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India's climate is varied just like its peoples and cultural traditions so it can be easy to forget that there are tropical destinations within the country that offer a pleasant escape from the extreme heat and cold that is the lot for many. With a changing climate even tropical getaways are feeling the pinch but their beauty continues to remain unmatched.
Relax and rejuvenate yourself with five of our favourite tropical locations below.
Havelock is one of the largest islands in the Andaman archipelago. It was renamed as Swaraj Dweep in tribute to Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. Its stunning beaches and clear blue waters attract lots of visitors to places like Elephanta beach, Kalapathar beach and Govind Nagar beach. An underrated spot is the mangrove forest, which attracts migratory birds. The lush greenery and tranquility of the forest are not to be missed.
Get on a ferry from Port Blair to Havelock 73 km away. The trip takes over four hours, and both private- and government-run transportation is available. Visitors usually choose to travel via private ferries as they provide a faster service.
This union territory is composed of 36 islands among which are 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands. The capital is Kavaratti, and the islands are 220-440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi. Its white beaches, lagoons and coral reefs attract visitors who partake in surfing, swimming, canoeing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and so on.
Lakshadweep can be reached via air from Kochi. Travellers will have to disembark at Agatti island. There are seven passenger ships that ply the route between Kochi and Lakshadweep. The journey takes 14-18 hours depending on the island.
This is an uninhabited island surrounded by Anjengo lake and situated 10km from Varkala in Kerala. The name Ponnumthuruthu means "golden island" and is home to a 100-year-old Shiva Parvati temple. This lush and secluded island offers gorgeous sunset views and is a haven for birdwatchers, with cormorants, egrets and herons making stops here.
The Varkala Railway Station is 8 km away, and Thiruvananthapuram Airport is 37km away. Visitors can hire a boat to take them around Ponnumthuruthu from Nedunganda village.
This uninhabited heart-shaped island in the Arabian Sea is known as Pigeon Island for the large number of pigeons who have made it their home. It is roughly 19km from Murdeshwar in Karnataka and the island is renowned for its coral reefs and marine life. Visitors often spot butterfly fish, parrot fish and triggerfish when they go scuba diving and snorkelling. A temple dedicated to Hanuman attracts frequent pilgrims.
It takes about 90 minutes to reach Netrani island from Murdeshwar beach by boat. The closest airport to Murdeshwar is Mangalore airport 161 km away and the Murdeshwar Railway Station is the nearest train connection. Visitors can take private buses from Mumbai, Kochi and Bengaluru to reach Murdeshwar.
Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu is a well-known tourist hotspot as it's home to the holy site of Rameswaram. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama builds a sea bridge called the Rama Setu from this place to Lanka to rescue his abducted wife Sita. The Ramanathaswamy Temple where Shiva is worshipped, Mount Gandhamadana – the tallest peak of Pamban and from where it's believed Hanuman took off to find Sita – and the holy beach of Agniteertham are the most popular attractions. The biodiverse marine life can be viewed through snorkelling and scuba diving. Kitesurfing is also popular here.
The city of Madurai is closest to Pamban island and it takes three to four hours by car to reach the latter.
