As the scorching sun climbs higher across mainland India, May quietly becomes one of the best months to escape into the cool embrace of the ocean. But this escape isn’t just about finding shade or sand; it’s about discovery, of silence, of stories, and of serenity.
If you’ve been longing to trade city horns for waves, and concrete for coral, there are three destinations in India that can deliver not just a vacation, but an experience: Andaman, Lakshadweep, and Diu. Each of these island gems is distinct in geography, culture, and appeal, yet all three offer the perfect antidote to summer heat and mainland chaos.
This in-depth guide will help you choose the island that fits your mood, prepare better, travel responsibly, and create an island memory that lingers long after you’ve left the shore.
Why May Is the Ideal Month for Island Travel in India
May is the unsung hero of summer travel. While June brings the monsoon and December is marked by crowds and peak pricing, May offers a more intimate, quiet experience. The sea is calm in most regions, ideal for water sports. Tourist footfall is moderate, which means better availability, lower prices, and more meaningful experiences.
For island destinations, May also means:
- Good underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling
- Consistently warm sea temperatures
- Longer daylight hours
- A chance to see local life at a natural pace, before the seasonal slowdown of monsoons
1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Coral Reefs, Colonial Echoes, and Quiet Shores
The Andaman Islands feel like another country altogether. Floating in the Bay of Bengal, they offer not just sun and surf, but also a living archive of history, indigenous cultures, and marine biodiversity. Despite being part of India, there’s something wonderfully detached about Andaman, it gives you the sense of being away without going abroad.
Reaching Andaman
- By Air: Direct flights to Port Blair (from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad). Flight time ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on the departure city.
- By Sea: Ships depart from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam. The voyage takes 3–4 days and is an experience in itself but not ideal for short trips.
Travel Permits
- Indians: No permits required for the main islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil). Restricted zones like Nicobar or tribal reserves are off-limits.
- Foreigners: Require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), usually available on arrival at Port Blair airport.
Top Experiences
- Scuba Diving at Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Consistently rated as India’s best diving destination with sites like The Wall and Aquarium.
- Snorkeling at Elephant Beach: Vibrant coral gardens and shallow water ideal for beginners.
- Night Kayaking: Witness bioluminescence in the mangrove creeks, a surreal, glowing experience.
- Explore Neil Island: Laxmanpur and Sitapur beaches are ideal for solitude and sunrise.
- History at Cellular Jail: Visit the infamous colonial prison for a sobering walk through freedom history.
- Day trips to Baratang: Limestone caves and mangrove canals.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Barefoot at Havelock
- Mid-range: SeaShell Resorts, Symphony Samudra
- Budget: Government guesthouses, local homestays in Neil and Port Blair
Travel Tips
- Book ferries between islands well in advance
- Carry cash, ATMs are sparse outside Port Blair
- Internet connectivity is slow; perfect for a digital detox
- Respect marine rules, no touching coral or feeding fish
2. Lakshadweep: The Hidden Paradise of India’s West Coast
If Andaman is about exploration, Lakshadweep is about surrender, to silence, to simplicity, and to sea. India’s smallest Union Territory is a string of coral atolls, reefs, and lagoons in the Arabian Sea. Unlike Andaman, it remains deeply untouched, making it one of the most pristine island destinations in Asia.
Reaching Lakshadweep
- By Air: Flights to Agatti Island from Kochi only. Seats are limited and must be booked early.
- By Sea: Passenger ships from Kochi to Kavaratti, Minicoy, Kalpeni, and others (14–20 hours).
Permit Requirements
Permits are mandatory for all visitors, Indian and foreign. You can get them via the Lakshadweep Tourism Office or registered tour operators. Only certain islands are open to tourists, including:
- Agatti
- Bangaram
- Kadmat
- Kalpeni
- Kavaratti
Top Experiences
- Snorkeling and diving in Bangaram: Pristine coral reefs, schools of fish, and calm lagoons
- Kayaking in Agatti Lagoon: One of the cleanest, clearest lagoons in the world
- Tuna processing and cultural tours in Kavaratti
- Island hopping by boat: Based on sea conditions and permissions
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, nights in Lakshadweep are breathtaking
Where to Stay
- All-inclusive eco resorts: Particularly on Bangaram and Agatti
- Government guesthouses: On Kavaratti and Kalpeni
- Lakshadweep follows a controlled tourism model; accommodation is part of fixed tour packages in most cases.
Travel Notes
- Alcohol is prohibited on all islands except Bangaram
- Internet is minimal, inform family in advance
- Respect local traditions, especially modest dress on inhabited islands
- Plastic use is restricted, carry reusable bottles and bags
3. Diu: History, Calm Beaches, and Coastal Comfort
Unlike the remote charm of Andaman or Lakshadweep, Diu is accessible, affordable, and easily manageable even over a long weekend. Located just off the southern coast of Gujarat, it offers a blend of Portuguese colonial architecture, gentle beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
How to Reach Diu
- By Air: Flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad land at Diu Airport
- By Road: Well connected from Rajkot, Somnath, and Gir
- By Rail: Nearest station is Delwada (8 km)
Permits
No permits are required. Foreign and Indian tourists can move freely.
Top Experiences
- Explore Diu Fort: Offers commanding views of the Arabian Sea
- Walk through Naida Caves: A photographer’s paradise with sunlit rock corridors
- Nagoa Beach: Safe for swimming, ideal for families
- Chakratirth Beach: Peaceful spot for sunsets
- St. Paul’s Church and town heritage walk
- Taste Portuguese-Gujarati seafood fusion in local eateries
Where to Stay
- Plenty of options across budget levels: beachfront resorts, heritage hotels, and homestays
- Diu offers clean, affordable accommodation without the logistical challenges of island permits or ferry transfers
Additional Notes
- Unlike Gujarat, alcohol is available and legal in Diu
- It is a great add-on to a larger Gujarat itinerary (Gir National Park, Somnath Temple)
- Best suited for short trips, family travel, or historical exploration
Each of these island destinations has its own personality. Choose based on what you seek:
- Craving underwater adventures and lush greenery? Go to Andaman.
- Longing for solitude, turquoise lagoons, and eco-retreats? Lakshadweep is your calling.
- Looking for a quick, culturally rich beach escape? Diu is your answer.
Whichever island you choose, travel with care and intention. These are not just places to be seen—they are ecosystems to be protected, communities to be respected, and experiences to be remembered.
