Uninhabited Islands of Andamans

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several uninhabited islands that have become popular destinations for tourists seeking pristine natural beauty and unique experiences. The Andaman Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, azure waters and lush greenery. These islands are a haven of natural beauty, boasting white sandy shores lined with swaying palm trees, coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life and dense forests that shelter unique wildlife. The islands’ untouched charm and tranquil atmosphere make them a favourite destination for travellers seeking serenity and adventure alike.

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Havelock Island, with its world-renowned Radhanagar Beach, captivates visitors with its turquoise waters and golden sunsets. Neil Island, often called the Garden of Andaman, enchants with its coral lagoons and secluded beaches. For the adventurous, the islands offer thrilling activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling and trekking. Barren Island, home to India’s only active volcano, provides a surreal and unique experience for explorers.
The Andamans are also rich in history, with the Cellular Jail in Port Blair standing as a poignant reminder of India’s struggle for independence. Whether you seek relaxation, exploration or a glimpse into history, the Andaman Islands promise an unforgettable journey into nature’s splendour, where every moment feels like a step into paradise.

1. Aves Island

Aves Island is a splendid piece of land in the middle of nowhere. It is located near Mayabunder town in the North and Middle Andaman district. Aves Island, also known as Coconut Island, is renowned for its lush coconut plantations, untouched forests and a pristine beach stretching over a 2 km coastline. The island features both live and dead coral flat beds, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. In December 2023, the Andaman and Nicobar administration announced plans to open Aves Island to tourists to boost tourism in the region. The island is densely covered with coconut trees, which offer picturesque views and a tranquil environment. This lush greenery against the backdrop of the pristine blue sea creates a serene ambience. Aves Island boasts a 2 km stretch of untouched sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely walks or simply soaking in the natural beauty. The island features both live and dead coral flatbeds, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving. Visitors can witness the vibrant marine life and coral diversity in its crystal clear waters that flank the island from all sides. Being uninhabited, Aves Island offers a peaceful escape from crowded tourist destinations. Its pristine condition is ideal for nature lovers and adventurers. Aves Island is being developed as a sustainable ecotourism spot while preserving its ecological balance. It is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and marine adventures. It is one island that will be a balm to your tired soul living amidst the concrete jungle of civilized world.

2. Parrot Island

Parrot Island is a small yet mesmerizing uninhabited island located near Baratang in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a true haven for nature lovers, particularly bird watchers, and is renowned for its unique and breathtaking daily spectacle of parrots. Accessible via a 20-30 minute boat ride from the Baratang Island jetty, Parrot Island is a haven for bird watchers. Every evening, thousands of parrots return to the island, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of the setting sun. The island’s dense mangrove forests and serene environment offer a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. Parrot Island is famous for hosting thousands of parrots, including green parakeets and other species. Every evening, these birds return to the island in large flocks, and their cacophony fills the skies against the dazzling backdrop of the setting sun. The island is enveloped in thick mangrove forests, which play a crucial role in providing shelter and nesting grounds for the parrots. These mangroves also contribute to the island’s serene and undisturbed atmosphere. Visitors often arrive at Parrot Island during late afternoon to witness the magnificent convergence of parrots. The sight of hundreds of birds returning home against a vibrant sunset is truly unforgettable. As an uninhabited island of Andaman, Parrot Island offers a tranquil environment where tourists can enjoy nature in its purest form without the bustle of commercial activity. This island is again an untouched gem of the Andaman Islands is perfect for those seeking to connect with nature and experience the wonders of avian life in a serene setting.

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3. Barren Island

Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea, is one of the most fascinating and unique destinations in India. Barren Island is home to India’s only active volcano and is situated approximately 135 km northeast of Port Blair. While the island itself is uninhabited and landing is prohibited, the surrounding waters are recommended as one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. Divers are drawn to the crystal-clear visibility, unique basalt formations and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. The volcano has had several eruptions, with the most notable ones in 1991, 2005 and 2017. It remains active to this day, occasionally emitting smoke and ash. The island is entirely uninhabited by humans, maintaining its raw, untouched beauty. Its name, Barren, reflects the lack of human habitation and vegetation due to the volcanic activity. Barren Island is a globally renowned scuba diving destination. The surrounding waters feature crystal-clear visibility, dramatic basalt formations, coral gardens and abundant marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks and exotic fish species. Visitors are not allowed to set foot on the island, but boat trips from Port Blair allow tourists to view the volcano from the sea. These trips often include diving and snorkelling excursions nearby. As part of the volcanic arc connecting Sumatra and Myanmar, Barren Island is of immense interest to geologists and researchers studying tectonic activity and island formation.

4. Jolly Buoy Island

Jolly Buoy Island, located within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in the Andaman Islands, is one of the most stunning and ecologically rich destinations. Jolly Buoy Island is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and rich coral reefs. The island is uninhabited and maintains a strict no-plastic policy to preserve its pristine environment. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling and glass-bottom boat rides to observe the vibrant underwater ecosystem. It offers a pristine environment free from human interference. The island enforces strict eco-tourism policies, including a complete ban on plastics, ensuring its natural beauty remains untouched. The island is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, which are among the healthiest and most colourful in the region. The surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and underwater enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the thriving coral gardens just beneath the water’s surface. The glass-bottom boat rides provide a closer look at the underwater world without getting wet. The crystal-clear water and calm tides make it ideal for swimming. The island is accessible by boat from Wandoor Beach near Port Blair, approximately a 30-minute ride. Visitors need permits to enter, as it is part of the protected Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. With powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the island offers picture-perfect landscapes. The tranquillity and untouched charm make it a sought-after destination for nature lovers.

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5. North Bay Island

Located near Port Blair, North Bay Island is uninhabited and offers a range of water sports activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving and sea walking. The island is also home to a historic lighthouse, which is featured on the old 20-rupee note, adding to its charm and appeal. North Bay Island, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its pristine beauty and diverse marine life. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a top spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The waters are home to various species of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles and coral gardens. It is accessible by a short boat ride from Port Blair, making it a popular day-trip destination for tourists. The island is part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, which is known for its thriving coral reefs. These coral reefs are an attraction for underwater photography and marine biodiversity enthusiasts. North Bay offers several water activities such as glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling and scuba diving, allowing visitors to explore the rich marine ecosystem without getting wet or by diving deeper. North Bay was once an important naval station during British colonial times, and some old British-era structures can still be found on the island. The island offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and is a great spot for a relaxing beach day. The island is less commercialized than some of the other tourist destinations in the Andaman Islands, providing a more serene and peaceful atmosphere.

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6. Viper Island

Viper Island, located in the Andaman Islands, is a historically significant and scenic destination. Viper Island is known for its role during British colonial rule in India. It was once used as a prison where Indian freedom fighters were held and subjected to harsh conditions. The ruins of the old British prison can still be seen on the island, making it a site of historical interest for those interested in India’s struggle for independence. The island is known for its lush greenery, tranquil beaches and panoramic views of the surrounding waters. It offers a peaceful environment, with tropical forests and a calm, picturesque atmosphere perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The most notable feature of Viper Island is the remains of the old British-era prison. This prison was used to house political prisoners during the British colonial period. A prominent feature on the island is the Jail, which consists of a series of ruins and a solitary watchtower. The prison is a reminder of the struggles faced by many freedom fighters. There is an old lighthouse on Viper Island, which adds to its historical charm. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the island and the Andaman Sea, and while it’s no longer in operation, it remains a key point of interest. The island is covered with dense forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tropical plants and occasional sightings of local wildlife. The dense vegetation adds to the charm and natural beauty of the island. Viper Island is easily accessible by a short boat ride from Port Blair, making it a popular spot for day trips. It is usually visited as part of a tour of nearby islands and historical sites. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy islands in the Andamans, Viper Island remains relatively quiet and less commercialized, providing a more serene and contemplative atmosphere for visitors. The combination of natural beauty, historical ruins and coastal views makes Viper Island an excellent destination for photographers, history enthusiasts and explorers.

These uninhabited islands provide unique opportunities for tourists to experience the untouched natural beauty and diverse marine life of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visitors are encouraged to respect the delicate ecosystems and adhere to local guidelines to ensure the preservation of these pristine environments. Many of the uninhabited islands are far from the crowds of more popular tourist spots. You can enjoy seclusion and privacy, making them ideal for peaceful retreats, personal reflection or even romantic getaways. For the more adventurous traveller, exploring these islands offers a chance for discovery. Many uninhabited islands have untouched forests, exotic flora and fauna and hidden lagoons that provide a sense of excitement and exploration.

Visiting uninhabited islands can be part of a sustainable tourism experience. These islands are often part of protected marine reserves or national parks, and eco-friendly travel practices can help preserve their delicate ecosystems. The absence of human habitation on these islands creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different world—one where time slows down, and nature takes centre stage. The absence of human habitation on these islands creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different world—one where time slows down, and nature takes centre stage.