Best Islands to visit in India
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) - Andaman
Arguably the most famous island in India, Havelock is beloved for its dreamy beaches and top-tier scuba diving. Don’t miss Radhanagar Beach, once voted Asia’s best, and explore the vibrant marine life through diving or snorkelling excursions.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
A quieter counterpart of Havelock, Neil offers eco-friendly lodges, sprawling coral reefs, and laid-back charm. Its beaches, Bharatpur & Laxmanpur, are postcard-perfect and ideal for non-crowded sun-soaking.
Arguably the most famous island in India, Havelock is beloved for its dreamy beaches and top-tier scuba diving. Don’t miss Radhanagar Beach, once voted Asia’s best, and explore the vibrant marine life through diving or snorkelling excursions.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
A quieter counterpart of Havelock, Neil offers eco-friendly lodges, sprawling coral reefs, and laid-back charm. Its beaches, Bharatpur & Laxmanpur, are postcard-perfect and ideal for non-crowded sun-soaking.
North Bay Island - Andaman
Ideal for first-time adventurers, North Bay offers glass-bottom boat rides and underwater sea walking. It's a fun way to meet colourful reef creatures without getting your hair wet!
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) - Andaman
History meets nature on this once-British administrative island. Walk through overgrown colonial ruins, spot deer wandering freely, and soak in the eerie charm.
Ideal for first-time adventurers, North Bay offers glass-bottom boat rides and underwater sea walking. It's a fun way to meet colourful reef creatures without getting your hair wet!
Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) - Andaman
History meets nature on this once-British administrative island. Walk through overgrown colonial ruins, spot deer wandering freely, and soak in the eerie charm.
Baratang Island
Adventure calls here, with mud volcanoes, limestone caves painted by stalactites, and Moken tribal communities. Plan ahead; you’ll need permits to visit.
Cinque Island - Andaman
Untouched and rarely crowded, this is your offbeat escape. Turquoise waters, brilliant coral gardens, and absolute silence make this a diver’s dream and a peaceful hideaway.
Adventure calls here, with mud volcanoes, limestone caves painted by stalactites, and Moken tribal communities. Plan ahead; you’ll need permits to visit.
Cinque Island - Andaman
Untouched and rarely crowded, this is your offbeat escape. Turquoise waters, brilliant coral gardens, and absolute silence make this a diver’s dream and a peaceful hideaway.
Little Andaman
Surfers, rejoice! With gentle waves, hidden waterfalls, and unspoilt greenery, Little Andaman offers something different from the rest. It’s remote, yes - but worth every kilometre.
Great Nicobar Island
The most remote and restricted on the list, this one is reserved for the truly adventurous. With dense forests, rare species, and untapped beaches, Great Nicobar demands a special permit and a big spirit of exploration.
Surfers, rejoice! With gentle waves, hidden waterfalls, and unspoilt greenery, Little Andaman offers something different from the rest. It’s remote, yes - but worth every kilometre.
Great Nicobar Island
The most remote and restricted on the list, this one is reserved for the truly adventurous. With dense forests, rare species, and untapped beaches, Great Nicobar demands a special permit and a big spirit of exploration.
Not Just the Andaman, Other Beautiful Islands in India
While Andaman steals the spotlight, other Indian islands offer memorable experiences too:
Lakshadweep Islands (Agatti, Bangaram):Less commercial than Andaman, but just as stunning. Picture-perfect for snorkelling, white sand lazing, and private getaways.
St. Mary’s Island (Karnataka):Known for its columnar basaltic lava rock formations - perfect for geology geeks and Instagram lovers alike.
Majuli Island (Assam):The world’s largest river island! A cultural treasure trove with monastic traditions, dance festivals, and lush paddy fields.
Lakshadweep Islands (Agatti, Bangaram):Less commercial than Andaman, but just as stunning. Picture-perfect for snorkelling, white sand lazing, and private getaways.
St. Mary’s Island (Karnataka):Known for its columnar basaltic lava rock formations - perfect for geology geeks and Instagram lovers alike.
Majuli Island (Assam):The world’s largest river island! A cultural treasure trove with monastic traditions, dance festivals, and lush paddy fields.
Spotlight on a Famous Island in India - Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
There’s no denying that Havelock Island is the star of Indian island tourism. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a solo diving adventure, or a chilled-out beach holiday, Havelock ticks every box. It’s well-connected by ferries, offers top-notch underwater experiences, and caters to both budget and luxury travellers. A must-visit if it’s your first island trip.
Planning Your Escape
From sandcastle-building to scuba diving, there’s something for every kind of traveller across India’s islands. Here’s what to pack and plan:
- Light, breathable clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A waterproof dry bag
- Snorkel gear (optional but handy)
- Travel permits (especially for tribal or restricted islands like Baratang or Great Nicobar)
Pro tip:Always check ferry schedules and inter-island travel options in advance - some islands have limited access or are seasonal.
