Metropolitan cities in India have become cobwebs of our lives which make us feel stuck at times. We tend to feel claustrophobic surrounded by high raise buildings, overcrowded places and roads, smoky skies and blaring noise of the traffic which is why we look for an escape once in a while in the form of a vacation. If you are visiting any of the popular tourist destinations, solitude is the last thing you should be expecting to get there. Here we bring to you a curated list of some not-so-known beautiful best islands in India which you can consider for your next vacay:
1. Munroe Island
Amidst the several commercialized backwaters of Kerala, the narrow waterways of Munroe Island has been a hidden and an unexplored pearl. The dreamy canal cruise and a chance to witness the well-known Kallada Boat Race of Kollam are reasons enough to lure one to visit this island.
Best time to visit: April-June, September-November
Highlights: Cultural Tours, Boat Tours, Lake Resorts
2. Srirangapatna
The rocky island of Srirangapatna holds great historical and cultural importance which is why it could be your next spot if history fascinates you. The island town lies in the Mandya district of Karnataka with magnificent forts, temples and monuments protected under UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Best time to visit: October-March
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cultural Tourism
3. Campbell Bay
With the National Park being one of its major attractions, Campbell Bay, part of the Great Nicobar Island, is the perfect place to relieve your stress due to its sprawling flora and fauna. Its crystal clear water will tempt you to take a dip and let go of all your inhibitions.
Best time to visit: October-March
Highlights: Nearby National Park, Helicopter Ride To Reach This Island, Flora And Fauna
4. Divar Island
If you're fed up of going to the same ever populated and noisy places in Goa, then next time you should head to the much more quaint and quiet Divar Island having the old-world rural charm of Goa. Then fun would double-up if you happen to visit the island during The Bonderam festival or the 'festival of flags' which essentially puts the island on the map.
Best time to visit: February-April, October-December
Highlights: Scenic Views, Picture Perfect Spot, Rural Vibes, Water Birds
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5. Quibble Island
Adyar river situated between Mylapore and Adyar, both prominent neighbourhoods of Chennai, forms this quaint little river island called Quibble Island. It is one of the most unexplored islands of the country of which hardly anything is known except the fact that the battle between French-led Indian troops and Nawab forces took place here only.
Best time to visit: October-March
Highlights: Unexplored - Less Crowded, Ferry Ride To Reach There, Historical Background
6. Majuli
Located in the Brahmaputra river, Majuli is the first Indian island to be made a district in India and is known for its vibrant festivals such as Ali Aye Ligang and Raas. It's one of the biggest river islands in the world and subsequently in India. Majuli is also popularly called as the cultural capital of Assam.
Best time to visit: July-March
Highlights: World's Largest Fresh Water Island, Inhabited By Tribals, Visit - Kamalabari Satra, Gamur and Dakhinpat Satra - Nearby Tourist Places
7. St. Mary's
It's a group of 4 islands known for their basaltic rock formations cut into a hexagon. Not many are aware of this island on the coast of Karnataka but the rocky beach and clear blue waters are a sight to behold.
Best time to visit: December-January
Highlights: Rocky Beach, Hexagon Shaped, Seashells All Over, One of the four geological monuments
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8. Kavyavi
It's a group of small islands located a few kms from Payyanur city near Kannur district, Kerala. Enjoy the panoramic sight of the backwaters from these beautiful islands. One can easily reach there by a taxi or bus from Payyanur town. Valiyaparamba island is the biggest among them - A boat ride is an ideal thing to do on these mesmerizing small islands - definitely a tourist spot.
Best time to visit: October To March
Highlights: Backwaters - sightseeing, Boat Rides, Flora And Fauna
9. Hope Island
This one is located off the coast of Kakinada, it's beaches are adjacent Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary which serves as natural habitat for turtles as well. It's a tadpole shaped island attracting every tourist's attention. There are various places to explore near the Hope Island such as Haritha Beach Resort, Adurru Excavation Site and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a perfect escape for travellers - one will be mesmerized by the clean water and beautiful scenic views.
Best time to visit: April To September
Highlights: Haritha Beach Resort, Adurru Excavation Site and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Sao Jacinto
This island is located 5kms away from the Bogmalo Beach - it's a peaceful one as you wouldn't find much to do there but beauty lies in the silent unexplored places. You've got to visit this one as visiting the unexplored makes you learn more about new places yet to be discovered. You will also find a church dedicated to St. Hyacinth and an abandoned lighthouse there.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Highlights: Closeby From The Airport, Peaceful - Less Crowed, Unexplored
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