Hidden Gems & Offbeat Destinations
1. Long Island
- Highlights: Mangroves, dense forests, quiet beaches, zero traffic.
- Why Visit: Long Island is a backpacker’s paradise with crystal-clear waters and a sleepy village vibe. Lalami Bay and Guitar Island nearby are untouched and perfect for a quiet picnic or swim.
2. Guitar Island
- Highlights: Unique guitar shape, white sand, isolated location.
- Why Visit: This tiny, uninhabited island near Long Island is only accessible by boat. It’s a true castaway experience — ideal for solitude seekers and photographers.
3. Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
- Highlights: Waterfalls, elephant safaris, surfing.
- Why Visit: Far off the main tourist route, Little Andaman is raw and wild. Visit White Surf Waterfall, explore the rainforests, and if you're adventurous, try surfing at Butler Bay.
4. Diglipur
- Highlights: Saddle Peak (highest point in Andamans), mud volcanoes, turtle nesting.
- Why Visit: Located in North Andaman, Diglipur is home to Kalipur Beach where turtles come to nest. Trek to Saddle Peak for panoramic island views.
5. Ross & Smith Islands (near Diglipur)
- Highlights: Twin islands joined by a natural sandbar.
- Why Visit: These two islands are connected by a magical white-sand strip that disappears with the tide. A stunning place to relax, swim, and marvel at nature.
6. Baratang Island
- Highlights: Limestone caves, mud volcanoes, dense mangrove creeks.
- Why Visit: A mix of natural wonders and adventure. The boat ride through mangrove forests to the limestone caves is surreal. Also home to the Jarawa tribal reserve — sensitive tourism is required.
7. North Passage Island (Merk Bay)
- Highlights: Virgin beach, coral reefs, dolphin sightings.
- Why Visit: Located near Long Island, Merk Bay Beach is accessible via a short boat ride. Ideal for snorkeling and dolphin spotting, yet barely touched by crowds.
8. Cinque Island
- Highlights: Coral gardens, uninhabited beauty, scuba diving.
- Why Visit: Known for having one of the richest coral reefs in India. It’s a protected island, so access is limited and requires permission — but the pristine beauty is worth it.
9. Mayabunder
- Highlights: German Jetty, beaches, tribal culture.
- Why Visit: Less commercialized than Port Blair or Havelock. Offers a cultural touch with settlers from East Pakistan and the Karen tribe. Ideal for a slow, immersive experience.
Offbeat Experiences
- Watch turtles nesting at Kalipur (Diglipur) or Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder).
- Trek through tropical forests to waterfalls in Little Andaman.
- Explore underground limestone caves in Baratang.
- Relax on a sandbar that disappears with the tide at Ross & Smith Islands.
Best Time to Explore Offbeat Andamans
- November to April: Calm seas and clear skies.
- Monsoon season (May–September) can cause boat service cancellations, especially to remote islands.
Travel Tips
- Travel to remote areas requires advance permits (especially for foreign tourists).
- Infrastructure may be basic — carry essentials.
- Respect tribal and eco-sensitive zones.
- Mobile connectivity is limited in remote areas.
