Five Days in the Andamans: Beaches, Coral and Quiet Islands

The Andamans reward travellers who slow down. Most trips begin in Port Blair, where the colonial-era Cellular Jail and its evening Light and Sound Show set the tone before you ever reach the water. From there the islands open up, each with its own pace and personality. Havelock, now known as Swaraj Dweep, is the headline. Radhanagar Beach, regularly ranked among Asia's finest, is all white sand and slow sunsets, while Elephant Beach is the place to snorkel over shallow coral. A short ferry away, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is quieter still, with its Natural Rock Formation and easy beaches made for doing very little. Five days is enough to enjoy the best of three islands without rushing. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, leave room in the plan for an unhurried swim, and let the ferry timings set the rhythm of your trip.