Best Indian Islands for a Tropical Escape

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Best Time to Visit: October to January

Why You’ll Love It: Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a must-visit destination, especially Havelock Island. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters offer an unforgettable retreat. When I visited Radhanagar Beach, the calm, turquoise waves and golden sunsets were surreal. I loved exploring the rich marine life while snorkeling and enjoying peaceful strolls along the untouched beaches.

How to Reach:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Port Blair, with direct flights from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.

• By Sea: Passenger ships are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam, but the journey takes 3-4 days.

10 Things to Do:

1. Snorkeling at Elephant Beach (₹1,000 - ₹1,500)

2. Scuba diving in Havelock’s pristine waters (₹3,500 - ₹5,000)

3. Cellular Jail visit (₹30)

4. Explore Ross Island ruins (₹50)

5. Glass-bottom boat ride (₹500)

6. Sea walking at North Bay (₹3,000)

7. Trekking at Mount Harriet (₹100)

8. Parasailing (₹3,000)

9. Birdwatching at Chidiya Tapu (Free)

10. Mangrove kayaking (₹1,500)

2. Lakshadweep Islands

Best Time to Visit: November to January

Why You’ll Love It: Lakshadweep is known for its unspoiled beauty, perfect for those who love the tranquility of remote beaches. Agatti Island, with its turquoise lagoons, felt like stepping into a private paradise. The coral reefs here are some of the most vibrant I’ve seen, making snorkeling and diving truly special experiences.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Flights from Kochi to Agatti Island.

• By Ship: Ferries operate from Kochi, with travel time ranging between 14-20 hours.

10 Things to Do:

1. Snorkeling at Agatti (₹500)

2. Scuba diving at Kadmat Island (₹3,500)

3. Dolphin spotting (₹1,000)

4. Kayaking in Bangaram’s lagoons (₹1,500)

5. Coral reef tour (₹2,000)

6. Kavaratti Marine Aquarium visit (₹50)

7. Minicoy Lighthouse exploration (₹20)

8. Deep-sea fishing (₹2,500)

9. Lagoon swimming (Free)

10. Boat ride in Bangaram (₹500)

3. Diu Island, Gujarat

Best Time to Visit: October to January

Why You’ll Love It: Diu combines natural beauty with a rich cultural history. The island offers a blend of Portuguese architecture and laid-back beach vibes. I loved exploring Diu Fort, where the sea views were simply breathtaking. Nagoa Beach was serene, with golden sand stretching for miles, making it ideal for both relaxation and water sports.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Direct flights to Diu from Mumbai.

• By Road: Around 90 km from Veraval, Gujarat.

10 Things to Do:

1. Relax at Nagoa Beach (Free)

2. Visit Diu Fort (₹10)

3. Naida Caves exploration (Free)

4. Water sports at Ghoghla Beach (₹500)

5. Sunset at Chakratirth Beach (Free)

6. St. Paul’s Church visit (Free)

7. Parasailing at Nagoa (₹2,000)

8. Rent a bicycle for a tour (₹100)

9. Visit INS Khukri Memorial (Free)

10. Jet skiing at Ghoghla Beach (₹500)

4. Majuli Island, Assam

Best Time to Visit: October to December

Why You’ll Love It: Majuli Island is perfect for those seeking peace and immersion in cultural traditions. As the world’s largest river island, it offers a unique experience of Assamese culture, especially through its monasteries. The simplicity of life here, paired with lush green fields, made me feel like I had stepped into a different world.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Nearest airport is Jorhat, 20 km from Majuli.

• By Ferry: Take a ferry from Jorhat across the Brahmaputra River to reach the island.

10 Things to Do:

1. Kamalabari Satra visit (Free)

2. Boat ride on the Brahmaputra (₹500)

3. Explore Mishing tribal villages (Free)

4. Birdwatching in the wetlands (Free)

5. Raas festival celebrations (Free)

6. Cycle around the island (₹200)

7. Pottery making with locals (Free)

8. Attend satra dance performances (₹100)

9. Photography of rural landscapes (Free)

10. Visit Tengapania temple (Free)

5. St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka

Best Time to Visit: October to January

Why You’ll Love It: Known for its unique hexagonal rock formations, St. Mary’s Island is a geological wonder. The basalt formations create a striking landscape against the crystal-clear waters. A short boat ride from Malpe Beach brought me to this quiet island, perfect for a day trip filled with nature’s beauty.

How to Reach:

• By Boat: Regular boats operate from Malpe Beach, taking around 30 minutes.

10 Things to Do:

1. Walk among the basalt rocks (Free)

2. Swim in the clear waters (Free)

3. Collect seashells on the shore (Free)

4. Island hopping from Malpe (₹500)

5. Explore the rock formations (Free)

6. Boat ride to and from the island (₹300)

7. Take a picnic on the beach (Free)

8. Visit Udupi’s famous temples nearby (Free)

9. Photograph the unique rock landscape (Free)

10. Sunset at Malpe Beach (Free)

Conclusion

India's islands offer the perfect retreat between October and January, each with its own unique charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, these islands are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your next tropical escape to any of these five destinations, and experience the tranquil magic of India’s islands.

Dil Shad Roshan