Dreaming of turquoise waters, quiet beaches and a tropical island holiday without the stress of planning every hotel, ferry and sightseeing trip separately? IRCTC Tourism has introduced an Andaman tour package that brings some of the islands’ best known experiences together in a compact five day holiday.
Called Exotic Andaman Holidays, the package covers 4 nights and 5 days, with stays in Port Blair and Havelock Island. Prices start from Rs 22,100 per person for triple sharing, making it an interesting option for couples, families and groups looking for a planned Andaman getaway.
A Short Andaman Holiday With the Main Highlights Covered
The Andaman Islands are often associated with clear blue water, tropical beaches, coral reefs and a slower island lifestyle. But a trip here can involve quite a bit of planning. Apart from accommodation, travellers usually need to coordinate ferries, local transfers, sightseeing tickets and island visits.
The IRCTC Andaman holiday package takes care of many of these arrangements. The itinerary includes three nights in Port Blair and one night in Havelock, while transfers, selected meals, sightseeing and ferry tickets are included in the package.
It is especially suited to travellers visiting the Andamans for the first time and wanting to see the major attractions within a relatively short holiday.
Day 1: Port Blair, Corbyn’s Cove and Cellular Jail
The holiday begins after arrival at Port Blair Airport, where travellers are received and transferred to their hotel.
The first day includes sightseeing around Port Blair, with a visit to Corbyn’s Cove Beach and the historic Cellular Jailamong the important stops.
Corbyn’s Cove offers an easy introduction to the tropical scenery of the Andamans, while Cellular Jail presents a completely different side of the islands. The colonial era prison is closely linked with India’s freedom struggle and remains one of Port Blair’s most important historical landmarks.
This combination of beach and history gives the first day more depth than simply arriving and checking into a hotel.
Day 2: Ross Island and North Bay Island
The second day moves away from Port Blair for an island excursion covering Ross Island and North Bay Island.
Ross Island, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, is known for the remains of colonial buildings surrounded by thick tropical vegetation. It is small enough to explore at an easy pace and offers a fascinating look at the islands’ past.
North Bay, meanwhile, brings travellers closer to the Andamans’ marine world. Visitors can choose optional experiences such as scuba diving, glass bottom boat rides and submarine rides, depending on availability and weather conditions. These activities come at an additional cost and are not part of the basic package price.
For many travellers, this is likely to be one of the most memorable days of the trip because it combines island hopping with the chance to experience the colourful underwater landscape for which the Andamans are famous.
Day 3: Ferry to Havelock Island
No first trip to the Andamans feels complete without spending some time on Havelock Island, officially known as Swaraj Dweep.
On the third day, travellers take a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island and check into their accommodation. The itinerary leaves time to enjoy the island and relax around its beaches.
Havelock is one of the most popular destinations in the Andaman Islands and is known for its clear water, greenery and laid back atmosphere. Compared with the busier sightseeing schedule in Port Blair, this part of the holiday offers a chance to slow down and simply enjoy being on an island.
Day 4: Back to Port Blair
After spending the night at Havelock, travellers return to Port Blair by ferry on the fourth day.
Accommodation is arranged in Port Blair for the final night of the holiday.
Keeping the last night in Port Blair is also practical because it reduces the risk of depending on an inter island ferry connection on the same day as the return flight.
Day 5: Departure From Port Blair
The fifth and final day is kept simple. Travellers check out from the hotel and are transferred to Port Blair Airport for their onward journey.
It makes the itinerary fairly compact. Within five days, travellers get Port Blair sightseeing, historical attractions, an island excursion and an overnight stay in Havelock without trying to squeeze too many destinations into the schedule.
What Is Included in the IRCTC Andaman Package?
One of the main attractions of an organised Andaman holiday package is that several parts of the trip are bundled together.
IRCTC’s package includes air conditioned accommodation based on the selected sharing arrangement, local transfers and sightseeing according to the itinerary, breakfast and dinner under the MAP meal plan, ferry tickets and applicable entry permits and entrance tickets. Assistance at arrival and departure points and applicable GST are also included.
This can make the trip easier for travellers who would otherwise have to organise multiple bookings separately.
Flights Are Not Included
There is one important detail travellers should keep in mind. Airfare to and from Port Blair is not included in the package price.
This means the final cost of the Andaman trip will depend considerably on where you are flying from and when you book.
Travellers should therefore compare flight prices before confirming the package, especially when travelling during school holidays, festive periods or other high demand dates.
Personal expenses, insurance, beverages, room service, camera charges and activities not specifically mentioned in the package are also excluded.
Water sports such as scuba diving are additional, while optional trips such as an excursion to Elephanta Beach are not included in the standard package.
IRCTC Andaman Package Price
Pricing depends on the number of travellers and room sharing arrangement.
The package costs Rs 39,100 per person for single occupancy, while double sharing is priced at Rs 24,000 per person. Triple sharing brings the price down to Rs 22,100 per person.
Groups can get slightly better pricing. Double sharing for a group of four is listed at Rs 22,000 per person, while a group of six can pay around Rs 20,900 per person.
For children between five and eleven years requiring a bed, the price is Rs 15,400, while children between two and four years travelling without an additional bed are charged Rs 12,600.
Prices and availability can change, so travellers should verify the latest tariff on the official IRCTC Tourism website before booking.
Is the 5 Day Andaman Package Worth Considering?
For someone who enjoys planning every detail independently, an organised tour may feel restrictive. But for first time visitors, families or travellers who simply want an easy holiday, the IRCTC Exotic Andaman Holidays packageoffers a convenient middle ground.
It covers many of the places people usually want to see on their first Andaman trip while keeping the itinerary short enough for a long break from work.
The biggest advantage is convenience. Hotels, ferries, sightseeing transfers and many of the necessary tickets are already brought together under one booking.
Just remember that the advertised starting price does not include flights or optional water activities. Once those costs are added, the total holiday budget will naturally be higher.
Still, for travellers looking for a 5 day Andaman tour package with Port Blair and Havelock included, this new IRCTC offering makes planning a tropical escape considerably simpler.
