Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are India's answer to the Maldives - only wilder, more remote, and rich with history. This archipelago of over 570 islands lies 1,200 km off the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal, and only a handful are open to visitors, ensuring that the experience remains pristine and uncrowded. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is the star attraction: Radhanagar Beach has been ranked among Asia's best, and the underwater world around Elephant Beach and the Lighthouse reef rivals the Great Barrier Reef in colour and diversity. Port Blair, the capital, offers a sobering history lesson at the Cellular Jail - a colonial-era prison where Indian freedom fighters were held in solitary confinement. The nightly Sound & Light Show at the jail is a powerful reminder of the independence struggle. Ross Island and Viper Island add more layers to the colonial narrative with their crumbling ruins overtaken by jungle. For adventure seekers, Andaman is a playground: scuba diving and snorkelling at sites like The Wall, Dixon's Pinnacle, and North Reef reveal manta rays, turtles, and technicolor coral gardens. Sea-walking at North Bay lets even non-swimmers walk the ocean floor. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is quieter and perfect for cycling between secluded beaches. The bioluminescent plankton at Havelock, visible on dark nights, turn the lapping waves into liquid starlight - a sight that stays with you forever.