Andaman Vs Lakshadweep: Which Sea Paradise Should You Choose For Your Next Vacation?

Andaman Vs Lakshadweep Travel: When it comes to stunning island holidays in India, two names often top the list: Andaman and Lakshadweep. Both are surrounded by turquoise waters, sun-soaked beaches, and coral wonders, yet each offers a very different experience. Whether you're chasing adventure, calm lagoons, cultural charm, or romantic sunsets, this guide will help you choose the perfect island escape to match your travel style, making your trip a memorable one: 

Andaman Vs Lakshadweep: Which Is Better For You?

Accessibility And Infrastructure:

Andaman

• “The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India. This territory is known as the A & N Islands, or ANI. It is located in the Indian Ocean, in the southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal, nearer to Indonesia and Thailand.It separates the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean”, states the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
• Flights to Port Blair from major Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are frequent and relatively affordable.
• Ferry and cruise options also connect several islands, making travel easier overall. 

Lakshadweep

• “India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweep, is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is a uni-district Union Territory and comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks, and ten inhabited islands”, states the UT Administration of Lakshadweep.
• You can fly only to Agatti Island (from Kochi), or take a ferry that takes around 14-20 hours.
• All visitors, Indian and foreign, must secure permits beforehand. 

Top Destinations To Visit:

Andaman 

Andaman boasts lush islands such as

• Havelock Island 
• Neil Island
• Radhanagar Beach (awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification)
• Elephant Beach
• Ross Island

Lakshadweep

According to the UT Administration of Lakshadweep, popular tourist spots in Lakshadweep include:

For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.

During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024

• Bangaram
• Agatti
• Minicoy
• Kalpeni
• Kadmath 

Activities And Things To Do:

Andaman

Andaman offers a wide range of activities, as per the Ministry of Tourism, including

pic.twitter.com/ZyzFvRJr9o

— Andaman Tourism - Official (@TourismDeptANI) June 25, 2025

• Beach bumming 
• Corbyn’s Cove
• Elephant and Long Island
• Water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and banana boat rides
• Cellular Jail  (kaala paani) in Port Blair
• Birdwatching
• Trekking 

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep focuses on water sports: island hopping

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Water sports
• Visiting lighthouses
• Reef exploration

Best Time To Visit:

Andaman 

“The best time to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is from November to April, which is the winter and post-monsoon season”, according to MakeMyTrip. 

Lakshadweep

“The best time to visit Lakshadweep is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant”, according to MakeMyTrip. 

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Budget And Accommodation

Andaman 

• Andaman offers a range of lodging, from hostels to five-star resorts.

• Dining is varied, with seafood, regional cuisines, and private beach cafes widely available.
• Overall, Andaman is considered more budget-friendly than Lakshadweep.

Lakshadweep

• Lakshadweep is considered a more expensive destination compared to the Andaman Islands, due to limited accommodation and transport options.
• Resorts are mostly government-operated or eco-focused, and prior booking is essential.
• The peaceful ambiance comes at a cost, both financial and planning time. 

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Andaman Or Lakshadweep: Which Should You Choose?

Andaman is ideal for adventure, history, and variety in lodging and activities, perfect for first-time travellers or families. Lakshadweep suits those seeking soothing beach retreats, underwater activities, and a peaceful getaway.

Whichever you pick, both destinations promise a true island getaway, giving you relaxation and soaking in the magic of India’s coastal beauty. 

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi. 

Image credit: Freepik and Twitter (X)