Best island destinations in India
21 curated island destinations across 10 states, each with the months it is worth going and the months it is not.
Best of island India
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Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andaman's backpacker-diving hub with Radhanagar Beach
Peak: Nov to Mar
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Agatti Island (Lakshadweep)
Lakshadweep
Coral lagoon island - Lakshadweep's permit-only gateway
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Karwar (Devbagh & Kurumgad)
Karnataka
Kali river mouth, island beaches and a naval town's coast
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Majuli Island
Assam
World's largest river island: Vaishnavite monasteries
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Diu
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
Portuguese-era island enclave with forts and beer
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Divar Island
Goa
Ferry-only Goan island of paddy fields and empty lanes
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Hanuwantiya Tapu
Madhya Pradesh
Tent city and island cruises on India's biggest reservoir
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Nongkhnum Island (Langshiang Falls)
Meghalaya
Sand-beach river island above one of India's tallest falls
Peak: Oct to Feb
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Rameswaram
Tamil Nadu
Sacred island town at land's end - temple and Pamban Bridge
Peak: Dec to Feb
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Dumboor Lake (Narikel Kunja)
Tripura
Dam-born lake of 48 islets deep in Tripura's hill folds
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The quiet, bicycle-friendly Andaman island next door
Peak: Nov to Mar
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Bangaram Island
Lakshadweep
Uninhabited coral islet with a glowing night lagoon
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Udupi-Malpe & St Marys Island
Karnataka
Temple town beside a basalt-column island
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Surf breaks, waterfalls and a ferry that may not come back
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Kadmat Island
Lakshadweep
Eight km coral sliver with a vast western lagoon
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Long Island
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
No cars, one village, and Lalaji Bay a two-hour walk away
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Kavaratti
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep's capital atoll: a glass lagoon and a strict permit
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Baratang Island (Limestone Caves)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Mangrove creek boats to limestone caves and a bubbling mud volcano
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Minicoy (Maliku)
Lakshadweep
Maldivian-speaking atoll with a 19th-century lighthouse to climb
Peak: Dec to Mar
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Diglipur (Ross & Smith Islands)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Remote North Andaman turtle beaches and twin-island sandbar
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Rangat (Amkunj & Dhani Nallah)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Middle Andaman stopover with a mangrove boardwalk and turtle beach
Peak: Dec to Mar
When to go
January, February and December are the months with the most island places in peak season.
By state
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (7)Lakshadweep (5)Karnataka (2)Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (1)Goa (1)Tripura (1)Madhya Pradesh (1)Assam (1)Meghalaya (1)Tamil Nadu (1)
Common questions
How many island destinations are there in India?
This catalogue lists 21 tagged island, across 10 states and union territories. It is a curated list, not an exhaustive one: places earn a spot on the strength of the landscape or the heritage.
When is the best time for a island trip in India?
January, February and December put the most of them in peak season. Each place carries its own window, though, so check the one you are aiming at.
Which states have the most island destinations?
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (7), Lakshadweep (5), Karnataka (2), Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (1) and Goa (1).
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