Discover some of India's most pristine and least explored island destinations that are legally open to travellers. If you are looking to escape the crowds, these secluded spots offer unique geological wonders, untouched beaches, and tranquil environments.
1. Little Andaman Island, Andaman & Nicobar
Located about 88 km south of Sri Vijaya Puram, this island retains the charm of the Andamans before mass tourism arrived.
- How to reach: A seven-hour ferry ride from Haddo Wharf in Sri Vijaya Puram takes you to Hut Bay, the island's primary settlement. Ferry tickets are often released just a few days in advance.
- What to expect: You will not find luxury resorts here; instead, expect quiet roads, small guesthouses, and a beautifully slow pace of life.
- Highlights: Rent a scooter or shared jeep to explore empty beaches, small waterfalls, and excellent surf breaks. Butler Bay has earned a strong reputation among surfers for its clean waves and low crowds.
2. Long Island, Middle Andaman
This untouched eco-destination demands a bit of effort to reach, making it perfect for true off-the-beaten-path explorers.
- How to reach: It requires a 5+ hour journey from Sri Vijaya Puram via the Andaman Trunk Road to Rangat, followed by a government boat ride from Yeratta Jetty.
- What to expect: Life slows down immediately upon arrival. Most visitors walk everywhere, using forest trails to reach spots like Lalaji Bay or exploring quiet village paths and mangrove creeks.
- Travel tip: Always carry essentials in advance, including cash, medicines, and offline maps. Maintain a flexible schedule since ferries do not operate daily.
3. Ross & Smith Islands (Twin Islands), North Andaman
Situated near Diglipur, these islands are famously connected by a stunning natural sandbar that appears and disappears with the ocean tides. Even by Andaman standards, this location feels surprisingly untouched.
- How to reach: Take an overnight ship or endure a full-day road trip from Sri Vijaya Puram to Diglipur. From there, secure a forest permit and take a boat from Aerial Bay jetty.
- What to expect: The sandbar is the main attraction, featuring calm, lagoon-like waters on one side and deeper blue waters on the other. Since there is no accommodation on the islands, visitors must base themselves in Diglipur.
- Travel tip: Arrive at the permit office early in the morning to secure your spot, as boat slots fill fast during the peak winter season.
4. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
This island offers a much quieter experience compared to India's more publicized beach destinations, largely due to strictly controlled permit entries.
- How to reach: Travellers generally fly from Kochi to Agatti and continue by boat, or utilize ship-based packages arranged by authorized operators.
- Travel tip: Spontaneous travel is not recommended here. You must book your permits, limited accommodation, and weather-dependent inter-island boat transfers well in advance.
5. Thinnakara Island, Lakshadweep
Located inside the Bangaram atoll lagoon, this tiny, uninhabited island has no towns, roads, or permanent infrastructure other than a small tented camp.
- How to reach: Independent access is strictly prohibited. You must navigate multiple permit layers and arrive via Agatti or Bangaram through authorized operators.
- What to expect: The extreme isolation is the main appeal, offering an incredibly quiet experience for overnight guests in the tented accommodation after sunset.
- Travel tip: Be prepared for extremely limited connectivity and potential weather disruptions that can affect boat transfers.
6. St. Mary's Islands, Karnataka
Situated just off the Malpe harbour near Udupi, this location remains oddly under-discussed despite being one of India's most unique geological sites.
- How to reach: Access the islands via licensed ferries from Malpe Beach, a ride taking about 30 minutes depending on sea conditions.
- Highlights: The island draws people with its rare hexagonal basalt rock formations rising dramatically from the shore, frequently compared to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Visitors must return by evening, preserving a controlled, low-impact atmosphere.
- Best time to visit: October to February offers the calmest Arabian Sea conditions and the most reliable ferry services.
7. Bhavani Island, Andhra Pradesh
Floating quietly on the Krishna river near Vijayawada, this island provides an unexpectedly green escape right beside one of Andhra Pradesh's busiest urban centers.
- How to reach: Government boats ferry visitors from the riverbank near the Prakasam Barrage directly to the island.
- What to expect: The atmosphere shifts quickly from city traffic to shaded walking paths and open green spaces. Expect a simple, relaxing environment rather than a highly luxurious one.
*List curation inspired by reporting from The Times of India. Source: DT Andaman