The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a tropical paradise located in the Bay of Bengal. There are 572 islands in this archipelago, many of which remain uninhabited and unexplored. The pristine beaches, lush green forests, vibrant coral reefs and rich biodiversity make these islands truly exotic. There are six islands in particular that stand out for their breathtaking beauty and serenity.
1. Havelock Island
Havelock Island is one of the most popular islands that is often called a ‘tropical paradise’. With sparkling white sand beaches, turquoise waters and lush rainforests, Havelock offers an idyllic holiday amidst nature. Radhanagar Beach here is renowned as one of Asia’s best beaches and was named “Asia’s best beach” by Time Magazine in 2004. One can spend time sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the calm waters, snorkeling amidst colourful coral and tropical fish or trekking into the rainforests brimming with diverse fauna. The rich marine life around Havelock makes it a favourite with scuba divers too. The little beach shacks serve delicious seafood adding to the delightful charm.
2. Neil Island
Fondly called the ‘vegetable bowl of Andaman’ due to its fertile soil, Neil Island is a hidden gem with serene beaches and lush greenery. Located further south of Havelock Island, Neil Island has a relaxed vibe and can be explored on cycle or by walk. The beaches here like Sitapur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Natural Coral bridge Beach are delightfully quiet and clean with shallow blue waters ideal for swimming. One can also explore tropical woodlands located inland or go snorkeling to view coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. Easy accessibility from Port Blair and cheaper accommodation makes Neil a great offbeat destination for nature lovers and backpackers.
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3. Little Andaman
As the name suggests, Little Andaman located south of Middle and North Andaman is the smallest of the Andaman Islands. Its pristine beaches, rainforests and waterfalls make it an exotic location for nature tourism. Butler Bay Beach, a sandy white palm fringed beach is considered one of the best beaches with azure blue waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling amidst colourful corals. 200 feet high White Surf Waterfalls located deep within the rainforest is a delight for trekkers and photographers. Little Andaman offers an off the beaten track tropical adventure amidst lush rainforests, coral reefs and waterfalls for those willing to make the effort to reach here.
4. Long Island
Located quite close to Port Blair, Long Island is an idyllic island with sandy beaches, mangroves and tropical forests. With limited tourist footprints, the beaches here like Lalaji Bay Beach, Merk Bay Beach and Vijaynagar Beach are nearly deserted making them perfect for relaxation. The azure blue waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The eastern coastline has dense mangrove forests that can be explored by boat cruises. Treks through the tropical forests filled with birds, insects and animals are also arranged. The seafood served at the shacks here is simply delicious. The off-grid sustainable lifestyle of the locals here gives a glimpse of tropical island living at its best.
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5. Baratang Island
The beautiful Baratang Island is known for its mangrove creeks, mud volcanoes and limestone caves. Located between Middle and South Andaman, Baratang has some gorgeous beaches like Baludera Beach and Mangrove Creek that can only be reached by trekking through the jungle or boat rides through the dense mangrove forests. The mud volcanoes here caused due to tectonic activity are an unusual sight. Local tribals serve as guides to lead tourists on treks through the forests. The trek through mangroves to reach marvelous limestone caves formed millions of years ago is quite an adventure. Baratang is thus the perfect island for ecotourism offering stunning natural scenery coupled with tribal culture immersion.
6. Jolly Buoy Island
Jolly Buoy Island located 30 kms from Wandoor is famous for its pristine beaches and splendid corals that can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats and snorkeling. This island located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is uninhabited with just a ranger’s office. The island and surrounding waters have rich flora and fauna including tropical fish, dolphins and sea turtles that can be spotted while snorkeling. Swimming here is an amazing experience in the crystal clear waters. Jolly Buoy is open for only 6 months due to nesting of endangered birds the rest of the year. With white sands and turquoise waters, Jolly Buoy offers a tropical island paradise experience in the truest sense and should not be missed.
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With their azure waters, coral reefs and dense forests brimming with biodiversity, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer nature lovers, beach bums, adventure enthusiasts and even offbeat travelers some exotic locations to explore. The next time you plan an island holiday, the unbridled natural beauty of these six exotic islands will surely take your breath away. Plan your trip well in advance as most islands have restrictions on the number of tourists and dates of visit to protect the fragile ecology. With sustainable eco-tourism showing the way, the incredible Andamans await to make you fall in love with their paradisaical charm!