Top islands in India to travel for

Blue skies, crystal clear waters, amazing beaches, views to die for, exquisite flora, breathtaking fauna, air of tranquility and calm sunny journeys. If this is your idea of a perfect trip to an island, then I think we’re sailing in the right direction. India, because of our beautiful habits and love for water, is marked by waters that aren’t blue anymore and beaches that have more waste than sand. So where to go? Worry not, because what is about to follow might just be what you were looking for. Presenting to you, some of the most magnificent islands in India:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

This group of 572 islands is a sea lover’s paradise. Since Andaman is considerably far from the mainland, the waters have their natural color and present stunning views. Right from the beautiful journey where you can see patches of green in the big blue sea to the point when you take off from Port Blair’s stunning airport for your home, it has something in it for everyone. There is the Havelock Island if you want to spend a day on the beach, there is the Ross Island for a good walk, there is Baratang Island if you want to witness tribal life over a 50 km stretch and for everyone else, there are a range of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, trekking and water games. All in all, this place will surely amaze you with the diversity of flora and fauna it is home to.

Andaman and Nicobar
 https://www.flickr.com/photos/rabanito/3416817267

2. Lakshadweep Islands

This group of 36 islands is a delightful treat to the eyes of every visitor. Being away from the mainland justifies the cleanliness of the waters here as well. Marked by sandy beaches and coral reefs, Lakshadweep Islands are much more beautiful than they look in this picture. With the vast expanse of greenery, it makes for a perfect vacation that offers peace and freshness. The place has been endowed with rich marine wealth. Living corals, sea urchins, sea weeds, sea birds, eels, swordfish, octopus and numerous types of trigger fish are a common sight here. The Marine Museum also demands a visit.

Lakshadweep
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshadweep

3. Rameswaram Island

If you’ve seen Chennai Express, and were amazed by the beauty of the bridge and the waters underneath it when Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone travel to immerse the protagonist’s grandfather’s ashes in the sea, then Rameshwaram Island and Pamban Road might just be the perfect location for you. Located between Peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameshwaram is essentially a pilgrimage centre. It is also known as Pamban Island and is considered to be a corridor of faith all over. It is said that on his way to Sri Lanka, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and installed a lingam before crossing over to Lanka. So naturally, the temple with the Rameswara lingam is a must visit. Places to see are Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Jada Theertham and Viloondi Theertham.

Rameswaram https://www.flickr.com/photos/prince_tigereye/2505201617

4. Elephanta Island

One of the weekend getaway from Mumbai, Elephanta island is an excellent option for a one day trip. A UNESCO world heritage site, the most spectacular thing about this place is that the cave temples here have been carved from the rocks which makes it very unique and one of its kind. Thickly wooded mango, tamarind and palm trees can be found here. It is about 10 kms away from the Gateway of India, and regular boat facilities are available for traveling from both the sides.

Elephanta https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elephanta_island_from_a_distance

5. Majuli Island

Majuli is an island located on the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It is known for the various migratory birds, making it no less than a bird sanctuary. The biggest mid stream deltaic island on the planet, it makes for a beautiful vacation. The assemblage of various ethnic groups while retaining their individuality is a remarkable feature of the island. Garamur Satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra, and Samaguri Satra are some of the beautiful spots which make you realize that there is something heavenly about this place.

Majuli Island https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majuli

6. Diu Island

If the Ilha De Calma advertisement makes you fall for its serenity, then Diu Island makes for a good trip. Sunny beaches and amazing nightfalls are two things that characterize Diu. Located on the Western Coast beside Gujarat, this place enthralls you with its simplicity. No fancy shopping hubs and sports activities, it succeeds in slowing down your life for a few days. The seashell museum, bird watchtower, Diu fort and the caves of Nayda are really nice. Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, St.Paul’s Church, INS Khukri Memorial and Fortim-do-mar are a few more places to visit if you somehow escape the tranquility charm of the Island.

Diu
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/67965400

This article was contributed by Holidify.com, a portal which helps discover holiday options and weekend getaways from Delhi, Mumbai and other places in India.