The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a beautiful tropical paradise located in Bay of Bengal about 1300 km away from mainland India. These islands are closer to Indonesia than India, but they can only be accessed via indian flights and ships. The capital city, Port Blair, serves as the entry point for all travelers, as there are no other direct entry options in the Andaman Islands.
Reaching Andamans By Flight: Flying is the most fastest and the convenient way to reach Andaman. Several major indian cities operate direct flights to Veer Savarkar International Airport(IXZ) in Port Blair. The Approximate flight time from mainland is 2 to 2.5 hours
Currently, there are no international flights to Andaman. Foreign travellers first must reach India before taking domestic flight to Port Blair.
Flights operate from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. No evening flights are available, the last flight of the day usually departs at 4 PM. It is advicable to check the latest flights schedules before bookings.
Reaching Andamans By Ship: Traveling to Andamans by ship is an adventurous but time consuming option. Ships Operate from three major ports Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag to Port Blair. These ships are not luxury cruises but passenger and cargo vessels run by the Dirctorate of Shipping Services. The journey takes 2.5 to 3 days, depending on the weather conditions. Chennai and Kolkata have 1-2 sailing per month. Tickets must be booked in advance through government shipping shipping offices. Many tarvelers expect a luxury cruises to Andaman, but these government run passengers ships with basic ameneties.
Conclusion: The best way to reach the Andaman Islands is by flight due to its convenience and shorter travel time. Ships are available for those seeking a unique and budget-friendly experience, but they require more time and planning. No trains or buses connect to the islands, making flights or ships the only viable options for reaching this tropical destination.
