January 11, 2024
CM Content Team
For many who don't know, the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep aren't the only islands in India. The country is home to many islands, and each one is beautiful and unique in its own way.
Does island life call you? Do you dream of pristine beaches and tropical food? Well, you are in for a treat!
We have compiled a list of the best islands in India to visit and explore.
Here’s more detail on these islands in India.Â
Barren Island is an amazing island in India to visit. It is located in the Andaman Sea and is home to India's only active volcano. The island's unique volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, and diverse marine life make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also witness the rare phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton at night, creating a magical experience.Â
Diu Island, once a Portuguese colony, is a tranquil retreat off the coast of Gujarat. Its pristine beaches, ancient forts, and stunning architecture create a perfect blend of history and serenity. The island is also known for its vibrant Diu Festival, which showcases local arts and culture, attracting tourists from all over the world.Â
Divar Island, located in Goa's Mandovi River, is a charming island that preserves the lively Goan culture and traditions. The island is home to beautiful Portuguese-style houses, ancient temples, and quaint villages. Divar's annual Bonderam Festival celebrates its rich history and offers a unique and vibrant experience for tourists.Â
Situated off the coast of Goa, Grand Island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. This is one of the islands in India that offers a variety of activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and dolphin spotting, providing a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Additionally, the island's stunning underwater world, with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, attracts divers from around the world.Â
Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. It is home to a unique blend of flora and fauna, including the indigenous Nicobari tribe. The island's lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and rich biodiversity make it an ideal island in India to visit for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.Â
Havelock Island is also a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is known for its picturesque landscape, with clean white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. The island offers various water sports activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling, allowing visitors to explore its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.Â
Kadmat Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The island's gorgeous beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life create a mesmerising underwater world for visitors to explore. Kadmat Island also offers various water sports activities, making it one of the perfect islands in India for adventure seekers.
Little Andaman Island, also a part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, is a stunning tropical paradise with gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is home to the indigenous Onge tribe and offers various activities such as surfing, trekking, and bird watching, making it the best island destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Majuli Island, the largest river island globally, is one of the numerous natural marvels in the northeastern state of Assam. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is known for its vibrant culture and is home to various indigenous tribes. It offers a unique experience with its traditional festivals, crafts, and cuisine. Majuli is also an ecological hotspot, with its rich biodiversity and numerous migratory birds visiting during winter.
How many islands in India do you know where tourists can explore the island's picturesque canals and lagoons on traditional houseboats? Presenting the Munroe Island. It is a beautiful cluster of eight islands in Kerala's Ashtamudi Lake. The island is known for its serene backwaters, lush greenery, and vibrant birdlife, providing a truly enchanting experience. Apart from canals and lagoons, this is a known island in India to visit activities such as fishing, bird watching, and village walks.
A part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it offers a serene and picturesque escape for nature lovers. It is one of the best islands in India to visit for its lush green forests, unspoiled beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Tourists can indulge in activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and bird watching while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this tropical paradise.
Also known as Pigeon Island, it is a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. It is one of the islands in India with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life that offer a mesmerizing experience of India's underwater beauty. Netrani Island also serves as an important nesting ground for various bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching and nature photography.
Located in Tamil Nadu, it is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient temples, and the famous Pamban Bridge. The island offers a rejuvenating experience for visitors with its serene beaches and cultural attractions. Pamban Island is also home to the Rameswaram Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, attracting devotees from all over the country.
Situated off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka, the St. Mary's Islands consist of four small islands. Notably, one of India's 26 geological monuments is found here, showcasing remnants of columnar basaltic lava resulting from subvolcanic activity. This activity occurred when Madagascar, formerly part of the Indian peninsula, separated about 88 million years ago. They make up a beautiful set of islands in India to visit, featuring attractions such as the Vadabhandeshwara Temple, the ruins of Daria Bahadurgarh Fort, and Malpe Beach, known for its silvery powdered sand.Â
Agatti Island, located in the Lakshadweep archipelago, is a tropical paradise known for its azure waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it one of the most stunning islands in India. The island offers various water sports activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking, providing an exciting experience for adventure seekers. The island's serene environment and stunning natural beauty also make it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Remember to add all of the above Indian island's names to your bucket list. We are positive you can already hear the waves and feel the warm sand.
The Club Mahindra Membership can help you strike off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from your list. Our stay option there can help you enjoy a magical holiday experience and create everlasting memories with your loved ones. Do check out our resorts at one of the famous islands in India.
India has around 1,382 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited. These islands are distributed across the country's coastline and are part of different states and union territories.Â
Andaman and Nicobar claim the title of the largest island in India by area, covering a total of 8249 square kilometres and consisting of 572 islands.Â
Kurusadi Island is the smallest island in India. It is located in the Gulf of Mannar near Tamil Nadu. Though it's tiny and uninhabited, the island is part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and marine life. If you want to visit, make sure to get permission from the Fisheries Department.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 300,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.
