Andaman Islands: India’s Tropical Paradise Beyond the Beaches

Andaman Islands, a remote archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, is India’s most untouched tropical destination. Also known as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this chain of over 500 islands is where turquoise water meets dense rainforest, and the only crowds you’ll find are fish and sea turtles. Forget crowded Goa beaches—here, you can swim alone on a stretch of white sand that stretches for miles, with no vendors, no umbrellas, just the sound of waves and the rustle of palm leaves.

The Andaman diving, world-class underwater experiences with vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks draws serious divers from across Asia. Havelock Island’s Elephant Beach and Neil Island’s Bharatpur Beach aren’t just pretty—they’re living ecosystems. You’ll see parrotfish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks without ever leaving the surface. The water stays warm year-round, visibility rarely drops below 20 meters, and you don’t need to be an expert to explore. Many resorts offer beginner dives with no certification required.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Most travelers fly into Port Blair, the capital and main gateway to the Andamans, from Kolkata, Chennai, or Delhi. From there, ferries hop between islands like Havelock, Neil, and Ross. Don’t rent a car—bikes and scooters are the only way to move around, and the roads are narrow, winding, and perfect for slow travel. Stay in small beach shacks, eat fresh crab curry at roadside stalls, and wake up to the smell of salt and coconut.

What makes the Andamans different isn’t just the beauty—it’s the silence. No loud music. No neon signs. No traffic jams. Just the rhythm of the tide and the quiet hum of local life. You’ll find tribal communities still living in isolation, ancient British colonial ruins hidden in the jungle, and beaches where the only footprints are yours.

Whether you’re here to dive, trek through mangroves, or simply do nothing under a thatched roof, the Andaman Islands deliver a kind of peace you won’t find anywhere else in India. Below, you’ll find real guides from travelers who’ve done it—where to dive, which beaches to skip, how to avoid tourist traps, and what to pack when the humidity hits 90%.