Lakshadweep vs Andaman: Which One Is the Perfect Island Getaway?

Reading Time: 11 minutes

India is a country with a diverse landscapes, and amongst all of these, islands occupy a very special place. The most popular islands being Andaman and Lakshadweep. Both possess a uniqueness when it comes to natural beauty or traditional charm. But the traveler’s experience in both the islands is equally enchanting.

In this article, we will discuss in length about Lakshadweep vs Andaman, the two fascinating islands of India. You can plan your trip based on your preferences and budget. 

From the exotic feeling of spending a memorable time in between the coconut trees, the dreamy lighthouses in Lakshadweep to the sensational beaches and dense forests of Andaman – a choice for you to ponder upon. You will surely find your answers as you read through the article, a step towards your dream vacation and a tick in your travel bucket list.

ALSO SEE – Best Beaches in Kerala To Surf, Swim, And Soak In The Sun

1. Location

Lakshadweep is still not 100% explored, can say the majority of its spots are offbeat. It is a conglomeration of 36 coral islands overseeing the gigantic Arabian Sea. Roughly, it is placed in the south-western part of India.

In addition to the islands, it has 12 atolls. Not all the islands are inhabited, only ten are. As you hop on to those islands, you will be thrilled to watch the lines of palm trees, the turquoise blue waters and the gorgeous lagoons.

Andaman, on the other hand, is in the southeastern part of India. Together with the Nicobar islands, there are a total of 500 in number. It is essentially an archipelago on the heart of the majestic Bay of Bengal. The entire landscape is covered with the sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea waters, the spectacular coral reefs, and many more natural beauties.

You will be spellbound watching the grandeur of the islands. All the islands are not inhabited and some are tough to visit too.

  ALSO SEE–15 Best Beaches In India For Your Next Beach Vacay!

2. Weather

The weather is similar in when we perform a comparison of Lakshadweep vs Andaman islands. Residing in the tropical region, the temperatures in both regions do not vary much. There are some minor differences which you need to take care of while selecting the destination of our choice.

In Lakshadweep, the weather is comparatively dry and hot throughout the year. The temperature is mostly dry in between the months of December and April. The rains come in around the month of May and then continue till November. So if you are planning to visit the island, the best time is between October and May. It is better to avoid the monsoons since the island experiences heavy rainfall, along with the high tides and rough winds which may not be favorable for a trip. You may not be able to engage in the water activities or any adventure sports. Climate of Lakshadweep is similar to Kerala, the southern state of India

ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala : Summer, Winter, or Monsoon?

Andaman, on the other hand, is comparatively damper and warmer. The winds are not hot or rough, but cooler especially during the evenings. The amount of rainfall received in the island is still high. The monsoons start from May and end in September, from the south-west winds. The place may experience some heavy cyclones in October and November, so it’s better to avoid visiting the island at this time of the year. The best time of the year to visit Andaman is between the months of November and May. The weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities and sports.

3. Places to Visit

While you plan for your itinerary to these two amazing islands, you need to be acquainted with which are the best places to visit.

Lakshadweep is comparatively a smaller island, yet it has wonderful sites to explore. The best among them being the Minicoy island, which is the second largest amongst all. There are plenty of resorts near the beach where you can stay while transporting yourself into the tranquility prevailing on the island. The quietude around and the pristine landscape are perfect for a romantic vacation with your partner. The other island to visit is Agatti. It is smaller compared to the rest of the islands. It is less populated and hence perfect for a serene escapade. The entire place is wrapped in greenery, with sandy beaches, and palm trees. You can walk and explore the place or even rent a two-wheeler.

Andaman is comparatively bigger, with historical significance and nature’s abundant beauty. It has a plethora of places to visit, the most popular among them being the Ross Island and the Cellular Jail. Well, not to the miss capital Port Blair. Ross Island was quite prominent during the British colonial rule. But now it is uninhabited, you can observe some of the old structures still existing, though. The scenic beauty of the island is amazing with the turquoise blue waters and the dense forests. Also known as Kala Pani, the Cellular Jail was once a prison during the British rule. It stands as a testimony to India’s struggle for freedom, where several of the country’s freedom fighters were confined.

ALSO SEE-How to Get Ready for a Beach Holiday?

 

4. Ease of Access

A visit to a place is planned well when it is easy to access it. A remote place, may sometimes fall behind the bucket list or itinerary. Though globetrotters prefer to embrace challenges and explore offbeat destinations, yet accessibility plays a crucial part in any planning. Let’s go for a deep dive into Lakshadweep vs Andaman in terms of accessibility.

Lakshadweep needs a lot of care in planning since there are limited flights to the destination. The name of the airport is Agatti, and not all flights ply towards it. You may have to shuffle between flights to reach the destination. Over and above, to add to the anxiety, special permits are needed to enter into the island at the port of entry.

While Andaman is far easier to plan. Its capital town Port Blair is very well connected to different parts of the country and abroad by sea as well as by air. Several flights and ships operate to and fro Port Blair. The ferry services are quite frequent and can be easily availed, just easing the journey.

5. The Natural Wonders

Both the islands are gifted by their unique natural wonders. The sea waters and the beaches are bound to keep you wonder-struck.

Lakshadweep is known for its many lagoons, acquainting you with its vibrant marine life. The beaches are spectacular with the splashing waves and the crystal clear waters. You will love the coral reefs and the coral atolls. The perfect environment and place for diving and snorkeling. Bangaram Island and Kavaratti are two such amazing spots on the island which offer a scintillating experience for nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts.

The landscape of the Andaman is diverse when it comes to the natural beauty. The entire landscape with its panoramic aura is a treat to the eyes. You must not miss the Havelock Island or Radhanagar Beach, an epitome of beauty with their exquisite flora and fauna. If you love checking out the limestone caves, then do hop on to Baratang.

6. Water Sports and Adventure Activities

You can engage in multiple water sports and adventure activities while visiting the islands. Be it boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, or jet skiing, the islands bring in humongous amounts of fun and enjoyment to the tourists. The marine life and the underwater views are the primary reason for such enthusiasm, coupled with the crystal clear water of the seas.

Lakshadweep is a haven for marine life, with the atolls and coral reefs. The best being the Bangaram Atoll. You will love the marine diversity dwelling at this place. It is well preserved and maintained, the reason for a must-visit. You can check out the dolphins and fish inside the sea waters. The atolls, reefs, and lagoons bring in an ideal environment for engaging in various types of water sports. Reef walking, and kayaking are quite famous for those who prefer a quiet vacation.

Andaman is excessively popular for diving. Snorkeling is also quite famous among the tourists. You will love to spend moments watching the manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and the numerous species of fish. The other option is to go for trekking or a walk through the dense forests. The best option is to visit the Mount Harriet National Park for a breathtaking experience. You can engage in plenty of outdoor games and sports at Andaman, like jet skiing, sea walking, and many more.

ALSO SEE-Best Beaches in Kerala To Surf, Swim, And Soak In The Sun

 

7. Cultural Extravaganza

A tour to a place is incomplete, if you do not understand or mingle with the culture of the place. And when it is Lakshadweep vs Andaman, there are some differences for you to notice.

If you check the culture or social heritage of Lakshadweep, it is mostly influenced by Islam. The handicrafts, the attires, the local cuisines, and many more are a proof to this influence. The local culture is extremely charming and you will feel yourself at home even though being an outsider. People welcome the tourists with grace and respect.

In Andaman, you won’t notice the influence of a single culture. It is essentially a mixture of all. But the locals are equally warm and charming in their attitude. The tourists are treated well and with respect. If you visit the Anthropological Museum, you can understand the rich cultural heritage about the island.

8. Historical Grandeur

Being a witness to the colonial rule, both the islands possess a significant historical heritage and serve as iconic remembrance of the yesteryears. In Andaman, Indians are well aware of the Cellular Jail, a constant reminder of the struggle for Independence. In fact, the country’s history comes alive the moment one visits the Jail premises. Another renowned historical place is the Ross Island, where one can check out the ruins of the colonial era. The other important historical spot in Andaman is the Havelock Island. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the island and set up many structures for defense. Remnants of those structures are still present in the island.

Comparatively, Lakshadweep has fewer historical places to visit. Yet they are worth a visit. The prominent among them being the Lighthouse or Minicoy island and the Ujra mosque in Kavaratti. You will love the architectural charm of the yesteryears and the brilliant work of the artisans of those times.

9. The Local Cuisine and their delectable Dishes

Coastal regions in India specialize in seafood. When it comes to Lakshadweep vs Andaman, both the regions never shy away from luring tourists with their immense choices of seafood delicacies. The islands serve a variety of options for a gastronomic experience, enticing food lovers to savor their tastebuds.

Tuna is the specialty of Lakshadweep. You can find various dishes focused on Tuna on the island, the most common and popular being the Tuna cutlets and the biryani. Another seafood delight of the island is the shellfish. The local chefs prepare amazing dishes, delicious in taste and soothing for the mouth. Adding multiple aromatic spices is a common practice in this place, coupled with the touch of coconut powder or crunches or even the cubes. The coconut fish curry with rice is very common among the local folks, influenced by the Malabar cuisine.

In Andaman, there is a minute variation when it comes to the flavors and specialties. The popular dishes are prepared mainly with prawns, crabs, and fish. You must try out the local fish curry and prawn curry with the sprinkle of the spices. Check out the coconut lagoon soup as well, a specialty to be appreciated. Fruits are very common in the Andamans, shops selling juices and shakes are in plenty.

ALSO SEE-Top 10 Best Wellness Retreats in India

 

10. The Shopping Delight in Lakshadweep vs Aandaman

Shopping is an inherent part of a travel. So if you are visiting either of these two islands, it’s very essential for you to understand how Lakshadweep vs Andaman score with each other.

The local handmade products of Lakshadweep are mainly curated with coconut and fish. The common among them are the coconut powder, the crunches, and the oil. While the products derived from fish are mainly fish oil and some biscuits. You can buy frozen fish too as a culinary delight. These products speak about the love for marine life in the island.

Andaman offers a plethora of shopping opportunities. You can buy gift items and souvenirs for your loved ones and also for yourself. There are handmade products made of timber, and shells. Pearls and spices are very common. Being a coastal region, there are products made of fishbone too for sale. The other crafts work involve products made of jute and coconut like the bags, spoons, mats, cutlery, and many more. The baskets of various patterns and designs are popular among the tourists.

How many days of the trip are needed?

You must have now started planning for a vacation to the two amazing islands. But before that, it is better to know the number of days required for a comfortable trip to either of the islands. Andaman has a lot to offer from its natural aura to its Pandora of adventure sports. Hence, it is good to plan for a trip for 1 week. If you want to avoid adventure activities, then 5 to 6 days must be sufficient.

Lakshadweep, on the other hand, is smaller in magnitude as well as in its quantum of activities. It is mostly a vacation spent in relaxation with a few rounds of activities to kick off the adrenaline. Preferably, 6 days for a vacation, but if you want to unwind yourself into the serenity of the place, then you may extend up to 7 to 8 days.

The Budget Diary

Let us now check out the Lakshadweep vs Andaman budget difference. Not a remarkable variation, yet good to know.

The flight charges for reaching Andaman usually range between INR 4000 to INR 8000. While that of Lakshadweep is between INR 8000 and INR 12000. The accommodation and hotel costs are almost the same, between INR 1500 to INR 3000 per night. Additionally, you may consider approx INR 3000 for other expenses throughout the day.

If you are craving for a quiet vacation amid the magical beauty of nature, then Lakshadweep is your place. Once you are ready to sacrifice the long journey to reach the island, you can spend a week in relaxation. On the other hand, if you prefer a seamless travel, jampacked with adventure and thrill concocted with the beauty of nature, then Andaman is the ideal place.

So, hack your brains to find out your preferred vacation spot, Lakshadweep or the Andamans.