Summer vacation passing swiftly, yet you have not decided on a place where you want to go in this vacation to chill yourself and learn about the place. We make your task easier and find out some beautiful island where you want to visit and enjoy yourself with your family, friends. Islands are the only destination to relieve you in the hot weather conditions which are prevailing in India. And for this, you don’t need to do so much because hundreds of islands are anchored in the seas around India and a couple of Rivers Island dotting the country’s map. Bodies of water from 3 sides surround India, and there is a dearth of beautiful islands ranging from 30 yards to 1536 square kilometers.
Travelers looking for an island which is closer to home is not very difficult at all. You can choose from religious or opt for a luxury stay with snorkeling and spa massages. In your religious list, you can opt for Ganga Sagar (West Bengal), Munroe island (Kerala), Elephanta & Mandwa islands (Mumbai), Rameswaram. If your choice is luxury, then go for Lakshadweep Island, Netrani Island, Butterfly Island, Andaman Islands, St. Mary island. You can also find out the unique culture, beautiful art and experience the region-centric natural beauty that makes these destinations more beautiful for you. Some delicious local food also adds something to your experience.
The Indian Ocean prides itself with precious clear beaches, turquoise waters, stunning islands, and marvelous scenery, is frequently considered one of the most appealing marine destinations on Earth. It would be best if you made your plan pack your sunglasses, swimming costume, and don’t forget a camera with you to capture the beautiful moments there.
source: Wikipedia
LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND
Open Blue skies, white powdery sands, clear green water, and coconut palms rustling in the breeze all these things you found on Lakshadweep Island. Lakshadweep, the group of 36 islands, is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape is a tropical paradise favored by many Indian and international travelers. The main islands of the region are Minicoy, Kavaratti, Agatti, and Bangaram.
Islands like Agatti and Bangaram present a breathtaking experience when the vegetation looks greener than ever, and the veil of rain adds a different hue to the beauty of lagoons and the blue seas beyond. Water sports activities such as diving, winds, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sport fishing, yachting, and night-voyages into the sea are quite popular activities on this island.
Kavaratti is the most developed of the islands, and the lagoons surrounding it are thriving with coral and marine life. The festival of Ratheeb is celebrated in the Kavaratti region. The grave of Sheikh Kasim, one of the respected saints of Islam, is praised during Ratheeb by the island’s people to gather his holy blessings.
Minicoy Island is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture, language, dress, etc. It is renowned for its traditional dance — the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colorful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are also held during festivals.
Kadmat Island is famous for scuba diving. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive destination for scuba divers. . The unpolluted air along with the mangrove-lined creeks and the rarest species of plant and animal life will make you fall in love with nature
Note: The locals of Lakshadweep islands are conservative Muslims, so it is preferable not to wear skimpy clothing.
HOW TO REACH: Ships and flights are available from Kochi to Agatti Island. Boats and helicopter transfers are available between the islands.
Source: ScoopWhoop
NETRANI ISLAND
Netrani (known as Pigeon Island) is a tiny island located off the coast of Karnataka. You can fall in love with this island when you see crystal water with Marine life. There is lots of pigeon, goats and marine species like triggerfish, parrotfish, shrimps, eels, turtles, whales, etc. Netrani is a coral island and therefore suitable for snorkeling and diving activities, easily accessible from Goa and Mumbai. The waters around the island are more visited since the island itself is strewn with sharp jagged rocks. . In the evening, you will visit the famous Shiva temple, known for its gigantic statue and the towering gopuram.
Note: The Indian Navy uses this for target practice. It is recommended that visitors to the island take permission from the Indian navy office or go along with a diving company that has taken prior permission.
HOW TO REACH: Boats from Goa take scuba diving groups to the island.
source: the India trip
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal. Imagine… your feet sinking into sun-bleached sands while enjoying a freshly plucked coconut… the perfect treat to a morning spent scuba diving in search of angelfish, eels, or dolphins your this dream comes true in Andaman and Nicobar island. The Islands have some of the world’s best beaches with plenty of forest cover. Surrounded by coral reefs that support marine life, including sharks and rays, they’re destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling. They’re also popular for water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. Oceanside camping and hiking are possible on some islands.
The islands were once known as Kalapani (Black Waters) back when this Union Territory of India was used as a penal settlement. Today, however, the area is famous not for its prisoners but as a relaxed tropical island collective with pristine beaches, incredible marine life, and its Danish and British colonial past that can still be traced in its older quarters. Gandhi Park, Sippighat Farm, and the century-old Cellular Jail (now a pilgrimage destination) provide glimpses into these peaceful islands’ past and present with a mysterious and multicultural past.
NOTE: Permits are required to visit the Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas.
HOW TO REACH: Travel by ship from Kolkata, Chennai, or Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair or fly from Chennai or Kolkata.
Source: Britannica
ELEPHANTA ISLAND
Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or place of caves) is one of several islands in Mumbai Harbor, east of Mumbai. This island is a popular tourist destination for a day trip because of the island’s cave temples; the Elephanta Caves carved out of the rock. Elephanta Island is quiet and picturesque, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering about. Try not to bring food to avoid harassment by the monkeys.
Small History of Elephanta Island
Northeast of India’s Gateway in Mumbai Harbor, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars, and shrines; its magnum opus is a 6m-tall statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator, and preserver of the universe.
HOW TO REACH: The island is easily accessible by ferry from Mumbai. Boats leave daily, taking about an hour each way.
Source: Wikimedia
ST. MARY’S ISLANDS
St. Mary’s Islands, also known as Coconut Islands, are four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. They are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava. The rifting of Madagascar from India is said to have resulted in these rock formations.
While on the island, tourists can collect shells, walk along the coast or sit on the rocks and gaze over miles and miles of the azure limitless ocean. The islands of St. Mary’s are extremely rich in terms of the diversity of flora and fauna. Colonies of Gulls, sandpipers, Brahminy Kites, Great White Egrets, Grey Egrets, Green Bee-eaters can be spotted on the isles. No accommodation is available on the island, but visitors can stay on Malpe Beach in Udupi instead. It is a really geological monument and tourist’s heaven.
HOW TO REACH: Boats are available to take you to the island.
ISLANDS OF KERALA
source: Tripadvisor
Munroe Island, Kollam
Munroe consists of a cluster of eight small islands located at Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in the Kollam district of Kerala. It has some of the best scenic and natural spots, and it is a favorite tourist destination in God’s Own Country. Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala, teeming with aquatic life. While staying at Munroe, you can watch the coir resting process, coir weaving, fishing, and prawns feeding. One can also go for a migratory bird watch and enjoy narrow canals and waterways, lagoons, coconut farms on the lakeshore, Kandal plants, and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.
source: elatrip.com
Vypin, Kochi
The Vypin beach that was newly formed is indeed a treat to oneself if you intend to choose a place that is not too “touristy,” but it is the perfect place to visit with your friends. Friends. Vypin or Vypeen is one of a group of islands that form part of the city of Kochi. The western coast of Vypin has the longest beach in Kochi, namely, Cherai Beach, Kuzhuppilly Beach, and Puthuvype Beach. Visit Nedungad, a smaller island nearby, Lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, Cherai Beach, Pallipuram Fort, 16th-century fort, Chinese nets, and several temples and churches area.
Source: gourmet
Willingdon Island, Kochi
Links Kochi with other seaports of the world and houses some of the district’s best hotels, commercial and industrial offices. Willingdon Island is set in Ernakulam’s estuarial backwaters and connected to mainland India by road. The Kochi Naval Airport is here, along with several parks and schools. Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, and Santa Cruz Basilica are notable points of interest in Kochi. The Arabian Sea is within 2 miles (3 kilometers). The island has several great hotels to choose from and is a good alternative to staying on the mainland during a trip to Kerala.
Source: jellybeansofdoom
BUTTERFLY ISLAND
The most Romantic beach in Goa is Butterfly beach, located in the north direction of Palolem beach. Butterfly Island is one of the most beautiful islands and natural marvels. Goa Butterfly beach is famous for Dolphin play and highly picturesque magical sunset, sea cucumbers, footprints of crabs and goldfishes, and sea urchins. It’s a perfect holiday destination for a Honeymoon in Goa. Low tides would create a vast canvas on the beach painted by the designer footsteps of crabs and goldfishes. The dolphins are extra acrobatic in the waters surrounding the island. It’s a beautiful place to visit.
HOW TO REACH: The best way to reach the island is to hire a kayak from Palolem beach and row your way there. Otherwise, follow the coastline and swim the narrow distance.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
