It might seem like finding a tranquil beach where you can listen to the waves without noisy crowds is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack, but a new study from JB.com just made that a whole lot easier.
Travel + Leisure shared the study, revealing that Minicoy Island off the southwestern coast of India is the world’s No. 1 quietest beach, noting that the “quietest stretches reward those willing to trade convenience for solitude.”
While remote islands aren’t uncommon in the country, Minicoy has long been considered one of its best-kept secrets, although the word is getting out. For now, it’s remained nearly untouched while locals have preserved its unique culture.
How to Get to Minicoy Island
Minicoy is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago in the South Arabian Sea, not far from the Maldives. Getting there isn’t easy. The island is very small, covering less than two square miles, which is why it’s referred to as the “quietest beach,” but the one the study is referring to is officially called Thundi. Although the land is minimal, it’s surrounded by a huge, nearly 12-square-mile shallow lagoon, with the water more than six times larger than the island itself.
Access to Minicoy with its glistening, chalk-white sand and clear turquoise waters requires a “permit system that limits visitors and an 18-hour boat ride,” as JB notes. Boat trips depart from Kochi, the main gateway to the Lakshadweep Islands, in the state of Kerala. That keeps most travelers away, leaving those willing to make the journey with a peaceful slice of paradise.
A Snorkeler’s and Diver’s Dream
The underwater world that surrounds Minicoy is ideal for snorkeling and diving, with colorful coral reefs inhabited by a wide range of species. Mantas, multiple shark species, jackfish, leaffish, tuna, and octopus are just a few of the marine creatures you might see. When you’d rather stay dry, kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is extremely limited to protect the local ecology. That means if you hope to stay overnight, you’ll need a bit of luck on your side. According to the study, roughly 78,000 people search for it every month. There are a few vacation rentals, but the main place to spend the night is the government-run Minicoy Resort, which offers 20 cottages near the southern lighthouse.
