Cost of a Week Long Trip to the Andaman Islands: Planning and Budgeting

The Andaman Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, offer a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant wildlife, and enchanting culture. However, planning a trip to these paradises can be challenging due to the diverse options available. This article aims to guide you on the approximate cost of a week long trip to the Andaman Islands, helping you to plan your budget carefully.

Budget Considerations

The cost of a week long trip to the Andaman Islands can vary widely depending on your budget and preferences. For a budget tour package, you can expect to pay less, while more luxurious accommodations and activities can drive the cost upwards. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that influence the cost:

Accommodation

Accommodation is a significant portion of your budget. Here are a few examples:

Budget: 2-3 star hotels, homestays - around $20-$40 per night Mid-range: 3-4 star hotels - around $50-$80 per night Luxury: 5-star resorts - around $120-$200 per night

For a 7-night stay, the accommodation cost could range from $140 to $2,000.

Transportation

Ferry Tickets: Round-trip from Port Blair to Havelock Island - approximately $30-50 per person Cabs and Shared Tuk-tuks: Around $10-$20 per day

Transportation costs can add up to around $100 for the duration of your trip.

Activities and Entry Fees

Cellar Jail Ticket: Around $5 per person Sound and Light Show: Approx. $10-15 per person Scuba Diving: Approximately $50-$100 per session

Joining a tour for these activities can be more cost-effective, with packages starting from $30 per session.

Meals

Meals Outside Hotels: Expect to spend around $5-$10 per meal Fine Dining Restaurants: Up to $20-$40 per meal

The cost of meals depends on where you choose to eat and the type of cuisine.

Total Estimated Cost

Based on these factors, an estimated budget for a week long trip, split into 3 categories, could be:

Budget Tour Package (2-3 Star Hotels, Mid-Range Activities): $600 - $1,200 Mid-Range Tour Package (3-4 Star Hotels, Mid-Range Activities): $1,200 - $2,400 Luxury Tour Package (5-Star Resorts, High-End Activities): $2,000 - $3,500

Real-Life Examples

Two individuals, Anil and Sameer, have shared their experiences and estimated costs from their trips to the Andaman Islands in recent years.

Anil's Experience (December-January 2015)

Anil and his friends planned a trip to the Andaman Islands in the peak season (December-January) and chose to book their stay and overall trip expenses through Indian Holidays. Here is a detailed itinerary and costs:

Itinerary: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Port Blair: Arrive and check into the hotel. Visit Corbyn’s Cove and attend the Sound and Light Show at the Cellular Jail. Day 2: City Tour or Baratang Island
Port Blair: Take a city tour or a trip to Baratang Island. Day 3: Chidyatapu
Port Blair: Visit the Chidyatapu area. Day 4: Neil Island
Neil Island: Board a ferry to Neil Island, visit Laxmanpur Beach, Natural Bridge, and Bharatpur Beach. Day 5: Neil Island to Havelock
Havelock: Ferry from Neil Island to Havelock. Spend time at Radhanagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach. Day 6: Scuba Diving
Scuba dive at Havelock. Day 7: Elephant Beach Excursion
Visit Elephant Beach for a thrilling experience. Day 8: Departure
Return to Port Blair and depart via ferry.

The total cost for Anil and friends was around $80,000, with $35,000 allocated for food and other activities. This included hotel stay with breakfast, ferry tickets, and cab services.

Sameer's Experience (March 2015)

Sameer and his friends visited the Andaman Islands in March 2015. The total cost per person was $60,000, including flights, accommodation, internal transfers, scuba diving, and other activities for 7 nights/8 days.

Itinerary: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Port Blair. Day 2: Port Blair City Tour or Baratang Island Day 3: Chidyatapu Day 4: Neil Island
Ferry to Neil Island, sightseeing, and a nighttime activity. Day 5: Neil Island to Havelock
Ferry from Neil to Havelock, beach visits, and evening relaxation. Day 6: Scuba Diving Day 7: Elephant Beach Excursion Day 8: Departure

Sameer also mentioned that planning with a travel agent can be beneficial, as ferry tickets and Cellular Jail tickets need to be booked on the same day.

General Tips for Budgeting and Planning

Book in Advance: Prices for flights and hotels might increase during peak tourist seasons. Choose the Right Time: Visiting during the off-season can help reduce costs significantly. Consider All-Inclusive Packages: These can simplify the budgeting process but may come at a higher cost. Use Local Transportation: Cabs and shared tuk-tuks are often more affordable than private vehicles. Explore Cheap Dining Options: Street food and local eateries can be a cost-effective choice for meals. Opt for Guided Tours: Pre-planned tours often include transportation, entry fees, and guides at a discounted rate.

By carefully planning your budget and choosing the right options, you can ensure a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Andaman Islands offer a world of natural beauty and adventure, and with careful planning, you can make your trip affordable and memorable. Whether you're seeking a budget tour or a luxury experience, the Andamans have something for everyone. Plan your trip wisely, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

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