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!