Don’t you just love the idea of an island vacation with nothing between you and the blue, blue sea? Maldives, Bali, Bora Bora, Santorini, Maui – if these gorgeous beauties seem too far away to fly to, we’ve got you covered right here in India. Golden sands, gin-clear waters, and sweet serenity are sprinkled all over these seven Indian isles:
1.Majuli Island
Even though Assam is known for its scenic beauty, no other destination in this state can compare with the serenity and natural beauty of Majuli Island. The gorgeous blue waters surrounded by lush greenery are perfect when you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Keep a camera on you at all times because this island offers you some stunning sunrises and breath-taking sunsets.
- Location: A river island on the Brahmaputra River in Assam
- How to Reach: Take a ferry from Jorhat: ferries leave at 10:00 and 15:00 hours every day
- Official Language: Assamese
- Food & Drink: Tenga, Khar, and Laksa are some must-have Assamese dishes here
2.Mary’s Island
A set of four islands in the Arabian Sea, St. Mary’s Island is a treasure trove of striking basalt rock formations. It is because of these rock projections that St. Mary’s Island looks more like an island in Ireland than in India. Be sure to visit the coconut gardens once you are done exploring the crystal blue waters of this island.
- Location: Off the Malpe coast in Udupi, Karnataka
- How to Reach: The only way to reach these islands is via a boat from Malpe, the boat ride takes only 15 minutes or so
- Official Language: Tulu, Kannada
- Food & Drink: Udupi cuisine items such as spiced rice, Bakshya, and Tambuli must be tried at these islands.
3. Diu Island
Come to the Diu Island to discover the impressive monuments that can be traced back to the time when the Portuguese ruled here. The picturesque beaches, the cleanliness of the city, and the tropical food with a Gujarati touch set this island apart from the other Indian islands. Some good news – unlike Gujarat, alcohol is legal in Diu!
- Location: Just off the south coast of Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat
- How to Reach: Diu is well-connected to the major Indian cities via the airport and the roadways.
- Official Language: Gujarati
- Food & Drink: The cuisine at Diu Island offers you an unique mix of Portuguese and Gujarat cuisine
4. Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep Islands are ethereal – no other words can truly describe the beauty of these islands located approximately 300 km from Kerala. Lush with turquoise blue waters and green palm trees, these coral islands are the smallest in India. The unspoiled quality and remote location of Lakshadweep Islands are perfect when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Location: Situated in the Laccadive Sea, on the southwest coast of India
- How to Reach: These islands are very well-connected to the other Indian cities via waterways and airways
- Official Language: English, Malayalam, Hindi
- Food & Drink: Food in the Lakshadweep Islands is spicy, coconutty and flavourful!
5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
You may have heard about the beauty of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, however, no amount of pictures or descriptions can do justice to the surreal exquisiteness of these islands. Out of the almost 572 islands here, 37 have tribal residents. Forget palm trees, Andaman and Nicobar Islands offers you lush rain forests! Go scuba diving to explore the magnificent marine life at these islands.
- Location: Near the confluence of Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea
- How to Reach: The best way is to fly to the Veer Sarkar International Airport in Port Blair
- Official Language: Bengali, Nicobarese, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
- Food & Drink: The main cuisine of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is seafood – so don’t forget to try crabs, prawns, and lobsters here
6. Pamban Island
Also known as the Rameshwaram Island, Pamban Island has also been associated with the Ramayana, a Hindu epic. According to the legend, Rama build the famous bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita. Today, this island is famous for two things – the Ramanathaswamy Temple and the ghost town of Dhanushkodi. Explore this town and marvel at the crumbling remains of the city struck by a cyclone many years ago.
- Location:Between Sri Lanka and Indian Peninsula
- How to Reach: The roadways and railways are your ideal choice to reach the Pamban Island
- Official Language: Tamil
- Food & Drink: Sambar rice and Rasam are two must-try dishes in Pamban
Also read : 9 Most Peaceful Places in India!
Featured video courtesy : Walking Wanderer
