The Most Beautiful Islands in India for Your next Holiday

In a diverse land like India, you can usually always find a spot made just for your kind of trip! If you feel like you are done trekking around hills, and having adventurous rides in the parched desert, this one is for you. Why not plan an island getaway this time, and see the country’s rich natural beauty from a whole new perspective?

Here is our list of the most beautiful islands in India that are inviting you for brand new adventures:

Havelock Island

radhanagar-beach-in-havelock — Watch a beautiful sunset from Radhanagar Beach

Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, Havelock is truly one of the most beautiful islands in India with its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the most charming views. From kayaking in the shadow of dense mangrove canopies to diving among the most exotic marine life, this place offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation opportunities. You can visit Elephant Beach and engage in water sports like snorkelling and jet-ski riding, or head to Radhanagar Beach, one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches, and have a memorable tropical experience. See shades of dusk spread over the vast sky as you gaze into the horizon with the waves lapping at your feet.

Getting there: Port Blair is the closest airport for a trip to Havelock Island; from here, you can take a ferry transfer to Havelock (or Swaraj Dweep as it is now officially named).

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Pamban

About 500 km south of Chennai lies the historically significant Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu’s largest island by area. Also known as Rameswaram Island, this location offers spectacular views of the Bay of Bengal and Sri Lankan hillocks. Pay a visit to the Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir and check out the floating stones associated with the legendary Hindu Epic Ramayana. Enjoy palm-shaded white sand beaches and make beautiful memories on your visit to this offbeat destination.

Getting there: Rameshwaram has a train station with connections to many cities across India. You can also take a flight to Madurai (approx. 120 km away) and reach Pamban by road from there.

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Poovar

Lose yourself in nature on your visit to Poovar, a top favourite of explorers seeking soulful adventures. About 16 km southeast of Kovalam, this must-visit island in India is the abode of golden sand beaches, teal creeks, and hushed backwaters. Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in India, this is the best spot for chilling solo or with your loved ones. Relax in beach-side resorts, experience a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage, meditate in the cool coastal air or sail the backwaters on a cruise as you unwind in God’s own country.

Getting there: The nearest airport and railhead is at Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), from where you can reach Poovar Island by road.

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Great Nicobar Island

The largest of the Nicobar Islands archipelago, the Great Nicobar Island is where you will find the southernmost point of India, the famous Indira Point. Expect to spend more time with nature than with people in this sparsely inhabited spot, and enjoy hiking through tropical rainforests like the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve and Galathea National Park. Richly forested with a unique diversity of flora and fauna, this destination continues to live up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful islands in India.

Getting there: Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island is connected to Port Blair in Andaman by ferry and helicopter service. You can reach Port Blair by air from most major cities.

Lakshadweep

If someone asks you to name some of the most beautiful islands in India, Lakshadweep will surely be one of the first names to pop up in your mind. Scattered over some 78,000 square meters in the Arabian Sea, this popular tourist destination is famous for its abundant marine fauna, verdant plantations, and luscious lagoons. India’s only islands with ring-shaped coral reefs, the Lakshadweep archipelago is best enjoyed when the weather is cooler and drier during the months December to May. Head here if you’re in the mood for a cruise, wish to try some adventure sports or simply feel like getting away from it all!

Getting there: The most convenient way to reach Lakshadweep is by air. Agatti island has a tiny but picturesque airport with flight connections to Kochi (Cochin).

Little Andaman

Your travel diary is incomplete without a visit to Little Andaman- the most beautiful island in India. Experience an end-of-world feel as you explore this small yet pleasant island. Visit the Little Andaman Lighthouse for amazing panoramic views, or take a surf break at Butler Bay, known to be one of the best surfing beaches in India. From teal lagoons to white sandy beaches, a visit to this island will serve you the tropical experience you have been craving for.

Getting there: Hut Bay in Little Andaman is connected to Port Blair by ferry as well as a helicopter service.

Majuli

Situated between two channels of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli stands proudly in the state of Assam as the world’s largest river island. Renowned for its unique Hindu monasteries or Satras, Majuli preserves the culture of Assam through multiple practices in the form of art, literature, dance and theatre and is one of the best islands to see in India. If you are a keen lover of birds, plan your visit here anytime between November to March, and spot pelicans, storks, Siberian cranes and even whistling teals!

Getting there: Jorhat is the closest airport to Majuli island; from here, the best way is to take a cab which will stay with you during the two ferry crossings as well.

Neil Island

If you’re looking for a serene island getaway, head to this tranquil paradise in Andaman. Dotted with lush green paddy fields, beautiful fruit plantations, and tropical beaches, this exquisite location ranks number one on the list of must-visit islands in India. You can laze at the beach, go diving or ride the tide in a glass-bottom boat to view the amazing marine life. The best way to know Neil Island is by renting a bike and exploring its locales like a local!

Getting there: Take a flight to Port Blair, the closest airport, and a ferry transfer from there to Neil island (or Shaheed Dweep as it is now officially called).

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So get planning and visit the most beautiful islands in India for an exceptional experience with MakeMyTrip.