Just like charity begins at home, vacationing should also begin at home. Because have you ever really looked at India? The place is absolutely breathtaking. We literally have one of the seven wonders in our country! And when you actually sit down with a list of places to visit here, you’ll realize that a whole lifetime isn’t enough. From hill stations to islands, we truly have it all. Yes, yes. We’ve even got islands. Not singular, but plural! So, the next time you’re planning a trip, maybe head to these 7 alternatives to Maldives in India instead!
7 Alternatives To Maldives In India
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman And Nicobar Islands
- St Mary’s Island, Karnataka
- Divar Island, Goa
- Majuli, Assam
- Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu
- Poovar Island, Kerala
1. Lakshadweep
Nestled in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep translates to ‘a hundred thousand islands’. While it doesn’t have that many islands literally, it’s still home to 36 islands and coral reefs. Planning a vacation with the intention to return with a good tan and a relaxed mind, Lakshadweep is the place to go!
The top islands in Lakshadweep are Agatti, Kalpeni, Bangaram, and Kavaratti – each of them a tropical paradise akin to the Maldives! You’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy solitude when you visit these untouched islands. Being under the radar, the infrastructure isn’t the best, but you’ll find an agreeable and decent hotel to stay in.
You can book boats to travel between islands because why limit yourself to just one? Kavaratti and Kadmat are hubs for water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing, yachting, and windsurfing. Live your Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara moment as you dive into the clear water and meet cute fishes. Bangaram courts tourists with its white sands and turquoise waters. Sounds like the perfect destination for a freeing vacay, no?
2. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
You know those soothing wave sounds people play in the night to get a good sleep? Imagine if they become your background music throughout the whole night in real life. You’re in for the best sleep of your life when you visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Not only are they the largest islands in India, they’re also going to steal your breath with their pristine beauty.
Havelock, a name that would probably ring some familiar bells, is also a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has interesting water sports like scuba diving and underwater walking! You can even get a boat or ferry from Havelock to Barren Island. This island in Andaman is the only active volcano in Southeast Asia!
These sparsely populated beaches are a much better replacement than the busy beaches of Goa. And if you ever get too tired of watching the sea, there’s a century-old Cellular Jail, Gandhi Park, and Sippighat Farm that are renowned tourist attractions.
Apart from that, you can also marvel over mangrove forests, rocky caves, and mountains! But honestly, you wouldn’t want to leave the beach once you get all cozy.
3. St Mary’s Island, Karnataka
Think something along the lines of limitless sea being your only view as far as you can see. If that’s appealing to you, you must visit St. Mary’s Island in Karnataka! Being one of the lesser-known tourist destinations, you can enjoy secluded beaches for an unending me-time!
St. Mary is also the National Geological Monument in India. It’s because of the unique volcanic rock formations!
You can drive down to Maple Beach – an important fishing center and then hail the ferry service to reach the island. It’s a nice 2-hour boat ride which will show you a glimpse of everything you’ll be seeing once you reach. Don’t forget to take pictures!
4. Divar Island, Goa
Goa might be your go-to destination because of the famous beaches, but we have something even better to recommend! Ditch the crowded beaches of Goa and explore Divar Island. This paradise on earth is a heavenly escape from the booze and noisy parties.
Divar Island is only 10 km away from the capital city of Panjim and is connected to mainland Goa by a ferry. Oh, and the aesthetics! You’ll find authentic Portuguese houses and traditional churches waiting to fill up your Instagram feed, instantly making this place one of the best alternatives to Maldives in India. You can visit Sao Matia also known as ‘a village stuck in time’ to find the aesthetics we mentioned.
Find ruins of the Kadamba dynasty when you visit Piedade village. It even has a church of Our Lady of Compassion which is well known for its architecture. If you’re visiting in the last week of August, don’t forget to experience the Bonderam festival! It’s quite a popular festival celebrated to commemorate when the people of Old Goa fled their homes during the plague in the 17th century and settled on Divar Island.
Whatever you do on the island, you’re absolutely going to have a riot of time!
5. Majuli, Assam
Travel back in time to the largest river island that stretches across 352 sq. km in Assam. You’ll see people living in traditional bamboo huts and cooking their food using the old techniques on fire. All of it adds to the rich culture of Assam as you see people living their best lives surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra river.
Along with the old times, you’ll also see a tinge of modernity as the resorts and hotels spoil you with delicious food and hospitality. Majuli Island also holds a lot of importance for being a primary hub for the neo-Vaishnavite community. You’ll find many monasteries built by the Assamese Saint – Srimanta Sankardeva. Carry your binoculars for you’ll find a lot of migratory birds like storks, kingfishers, egrets, and the purple moorhen.
The best time to plan a trip here would be during the winter because the summers are too hot and the monsoons tend to cause floods.
6. Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu
If visiting offbeat locations was on your resolution, might we suggest Pamban Island? Situated in Tamil Nadu, the place is filled with stunning beaches and bordered by tall coconut trees that make it one of the better alternatives to Maldives in India. Another name that people use to refer to this place is Rameshwaram Island. Yes, it’s near the famous pilgrimage town of Rameshwaram.
Pamban Island is also where beauty meets mythology. How? One of the tourist attractions is the Adam’s Bridge. You might know it as Ram Setu. According to the mythology, it’s the bridge that Lord Rama and his soldiers built to rescue Sita. Along with the ancient Indian lore, if you want to admire the wonders of nature and biodiversity, visit the nearby Kurusadai Island.
Okay, enough straining the brain with biology. For unwinding with absolutely zero anxieties, wear your favorite beach dress and just let nature do its thing to soothe your soul.
7. Poovar Island, Kerala
Poovar Island is a cozy little tourist destination in Kerala that guarantees you a good time. After all, you deserve a little bit of a treat after working so hard every day. In addition to beaches and picturesque landscapes, Poovar Island also has tranquil backwaters where you can float through.
There’s so much to do on the island while you’ll also be doing nothing hectic. Choose to laze around on the beach or in your luxurious resort. Or explore the village life and the mangrove forests. You can even go ultra-lazy and get a nice spa and massage done with essential oils that’ll put you right to a peaceful slumber. And if you like getting to know the rich Kerala culture, you can even attend Kathakali performances. It’s spellbinding!
Cruising in a houseboat in the calm backwaters or walking barefoot on the sand or bird watching – anything you choose to do at Poovar is going to be an experience you’ll reminisce about forever.
Summing Up
Now that you know all the options waiting for you to explore, chop chop! Get your planner out and sort out dates of when you can visit these alternatives to Maldives in India. We’re sure that the charm of these places will have you as bewitched, if not more, than the Maldives. And you don’t even have to leave the country to get a tropical experience!
FAQs
Which Indian Place Looks Like The Maldives?
It’s Lakshadweep, an archipelago off the western coast of India. With its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and white sand beaches, Lakshadweep gives off similar vibes as the Maldives.
Which Is India’s Largest Island?
In terms of land, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are India’s biggest islands. They occupy 8249 sq km of the land and are an archipelago of 572 islands.
Is Maldives Better Or Lakshadweep?
Both Lakshadweep and the Maldives are tropical paradises with similar geographies. However, the Maldives is a lot more commercialized. Lakshadweep has limited infrastructure but has fewer crowds as well! And of course, Lakshadweep is a comparatively cheaper destination!
Which Is Best, Andaman Or Maldives?
When it comes to a romantic getaway, Maldives is much more preferred. However, Andaman is a nice romantic escape and it also has a mix of natural beauty and lots of culture!
