Do you imagine white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters and warm weather? But does a trip to the Maldives seem a bit expensive? Then there’s good news – you don’t need a passport or a foreign ticket to visit such a heavenly place! Wondering Which Places in India Better Than the Maldives? Then keep reading. There are many such great beaches in India that beat the Maldives in terms of beauty, budget and experience!
Why Look Beyond the Maldives?
Yes, the Maldives are beautifulโbut the reality is, they’re expensive to visit and overcrowded. In comparison, India has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, with culture, delicious food, and a variety of experiencesโand no passport hassle! Let’s take a look at the 7 best places in India that might be even more amazing than the Maldives or Which Places in India Better Than the Maldives?
Which Places in India Better Than the Maldives? Overview:
India is packed with tropical treasures that wonโt burn a hole in your wallet. Skip the Maldives and embrace a more diverse this 7 best places in India that might be even more amazing than the Maldives.
01.Lakshadweep Islands
How to Reach:
Fly Kochi to Agatti Airport, and also many ferries are also available from Kochi to various islands in Lakshadweep.
Top Attractions:
- Agatti Islandโs coral reefs
- Bangaram Islandโs crystal lagoons
- Kalpeniโs water sports hub
Things to Do:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling in pristine reefs
- Explore uninhabited islands
- Chill on untouched white beaches
Best Time to Visit:
October to May – for pleasant weather and calm seas.
Location:
Located in the Arabian Sea, about 400 km off the Kerala coast. (Google Map)
02.Andaman and Nicobar Islands
How to Reach:
Direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai to Port Blair, and ferries or ship available from Chennai and Kolkata.
Top Attractions:
- Radhanagar Beach (Asiaโs best beach).
- Cellular Jailโs historic tour.
- Ross and Smith twin islands.
- Baratang and North Bay Island.
- Mount Harriet National Park.
Things to Do:
- Scuba diving at Havelock Island.
- Snorkeling at Elephant Beach.
- Sea walking and kayaking adventures.
- Take a Seaplane or Helicopter Ride.
- Mangrove forests Kayaking.
Best Time to Visit:
November to April – for clear sky and calm waters.
Location:
Bay of Bengal, about approx. 1,200 km from southeast of mainland India. (Google Map).
Also Read:10 Must-Visit Places in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
03.Goa
How to Reach:
Well-connected by air, rail, and road from all major Indian cities. Goa has two primary airports, one is Dabolim Airport (GOI), It is located approximately 30-40 km away from Goa and another one is Manohar International Airport (GOX), situated in North Goa. Also Goa well connected by railway, two Primary railway stations in Goa are Madgaon (MAO) and Vasco da Gama (VSG).
Top Attractions:
- Baga Beach.
- Palolem and Butterfly beaches.
- Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus.
- Titoโs Lane (Baga) (Popular nightlife spot).
Things to Do:
- Beach hopping.
- Party at beach shacks.
- Explore Portuguese architecture.
- Water Sports in Calangute & Baga.
- Backwater Cruise in Chapora or Mandovi River.
- Dolphin Watching at Sinquerim or Candolim.
Best Time to Visit:
November to February – for cool, dry weather.
Location:
West coast of India along the Arabian Sea. (Google Map)
04.Gokarna, Karnataka
How to Reach:
Gokarna is Well-connected by air, rail, and road from all major Indian cities. Nearest Railway Station is Gokarna Road (GOK) -10 km from town, well connected by major cities in India. Nearest Airport is Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa (approx. 140 km away), from airport to hire a cab or take bus to reach Gokarna.
Top Attractions:
- Om Beach and Kudle Beach.
- Paradise and Half Moon Beach.
- Mahabaleshwar Temple.
- Mirjan Fort.
Things to Do:
- Trek between hidden beaches
- Surfing and kayaking
- Yoga retreats
Best Time to Visit:
October to March – when itโs cooler and less humid.
Location:
Gokarna is located on the southwestern coast of India, in Karnataka, along the Arabian Sea. (Google Map)
Also Read:9 Places in India That Look Like Another Planet
05.Pondicherry
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport (PNY), this airport mainly serves domestic flights, located around 6 km from the city center of Puducherry. and also Pondicherry well connected by road and rail from Chennai, Bangalore and others major cities in India. The nearest railway station is Villupuram Junction Railway Station (35 km away).
Top Attractions:
- Promenade Beach
- Auroville and Matrimandir
- Paradise Beach
Things to Do:
- French cafe hopping
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Heritage walk through French Quarter
Best Time to Visit:
October to March – for pleasant weather.
Location:
This place located in the East coast of India, in Tamil Nadu (Google Map).
06.Varkala, Kerala
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), (approximately 42 km away) from here you can hire a taxi / cab or take a bus to reach Varkala via Vallakkadavu Rd. Also Varkala well connected by rail from Kerala major cities or any where of India, the nearest railway station isย Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (2 km away). Also this place is well connected by road from any where of India by national highway.
Top Attractions:
- Varkala Cliff and beach.
- Janardanaswamy Temple.
- Kappil Lake.
- Anchuthengu Fort.
- Edava Beach (less crowded and peaceful beach)
Things to Do:
- Paragliding from the cliffs.
- Ayurvedic spas.
- Sunset cliff walks.
- Time spent in Edava Beach.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March – for dry, cool climate.
Location:
Located in the southern part of Kerala, along the Arabian Sea coast (Google Map).
Also Read:12 Famous Tourist Place in Lakshadweep for a Perfect Vacation
07.Neil Island or Shaheed Dweep, Andaman
How to Reach:
Yo can reach Neil Island from Port Blair in the Andamans by ferry or catamaran. Regular government and private ferries operate from Port Blairโs Phoenix Bay Jetty to Neli Island, and the journey takes about one and a half to two hours, also Helicopter services available from Port Blair. Also You can take a direct ferry from Havelock Island to Neil Island.
Top Attractions:
- Natural Coral Bridge
- Bharatpur and Laxmanpur Beaches
- Sitapur Beach sunrise view
Things to Do:
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Cycle around the island
- Stargazing on quiet beaches
Best Time to Visit:
November to May – for snorkeling-friendly waters.
Location:
South of Havelock Island in Andaman Island. (Google Map)
FAQs
1. Which is cheaper, Maldives or Lakshadweep?
Ans: Lakshadweep is generally more affordable than the Maldives in terms of stay and activities.
2. Is Andaman better for scuba diving than the Maldives?
Ans: Yes, Andaman offers world-class dive sites with diverse marine life at a lower cost.
3. Is a passport required for Lakshadweep or Andaman?
Ans: No passport is required for Indian citizens; however, a permit is needed for Lakshadweep.
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Hey there! I’m Santu Chakraborty and I’m not your typical traveler. By day, I wrangle circuits and solve electrical mysteries as an engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing those experiences with you. For the past five years, this blog has been my canvas, where I paint stories of adventure, practical travel tips, and cultural insights to ignite your wanderlust. So, come join me on my journeys and discover the magic that awaits just beyond the horizon!
by Santu Chakraborty 