Trip to Andaman in March 2020

Andaman

We visited Andaman in Mar 2020. Just before CoronaVirus Pandemic hit India. Group of 8 (Mixed).

Arrival at Port Blair (Veer Savarkar Airport). Cheap flights from Bangalore/Chennai/Kolkata
Andaman has a strong influence of Bengal as many people speak Bengali and the food tastes are similar to that in Bengal
Alcohol is available in Govt Approved Shops (ANIIDCO). Check timings as these are not open for all day. Present in all 3 islands (Port Blair, Neil, Havelock), Cheaper than mainland with limited availability. Beer availability is very skewed and very expensive in restaurants (~3.5x)
Cellular connectivity is poor almost everywhere. Don’t expect good internet. Preferred Networks BSNL & Airtel.
Government Ferries for travel between islands is cheaper but limited ( Roughly 400-500 bucks). Decent ship with deck, AC, need to be bought in advance from the Govt Counter. (Used for Port Blair to Neil & Neil to Havelock)
Private Ferries for travel between islands are well built and lavish (Roughly 1400-1500 bucks). High in quality, AC, easily available. (Used for Havelock to Port Blair - Makruzz)
Book all accommodation with AC otherwise it might be really hot in the night
Carry synthetic swimming costumes (at least 1) so that they can be used the next day as well
Carry ample sunscreen and aloe vera gel to ease sunburn
Carry playing cards, swimming goggles (water is very clear), frisbee and a beachball (available locally)

Accommodation : Stayed at Edha Homestay (Marine Hill, Near Dhobi Ghat). Decent Place. 1000 per person per night. Played loud music, didn’t have a problem. The host is nice.
Auto’s are dirt cheap however they charge extremely high if they understand you are a tourist. Bargain well.
Places to Eat: Annapoorna (Expensive, Veg, Clean, Decent), Anju Coco ( Moderately expensive, Good food), Old Lighthouse (Cheap, decent food, slow service), Happy Belly ( Moderately expensive, decent food, slow service), Icy Spicy ( Great food, good service)
Visited the Rajiv Gandhi Statue in the morning, quite scenic and serene with pigeons and no hustle, spotted fishes and crabs. There is a water park too though we didn't visit. We walked along the road with the ocean beside us. Must do in the morning or evening.
Visited Ross Island for the light & sound show. A recommendation would be to reach the beautiful island for 1-2 hrs before the light show in order to see the natural surroundings & beauty. Animals & birds roam around freely and the light show is pretty amazing.
Visited Cellular Jail for the light & sound show. A recommendation would be to take a guide in order to understand the history
Visited Chidiya Tapu & Sunset point. Quite far from the main bazaar. Quite, serene & pretty

Accommodation : Stayed at Megha Homestay (Near Bharatpur Peach). Decent Place, looks slightly shabby from outside. 1000 per person per night. Played loud music, decent food. The host is nice. Very close to the beach
Nothing much to do in the place for 1-day stay
Visited the Natural Bridges on Lakhsmanpur beach 2. Great place for clicking photos. Reach by 4ish if you want to see both the bridges as one bridge is slightly far and needs time to reach.
Visited Lakhsmanpur beach 1. Has a 135 degrees point where you can sit down and stare into the sea with a great breeze blowing. Small shacks on the beach with good food and coconut water. Can be enjoyed with or without the sun.
Took a cab to go around the Island as nothing much is available. The least touristy of the places with very limited establishments.
Visited the Sitapur beach for the sunrise. Great place for photos and chilling.
Places to Eat: Emerald Gecko (Moderately Expensive, the Best place in Neil probably, Clean, Good Food)

Accommodation : Stayed at Eco Villa. Right by the beach, private space, Decent Place, good complimentary breakfast options. 1600 per person per night. Played loud music. Faced issues with Bathroom facilities, maybe the water in the Island wasn’t that great itself.
Places to Eat: Full Moon Cafe (Moderately Expensive, Good place, Clean, Large portion Sizes), Anju Coco ( Moderately Expensive, Normal portions, Good food), Someplace Different ( Definitely the best place on the island, visited 4 times, Awesome food, Huge portion sizes, Expensive)
Ate yummy street food with the distinct flavour from Calcutta
Took scooties for travel (INR 400 per day), one petrol pump only
Barefoot Scuba Agency used for Scuba – One dive as well as certification
Visited Kalapatthaar beach – very scenic and beautiful, not crowded and a long coastline, good for walks
Visited Radhanagar beach - one of the best beaches in Asia and it lived up to its reputation, no rocks, quite busy and so would suggest you move away from the crowd to enjoy, strictly following of timing by local authorities to come out of the water by 5pm, waves were great, nice place for enjoying in the water, extremely poor changing facility - water got over and the whole place was odorous