. He charged around 11K and was very efficient and always on time.
3) We went to City tour, Island tour (ross/Viper / North bay), Baratang island, Jolly buoy island, Wandoor.
4) I also stayed at Havelock island for one night at the eco Villa. One the most amazing experience and beautiful island.
5) On last day I revisited the Cellular jail again and spend more time in going around and checking other areas.
The Light and Sound show at Cellular jail is a must see for all Indians and everyone alike.

Hi

Thanks for all the information

Just wanted to know more from you
1. How did you plan tour trip, was it through some travel agent?
2. I see that chennai-portbliar flights are around 5k for Nov end. How did you manage to restrict yourself in 85k for 3 people
3. Is it necessary to plan for a week or 4 days is enough.

Thanks in advance

My answers inline... Hope this helps...

1. How did you plan tour trip, was it through some travel agent?
I booked my hotel and flight via makemytrip.com. If you book along with the hotel I think there is some discount. Also I played around with various hotels within the search results and selected the hotel which was in my budget.

2. I see that chennai-portbliar flights are around 5k for Nov end. How did you manage to restrict yourself in 85k for 3 people --> Due to my hotel selection (i selected blue sea hotel)and the hotel + flight discount I got it for 85000 INR.
3. Is it necessary to plan for a week or 4 days is enough
It depends on variety of factors depending upon the purpose of the trip.With the assumption that you are planning to go for family vacation and if you have entire 4 days fully available than you can manage. However due to the amount spent it would be wise to spend couple of more additional days so that you do not miss out on the essential ones.

Hi Param!

Are you planning for Andaman visit? May I put my 2 cent on the issue? My first suggestion is:

There ABSOLUTELY no need to visit Andaman through Travel Agents. Unlike most of our mainland travel, Andaman travel is altogether different experience. You will hardly get cheats, touts, rude people in Andaman. It is almost a an isle of peace, almost free from any crime. People are here generally helpful, accommodating and honest. Hindi is widely spoken and universally understood. Therefore, my personal opinion is that you definitely don't need the services of Travel Agent, at least for Andaman visit. I don't know makwana will agree with me or not, but I firmly believe had he gone there on his own, he would have completed the trip with fairly less cost but with same or more comfort. Almost everywhere in the Island, be it in Port Blare, or Havlock or any other place, economical Govt. accommodation is available, you will also get conducted trips (Tourism Deptt managed) almost for all the places. Contrary to popular perception, food and accommodation are not at all expensive as compared to mainland India. As for beauty of the place, I must say that it is unique and it will be a life time experience for you. I had visited this emerald Island more than 10 years back, but I still cherish the memory of that visit. All the best for your Andaman visit!

I agree with asishdas that it is unnecessary to use a travel agent in order to visit the Andamans. You will find all kinds of accommodation possibilities in Port Blair and on Havelock Island to suit all budgets.

@ Params,
How long you spend on the Andamans depends on your priorities. Are you looking to visit historical places such as the Cellular Jail on Port Blair? Do you plan to go snorkelling on Beach Number Seven on Havelock? These are just two of the many possibilities. You might like to read around the threads here at IndiaMike in this Andamans forum and decide which are your main interests. It is totally feasible to plan the trip yourself.

I agree with you Ashish Da... However as I was planning this trip from USA and wanted to be sure that I get good accomodation and flights. and plus I only booked my flight tickets and hotel via makemytrip.com - rest I planned myself with the help of all informational posts in these indiamike forums.
Since it was the first time to this place - I have to admit I was not sure and wanted to play it safe. Second time (I would really love to visit this paradise again plus all the historical places) I am looking forward to call the hotels directly and get a good rate.

Thanks for all your valuable inputs.
Now we are thinking of dec last week (22-29 Dec 2012) and would try to book on our own. Can anyone guide me, is it going to be too expensive and crowded due to the new year? we definitely donot want a 'New Year at Goa' type experience.
Please advise.

Also if someone could suggest some 3* and above hotels (budget max 3-4k per night) Please note this budget is for the last week of Dec

Thanks a ton!

There are many good hotels in 3-4 K range. I would suggest that you contact a local agent rather than big names like Make my trip and ask him to arrange the hotel and tours.

As the gentleman said people are very friendly in Andamans but these days due to heavy tourist footfalls, getting a good hotel, arranging for ferry tickets and running around for auto and taxis may spoil your holiday mood specially during xmas and new year season

Happy Holiday !!

I totally agree with ashishdas there is no need to hire a travel agent.
go there on its own.
the people there are wonderful. the atmosphere is great.
there are no cheats and thugs as there are many in mainland india.
you will not be looted in the name of providing service.
however, as for islands stay, i strongly advice you make previous booking
on your own. When i was there in Havelock there was this english couple
who reached havelock without any booking. when they came to inquire in the hotels all the rooms were booked and they were booked.
so make prior reservations for havelock for sure.
As far emerald gecko here is there website

http://www.emerald-gecko.com/

you can deposit the 50 % advance amount through direct bank deposit
and you can save yourself the uncertainty of room reservation
Although there is not much reservation issue ins Neil, the fact is there are only 2 beach resorts. Tango is the only one right on the beach. so you can get in touch with the hotel in havelock and they can make the reservation in Neil for you.Rest all are hotels on road side and there is no beach.
try to get a hut as normal rooms are not much fun.

I asked this separately but since there is there of not-requiring-agents to visit Andaman, I'll ask here. I understand that flights and hotels can be booked separately and two-wheeler is probably best for touring Havelock. My concern with self-made trip is scheduling for and travelling to sightseeing spots in Port Blair. Many of them are accessible by ferries and ticket booking is understood to be difficult (requiring hassle, or advance). I think if I book taxi then driver will be able to do that but I don't know.