![](https://www.thomascook.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sea_beach_ocean_water_sand_india_andaman_summer-974043.jpg)
Ultimate Guide to Solo Backpacking Trip to Andaman
Table of contents
Andaman Island is all about white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and blue skies. It is a perfect getaway to unwind, spend some quality time with loved ones or self-introspect. Andaman Island is like a gold mine for solo travellers and is also one of the safest places for solo women travellers. Andaman and Nicobar are Made up of 572 islands. But of these, only 9 are open for the tourists. So, lets start with the guide of solo backpacking trip to Andaman
![Andaman Summer](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sea_beach_ocean_water_sand_india_andaman_summer-974043.jpg)
Andaman hosts an annual tourism festival in December and January, but October to May is generally a good time to visit. Below is a list of places to add to your itinerary and explore the best of Andaman Islands on an ultimate backpacking trip.
1. Port Blair
If you are travelling by flights, this is where you will land. Port Blair though a little crowded, is not overly crowded to prevent you from having a good time. Port Blair is also one of the more commercialised places in Andaman. One of the major tourist attractions in Port Blair is the cellular jail. The cellular jail, also known as Kaala Paani was used by the British to exile Political Prisoners. Visiting this place provides a fascinating insight into India’s political, pre-independence past. One can also visit the Anthropological Museum which offers a rare insight into the subtler nuances of the way of living of local tribes. (Recommended Read: 6 Ultimate Reasons to Add Andaman to Your Bucket List) The local bars in the Main Bazaar serve massive royal faloodas which are a great delight to the taste buds.
Major Attractions in Port Blair:
- Cellular Jail
- Anthropological Museums
- Main Bazaar
2. Havelock Island – Now Known as Swaraj Island
Havelock Island is one of the major attractions for Solo Backpackers. It has a lot of cheaper stay and food options which makes it a good fit for budget travellers as well. The first attraction is of course the Radhanagar Beach. It has been rated the seventh best beach in the world by Times Magazine in the year 2015. It is the perfect place to catch a sunset at Havelock. Other beaches at Havelock include Govindnagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and Kalapathar Beach. There are lots of bike rentals available along the beach as well. You can just zoom off on one and explore the area as per your liking. Scuba diving is the most popular activity on Havelock Island. The certified diving operators offer fun diving as well as certification courses in scuba. Elephant Beach is yet another beach worth paying a visit to. The waters are till date quite unexplored making it possible to even spot schools of fishes at times. One can also take a short 2 kilometres hike up to Elephant Beach. Contrary to popular beliefs, the trek to Elephant Beach is well marked and safe.
![Scuba Diving in Andaman](https://blog.thomascook.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Andaman-Scuba-Diving-1024x683.jpg)
Kalapathar beach is a fantastic picnic spot because it is pretty far from the main town. Cook your own meal, listen to music and dance on the beach. On one side is a lush green forest and on the other hand is the heavenly and silvery beach. You can also explore the nearby cafes.
Major Attractions in Havelock Island:
- Radhanagar Beach
- Vijaynagar Beach
- Kalapathar Beach
- Elephant Beach
- Snorkelling
- Water sports and activities
3. Neil Island
Neil Island has been touted as having one of the most beautiful Beaches in the world. This island is rather quaint and is bursting with flora and fauna making it a pristine location for solo travellers craving peaceful alone time. Bharatpur Beach is one of the main attractions of this Island. The beach offers a variety of activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and jet skiing. One of the must-try activities on the Island is a glass boat tour. The bottom of the boat is made of glass, giving the takers an opportunity to explore the aquatic life. Another hidden gem is the Laxmanpur beach. One must try to be at this beach during sunset, the colours that the sunset leaves on the canvas are just magical. Other places that can be visited are Sitapur Beach and Andaman’s very own Howrah Bridge which serve as a visitor’s delight.
Major Attractions in Neil Island:
- Bharatpur Beach
- Laxmanpur Beach
- Sitapur Beach
- Howrah Bridge
4. Diglipur
Diglipur is a small town in the Northern part of Andaman Islands. A must visit place for solo backpackers, offbeat travellers and nature lovers. It is an excellent alternative to other areas which one might find commercialised. It is comparatively less explored as it is quite far from most other locations.
Trek to Saddle Peak
Saddle Peak is located at the Northern Most point of Andaman and Nicobar Islands near Diglipur. It is about an hour and a half to two hours ascend that will take you to this beautiful top and give a gorgeous view of the islands. If you start early enough like most trekkers do, you get to see a sunrise that will make you drop your jaw. The trek is from within the forest but is quite safe and has no scare of wild animals.
5. Bharatang Island
Baratang Island is gifted in many ways than one can imagine. It is very different from the rest of the Andaman. The first attraction is the Limestone Caves. These caves have been formed by constant erosion by CO2 dissolved in water. Fantastic figures can be seen dangling off-the roof and growing from within the ground. Going to these caves is almost like a trekking expedition as a lot of walking and moving around is involved. However, a visit to these caves will be like nothing else you have seen before. Another interesting place would be the Mud Volcanoes. One would imagine a volcano as a lava-spewing machine of sorts. However, mud volcanoes are nothing like those. Mud Volcanoes are a rather uncommon find, and the one in Baratang is the only one in the whole of South Asia. Another rather significant part is the Parrot Island which is a bird-watchers (no pun intended) delight. One of the most beautiful sights is at dusk when hundreds of birds can be seen chirping in unison. If you wish, you can also visit Baludera Beach. It is quite isolated and less visited. You can even get a good elephant ride at the beach.
Things To Do At Bharatang Island:
- Baludera Beach
- Limestone Caves
- Mud Volcanoes
- Parrot Island
Solo Tours can be a very exciting, however one needs to be careful and alert while planning solo. Hence, we have a few safety tips for you that will help you secure yourself and your trip to a great extent
- Firstly, do not try to carry corals and shells without specific permits from concerned fisheries department.
- Secondly do not take photographs or videos inside the Tribal Reserve areas.
- Thirdly and most importantly avoid staying on the beaches or the forests during the nights.
- Ensure that you properly bargain with the auto riders as they can overcharge.
- Ensure you carry a lockable backpack so there is no chance and scare of petty thefts.
Check the blog about everything you need to Know about Andaman for more interesting facs about Andaman. Thomas Cook customises its Andaman tour packages to suit your requirements and make your solo trip a memorable one.
Table of contents
Trending blogs for you
Recommended Articles for you
Sikkim’s Spiritual Splendour: Embarking on a Journey of Buddhist Discovery in Gangtok
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Nestled amid the Himalayas, Gangtok stands as a tranquil haven for travelers seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty. With its serene monasteries, breathtaking viewpoints, and rich cultural heritage, Gangtok offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate the […]
The Sacred Sands of Puri: Unraveling The Mysteries Of Jagannath Temple & Beyond
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 Nestled amidst the tranquil sands of Puri lies the Jagannath Temple, a sanctuary of spirituality and wonder. As one of the Char Dhams, this ancient pilgrimage site holds a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees. The […]
A Divine Sojourn: Why Mcleodganj is the Perfect Destination for Spiritual Seekers
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Mcleodganj is a popular hill station located in the suburbs of Dharamshala, which is another popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The mighty Dhauladhar Range surrounding Mcleodganj attracts trekkers to explore the Kangra valley and admire its natural […]
Rajasthan’s Spiritual Oasis: Experiencing Peace & Devotion in Pushkar
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Pushkar is a spiritual destination situated in the scenic landscapes of Rajasthan. It is a place that attracts visitors from all over the world, including pilgrims and travellers who seek peace and tranquillity. With its serene lake, vibrant […]
Mystical Insights in Tiruvannamalai: Delving into Hinduism & Meditation in Tamil Nadu
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Tiruvannamalai is nestled at the base of the sacred Mount Arunachala in Tamil Nadu. It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and mysticism. This quaint town exudes an aura of tranquillity and calm, drawing pilgrims and seekers from all corners of […]
Soulful Serenity in Bodh Gaya: The Place of Enlightenment & Buddhist Pilgrimage
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Millions revere Bodh Gaya as the sacred site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago, becoming the Buddha. Nestled in the serene state of Bihar, India, Bodh Gaya is a popular destination of spiritual enlightenment, drawing […]
Journey to the Divine: Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Amritsar
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Nestled in the heart of Punjab, Amritsar stands as a land known for its spirituality and cultural heritage. Steeped in history dating back to the 16th century, this vibrant city is renowned as the spiritual capital of Sikhism. […]
The Tranquil Charms of Dharamshala: A Retreat for Tibetan Buddhism & Nature Lovers
Reading Time: 7 minutes 0 0 Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is a captivating destination renowned for its tranquil ambience, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, this picturesque town serves […]
Varanasi: India’s spiritual heartbeat on the banks of the Ganges
Reading Time: 8 minutes 0 0 Nestled along the revered banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi stands as a timeless beauty to India’s spiritual heritage. Known by various names such as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city showcases an aura of tranquillity and peace. […]
A Spiritual Journey in Rishikesh: Exploring Yoga, Meditation & Adventure
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 Rishikesh is a spiritual haven in the foothills of the Himalayas where the Ganges flows and beckons seekers from all over the world. It is a place of self-discovery and renewal. Rishikesh is a destination that derives its […]
Forex Card vs Credit Card – Which is the Better Option for International Travel?
Reading Time: 5 minutes 0 0 It was a bright sunny morning when we reached Lake Geneva Castle in Switzerland. We needed to park the car and it required Swiss francs to do so. Since my friends and I were travelling from Paris, all […]
Navigating the Globe: A Comprehensive Comparison of Thomas Cook India vs Other Foreign Exchange Providers
Reading Time: 6 minutes 2 0 The dynamic and volatile market of foreign currency exchanges is fast-paced and forever changing as it is highly impacted by the political, legal and economic environment of a country. Hence, it is in the best interest of all […]
Local Banks vs. Specialised Foreign Exchange Providers: Where Should You Exchange Currency for Your Next Trip?
Reading Time: 5 minutes 1 0 Travelling worldwide is learning and experiencing different nations, enjoying cuisines, learning about cultures, and having much more fun. However, when you travel abroad, you can’t use Indian currency anywhere. These days, it is not difficult to get foreign […]
12 Outstanding Dubai Attractions That Should Not Be Missed
Reading Time: 6 minutes 2 10 With so many people visiting this Arab city every year, Dubai needs no introduction. You are spoiled by choices of places when it comes to Dubai attractions! Did you know Dubai is now open to international visitors? It has officially […]
21 Magical Places to Visit Near Pune in Monsoon
Reading Time: 10 minutes 8 0 Often called the twin city of Mumbai, Pune is a unique and lively metropolis in Maharashtra. With tons of great Places to Visit in and around the city, surely every avid traveller will love to explore the absolute wonders […]
20 Holiday Destinations to Visit in India in 2024 | Tourist Places In India
Reading Time: 8 minutes 3 2 When it comes to travelling, India is a vastly underrated holiday destination that doesn’t get its due credit. From arid deserts to lush rainforests, from lofty mountains to mysterious valleys; you’ll get an overwhelmingly vast number of experiences […]
1 USD to INR from 1947 to 2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes 6 2 Today, if we convert 1 USD to INR the Indian currency’s value is lower than USD. INR’s value ranges around 83.57 to 1 USD. Many travellers travelling abroad exchange INR to USD and then later get it converted […]
Countries that offer Visa on Arrival for Indians – Part 1
Reading Time: 5 minutes 1 0 Travelling around the world is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but the process of obtaining a visa can be daunting and time-consuming. Fortunately, many countries offer visas on arrival for Indians, making travel easier and more convenient. In […]
How You Can Plan a Dubai Itinerary on a Budget
Reading Time: 4 minutes 0 0 It’s hard to define the essence of Dubai. This melting pot of different cultures and races has more than its fair share of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, enough to satiate the needs of sun worshippers and business magnates […]
10 Best Places for Shopping in Bali
Reading Time: 7 minutes 1 0 The archipelago of dormant volcanoes, quaint beaches, and a throbbing nightlife makes Bali one of the best destinations to visit in Asia. Bali attracts travellers from all around the world. Whether it is a bachelor’s party, honeymoon, shopping […]