Indian Islands
Lush tropical rainforest, coral reef, mangroves, white sandy beaches and an exotic collection of flora and fauna make the Southern Indian Islands a favourite for nature lovers and those wanting to completely cut themselves off from the rest of the world in a virgin paradise.
The remote Andaman Islands are a short flight from Chennai or Calcutta to Port Blair, followed by a 2 hour boat ride. With a limited number of places to stay, our favourite retreat, hidden in the serene confines of this beautiful island is "Barefoot at Havelock". This is an excellent eco friendly retreat in lush green tropical rainforests, right next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. Spread over seven acres of organic landscape the resort is based on the philosophy of sustainable and socially responsible tourism. The beaches are stunning and wonderfully quiet and the diving is world class.
The Lakshadweep Islands are more often than not overlooked by visitors to Kerala who travel further South to the well patronised beaches of Kovalam. The islands are located 250 kilometres off the coast of Cochin. Although there are eleven islands which make up the far north atoll that extends from the Maldives, only three of these are open to tourism and Bangaram Island is our chosen destination here by Steppes Travel. After an hour flight from Cochin, followed by a 1 ½ hour boat journey you reach Bangaram. The shallow waters in the channel between Agatti Island and Bangaram Island provide safe haven for three species of turtle, the Olive Ridley, the Leatherback and the Old Hawksbill turtle. The diving is superb, comparable to that in the Maldives.
Both islands are an excellent alternative to the Maldives or an Indian beach stay.