Thinnakara Island

Thinnakara is a small island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, reached by boat from Kavaratti; dolphins are sometimes seen on the crossing. It remains largely undeveloped, with sandy beaches, palms and clear water, and it is an important nesting ground for sea turtles, including hawksbill and green turtles, which come ashore to lay eggs during the nesting season.

Visitors stay in tents on the sand or in beach huts built to suit the setting. The coral gardens offshore can be explored by swimming and diving, and kayaking along the coast reaches quiet coves. Seabirds and migratory species can be watched on the island, and its low light pollution makes the night sky good for stargazing.