Island Archives - Plush Ink

25 gorgeous countries Indians with a UK visa can visit visa-free

Reason to go: If Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Cappadocia’s hot-air balloon rides and Pamukkale’s hot-water springs aren’t enough, think about a dip in the thermal pools, enjoying a hamam bath, or even exploring the country’s many architectural marvels.
Visa information: With a valid UK visa, Indian passport holders can apply for single-entry e-visas valid for one month via the website
How to get there: Fly directly to Istanbul

Qatar

Reasons to go: Adventure sports, hub for innovation, technology and architecture, rich culture and heritage.
Visa Information: Indian passport holders can visit Qatar with a valid UK visa provided that they show proof of their return ticket and a minimum two night reservation at a hotel, booked through Discover Qatar. The visa is valid for a period of 30 days and can be extended.
How to get there: Fly directly to Qatar

Caribbean

Bahamas

A motorboat speeding across the Ocean, Nassau, New Providence, BahamasAbstract Aerial Art

Reason to go: Gorgeous beaches, pristine waters, and thriving reefs– the Bahamas are ideal for water lovers to go snorkelling and scuba diving to explore the thriving marine life. Go on a food tour and visit the island’s famous rum distillery, watch pigs swimming or get your tan by the pink sand beaches.
Visa information: A valid UK visa for a maximum stay of 90 days
How to get there: Fly via London to Nassau

British Virgin Islands

Reason to go: With exclusive beaches, pristine waters, and fancy boats, the British Virgin Islands are the perfect escape from the crowds. You might just spot a celebrity or three!
Visa Information: Holders of a valid UK visa can enter BVI for six months, provided the visa has a remaining validity of six months or has been used to travel to the UK
How to get there: Fly via Kuwait and London

Aruba

Reason to go: Visit a butterfly farm and explore the country’s wildlife at the Arikok National Park, lounge by white-sand beaches, go snorkelling to see a sunken ship, and experience the high-octane nightlife in Aruba.
Visa information: Valid multiple-entry UK visa to stay for 30 days
How to get there: Fly via Amsterdam to Oranjestad

Antigua and Barbuda

Reason to go: Spectacular blue waters, soft-sand beaches, colourful huts and rum– the perfect out-of-office vacation you need.
Visa information: Visa will be granted on arrival to valid UK visa holders. This visa is valid only for 30 days.
How to get there: Fly via London or New York

Anguilla

Reason to go: Enjoy the coastline on a horseback, watch the sunset while sailing on a classic ship, go kitesurfing, take a moke ride, savour the seafood and relax on pristine beaches of Anguilla.
Visa information: A valid UK visa gets you visa-free entry into Anguilla and travellers can stay there for a period of 90 days
How to get there: Fly to Anguilla via London and Miami

British Overseas Territory

Gibraltar

Reason to go: With beautiful beaches, Gorham’s Cave complex (a UNESCO world heritage site), St. Michael’s Cave, Gibraltar Museum and fresh seafood along the beach,Gibraltar should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Visa information: A holder of a multiple-entry UK visa that is valid for six months or more can enter Gibraltar for a period of 21 days
How to get there: Fly via London

South America

Peru

Steve Allen Travel Photography / Alamy Stock Photo

Reason to go: With undulating mountains, historic towns and lush green nature, Peru is the place to trek for the most unmatched views. You can also explore the country’s rich history including one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, plus the Sacsayhuamán, and more.
Visa information: With a UK visa with a validity of six months, one can stay in the country for up to 180 days
How to get there: Fly to Lima via Paris

Central America

Panama

Reason to go: Wander through the streets of Casco Viejo, take a dip in Caldera’s hot springs, hike up to Baru, Panama’s highest peak to watch a spectacular sunrise or relax by the white sand beaches across the country.
Visa Information: A UK visa valid for a minimum six months gets you entry for 30 days. The visa should have been used to enter the UK before
How to get there: Board a direct flight to Panama city with longest name

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On the islands of Ram Setu, millions of birds find a home

On the last stretch of our drive to Mannar Island on the northwest tip of Sri Lanka, GoogleMaps, in a muddle of good intentions, suggested the shortest way through Wilpattu National Park. This slushy dirt trail is not taken even by safari goers. The light was fading, and waterholes popped like thought bubbles as our jeep blundered ahead. Thankfully, no jumbo came strolling our way till we exited the jungle two hours later.

Finally, we were in Mannar, the point in Sri Lanka from where India is visible. Across 30 kilometres of the Palk Strait, a series of 16 islands connect Talaimannar at the northwestern point of Mannar to Dhanushkodi on the Pamban Island on the southeastern edge of India. This archipelago is known by many names: Adam’s Bridge, Ram Setu, or simply, the Dancing Islands. They earn their name from their transient nature. Made up of sand, corals and limestone shoals, the islands keep shifting above the strait. As the winds blow, the sands move, the islands sink and rise, dancing with the ebb and flow of sea currents.

Cross the Mannar causeway and bridge, and you are on an island within the island country. The fifty-square-kilometre landmass, where all directions point seaward, abounds in mosques, churches, technicolour kovils (temples), uninhabited sand dunes, birds, feral horses and donkeys. Occasionally, on the streets, you’ll find a donkey lost in contemplation, refusing you the right of passage.

Spoonbills at Sunset, Sri Lanka

Adityavikram More

Mannar, famous for pearl fishing since the 2nd century AD, is a global hub for 15 million migratory birds of 250 different species, who use it as a pit stop along their long journeys across the Central Asian Flyway. As the last landmass for birds travelling on the CAF, Mannar is pivotal for migration. Of these millions of birds, 150 species winter here, including the Eurasian oystercatcher, pied avocet, sanderling, northern pintail, and greater flamingo. Twenty six nationally threatened species including the Indian courser, spot-billed duck, sooty tern, bridled tern and Saunders’ tern even breed in Mannar and the dancing islands.

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