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Traveling to the Andaman Islands doesn't have to drain your savings. While it is known as a premium honeymoon destination, a smart traveler can experience the pristine beaches, clear waters, and colonial history on a strict budget. The secret lies in smart ferry bookings, choosing homestays over resorts, and eating where the locals eat.
Here is our comprehensive 5-Day Budget Itinerary for 2026, designed to keep your expenses between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per person (excluding flights).
📅 The 5-Day Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
• Morning: Arrive at Veer Savarkar International Airport. Take an auto-rickshaw (cheaper than pre-paid cabs) to your budget hotel or homestay in the Aberdeen Bazaar area.
• Afternoon: Visit the historic Cellular Jail (Entry fee: ~₹50). Walk around the nearby Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
• Evening: Watch the famous Light & Sound Show at the jail.
• Budget Tip: Eat dinner at the local Bengali or South Indian thali joints in Aberdeen Bazaar instead of tourist-focused restaurants.
Day 2: Transit to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
• Morning: Take the early ferry to Swaraj Dweep.
• Afternoon: Check into a basic beach hut or homestay near Beach No. 3 or Govind Nagar. Rent a scooter for the next two days (approx. ₹500/day) to save heavily on point-to-point auto fares.
• Evening: Ride to Kalapathar Beach for a quiet evening stroll.
• Budget Tip: Government ferries are half the price of private cruises (like Makruzz), but tickets must be booked days in advance through the STARS counter in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Day 3: The Radhanagar Experience
• Morning: Drive your scooter to Elephant Beach starting point. Instead of paying for a boat, take the free 2km jungle trek to reach the beach. Enjoy the water sports or just swim.
• Afternoon: Head to Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7). Entry is free. Spend the entire afternoon swimming in the Blue Flag-certified waters.
• Evening: Watch the world-famous sunset at Radhanagar.
• Budget Tip: Pack water and snacks from the local market before heading to Radhanagar, as the food stalls near the beach charge premium tourist prices.
Day 4: Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) — The Quiet Escape
• Morning: Take a short 1-hour ferry to Shaheed Dweep.
• Afternoon: Rent a bicycle (the island is very flat and small) and pedal your way to the Natural Rock Bridge during low tide.
• Evening: Cycle to Laxmanpur Beach for a spectacular, uncrowded sunset.
• Budget Tip: Shaheed Dweep is generally cheaper for food and accommodation than Swaraj Dweep. Look for eco-huts made of bamboo.
Day 5: Return to Sri Vijaya Puram & Departure
• Morning: Take the morning ferry back to the capital.
• Afternoon: Do some quick souvenir shopping at Sagarika Government Emporium (fixed, fair prices) before heading to the airport for your flight home.
💡 Top 3 Money-Saving Hacks
1. Rent Two-Wheelers: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the biggest budget killers in the Andamans. Renting a scooter on Swaraj and Shaheed Dweep gives you freedom and saves thousands of rupees.
2. Eat Local Seafood: Avoid the massive multi-cuisine resort restaurants. The small, local eateries serving fresh fish thalis (especially in the local markets) are incredibly cheap and authentic.
3. Travel in the Shoulder Season: Avoid December and January. Traveling in late September, October, or early March means flight prices are lower and hotels offer heavy discounts.