India has over 1,200 islands — from Andaman's tropical paradise to Lakshadweep's coral atolls — yet fewer than 1% of Indian travelers visit them. This complete guide covers how to reach India's islands, which ones are open to tourists, costs, permits, and the best experiences on each.
India's Islands — An Overview
India has two major island territories: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (572 islands in the Bay of Bengal, about 37 inhabited) and Lakshadweep (36 islands in the Arabian Sea, 10 inhabited). Together, they offer tropical beach experiences, coral reef diving, indigenous cultures, and marine biodiversity that rival international island destinations — at a fraction of the cost. Only a small number of islands in each territory are open to tourists, and the limited infrastructure keeps visitor numbers naturally low. This means less crowding but requires more planning than a typical beach holiday.
Andaman Islands — How to Get There
Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from Chennai (2 hours), Kolkata (2 hours), Delhi (4 hours via connection), or Bangalore (2.5 hours). Round-trip flights cost ₹6,000-15,000 depending on season and booking time. Ships from Chennai (3 days) and Kolkata (4 days) operate 2-3 times monthly at ₹2,000-6,000 per berth — a unique sea journey but time-intensive. Once in Port Blair, government ferries and private speedboats connect the major tourist islands. Inter-island ferries should be booked 1-2 days ahead through the directorate of shipping — morning ferries are more reliable than afternoon ones.
Must-Visit Andaman Islands
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the crown jewel — Radhanagar Beach (Asia's best beach, according to TIME), Elephant Beach for snorkeling (₹500-800 per session), and scuba diving at sites like Dixon's Pinnacle and The Wall (₹3,500-5,000 per guided dive). The ferry from Port Blair takes 2 hours (₹700-1,200). Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is smaller and quieter — natural bridge rock formation, Sitapur Beach at sunrise, and a cycling-friendly size (rent a bicycle for ₹100-200/day). Long Island offers Lalaji Bay Beach (accessible only by boat or trek through mangrove forest) — possibly the most secluded beach in Andaman accessible to regular tourists. Baratang Island has limestone caves and mud volcanoes (day trip from Port Blair through Jarawa tribal reserve — strict no-photography, no-stopping rules apply on the road through the reserve).
Andaman Diving & Snorkeling
The Andaman Islands have some of the best diving in South and Southeast Asia — visibility of 15-30 meters, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and dive sites suitable for beginners through advanced. A beginner's "discover scuba" session (no certification needed, 30-45 minute supervised dive) costs ₹3,500-5,000. Full PADI Open Water certification (4-5 days) costs ₹25,000-35,000. Advanced divers can explore Barren Island — India's only active volcano with underwater volcanic rock formations hosting manta rays and sharks. Snorkeling is available at most beaches for ₹300-800 per session including gear. The best diving season is November-April when seas are calm and visibility peaks.
Lakshadweep — India's Coral Paradise
Lakshadweep is India's smallest union territory — 32 sq km of land surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon — and its turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and coral atolls rival the Maldives at Indian prices. Tourism is tightly controlled: only a few islands are open to visitors (Bangaram, Agatti, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Kalpeni), and packages must be booked through SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports) or authorized operators. Access: fly to Agatti from Kochi (1.5 hours, ₹4,000-8,000) or take a ship from Kochi (14-18 hours, ₹2,000-5,000). Bangaram Island is the most tourist-friendly — an uninhabited island with a single resort and coral reefs accessible by wading from shore. Permits are required (arranged by the tour operator).
Budget & Planning
A 5-7 day Andaman trip costs ₹25,000-50,000 per person (excluding flights) covering ferry transfers, mid-range accommodation, meals, and 2-3 activities (diving, snorkeling, kayaking). Budget travelers staying in guesthouses and eating at local restaurants can manage ₹15,000-20,000. Lakshadweep packages (typically 4-5 days) through SPORTS cost ₹8,000-15,000 per person including boat transfers, accommodation, and meals — significantly cheaper than equivalent Maldives experiences. Book Andaman accommodation at least 2-3 weeks ahead for November-March (peak season). Carry cash — ATMs exist in Port Blair and Havelock but are frequently empty; Lakshadweep has very limited banking. Mobile connectivity is available in Port Blair and Havelock (Airtel/BSNL) but patchy to nonexistent on smaller islands. A travel companion makes island hopping more economical (shared boats, rooms) and more enjoyable — Luventra connects island-bound travelers looking for dive buddies and beach companions.