Nestled amidst the vast expanse of cerulean seas, islands stand as emblems of both isolation and allure, captivating the human imagination with their mystique and diversity. From the tropical paradises adorned with palm-fringed beaches to rugged outcrops weathered by relentless oceanic forces, islands embody a myriad of landscapes and cultures. Islands serve as sanctuaries of biodiversity, offering refuge to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
Islands in India
India, a land revered for its cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes, boasts a treasure trove of islands scattered across its vast maritime domain. From the sun-kissed shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal to the serene backwaters of the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, these enclaves offer a kaleidoscope of experiences steeped in history, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. As gateways to exploration and adventure, the islands in India represent the country’s rich maritime legacy. They are a haven for both seekers of tranquillity and adventurers. Let’s talk about some of the most beautiful, serene, and inviting islands in India.
Lakshadweep
India’s Lakshadweep Islands is a union territory. The renowned Agatti Island, Kadmat Island, Andrott, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy are among the 36 islands that make up this coral archipelago. The Laccadive Sea to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west encircle the Lakshadweep islands. If you are seeking adventure, Lakshadweep (especially Kadmat Island) offers jet skiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, underwater walking, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Sriharikota
Located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh’s Shar Project settlement, Sriharikota is a barrier island off the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The Sriharikota Venkateswara Swamy Temple, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), the Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary, the Sriharikota Beach, the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), and the Shar Center (Space Applications Centre, SAC) are must-see locations. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a rocket launch awaits you if you plan your travel right.
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is another union territory of India, situated at the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal. It is divided into two island groups: the northern Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands. Of the 836 islands, only 31 are inhabited. At the Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island), see Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Vijayanagar Beach. Three sandy beaches await on Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): Bharatpur Beach, Sitapur Beach, and Lakshmanpur Beach. The southernmost Great Nicobar island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the largest. Once at Great Nicobar, you mustn’t miss the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, and the Galathea National Park. You can even go birdwatching.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ capital, Port Blair, is roughly two km away from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island). Once the capital of these islands and the centre of British power, it now houses the small museum known as ‘Smritika,’ featuring old British artefacts and photographs. Additionally, you will witness the ruins of the water distillation plant and the Japanese bunkers that the Japanese army used during World War II.
Among the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Little Andaman is yet another undiscovered location. Little Andaman is the home to Butler Bay Beach, a top surfing spot. Whisper Wave and White Surf are the two waterfalls on the island. When you get to Little Andaman, you can choose between an exciting elephant safari, boating through the creeks, elephant lumbering, and training elephant calves.
Bet Dwarka
At the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, lies an inhabited island, Bet Dwarka (Beyt Dwarka). It is also called Shankhodhar due to the abundance of conch shells. According to the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata, Bet Dwarka is a part of the fabled Dwarka; Lord Krishna‘s dwelling. You can look forward to exhilarating activities like picnics, beach camping, dolphin spotting, and marine excursions. Bet Dwarka is a pilgrimage site that is home to the Jain Temples, Sidi Bawa Peer Dargah, Haji Kirmai Dargah, Hanuman Dandi, Sri Keshavraj Ji Temple, and Abhaya Mata Mandir.
Munroe Island
Munroe Island, also known as Mundrothuruthu, is a group of inland islands in Kerala’s Kollam district. It is a group of eight tiny islets situated where Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River converge. Large swathes of the islands are submerged during high tide, earning it the moniker ‘Sinking Island of Kerala.’ Munroe Island is popular for the coir retting process, fishing, migratory birdwatching, and coir weaving. One of the most well-known boat races in Kerala, the Kallada Boat Race, takes place on Munroe Island.
Bhavani Island
One of India’s biggest river islands is the Bhavani Island named after Goddess Durga or Bhavani. It is located in the middle of the Krishna River near Vijayawada. It features a golf badminton simulator, a robotic dinosaur park, a garden maze, a mirror maze, and a cycling track. You can enjoy thrilling adventure water sports like jet boat rides, pedal boats, banana boats, swan boat rides, bumper boats, floating restaurants, boat charters, fishing, leisure boat trips, and more at Bhavani Island.
Majuli
Majuli is a river island in Assam, India located amidst the Brahmaputra river. The Mising, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari tribes inhabit this island. In 2016, it was the nation’s first island to become a governmental district. The exquisite architecture of Kamlabari Satra, the Dakhnipat Satra’s Rasotsava festival, the Auniati Satra’s Assamese artefacts, jewellery, and utensils, the Tengapania Ahom architecture, and the sacred Vaishnavite Garmur site are all must-sees in Majuli.
Netrani Island
Netrani, a small Indian island in the Arabian Sea, is also known as Bajrangi Island, Pigeon Island, and Heart-shaped Island. Locals refer to it as Nitra Gudo. It is the location of the well-known Hindu temple Jai Bajrangbali Temple. Among the most popular activities are scuba diving and snorkelling. You have to take a boat ride and explore the island caves if you end up on Netrani Island.
Divar Island
Divar Island is located in the Mandovi River. The Feast of the Miraculous Image of Our Lord Redeemer, Bonderam, and Potekar are the three main festivals celebrated on the island. There are no nightclubs, beaches, or shacks at Divar Island. Instead, you must explore its Portuguese architecture, history, and culture. The Church of Our Lady of Compassion in Piedade, the Museum of Christian Art, and the Kadamba Dynasty ruins in Piedade are some of the other notable attractions on Divar Island.
Kuruvadweep
Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruvadweep, is a protected river delta. It is located in Kerala’s Wayanad district on the banks of the Kabini River’s tributaries and consists of three heavily forested, uninhabited islands as well as a few submerged satellite islands. There are two small freshwater lakes on Kuruvadweep. They are also known for their numerous migratory birds, and several species of butterflies, hornbills, and parrots.
Willingdon Island
Willingdon Island is the largest artificial island in Kochi, Kerala. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, the Port of Kochi, and the Indian Navy’s Kochi Naval Base are located there. Each year, millions of tonnes of freight are handled at the Willingdon Island.
Henry Island
Henry Island is a West Bengali island close to Bakkhali. Visitors can explore the Bheris, the Watchtower at Sundari Complex, mangrove forests, and the stunning Henry Island Beach. Another exciting option at Henry Island is birdwatching.
Pamban Island
Situated on the Rama Setu archipelago, between Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, is Pamban Island, also referred to as Rameswaram Island. The Adam’s Bridge and the Pamban Bridge are the main attractions on the Pamban Island.
Diu Island
Off the Kathiawar peninsula on Gujarat’s southern coast lies an island called Diu Island. The island is home to the old St. Thomas Church, the Diu Fort, the fortress of Fortim do Mar, the town of Diu, and the St. Paul’s Church.
Hope Island
Hope Island is a tiny island in the Bay of Bengal that resembles a tadpole and is located off the coast of Kakinada, India. The ‘Godavari Point’ in the Hope island’s north is named for its view of the Kakinada harbour and the entrance to the Bay of Kakinada.
Kavvayi
Kavvayi Island is located close to Payyanur, Kerala. The Kavvayi backwaters, a picturesque system of lagoons, rivers, and canals, encircle it. The most well-liked adventure sport in this area is water zorbing, which requires participants to enter a sizable inflated plastic ball and walk on water. Kayaking events are also organized on Kavvayi Island.
Jambudwip
An isolated island called Jambudwip is located in the Bay of Bengal, close to West Bengal. Other than during the fishing season, it stays uninhabited. The island’s closeness to fishing areas, the availability of drinking water, and the natural creek for safe boat harbouring make Jambudwip an imperative. Jambudwip is off-limits to tourists.
Image Courtesy – Disney
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