About Andaman Islands

Megan Lambert
Megan Lambert
Also writes for Travel + Leisure

A former British penal colony, the Andaman Islands are now famed for their white sandy beaches and world-class diving. This archipelago, floating amidst the Bay of Bengal, is closer to Myanmar than India and is home to a native Negrito population that still has anthropologists baffled. The best places to stay in the Andaman Islands are the epitome of laid-back luxury and a perfect base from which to enjoy both beach and sea.

Havelock, by far the biggest and most populated island, boasts the ‘No 7 Best Beach in Asia’ as well as the most reputable diving schools and luxurious hotels.

What not to miss:

  • Spot turtles, Giant Grouper, Mobula Rays and much more on a diving expedition. There are plenty of dive schools but Bare Foot is certainly the most reputable.
  • Visit the former British prison, Cellular Jail National Memorial is an interesting and informative insight into the recent history of the island and its less than idyllic past.
  • Neil and Ross Islands are small enough that they can be explored by bike.
  • Lounge on any one of the pristine white sand beaches.

With so much to do and see in this beautiful place, many of the best places to stay in the Andaman Islands get snapped up, so do plan ahead and book your place early.

Megan's top tip: Don't forget to carry some local currency with you (Indian Rupees). Whilst major hotels and resorts will take credit cards, more remote areas, where internet access is patchy, will only accept cash.

The best places to stay in the Andaman Islands

For true escapism

  • Barefoot at Havelock provides both eco luxury and excellent diving. Exactly what travellers come here for!

  • The stunning boutique property Jalakara is hidden in lush jungle on the tropical island of Havelock set away from the coast and providing secluded luxury.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

  • There are no direct international flights but internal flights run from Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair. There are government ferries and faster private catamarans from Port Blair to the major islands, though timetables are unpredictable and the services are slow.
  • Best time to visit: the climate is tropical, and temperatures remain in the 22-32C bracket all year round, but the annual monsoon brings heavy rain from mid-May to mid-September.
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in the Andaman Island.

Expand your search to include all our recommendations in India's other major beach destination, Goa

Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice

Browse through our list of the best places to stay in The Andaman Islands and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to contact a friendly guru for advice

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The best hotels in Andaman Islands

Barefoot at Havelock

Andaman Islands (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

A true desert island paradise Barefoot is Robinson Crusoe chic. Boasting a mile long private stretch of one of Asia's best beaches, a resident elephant, Raja, as well as the top rated dive school on the island. Oh and 19 luxurious, eco friendly cottages and Ayurvedic spa. An escape like no other.

  • Back to Nature - Located on one of the world's few 'undiscovered' tropical islands.
  • Great walks - Discover the surrounding beauty on a nature trek with your guide.
  • Eco break - Barefoot upholds a strict enviromentally friendly policy.
  • Diving - Providing some world class diving and the best in India.
from $166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Jalakara

Andaman Islands (Havelock island)

A stunning boutique property hidden in lush jungle on the tropical island of Havelock. Cool contemporary rooms mix traditional Indian architecture with chic modern style. The chef owner has created an exemplary restaurant focusing on seafood. A relaxed (yet luxurious) getaway.

  • Hideaway - A tropical bolt hole complete with fantastic restaurant and spa.
  • Birdwatching - Rise early and take a walk around the property to spot some of the rarest birds in the world.
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Taj Exotica, Andaman Islands

Andaman Islands (Andamans)

The Taj group present the Andaman's first luxury resort- and it is a winner! The deluxe villas are built on stilts and take their inspiration from the traditional Jawara huts, inside however they are far from rustic. Desert island-chic with incredible food, an unbeatable location and a floating spa.

  • Honeymoons - The ultimate honeymoon destination- with lavish private villas, romantic fine dining, a floating spa and desert island seclusion
  • Families - Pampering for parents in the spa and a fun kids games room with PlayStation, carrom board, ping pong, foosball and pool tables
  • Wildlife Area - These jungles team with life, and with the huts set back in the undergrowth you really feel you are one with nature
  • Back to Nature - The villas, which benefit from traditional building materials, seem to fade straight from the shore into the canape
from $346 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia