Andaman

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are entering a new era of “Eco-Luxury.” While it remains the crown jewel of India’s tropical destinations, the focus has shifted toward high-end sustainability, private island experiences, and the burgeoning trend of Astro-tourism under some of the darkest skies in the country.

The Luxury Frontier: New Destinations

While Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) remain the most popular, several new islands are being carefully opened to provide “Maldives-style” seclusion:

• Aves Island & Smith Island: These northern gems are the new centers for eco-luxury. New solar-powered resorts and luxury tented camps allow you to walk on the famous sandbar connecting Ross and Smith Islands with total privacy.

• Long Island: Often described as “Havelock from twenty years ago,” this island is the go-to for travelers who want quiet, untouched beaches like Lalaji Bay without the crowds.

• Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair): The capital has been renamed to honor the islands’ heritage. The iconic Cellular Jail continues to offer its moving Sound and Light show, but the city is also seeing a surge in heritage cruises and luxury redevelopments.

Celestial & Underwater Adventures

• Astro-Tourism: Andaman has officially launched an Astro-tourism policy, making it one of the best spots to view both northern and southern constellations. New vantage points offer 360-degree views of zero-pollution night skies.

• Night Sea Kayaking: For a surreal experience, kayaking through the mangroves at night—where the water glows with bioluminescence—has become a top-tier activity.

• The Active Volcano: Cruises to Barren Island offer a rare glimpse of Asia’s only active volcano, a dramatic contrast to the tranquil turquoise waters surrounding it.

• Underwater Records: Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among Asia’s best, remains a hub for world-class diving. New professional dive centers are focusing on marine conservation as much as the thrill of the descent.

Sustainable “Slow Travel”

The islands are moving toward a No-Plastic Zone model, particularly on islands like Jolly Buoy. Travelers are encouraged to embrace “Slow Travel”—spending more nights in one location like Diglipur to explore the Saddle Peak National Park or the Alfred Caves, rather than rushing through a multi-island circuit.