India is surrounded by bodies of waters from three sides and there is no dearth of islands as well. Here is a list of 10 island destinations for tourists in India.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND
WHY:
Off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep islands are a tropical paradise favoured by many Indian and international travellers looking to have a relaxed island holiday. Of the 36 islands in the area, only 10 — Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy are inhabited. Islands like Agatti and Bangaram are pleasant even during the monsoon and the rainy season presents 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. Kavaratti is the most developed of the islands and the lagoons surrounding it are thriving with coral and marine life.
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. Colourful 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.
Note:
The locals of Lakshadweep islands are conservative Muslim, 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.
WHERE TO STAY:
Bangaram Island Resort, Bangaram: 0471-2323014 /5/6 ; Seashells Beach Resort: 09995568866; Agatti Island Beach Resort, Agatti: 0484-2362232 For more information visit www.lakshadweeptourism.com
NETRANI ISLAND
WHY:
Netrani (known as Pigeon Island) is a tiny island located off the coast of Karnataka. The island is not populated aside being home to pigeons and wild goats. Netrani is a coral island and therefore suitable for snorkelling and diving activities which are easily accessible from Goa and Mumbai. Many varieties of coral, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps can be seen here. The waters around the island are more visited since the island itself is strewn with sharp jagged rocks. The island adjacent to Netrani is used by the Indian navy for target practice. One can see empty shells rusting around. It is recommended that visitors to the island take permission from the Indian navy office or go along with a diving company which has taken prior permission.
HOW TO REACH:
Boats from Goa take scuba diving groups to the island For more information log on to www.divegoa.com/files/expeditions.html
ST. MARY'S ISLANDS
WHY:
St. Mary's Islands, also known as Coconut Islands, are a set of 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 simply 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 diversity of flora and fauna. Colonies of Gulls, sandpipers, Brahminy Kites, Great White Egrets, Grey Egrets, Green Beeeaters can be spotted on the isles. No accommodation is available on the island, but visitors can stay on Malpe Beach in Udupi instead.
HOW TO REACH:
Boats are available to take you to the island. Visit www.ourkarnataka.com/states/udupi/stmarysislands
ISLANDS OF KERALA
Munroe Island, Kollam
Munroe consists of a cluster of eight small islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district of Kerala. It has some of the best scenic and natural spots and is a favoured tourist destination in God's Own Country. The Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala teeming with aquatic life. While staying at Munroe you can watch coir retting 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 lake shore, Kandal plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.
Vypin or Vypeen is one among a group of islands that form part of the city of Kochi. The western coast of Vypin has the longest beach in Kochi namely, the Cherai Beach, Kuzhuppilly Beach and the Puthuvype Beach. Visit Nedungad, a smaller island nearby, Lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, Cherai Beach, Pallipuram Fort, 16th century fort, Chinese nets and a number of temples and churches in the area.
Willingdon Island is another island, which forms part of the city of Kochi. The island has a number of great hotels to choose from and is a good alternative to staying on the mainland during a trip to Kerala.
BUTTERFLY ISLAND
WHY:
A favourite among locals and tourists looking to spend time on an island, Butterfly island on Goa's coast line in Palolem offers the feeling of being on Robinson Crusoe's island. The place is strewn with boulders and rocks and makes for a good climb.
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.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar are a group of 572 picturesque islands in the south eastern part of the Bay of Bengal. The islands may be described as a veritable Garden of Eden and a naturalist heaven.
The uniqueness of the islands lies in its beautiful silvery beaches, marine life flourishing with rare species of plants, animals and corals, serpentine mangrove-lines creeks and the tropical evergreen rain forests. All these provide a memorable experience for the tourists. Nature lovers can enjoy adventure trekking, water sports, island camping, scuba diving and nature trail amidst the varied landscape of the region.
Viper Island, Mount Harriet, Smith Islands, Neil Islands, Corbyn's Cove are among the favourite tourist locations.
Being a popular tourist destination, economy rooms at the island will be priced at least Rs 1,300. Business class rooms are available at Rs 2,200 and above. Deluxe and super deluxe rooms are also available at Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,000 upwards. The hotels are very customer friendly and arrange for a variety of outdoor activities such as water sports.
The islands are well connected to mainland India by air and sea. Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Jet lite ply innumerable flights to Port Blair from Kolkata and Chennai. There are also frequent passenger ship services from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.
Munroe Islands
Munroe consists of a cluster of eight small islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district of Kerala.
Munroe has some of the best scenic and natural spots and is a favoured tourist destination in God's Own Country.
The Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala teeming with aquatic life. While staying at Munroe you can watch coir retting 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 lake shore, Kandal plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.
The island is well connected by road and inland water navigation and is about 25 kilometres from Kollam town.
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands covering an area of 32 Sq. Kilometers and surrounded by 4200 sq. Kilometers of lagoon in the Arabian Sea. The island is endowed with the beauty of sandy beaches and coral reef which are a delightful treat to the eyes of a naturalist.
The islands are among the world's best tropical island systems with rich marine wealth. There are many varieties of living corals, sea urchins, sea weeds, sea birds, eels, swordfish, octopus and numerous types of trigger fish which will be a source of delight for any tourist. The Marine Museum is also a major attraction here.
Lakshadweep has many luxurious resorts which offer beautiful views of the enchanting locales. It is also packed with many hotels that have all kinds of amenities
The islands are well connected by cruises. Lakshadweep can be reached using a passenger cruise from Cochin harbor. Further, Agatti and Bangaram islands of Lakshadweep are connected by air to Cochin which is well connected to other major Indian, and international cities.
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram Island is located between peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar. It is basically a pilgrimage centre and a corridor of faith.
According to the legends, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and installed a lingam before crossing over to Lanka by building a bridge to Lanka from here. There is a principal temple here where the deity, Rameshwara lingam is installed. The place is, therefore, sacred to the Hindus and is visited by people from all over the country.
Among the highlights of Rameshwaram are Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Jada Theertham and Viloondi Theertham.
There are many cheap accommodations available in the city and most of the hotels are near the sea, allowing the tourists to watch the beautiful sun rise from the hotel room itself.
Rameshwaram is connected to mainland via the Pamban Bridge and also has a Railway station.
Cochin Island
Cochin has always been one of the striking destinations of India. The tourists are not supposed to be missing the islands, the backwaters, monuments and rich heritage of this truly delightful destination.
Cochin has a natural harbor that has seen the coming together of various cultures and traditions over many centuries via sea.
A little away from the Kochi Marine Drive is the Bolgatty Island Resort. The resort is tucked away nicely among the giant umbrellas of refreshing trees amidst the bustling city. The island has become a major stopover for international yachts and cruise ships. It is adjacent to the Bolgatty Palace and is considered as honeymooners' paradise. The nine-hole golf course around the resort provides an avenue for a game.
Cherai is another wonderful place to visit and is located on Vipin island which forms a part of the Cochin city. Its main attraction is the Cherai beach. The place is also famous for the ancient Cherai Gowreeshwara temple.
Traveling to Cochin is not difficult as the city is well connected by air, rail, sea and road to all major Indian cities and international destinations.
Islands of the Cauvery River
The Cauvery River leaves the Kodagu hills and flows onto the Deccan plateau, forming three islands, Srirangapatnam, Shivanasamudram and Nisargadhama.
Srirangapatnam is located in Mandya District of Karnataka near Mysore. It is an egg shaped island formed by two divisions of river Cauvery. The town became famous due to the celebrated Ranganathaswamy temple. History also says that Lord Buddha visited and stayed at one of the islands at Srirangapatnam. The island is easily reachable via the national highway connecting the cities of Bangalore and Mysore.
Shivasamudram, an island town is also located in Mandya district. Here the River Cauvery meanders to fall into cascading Shivasamudram Falls. One has to trek along the lush green Cauvery banks to reach this falls. There are many benches provided at the watch tower at the spot and you can take delight on the scenic beauty of the falls. One can also visit the Somanathpur Temple at Shivasamudram. Accomodation and food can be availed at Talakad, a nearby town about 35 kilometers away. The place can be reached from Mysore or Bangalore by road.
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island formed by the Cauvery River in the plains and is about two kilometers from Kushalnagar in Coorg district. It is about 95 kilometers from Mysore. It has to be reached via a hanging bridge. Nisargadhama abounds with thick bamboo groves, lush foliage, rose wood and teak. The island has a sprawling 64-acre nature resort with a deer park, orchidarium and elephant and boat rides. The sandy beds of the river are also a good picnic spot.
Chorao
Chorao is a beautiful island on Mandovi River. The island is around five kilometers from Panaji and is one of the largest islands in Goa. There is a thick mangrove hedge covering a part of the island giving it a mystical look.
The island was first inhabited by the Portuguese who found it a perfect place for relaxation. The Portuguese influence can stilled be found in the island's many whitewashed churches. The Church of St Bartholemew and the Church of Our Lady of Grace are the two churches that grab maximum tourist attention here. The place is also famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctury which houses a wide variety of birds.
Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island is one among the islands in Mumbai harbour. It is an important tourist destination for a single day trip and is well known for its cave temples that have been carved from rocks.
The island which was supposed to be the capital of a powerful local kingdom has thickly wooded mango, tamarind and palm trees.
Regular boats ply to the island from the Gate Way of India in Mumbai, about 10 kilometers away.
The trip to the island is a journey back to the times when mysticism and art reigned supreme and the task of carving out statues and caves from monoliths was a blessing, and is a testimony to the skills of our ancestors.
Diu Island
Diu is one of the calmest islands of India. It forms a part of the union territory of Daman and Diu in the Western coast of India beside Gujarat. Diu is famous for its sunny beaches and breathtaking sunsets.
The seashell museum, bird watch tower, Diu fort and the caves of Nayda are the main attractions of Diu. Among other places of interest in Diu are the Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, St.Paul's Church, INS Khukri Memorial and Fortim-do-mar.
Diu is well connected by Rail, Road and Air. It has an operational airport belonging to the Jet Airways and a bi- weekly flight plies between Mumbai and Diu. The nearest Railway station is 90 kilometers away at Veraval and is connected to major cities like Ahmadabad and Mumbai. The Gujarat State bus service operates regular buses from places in Gujarat to the island.
Majuli Island
Majuli is an island located on Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It is the largest mid river deltaic island in the world. Extinct species of various migratory birds are found in Majuli which creates an environment of bird sanctuary.
The people of Majuli represent the varied ethnic forms of cultural heritage. The assemblage and assimilation of all ethnic groups under the same sky, retaining their respective individual and traditional cultural entities is a very striking phenomenon that easily attracts the visitors to this island.
Garamur Satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra, and Samaguri Satra are major tourist attractions of this place.
The place is best approached from Jorhat which has an airport and a railway station. Jorhat is connected by road to Guwahati. State and Private run buses ply everyday in early morning and evening between Jorhat and Guwahati.
Source: Siliconindia.com
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