This is India’s remote state – are situated over 1000 km off the east coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal, connected to the mainland by flights from Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata. Thickly covered by the deep green tropical forest, the archipelago supports a profusion of wildlife, including some extremely rare bird species, but the principal attraction lies offshore, around the pristine reefs that ring most of the islands. Filled with colourful fish and kaleidoscopic corals, the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea feature some of the world’s richest and least spoilt marine reserves – perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.