India is home to some of the world’s most amazing wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, fantastic ocean views, rich flora and fauna, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, the tourists often visit India to experience its incredible hospitality and ingrained spirituality but they end up overlooking India’s hidden treasure, its most extraordinary islands. The country does not get a chance to boast its majestic islands due to the more popular tourist destinations, such as the gigantic Himalayas, lush green forests and world-renowned monuments. You might also like our article on the best hill stations in India.
Today’s guide explores some of these most overwhelmingly beautiful islands of India, which are often overlooked by tourists during their travel to India. Make sure to explore the majestic islands in the Indian ocean during your next visit to India. I promise that it would be worthwhile for you and your loved ones. Also, the list provides a guide to help you get to these islands easily, by telling you exactly where to find them.
Let’s Get Started With List Of The Islands of The Indian Ocean. (You May Also Know Them As The Islands Of India):
1. Havelock Island That Prviaoulsl Known As Swaraj Island:
Havelock Island is one of the largest Islands in India. It is part of a long chain of islands called the Amandmans Islands. It was named Havelock Island after Sir Henry Havelock, a high ranking British Officer who served in India.
With its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and some of the most amazing ocean views, Havelock is one of the most magnificent islands located in the Indian Ocean. You can get to the Island from Port Blair, which is its nearest airport, and then take a ferry to reach the Island.The best beach on Havelock Island is Radhanagar Beach. In fact, it was crowned as the best beach in Asia by the Time Magazine News in 2014. Radhanagar Beach is surrounded by Sea Mohwa jungle where you can not only enjoy the beach, but you can also enjoy the beauty of the nature around it. Tourists arriving here are often seen enjoying kayaking and exploring its exotic marine life.
2. Pamban Island, Also known As Rameswaram Island:
Usually, when tourists search for the best island in India, they come across Pamban. It is located 500 km away from Chennai. It showcases some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, and is associated with the Hindu Epic Ramayana. You can easily get to the island by taking a flight to Madurai and then you can reach Pamban by road, located approximately 120 away. Along the way and all over Pamban Island, you will see coconut, palm, fig, and eucalyptus trees. As soon as you get to the sea-shore, you will see an abundance of scrubs and ruches.
The largest town in Pamban Island is Rameswaram town. It is one of the most prominent Hindu religious sites in India and thousands of pilgrims visit it every year. It is a good place to visit and explore other cultures.Pamban Island has several hillocks, Mount Gandhamadana being the tallest peak of them all. It is about 3 kilometres from Rameswaram town and the ghost town of Dhanushkodi.
One of the major attractions of Pamban Island is the bridge between India and Sri Lanka. You can easily drive across Adam’s Bridge to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka after exploring Pamban Island. Adam’s Bridge is also known as Rama Bridge or Rama Setu.
3. Poovar Islands And It Spectacular Sleeps In Resorts:
Poovar Islands is one of the top-rated islands for first-time explorers in India. It is located about 16 kms south of Kovalam. The islands’ golden sand beaches, husked backwaters, resorts, and teal creeks are some of the best spots to chill in case you are travelling solo or even with your friends. Find a nearby resort to get some good spa sessions, or sail the backwaters on a cruise. Poovar will always leave you amazed with its natural beauty.
My favourite spot to chill is the Poovar Island Resort. It overlooks the beautiful backwaters and offers a special dining experience. It is perfect as a honeymoon destination with a romantic setting where you and your loved one can spend your special day together. You can book an Ayurveda treatment to enjoy a healthy and relaxing evening or go for a swim as well.
4. The Great Nicobar Island:
The Great Nicobar Island located at the southernmost tip of India is famous for its tropical rainforests, adventurous hiking trails and the famous Indira point. You can spend your time exploring its rich flora and fauna or enjoy hiking with your friends and ensure that you are making the most of your time on your trip to India.
The Great Nicobar Island of India has several rivers, such as the Alexandra river, the Glathea river, and the Amrit Kaur river, considered to be very important geological regions and major tourist attractions. Mount Thuillier, another major attraction in the Great Nicobar islands, is considered to be the highest point in the Nicobar Islands and Andaman where tourists can enjoy hiking. You can take a boat from Chatham Jett and stay at Mount Harriet National Park to enjoy your stay at a prime location and book a tour guide across the Kala Pathar Trail for amazing sight-seing adventures.
If you enjoy natural trails, trekking into the hills, and jungle trek, then the Kala Pathar trail is for you. However, make sure to get a tour guide because you could get lost there. You should also protect your feet as the forest is filled with snakes and leeches, but all in all, it is the perfect adventure for the brave.
5. Lakshadweep Island:
Used To Be Known As Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands:
With its majestic marine fauna, luscious lagoons, and verdant plantations, Lakshadweep islands are considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in India, made of ring-shaped coral reefs.
The most convenient way to get to the Island would be by a plane from Agatti Island (Agatti Aerodrome Airport). The ecosystem is perfect for wildlife, marine life, and plants to thrive. The Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Chagos, creates the iconic Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos archipelago. The coral reefs are a major tourist attraction due to their beautiful sceneries, lush tropical forests and incredible biodiversity.
You can indulge in fun and adventurous water sports activities like canoeing, water skiing, sportfishing, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, night sea voyages, and windsurfing. You can probably see by now why Lakshadweep is worth the visit and one of the best islands in India.
6. Little Andaman Island:
Little Andaman Island is the fourth largest island in India and is considered to be one of the best tourist destinations. Thus, your travel diary would be incomplete without visiting the fantastic island during your trip to India. You can enjoy the amazing panoramic views and surf at one of its many pretty beaches.
Apart from this, you can enjoy some of the best food on the island. So make sure that you are taking your loved ones together for an amazing vacation and make the most of your time.
You can rent a boat from Hut Bay to the other part of the Islands or walk, but it is not recommended as you can see more by renting a motorbike or a bicycle. Here is what you can see and do:
- I would recommend checking out the hidden waterfall in the jungle called White Surf Waterfall. However, be cautious because there are crocodiles in the water.
- Visit resorts such as Aastha Eco Resort and Rainbow Resort. Note: Rainbow Resort has a better review.
- The Lighthouse in Little Andaman is 41 m tall and it is about 10 Kilometre from Hut Bay. I would recommend renting a jeep, motorcycle, or bicycle to go up to the lighthouse and enjoy the view of the coastline and forests. P.S.: Get your camera ready to take some awesome pictures.
- Visit beaches, such as the Butler Bay beach in Hut Bay. Butler Bay beach is one of the hidden gems in India located in Little Andaman Island. Tourists from all over the world visit Butler Bay for surfing because it has one of the highest waves in the world.
7. Majuli Island:
Majuli Island is another beautiful destination for island and beach lovers. The island stands between two channels of the mighty Brahmaputra River, and it is one of the most visited islands in India due to the presence of unique Hindu Satras (or monasteries). A variety of practices related to art, dance, and literature have been followed and preserved in the region for a very long time. You can easily get to the island by plane. The nearest airport is Jorhat, and from there, you can take a cab followed by two ferry crossings to finally reach the island.
Very few people know about it and there is no wifi or internet and just majestic wildlife and the calming nature to explore. It is the perfect vacation to get away from your busy routine. This is why it made it to the list of the top islands in India. Unfortunately, scientists have predicted that the oasis may not exist for more than 10-20 years from now due to massive floods that consume parts of the islands. Therefore, avoid visiting during the flood season. Here is a small list of things to do on Majuli Island:
- You should start with Kaziranga National Park. It is located near the Brahmaputra River and is filled with wildlife, such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, rare birds, and dolphins.
- You can also experience Assamese culture and traditions, such as religious practices, art, literature, dancing, and theatres.
8. Neil Island In Andaman:
In case you’re searching for a serene island getaway on your trip to India, Neil Island is the place to go. Its beautiful tropical beaches, lush green paddy fields and orchards are some of the many attractions that it has in offer. You can rent a bike on the island and explore it exactly the way locals do.
To get to Neil Island, you need to book a flight to Port Blair, which is the nearest airport. The island will truly add an extra oomph to your stay in India.
Here is a list of amazing things to do while visiting Neil Island in Andaman:
- One of the beautiful destinations in Neil island is Bharatpur Beach. It is filled with coral reefs and tropical fishes. You can go fishing and enjoy eating fresh fish right out of the sea.
- Laxmanpur Beach is another spot, well-known for its sunset views and beautiful sceneries.
- Howrah Bridge is located in the Hooghly River. It is another spectacular destination for you to see.
- When you get to Sir Hugh Rose Island, look for turtles and many other beautiful wildlife in the sanctuary.
The islands of India offer a lot of fun activities that you can do. You will never run out of things to do, so plan your day wisely to ensure that you get the most out of it as there is so much to see and so much to explore, for you and your family.
The islands of the Indian Ocean are not only the most beautiful islands in the world, but the best of their kind due to the perfect climatic conditions and amazing sceneries. For more information, read the islands of the world.
Out of the 8 islands that we have discussed here, which one is your favourite?
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