Quick Comparison

Andaman Maldives Lakshadweep
Visa/permit (Indians) None needed Visa on arrival (easy, but still a step) Special permit required, limited availability
Typical cost (per couple, 5 days) ₹55,000 – ₹85,000 ₹1,50,000+ ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000+
Access Direct domestic flights to Port Blair International flights + boat/seaplane transfer Limited flights/ferry from Kochi, permit-gated
Best for Variety — history, beaches, diving, budget range Luxury overwater stays, honeymoons Exclusivity, untouched beaches
Crowd level Moderate, well-developed tourism High-end, but logistically exclusive Low — access itself limits numbers

Cost Comparison

Andaman is significantly cheaper to reach and stay in than the Maldives, while offering a genuinely comparable beach and water-sports experience. Domestic flights, no currency exchange, and a wide range of accommodation tiers (from ₹1,500/night budget stays to premium resorts) make it accessible across budgets.

Maldives generally requires international flights, often a seaplane or boat transfer to reach your specific resort island, and resort pricing skewed toward the luxury end. It’s a fantastic destination, but the price gap compared to Andaman is substantial — easily 2-3x for a comparable trip length.

Lakshadweep sits in between, but with a catch: it’s harder to access. Limited flights and ferries from Kochi, combined with a permit system, mean fewer travel dates and options compared to Andaman’s more developed tourism infrastructure.

Accessibility — A Bigger Difference Than People Expect

This is where Andaman has a clear practical edge for most Indian travelers:

  • Andaman: No visa, no permit for Indian citizens, direct domestic flights from major cities, well-established ferry network between islands
  • Maldives: Visa-on-arrival for Indians (easy, but adds a step), typically requires a layover or connecting flight, then a boat/seaplane to your resort
  • Lakshadweep: Requires a specific entry permit (processed in advance, with limited availability), and transport options are more limited — fewer flights, longer ferry journeys

If your trip planning window is short, or you want flexibility to book without bureaucratic steps, Andaman is the most straightforward of the three.

What Each Destination Does Better

Maldives wins on: Overwater villa experiences, ultra-luxury resort service, and a destination that feels purpose-built for honeymoons and high-end relaxation.

Lakshadweep wins on: Exclusivity and untouched beaches — precisely because access is harder, it tends to feel less crowded and more pristine in specific spots.

Andaman wins on: Variety. It’s the only one of the three offering a genuine mix of history (Cellular Jail), adventure (diving, trekking, mangrove kayaking), relaxation (beaches across multiple islands), and a wide accommodation budget range — all without the access friction of the other two.

Permit and Entry Comparison

Lakshadweep’s permit system is the most restrictive of the three for Indian travelers — applications need advance processing and approval isn’t guaranteed for every date. Maldives requires a straightforward visa-on-arrival for Indians, which is easy but still an extra step compared to Andaman’s complete absence of visa/permit requirements for domestic tourists. For the full picture on Andaman specifically, see our permit guide for Indian tourists.

Best Pick By Traveler Type

  • Honeymooners wanting ultimate luxury: Maldives, if budget allows
  • Honeymooners wanting a comparable experience at a fraction of the cost: Andaman
  • Families: Andaman, for the variety of activities and accommodation budget range
  • Budget travelers: Andaman, by a clear margin
  • Travelers seeking maximum exclusivity and willing to navigate permits: Lakshadweep
  • First-time beach destination for someone who’s never done an island trip: Andaman — it’s the easiest to plan and book

Our Verdict

Andaman isn’t “better” than the Maldives or Lakshadweep in every dimension — the Maldives genuinely offers a luxury experience Andaman doesn’t try to compete with, and Lakshadweep’s exclusivity is its own appeal. But for most Indian travelers weighing cost, accessibility, and variety, Andaman offers the strongest overall value: a destination you can book without a visa, fly to directly, and experience across budgets from backpacker to luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Andaman cheaper than the Maldives? Yes, significantly — a comparable 5-day trip typically costs 2-3 times less in Andaman than in the Maldives, mainly due to flight and accommodation cost differences.

Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives? Yes, though it’s a straightforward visa-on-arrival process. This is still an extra step compared to Andaman, which requires no visa or permit for Indian citizens.

Is Lakshadweep harder to visit than Andaman? Yes — Lakshadweep requires a special entry permit with limited availability and has fewer transport options, while Andaman has no permit requirement for Indians and well-developed flight and ferry access.

Which is better for a honeymoon — Andaman or Maldives? Both work well. Maldives offers more luxury overwater villa experiences; Andaman offers a comparable beach experience at a significantly lower cost with more activity variety.

Why do people choose Andaman over Lakshadweep? Mainly accessibility — Andaman has no permit requirements for Indian citizens and more developed tourism infrastructure, making it easier to plan and book a trip.

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