It wasn’t the glossy travel brochures that convinced people to visit the Andaman Islands. It was stories whispered by other travelers — tales of quiet beaches, warm water, and star-filled skies. But what made the journey even more compelling was this unexpected discovery: one didn’t need deep pockets to stay in paradise. Finding a budget hotel in Andaman had become not only possible but rewarding.
Most tourists started their island travels in Port Blair. It wasn't the most glamorous destination, but it had a glimpse of native life, an echo of colonial past, and, crucially, some surprisingly pleasant budget lodging. At the center of Aberdeen Bazaar, tourists discovered old-fashioned guesthouses operated by families for generations. Simple, perhaps, but every room had personality — tattered photographs on the wall, open windows with muslin curtains, and communal spaces filled with the sound of other travelers' conversation from around the world.
The actual charm, though, lay when the journey wandered towards Neil Island — the laid-back, greener brother of Havelock. Havelock tended to hog the limelight of travel blogs at times, but Neil had its own charm. And that charm went up to its stays.
One such hotel in Neil Island, hidden behind a cluster of palms close to Laxmanpur Beach, was one of those loved secrets among low-budget travelers. With open-sided bamboo houses and porches that extended over fields of banana plantations, the accommodation was cheaper than a cab fare in most cities. There were no air-conditioners, but sea breeze made up for it. And each night, visitors would sit around candle-lit tables where the owner, a gentle islander, would serve fish curry prepared from his mother's recipe.
The affordability not only saved money — it bred longer visits, slower travel, and deeper connection. With prices as low as ₹500–₹800 a night, tourists could easily spend weeks on Neil, discovering its beaches, cycling along coconut-lined avenues.