India: Lakshadweep Islands: Bangaram

One of 27 of the Lakshadweep Islands, Bangaram is the only one offering overnight accommodations. Because many Indian beaches are thick with crowds and marred by pollution, the government has restricted access to its remaining untouched islands. For this reason, visitors booking a stay at Bangaram Island Resort must obtain a permit before arranging the journey there from the mainland by plane and motorboat.

Staff proffering coconut juice, a cure for upset stomachs as well as an island dietary staple, greet you on arrival before showing you to a comfortable hut complete with electricity and refrigeration. However, you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or just dozing on the beach surrounded by exotic plants. In an attempt to maintain the island’s natural foliage, the hotel chain that operates Bangaram Island Resort has let palms, mangrove trees, and wild orchids grow at their own rate and without landscaping interference. Meals are similarly based on foods native to the islands and southern India, relying heavily on fish, squid, and of course, coconut.

Thanks to transparent blue 75-degree water, divers can view such intriguing marine life as sharks, barracuda, sea turtles and lionfish in the coral reefs surrounding Bangaram. The hotel makes this even easier by providing equipment and tours for both experienced and beginning divers. Bangaram may not be as convenient as most island getaways, but a few days spent on its peaceful shores will convince you that it’s well worth the effort.