18 Amazing Islands To Visit In India For A Fantastic Vacation! (2024)
Blessed with the beauty of nature, India is a land full of beautiful valleys, hill stations, heritage cities, deserts, waterfalls and rivers, and also breathtaking islands. Islands in India are perfect for spending an amazing vacation away from the hustle-bustle of busy city life and relaxing with your loved ones. Spending time on islands provides you with great peace and gives you a chance to admire the beautiful nature all around.
18 Amazing Islands To Visit In India For A Fantastic Vacation!
As you read further, you will be discovering some of the most beautiful islands in India where you can spend an amazing vacation with your family and friends.
1. Majuli Island, Assam
Assam is one of the most beautiful states in the country. One of the most known islands here is Majuli island. This is counted amongst the biggest river islands in the world. You can sense a fair taste of Assamese culture on this beautiful island. The best thing that would attract you to spend some extra time on this island is the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views that you can witness. You can experience the taste of seafood on Majuli island. Visiting this island would make you feel amazing.
How To Reach: Reach Guwahati and fly to Jorhat. Then take a boat ride from Jorhat. There are two ferries and they leave at 10 am and 3 pm respectively.
Where To Stay: Choose Government accommodations, or go for hotels like La Maison de Anand, and Yggdrasill Bamboo Cottage.
Places To See: Mishing Village and 21 Satras
Things To Do: Explore the island by renting a motorcycle, and try to learn mask-making and meshing.
Best Time To Visit: October to December
2. Diu Island, Gujarat
Diu is a small island having traces of Portuguese culture. This wondrous island is in Gujarat and is known for its architectural beauty. The serenity that Diu island offers you will take you to a state of peace and divinity. You will find some exciting beaches here. The seafood available here will surely become your favorite.
How To Reach: You can reach Diu via airways. However, it does not have a railway station.
Where To Stay: Kostamar Beach Resort, Sugati Beach Resort, or Krishna Park Resort.
Places To See: Diu Fort, Seashell Museum, Gangeshwar Temple, and St. Paul’s Church.
Things To Do: Enjoy exploring the island and meeting with local people by hiring a bike or a scooter for rent.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
3. Divar Island, Goa
A less-known yet amazing island to visit in Goa, India is Divar Island. It is located at a distance of 10 km upstream from Panjim in Goa. This island is nestled across the river Mandovi. One of the best parts of this island is its lively culture. You would surely have an amazing vacation on this island when you have your friends and family with you.
How To Reach: You can reach Viceroy’s Arch in Old Goa and then take a ferry to Divar Island. It would take just 10 minutes ferry ride to reach the destination.
Where To Stay: Divar Island Retreat Guest House is the best place to stay here.
Places To See: Shree Ganesh Sateri Temple, Lady of Compassion Church, Portuguese landmarks, and European Houses.
Things To Do: You can enjoy taking some exclusive pictures here. The Hindi movie “Dil Chahta Hai” was shot here. So, if you are a great fan of Bollywood or Hindi Cinema, you can recreate your favorite scenes from this movie.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
4. Lakshadweep Island, Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep island lies off the coast of Kerala and is an archipelago of 36 atolls. We must inform you that all islands in Lakshadweep are not open for tourists, but only a few are accessible. You must keep it noted that alcohol is banned in most of these islands.
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Agatti Aerodrome Airport. You can also reach Kochi and then take a ferry to Lakshadweep from Kochi.
Where To Stay: Bangaram Island Resort, Kadmat Island Beach Resort, White Pearl Beach Hotel, etc.
Places To See: Minicoy Island, Agatti Island, Kavaratti Island Marine Aquarium
Things To Do: Engage yourself with water sports like scuba diving, jet skiing, etc., and capture some of your best pictures.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
5. Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
Kadmat island is an island in Lakshadweep and is blessed with scenic views all around. You will be amazed by the stunning oceanic view on this island. This island is also known as Cardamom Island and can be listed among the most beautiful islands in India. Kadmat island is known for its marine turtles. Several water sports are available here. So, if you are in India, you should not miss out on the chance of visiting this wonderful Island.
How To Reach: Reach Agatti Island via airways and take a ferry from there to reach Kadmat Island.
Where To Stay: Kadmat Beach Resort, Kadmat Resort, etc.
Places To See: Golden Jubilee Museum, Mohiyudeen mosque, etc.
Things To Do: Get engaged in various water activities like scuba diving, and Snorkeling.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
6. Havelock Island, Andaman
Havelock Island, which is within Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India is known for some of the most exquisite beaches in the world. The pristine sands of the coast and serene blue water make this island one of the most-visited islands in India. You will be enjoying your vacation here by witnessing some of the best attractions in the country.
How To Reach: You need to reach the Phoenix Bay Wharf and from there you can take a ferry to reach Havelock Island. It would take around two and a half hours to reach your destination with your ferry ride.
Where To Stay: Havelock Island Beach Resort, Sundaze Beach Resort, De Foret. Shangrilas Beach Resort.
Places To See: Radhanagar beach, Vijayanagar beach, Kala Patthar beach, Elephant beach, etc.
Things To Do: Indulged with water sports like Scuba diving, go on a seaside walk, and enjoy beach time.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
7. Barren Island, Andaman
Barren Island is also located in Andaman. This is the only place that has a confirmed active volcano in India. Various water activities including Scuba diving can be done here. One can also find lava rocks on this island. You will surely have a memorable vacation at Barren Island in Andaman.
How To Reach: Veer Savarkar Airport in Port Blair is the nearest Airport. From here, you can take a boat to reach your destination.
Where To Stay: Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort, and Silver Sand Beach Resort
Places To See: Barren Island Volcano, Kala Patthar beach, Elephant beach, Radhanagar Beach, etc.
Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, photography, etc.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
8. Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar
If you are looking for a small vacation with your family and are in search of an Island to spend quality and fun time then The Great Nicobar Island would be an amazing option for you. This island is the largest in India. The beauty of this island will compel you to extend your vacation for a couple of more days than what you might have planned for. You will get a chance to witness an amazing stretch of flora and fauna on the Great Nicobar Island. This would be a spending vacation spot for you.
How To Reach: You have to reach Port Blair via airways and then take a boat to the Great Nicobar Island. Helicopters are also available from Port Blair to the island.
Where To Stay: Anugama Resort, Silver Sand Havelock, Aashiaanaa Residency Inn
Places To See: Campbell Bay, Indira Point, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Things To Do: Enjoying and relaxing on the serene coasts, photography, etc.
Best Time To Visit: February to June
9. Neil Island
Neil Island is a small yet beautiful island that is located at a distance of 37 km from Port Blair. Currently, the new name for this island is Shaheed Dweep Island. This island is well-known for its greenery and unparalleled biodiversity. Most of the place is covered with dense tropical forests. The island is known as the Vegetable Bowl of the Andaman Islands. Near the wharf of the Island is a village named Neil Kendra Village. Neil Island has some of the most amazing beaches, where you can spend some special time with your family and loved ones.
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Port Blair Airport. From this place, you can take a boat or a ferry.
Where To Stay: SeaSheel, Silver Sand Beach Resort, etc
Places To See: Laxmanpur Beach, Howrah Beach, Bharatpur Beach, etc.
Things To Do: Move around the island by taking a bike or scooter on rent, spending serene time on the beach, photography, etc.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
10. St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka
This is a set of four small islands in India. These islands are pretty known for their basaltic rock formations which are cut into hexagonal shapes. Though not many people in India know about this island, the crystal blue water, and rocky beach, make this one of the top islands to visit in India for an amazing vacation with your loved people.
How To Reach: You can take a ferry or boat from Malpe in Karnataka to the destination island. This ferry ride would roughly take 15 minutes.
Where To Stay: There are no places for accommodation on the island. So, you need to check out some of the best hotels in Malpe.
Places To See: Coconut Garden, Chandramouleswar Temple, Malpe Beach, Stella Maris Church, Sri Krishna Temple, etc.
Things To Do: Witness the extraordinary rock formations, take special pictures if you love photography, roam around the islands,
Best Time To Visit: December to January
11. Munroe Island, Kerala
Munroe island is a lovely island in the Kollam district in Kerala. This island is situated near Ashtamudi lake. It is also known as the Islands of Kollam because the island is a combination of 8 islands. A visit to this island will leave you wondering about the beauty of nature.
How To Reach: Reach Munrothurutu Railway Station or Munroe Railway Station and from there take a boat to reach Manroe Island. If you are choosing airways, the nearest airport is in Cochi.
Where To Stay: Munroe Island Eco Camp, Munroe Island Lake Resort, Lake and River Resort Munroe Island, etc.
Places To See: M.G Beach, Thenmala, Jatayu Rock, Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary, Varkala Beach, Palaruvi Falls, etc.
Things To Do: Rent a bicycle and explore the island, visit different attractions, go on a canal cruise, and witness the magnificent sunset.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
12. Netrani Island, Karnataka
In the state of Karnataka lies a wonderful island named Netrani Island. It is popularly known as Pigeon Island. This is located off the Konkan Coast amidst the majestic Arabian Sea. This island in Karnataka is easily accessible through the coast of Murudeshwar or Temple Town. You can spot some of the most exotic marine creatures like butterflyfish, whales, and sharks.
How To Reach: You need to reach Bhatkal and then hire a boat to reach Netrani Island.
Where To Stay: Sagar Kinara Beach Resort, KSTDC Mayura Gerusoppa, Kairali Residency, etc.
Places To See: The ruin of a temple, the Roman Catholic Church, a beautiful mosque, etc
Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, ad other water sports.
Best Time To Visit: December to January.
13. Elephanta Island, Mumbai
Elephanta Island is a famous island in Maharashtra and is known for the presence of Elephanta Caves. These caves are declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and represent the brilliance of Indian craftsmanship from ancient times.
How To Reach: Elephanta Island can be reached by ferry or boat.
Where To Stay: There are no hotels on the island. However, you can book your hotels in South Mumbai.
Places To See: Elephanta Caves, Cannon Hill, Old Cannon, etc
Things To Do: Explore the rock-cut Elephanta Caves, take some amazing pictures, go up to Cannon Hill and see the Old Cannon, etc.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
14. Grand Island, Goa
The Grand Island in Goa is one of the best islands in India where you can spend a great time here. This is known for exceptional water sports sites. You will be amazed by the beauty of the various beaches here that would give you a special feeling.
How To Reach: You can reach Goa from anywhere in India and then from there take a ferry ride to the Grand Island. It would take just 20 to 40 minutes to reach the destination.
Where To Stay: There are no facilities for accommodation here. However, you can check out any other hotels nearby in Goa.
Places To See: Spice plantation, Dolphin Points, Bounty Bay Dive, Sail Rock Dive, Suzy’s Wreck Dive, etc.
Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and bait-fishing.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
15. Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu
Pamban Island is a less-known yet wonderful island near Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. This island has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches. Pamban Island has a unique bridge that connects the other parts of the state to Rameshwaram. You will have an exciting experience while driving on the bridge.
How To Reach: Reach Rameshwaram by train and then take a ferry ride to the island or choose the bridge.
Where To Stay: Daiwik Hotels, Hyatt Palace in Rameshwaram.
Places To See: Dhanushkodi beach, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Ramar Patham temple, etc.
Things To Do: Drive on the unique bridge, visit Late. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s old house, and explore the island.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
16. Chorao Island, Goa
Chorao Island is the largest island in Goa and is known for Goa’s largest bird sanctuary, the Salim Ai Bird Sanctuary. It is also known as Chodan Island. Chorao island is a beautiful island in the Mandovi River. You can spot purple herons, and eagles, and also explore mangrove marshes by kayak.
How To Reach: You need to reach Panjim via railways and then from there travel to Ribandar village from where you can get a boat to reach the destination.
Where To Stay: Villa Terra Rosa is one of the most comfortable hotels on the island.
Places To See: Chorao Island, Catholic churches, various Hindu temples, Bird sanctuary of Goa, etc.
Things To Do: Move around the island exploring different places, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful stay
Best Time To Visit: November to February
17. Ponnumthuruhu Island, Thiruvantapuram
Do you want to spend an amazing vacation by the beautiful backwaters of Kerala? If yes, then Ponnumthuruthu Island in Thiruvananthapuram is the perfect destination for you. This island is also named “Golden Island” because of its long sandy stretch of beaches. If you are a nature lover and want to spend some time amidst nature, then you should not miss the chance of visiting Ponnumthuruhu island.
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport and the nearest railway station is Varkala railway station. You can take a boat to reach the island.
Where To Stay: Vakkom Palazzo, Basuri Beach Resort, etc. are some of the famous hotels near Ponnimthuruhu Island.
Places To See: Shiva Parvati Temple, Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, Kuduvayil Jama Masjid, etc.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
18. Willingdon Island, Kochi
Willingdon Island in Kochi is the largest artificial island in India. This island is admired for its natural beauty and India’s colonial history. You will have a really great time with your loved ones on this island.
How To Reach: Reach Kochi via airways or railways. From there you can take a ferry to reach the island.
Where To Stay: Trident Cochin, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Taj Gateway Hotel.
Places To See: Fort Kochi, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Marine drive, hill place, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bolgatty Place, etc.
Things To Do: Explore the island, watch the backwaters on the island, and visit different attractions.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Head On To A Peaceful World Of Some Amazing Islands!
With so many beautiful islands in India that make the country one of the best ones for a quick and amazing island vacation. Spending time on the islands amongst the waves of the sea and sandy or rocky beaches, you will surely find peace and come out rejuvenated. So, what are you waiting for? If you are in India or have landed in the country from any part of the world, plan for a visit to any of these top islands to visit in India and spend an amazing vacation.
