Are you someone who enjoys golden beaches, warm sunshine, mouth-watering seafood and a lot of adventure? Sure the places situated by the coasts can be a great pick for you. But have you ever considered exploring the islands in India?

India is blessed with immense beauty and natural wealth. But this beauty is not limited to the mainland alone. Equally serene and eye-catching are the islands that add to the wealth of our nation. Since they are situated far from the larger settlements, they give you the perfect break from the monotony of city life. Not just that, some of best adventure sea sports can also be enjoyed best in these isles.

The Miracle Of Enchanting Islands India

So without further ado, go through some of our best picks of islands in India for tourism and set your plans for the upcoming holiday season:  

Havelock Island, Andaman

If it is a list about the beautiful islands of India, there is no better place to begin than the Andaman and Nicobar group. Also known by the name Swaraj Island, Havelock is a part of Ritchie’s archipelago. It is perhaps the most famous island among the group, owing to the gorgeous coral reefs and equally, eye-catching white beaches.

 If you are of the adventurous spirit, you may be excited to learn that some of the islands also offer some of the best scuba diving spots. Neil’s island, known for its night views and Astro-tourism opportunities is also easily accessible from here.

Best Time to Visit: December- mid-April 
Major Attraction: Elephant beach, adventure sports such as snorkelling, diving and game fishing.
How to Reach? Regular ferries are available from Port Blair.

St Mary’s Islands, Karnataka

Known by the locals as the Coconut islands or Thonsepar St Mary’s  Islands is a cluster of four isles off the coast of Udipi.  Set amidst the azure Arabian Sea, the islands are just an hour’s ferry ride away from the shore. Yet once you reach there, it’s hard to believe that you are still in India and not some famed beach of Maldives.

 But the beach view alone is not the main attraction of the island. Equally eye-catching and unique are the rock formations here. In fact, the extraordinary feature of this island group makes it incomparable to any other location in India. The island does have a list of Dos and Don’ts for your own safety.  Follow them to avoid any kind of penalty.

Best Time to Visit: October – January ( best to avoid the noon sun). 
Major Attraction: Sri Krishna Matha temple, Maple beach,  Mattu beach and Hastha Shilpa Heritage Village.
How to Reach? There are ample ferry rides available from Maple beach which is a 4km drive from Udipi town.

Majuli Island, Assam

If you thought deep seas and oceans are the only places where you can experience an island, then this pick is definitely going to get you thinking. India is not just blessed with beautiful islands off the sea coast, but even the largest riverine island in the world is located in our country. Majuli is known for its sustainable habits along with the gurgling freshwater that surrounds it.

Located in the Brahmaputra River, the island has also earned itself the title of UNESCO world heritage site. The lush green surroundings along with the interesting tribal culture of the place beckon people to visit it from all around the world.

Best Time to Visit: August- March.
Major Attraction :  Tengapania, Gambur, Auniati Satra and Kamalabari Satra.
How to Reach? The nearest city is Jorhat from where an ample number of ferries are available.

Pambam Island, Tamil Nadu

Better known as the holy city of Rameshwaram, Pamban Island is located right between India and Sri Lanka.  It is fabled in the ancient texts that Lord Rama had built a stone bridge here to reach across the sea and rescue his wife Sita from Lanka. Each year, thousands of tourists flock here to visit the various temples located around the city.

But if you think that the island’s offerings are for the pilgrims alone, then you just have to go through the list of attractions here to change that notion. From a cyclone wrecked town to golden beaches and eye-catching views, there is enough to cater to the varied interests of people. The train line that connects Rameshwaram to the mainland is an equally eye-catching engineering wonder and a sight to behold.

Best Time to Visit:  Mid- October – April.
Major Attraction: Adam’s Bridge, Dhanushkodi, ancient temples, taste the local cuisine and travel over the Pamban bridge.
How to Reach? Pamban is only a 3km drive away from Madurai island and can also be reached by air.

Munroe Island, Kerala

Located in the famed backwaters of Kerela, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight smaller islands separated only by narrow water channels. If you are looking for a get away from the bustling city life, this is the perfect pick for you. Surrounded by nature’s serenity on all sides, these islands give you the opportunity to reconnect with your roots.

The islands are also famed for the renowned boat races that take place during the Onam festival. In case you are taken aback by the English name of the place, you may be interested to learn that it was named after Colonel John Munroe, who was the Resident colonel of the erstwhile state of Travancore.

Best Time to Visit: All year-round.
Major Attraction: Ashtamudi Lake, Sasthamcotta Lake and Kakkathuruthu.
How to Reach? Cruise is available from Kollam at specific times of the day. 

Lakshadweep Islands

Easily accessible from Kochi, Lakshadeep Islands are the second largest group of islands in India after Andaman and Nicobar. A total of thirty-six islands form the cluster here. However, only ten of them are actually inhabited by people. If you have a quiet holiday by the beaches in mind, this can be a good pick for you. It is also popular among the islands in India for honeymoon.

Since the islands are remote and offbeat, nature is still found at its best here.  There are a few avenues for adventure sports here as well.

Best Time to Visit: October- May.
Major Attraction:  Agatti Island, Kadmat Island, Bangaram Atoll and Laccadive Islands

How to Reach? Both flights and ships regularly Agatti and Bangram

Nongkhnum River Island, Meghalaya

One of the largest river islands of Asia, yet reclusive and hidden from the crowd is the Nongkhnum river island in Meghalaya. Set amidst the largest river of the state, the Kynshi, the island distributes the water to two smaller tributaries. Local ferries are available which ferry you down to the island at any time.

Otherwise, you can simply walk through a picturesque bridge that connects the island to the bank. The island is also a favourite with Nature photographers.

Best Time to Visit: All year-round.
Major Attraction: Take a boat ride to the island; enjoy local cuisine and music here.
How to Reach? The island is located 109 km drive away from the capital Shillong.

Island of Divar, Goa

Located in the Mandovi River of Goa, Divar was once a major Hindu village in Goa. But religious persecutions by the Portuguese and some natural calamities drove out most of the people from here. What remains today are ruins of temples and other monuments that tell the tale of the past. Though not among the most popular spots in Goa, the tourists that come here are taken aback by the calm and beauty of the place.

There are several festivals that are held here too. If you can plan your tour during these festivals, you are sure to get the best taste and feel of the place.

Best Time to Visit:  November- February.
Major Attraction: Kadamba Dynasty ruins, walking tour through the Piedade village and church of Our Lady Of Compassion.
How to Reach? Ferry services are available from Old Goa which is the only way to reach the island.

Diu Island

If there is an island that is equally popular among history buffs as it is among the sightseers, then it is the Diu Island. A union territory of India, the island is known for its calm setting with wonderful natural beaches. That’s not all, the history of the settlement dates back to the time of the Mauryas and is visible today in the form of old forts and ruined palaces.

The annual festival here along with the cultural offerings of the place makes it one of the favourites among offbeat travellers.

Best Time to Visit: November – February.
Major Attraction:  Diu Fort, St. Paul’s church and Naida Caves.
How to Reach? Both buses and train ply between Diu and Ahmadabad

Henry Island, West Bengal

 Among the different islands of India, a name that is often missed out is Henry’s Island, West Bengal.  Yet all the visitors who go there are taken aback by the untouched beauty of its pristine beaches and the calm and serenity of the place as a whole.

Henry’s island is also quite rich in terms of wildlife and if you are a bird watcher, the watchtower on the island is going to be your favourite spot. There are several tourist locations around the island too which you can visit during your stay there.

Best Time to Visit: November to March.
Major Attraction: Bakkhali beach, Jambudwip and Lothian Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach? The island is a 12 km drive away from Kolkata.

Now that you have this list of amazing islands in and around India, pack your bags and get set go! Do you need more details about islands around India to visit? Do hotel bookings, arranging permits and transport baffle you? Reach out to the experts today and let us take care of your travelling needs from A-Z. Call us for a free consultation today.