Island Escapes
Beaches
Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep — the only genuinely clear water in the country.
21 places
Lakshadweep
Agatti Island
The gateway to Lakshadweep with its own airport, Agatti is ringed by a vivid turquoise lagoon and coral reefs, with snorkelling, diving and lagoon kayaking run from the island. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Lakshadweep
Bangaram Island
A teardrop-shaped, uninhabited resort island in Lakshadweep, Bangaram is famed for crystal lagoons, untouched white sand and exceptional diving and snorkelling. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Corbyn's Cove (Port Blair)
The closest beach to Port Blair, Corbyn's Cove is a coconut-palm-fringed crescent popular for a quick swim, water sports and easy island access. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Elephant Beach (Havelock)
Reached by boat or a jungle trail on Swaraj Dweep, Elephant Beach is the Andamans' top spot for snorkelling, scuba diving and shallow-water coral. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is the most popular island in the Andamans and a tropical dream for young travellers — home to the famous Radhanagar Beach, scuba diving and powdery white sand. It blends beach-bliss with adventure in a way that has made it a bucket-list staple. With turquoise water, coral reefs, mangrove kayaking and laid-back beach shacks, Havelock is the Andamans' adventure-and-relaxation hub. Diving and snorkelling at Elephant Beach, sunsets at Radhanagar and easy island life draw honeymooners, divers and backpackers alike.
Lakshadweep
Kavaratti Island
The capital of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is known for calm lagoons, water sports, an aquarium and some of the archipelago's most accessible coral gardens. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Long Island (Andaman)
A remote, road-free island reached by ferry, Long Island has Lalaji Bay, jungle trails and no cars on it at all. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Lakshadweep
Minicoy Island
The southernmost and most culturally distinct island of Lakshadweep, Minicoy is famed for its tall lighthouse, crescent lagoon and unique Maldivian-influenced culture. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock)
Regularly rated among Asia's best beaches, Radhanagar on Swaraj Dweep is a flawless arc of white sand, turquoise water and west-facing sunsets. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Vijaynagar Beach (Neil)
On laid-back Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Vijaynagar is a calm, shallow beach lined with mahua trees, shallow a long way out, and an easy cycle at sunrise. The best months to visit are roughly November to February, when seas are calm and skies are clear; the monsoon (June to September) brings rough water and many beach shacks shut. Plan water sports and swimming for the dry winter window.
Vijaynagar Beach (Neil)
Natural Rock Bridge
A naturally formed coral rock arch near the island's shore.
Corbyn's Cove (Port Blair)
Corbyn's Cove Water Sports
Jet-ski and speedboat rides off the cove.
Agatti Island
Agatti Lagoon
A shallow turquoise lagoon for snorkelling and kayaking.
Long Island (Andaman)
Lalaji Bay Beach
A secluded white-sand bay reached by boat or jungle trek.
.jpg?width=560)
Kavaratti Island
Kavaratti Lagoon
A sheltered lagoon for kayaking, glass-bottom boats and snorkelling.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Radhanagar Beach
A long west-facing crescent with nothing built behind it, which is why it photographs the way it does. Lifeguards work set hours and the flags are worth obeying. Sunset is the busy hour.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Elephant Beach
A reef-fringed beach popular for snorkelling, scuba diving and water sports.
Radhanagar Beach (Havelock)
Radhanagar Sunset Point
The northern end of the arc, where people gather as the light goes. The beach faces west, so the sun drops into open water — rare on this side of India.
Bangaram Island
Bangaram Lagoon
A shallow lagoon inside the reef, calm enough to snorkel straight off the beach. Diving is run through the single resort on the island.
Elephant Beach (Havelock)
Elephant Beach Reef
A shallow reef a few metres out from the sand, which is why every boat from Havelock comes here. Gear is hired on the beach. Take the first boat, before the water is stirred up.
Minicoy Island
Minicoy Lighthouse
A historic British-era lighthouse with views over the lagoon.
