Packing away to a secluded spot away from the humdrum of city life is a dream many people fancy every once in a while and islands serve as perfect destinations for such sojourns. The cascading waves of water close to the sandy shorelines coupled with the tranquility of flora and fauna surrounding the beaches transports the visitors into a world of dreams. The spellbinding views of sunsets and sunrises from islands delight the senses and fill your lives with unsurpassed beauty. India is home to some of the finest Island destination tour packages hidden in its coastal parts and most of these islands have developed to offer the best experience to travelers, be it beach parties, honeymoons or long evening walks close to the sea. Here is a peek into some of the best island destinations included in India tour packages.
Top 10 Islands in India
- Great Nicobar Island
Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in India belonging to the Nicobar group of Islands. It lies in the southernmost region of India to the north of Sumatra Island. The island is mostly acclaimed for its varied flora and fauna and a large part of this island has been turned into a biosphere reserve known as Indira Point, housing exotic species of plants, animals and birds like Nicobar scrub fowl, saltwater crocodile, giant sea turtle and coconut crab.
- Chorao Island
Chorao island is the largest and most picturesque island in Goa. The island is famous for the many legends associated with its emergence. The beguiling beauty of this island comes from mangroves covering the majority of the island. Salim Ali bird sanctuary located in the western part of the island is a popular destination that is well liked by visitors as it houses close to 400 species of migratory birds and some crocodiles. The island also offers a chance to go back in time with its amazing temples, churches and ancient houses dating back to the sixteenth century.
Also Read: India’s First Ever Cruise Liner Starts Operating Trips from Mumbai to Goa
- Barren Island
Home to the sole active volcano in India, Barren Island is a popular tourist getaway lying in the Andaman Sea. The volcano continues to undergo eruptions which attract many people from around the world who wish to view the process. The island witnesses extreme climate due to the presence of volcano and is completely uninhabited by human population. One has to obtain special permit to reach the island as it comes under restricted zone. Tourists are not allowed to land the island and they only get to experience the island from ships or chartered boats. There are plenty of options on the way to the island for tourists like fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling.
- St. Mary’s Island
Located just 15 kilometres away from Udupi railway station, St. Mary’s Islands welcome you with its heavenly white sandy beaches, marvelous flora consisting of coconut trees and fishing nets spread around its coastline. The island group consists of four islands lying to the north of famous Udupi beach that offer plenty of options for sightseeing. The island is mostly famous for its basalt rock formations which lend a unique touch to the whole landscape. Western beach is worth a visit if you admire collecting seashells.
- Netrani Island
This heart shaped island located in Arabian Sea close to the coast of Karnataka is a paradise for scuba divers. The island offers a rich experience of the underwater world with its diverse range of sea animals like turtles, stone fish, Black tip sharks and Cobia. The island also serves as an excellent spot for beach vacations and charms the visitors with the striking views of the Western Ghats overlooking the island.
- Elephanta Island
A dream destination for the lovers of rock carvings, Elephanta Island features the famous Elephanta caves that have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave temples are a popular tourist destination included in most temple tours offered by India travel experts. These caves represent magnificent artwork comprising of latticework seen in the courtyards, pillars and halls. The huge statue of Sadashiva is another interesting sculpture that portrays the brilliant craftsmanship that went in its making. The island derives its name from a large elephant sculpture that was present outside the cave temples which got demolished due to the ravages of time. The island is located just 10 kilometres from Mumbai and has a thick forest area consisting of mango, palm and tamarind trees.
Also Read: Top 10 Miraculous and Uncanny Caves of India
- Diu Island
This windswept island located in the southern coast of Gujarat is an ultimate place for beach holidays. The island is noted for its rich Portuguese history that has made an impact in the life of the inhabitants. The island offers ample opportunities in water sports activities like swimming, parasailing and water surfing along its coasts. The pleasant weather further adds to the appeal of this island which is one reason it witnesses a huge inflow of tourists. The tranquility exhibited by the beaches of Diu island is incomparable and one gets to relax and rejuvenate amidst the soothing sounds of sea waves coming from its shores.
Also Read: 17 Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Gujarat and Around Statue of Unity
- Munroe Island
This serene island located near Kollam in Kerala is a treat for nature lovers. Munroe island is formed by eight islets lying between Kalladi river and Ashtamudi Lake. The island is dominated by coconut trees that lend a peaceful vibe to its surroundings. There is a tiny village within the island that offers a perfect opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of Kerala. The island is noted for its restaurants serving traditional Kerala dishes that are sure to lure your taste buds you can also visit in your Kerala tour packages.
Also Read: This Summer Move Towards the Verdant Hill Stations of God’s Own Country – Kerala
- Majuli Island
One island that deserves every bit of your attention is the Majuli Island located in Brahmaputra River in Assam. This island possesses a rare charm due to its rich biodiversity and is particularly famous for the cultural festivals organized in village Naghmar that attract a large number of tourists wishing to experience the amazing cultural diversity stored in the remote villages of Assam. The village is home to 22 satras belonging to Vaishnavas which are worth seeing on your trip to Majuli island. Exploring the the handicrafts and pottery items made by the local people is a must do activity that would aquaint the tourists with the rich artwork of Assam.
- Havelock Island
The sparkling beaches, Azure Sea water and the greenery of Havelock Island is no less than a paradise for travelers. The island bears a matchless natural aura that surpasses every other experience on this earth. Situated in Andaman and Nicobar island group, the place appears as a top destination in Island tours of India offering a host of water sports and underwater activities which keep the visitors glued to this island. The island boasts of its numerous beaches that offer an ultimate beach experience to all sorts of travelers be it honeymooners, backpackers or adventure freaks.
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