Luxury vs Budget: Where to Stay in the Andaman Islands
Why are the Andaman Islands a Must-Visit?
The Andaman Islands—clear, blue waters, white beaches, and green forests—are a traveler’s dream destination. But here’s the question: Do you go on a luxury stay or play smart with a budget one?
If you’re on a honeymoon with your partner, or on a family holiday with kids, or a solo adventure trip, this ultimate guide helps you pick the ideal place to stay according to your type of travel and Budget.
Let’s give you some context before we get into the hotel comparisons. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal, off the far eastern coast of India. With clear blue waters, coral reefs, and perfect beaches, this tropical heaven is perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, diving, and exploring nature.
The top spots are:
• Port Blair (the capital)
• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
• Baratang Island
• North Bay and Ross Island
Port Blair
Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ capital is Port Blair, an island chain within the Bay of Bengal. Port Blair is a small town with beautiful beaches, a clean environment, and a rich history. The most popular spot in Port Blair is Cellular Jail, where numerous freedom fighters used to be imprisoned during the British times. Port Blair also has many museums, parks, and a clean environment. Most of the tourists visit Port Blair to visit nearby islands, explore water sports, and enjoy the culture and beauty of the Island.
Havelock Island:
Havelock Island stands out as one of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group. People know it for its breathtaking views and clean beaches. You’ll find Radhanagar Beach on this Island, considered among Asia’s finest. Visitors have the chance to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or relax in the sunshine. The Island’s calm and quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for those who love nature. You can get to Havelock from Port Blair by taking a boat, and many travelers choose to visit this popular spot.
Neil Island:
Neil Island is a tiny island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is calm and quiet, making it a good place for a relaxing holiday. Green fields and calm beaches are what people look for in a peaceful holiday. The Island’s peaceful atmosphere is for those who want to relax. Laxmanpur, Bharatpur, and Sitapur beaches are well-known and popular places to visit on Neil Island. Just a short boat ride from Port Blair, a Nature lover’s paradise, Neil Island offers stunning views of Sunrises and sunsets, providing a calm and relaxed atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy beautiful nature. Additionally, Visitors can swim and explore the breathtaking underwater world.
Baratang Island:
Baratang Island is an attractive island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s natural beauties such as mud volcanoes, limestone caves, and forests. It is home to different species of birds and animals, too. Limestone caves are very popular. Baratang Island is less populated than other islands, so it is ideal for those who appreciate nature and adventure. You can easily reach Baratang by road and boat.
North Bay and Ross Island:
North Bay Island, India, is a small, attractive island situated close to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. People on vacation often visit North Bay Island because of its clear blue waters, rich sea life, and variety of activities it has to offer, such as scuba diving and snorkeling. Scuba diving is famous worldwide, and snorkeling and boat rides are no less renowned as well. Views from the island lighthouse, which can be seen on the 20-Indian Rupee note, are breathtaking. The Island is calm yet beautiful.
Ross Island is a clean and beautiful island located not far from Port Blair of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Previously, it served as the administrative capital for the British officers stationed on these islands, and a lot of ancient infrastructure still exists today. The remains of sanctuaries, homes, and offices, which are now engulfed by shrubs and stranglehold vines, bestow a picturesque and magical charm to the Island. The Island has peacocks and deer, which add to its beauty. Ross Island is a famous site for historical and nature-loving tourists looking for some undisturbed walks. The best time to visit is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant. A quick boat trip from Port Blair can access it.
Overall:
Along with Havelock Island and North Bay Island, Ross Island, renowned for its British Colonial buildings and Ruined Structures, is a location with thrilling activities for visitors. Contrary to the popular tourist destinations, Havelock is calm and has beautiful white sand beaches with splashing clear water where visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Neil Island serves as a place of relaxation suited for solo travelers or couples, while Baratang Island offers explorers rich flora and fauna along with mangrove forests, striking limestone caves, and even rare mud volcanoes. Supplied with three well-known Andaman Islands, these blend as wonderlands, enabling the Andaman Islands to access its beauty that no traveler should miss.
Top Luxury Resorts in the Andaman Islands
1. Ocean Tree Beach Resort & Spa, Havelock Island:
Price: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per night
Private beach access
Luxurious villas under coconut trees
A world-class spa and fine dining
A 4-star luxury resort with unrivaled privacy and service. Perfect for honeymooners.
2. SeaShell Havelock and SeaShell Neil:
Price: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per night
Beachfront rooms, Rooftop bar
Adventure activities available
The best combination of comfort and Luxury. The SeaShell brand ensures consistent service on islands.
3. Barefoot at Havelock:
Price: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 per night
Rainforest eco-friendly cottages
A short walk from Radhanagar Beach is ideal for nature enthusiasts
It is an eco-luxury resort about green travel without sacrificing comfort.
Pros of a Luxury stay:
Private Beaches: Experience serene and quiet beaches without large groups.
All-Inclusive Luxury: Inclusions include airport transfers, dining, spa services, and water sports.
Romantic Atmosphere: Perfect for couples, with candlelight dinners, rooms by the beach, and special honeymoon deals.
Exceptional Service: Personal butlers, concierge desks, and housekeeping that goes the extra mile.
Cons of a Luxury Stay:
Expensive: You can hog a large portion of your travel budget.
Limited Local Interaction: You may miss out on island culture.
Availability Issues: These resorts get booked months in advance during the peak season (November–April).
Budget-Friendly Stays in the Andaman Islands: Travel Smart, Spend Less
Budget travel doesn’t have to be at the expense of experience. Budget accommodations in the Andaman provide clean, comfortable rooms and a more authentic experience.
Top Budget Hotels and Homestays
1. Heaven Garden, Havelock:
- Price: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
- Traditional roofed cottages
- Within walking distance of the beach
- Restaurant on site
Best for couples and backpackers looking for something warm and inviting.
2. CS Empire, Neil Island:
- Price: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 per night
- Close to Laxmanpur Beach
- Excellent food
- Budget rooms with sea-view options
3. Hotel NK International, Port Blair:
- Price: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per night
- Centrally located
- Suitable for 1-2 nights before checking out to the islands
- Clean and dependable
- It is ideal for stopover stays in the capital city.
Pros of Budget Stays:
• Cost-Effective: Save scuba diving or Island hopping money.
• Local Experience: Get closer to locals, eat genuine food, and see offbeat spots.
• Flexible Bookings: Quicker last-minute bookings.
Cons of Budget stays:
• Fine Amenities: No luxurious toiletries, pools, or room service.
• Limited Views: Budget stays aren’t usually directly on the beach.
• Variable Quality: Always read reviews first.
Luxury vs. Budget: What’s Best for Your Travel Style?
Let’s break it down based on different types of travelers:
Traveler Type Best Stay Options
1. Honeymooners
Luxury Resort (Taj, SeaShell)
Romantic, exclusive, unforgettable
2. Backpackers
Budget Homestays & Hostels
Affordable, social, authentic
3. Families with Children
Mid-range resorts with facilities,
Safe, roomy, family-friendly.
4. Adventure Tourists
Combination of Budget & Mid-range
Spend extra on diving & adventures.
5. Individuals
Budget Bungalows
Meet fellow travelers, be budget-friendly
Pro Tips for Booking Your Stay
1. Book Early In Season (Nov–April): Rooms get booked quickly.
2. Verify Ferry Access: Certain islands have restricted ferry operations—book accommodations around jetties if necessary.
3. Search for Combo Packages: Most resorts provide stay, diving, and snorkeling packages.
4. Read the Reviews: Look for recent visitor reviews on Google.
5. Don’t Forget Wi-Fi Woes: The Internet is spotty in most places, particularly on isolated islands.
What to Do When You Are There
Whether you stay aside, the Andaman Islands are full of lovely experiences. Here are some of the things that you have to do:
• Snorkeling at Elephant Beach
• Scuba Diving around Havelock
•Glass-bottom boat tour in North Bay
• Island hopping: Neil, Ross, and Baratang
• Spend an afternoon visiting the Cellular Jail in Port Blair
Sustainable Travel in the Andaman Islands
An example of sustainable tourism in the Andaman Islands is the enjoyment of the natural beauty. Such users can assist by not littering the beaches and oceans, using eco-friendly water bottles and bags, as well as choosing to stay in eco-friendly lodges. Many travelers seeking relaxation also enjoy eco-friendly walks or use electric vehicles, which helps in reducing pollution. While snorkeling or diving, one needs to be gentle not to touch the corals or harm the sea animals. If these simple steps are taken, tourists will make the most out of their trip while still working towards the preservation of the Andaman Islands.
• Use safe sunscreen
• Don’t litter—bring reusable bottles and bags
• Be respectful of wildlife and tribal communities
• Go for eco-friendly stays where you can
Final Word: Where Should You Stay?
There’s no single answer, and that’s the best part.
• Go Luxury for a serene, pampered, and stress-free holiday.
• Go Budget if you’re an adventurer and want greater independence.
• Mix Both: Most travelers go with Luxury for half of their vacation (such as Havelock) and Budget for the other half (such as Neil or Port Blair).
The Andaman will capture your heart no matter how much money you have.