10 Best Lesser-Known Island Destinations In India

This article covers Best Island Trip Destinations in India*, focusing on off the beaten path options for untouched beauty and peaceful retreats.

These hidden gems, from the peaceful backwaters of Kerala to the volcanic marvels of the Andaman Sea

offer one-of-a-kind pure experiences, rich culture, and captivating beauty to satisfy every traveler in search of stillness and adventure.

Key Points & Best Island Trip Destinations In India, Lesser Known

Island Destination	Key Highlights
Kakkathuruthu, Kerala	Known as the “Island of Crows”; serene sunsets, migratory birds, traditional life
Divar Island, Goa	Rich Indo-Portuguese heritage; ancient temples; peaceful alternative to Goa’s beaches
St. Mary’s Islands, Karnataka	Unique hexagonal basalt rock formations; geological marvel near Udupi
Hope Island, Andhra Pradesh	Tadpole-shaped island formed by Godavari sediment; protects Kakinada’s harbor
Little Andaman Island, Andaman & Nicobar	Surfing paradise; waterfalls, pristine beaches, peaceful surroundings
Munroe Island, Kerala	Backwater canals, coir industry, village life; ideal for kayaking and houseboats
Netrani Island, Karnataka	Heart-shaped island; scuba diving hotspot with coral reefs and marine life
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Andaman	White sand beaches, snorkeling, mangrove forests; less crowded than other Andaman spots
Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu	Historic temples, scenic railway bridge, spiritual and cultural significance
Barren Island, Andaman Sea	India’s only active volcano; remote and dramatic landscape, accessible by boat

10 Best Island Trip Destinations In India, Lesser Known

1. Kakkathuruthu, Kerala

Kakkathuruthu is a small island located in the district of Alappuzha, Kerala. It is called the “Island of Crows.” Kakkathuruthu is a small, beautiful island that stands out with its serenity.

The beauty of the island is complemented with its backwaters, coconut groves, and lovely small villages surrounding it. It offers a beautiful and simple picture of the rural life of Kerala.

It is also the type of island where you can enjoy solitude and beauty of nature as everyday life becomes hectic. The island is also boat-only accessible.

It offers beautiful sunsets which is why it is featured in the National Geographic as one of the sunset places in the world.

It is a lovely, quiet place that has canoe rides, local life view, and local toddy tasting. It is one of the lesser known beautiful places of Kerala.

Famous For	Details
Sunset views	Known as the “Island of Crows” with stunning sunsets
Traditional village life	Authentic Kerala lifestyle and culture
Migratory birds	Birdwatching paradise
Backwater serenity	Peaceful canoe rides through lush backwaters

2. Divar Island, Goa

Divar Island is located across the Mandovi River and is a beautiful, quiet place to visit in Goa. It does not have the usual busy beaches, and is truly a neat little island.

It has beautiful, old, Portuguese styled heritage houses and churches, and has little, quiet lanes.

The little island has a ferry service to enhance the splendid feeling of being in a little town, and old Portugal.

It also has the Bonderam Festival, that is pure Goa with colorful and happy parades filled with music, showcasing a little Portuguese Goa and local traditions.

Divar can also offer a lush, quiet, Goan experience with beautiful, small paddy fields, and lovely cycles for little rides in the quiet lanes of the island. It is also a great place for authentic Goan hospitality.

Famous For	Details
Portuguese heritage	Colonial architecture and churches
Bonderam Festival	Vibrant local celebration with music and parades
Quiet countryside	Tranquil escape from Goa’s touristy beaches
Ancient temples	Blend of Hindu and Christian religious sites

3. St. Mary’s Islands, Karnataka

St. Mary’s Islands are located off the coast of Malpe, near Udupi. Being the only islands in Karnataka, they are famous for their unique hexagonal basalt rock formations due to ancient volcanic activity.

These formations, along with azure blue waters and white beaches, provides the islands with an otherworldly beauty. Tourists can take a ferry from Malpe Beach to the islands.

They are a great place for swimming and going on picnics, but overnight stays are not permitted. For tourists wanting to avoid the crowd

The islands are an excellent place for relaxing and for admiring the coastal beauty. Perfect for nature lovers and for people who would like to study geology.

Famous For	Details
Basalt rock formations	Unique hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity
Crystal-clear waters	Ideal for photography and nature walks
Geological significance	Recognized as a national geological monument
Ferry ride from Malpe	Scenic boat journey to the island

4. Hope Island, Andhra Pradesh

Hope Island, located near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, is a small naturally formed, crescent shaped island made of sand and alluvial deposits.

It protects Kakinada Bay from rough seas and storms. It is unspoiled, and it’s beaches and mangroves are home to many to diverse bird species.

Hope Island can be accessed by boat and is uncommercialized, which is great if you want to get away and enjoy the natural beauty.

The soft sea breeze and calm conditions are great for a day of relaxing, photography, and marine activities. Hope Island is one of the most underrated natural treasures of coastal Andhra.

Famous For	Details
Natural harbor protection	Shields Kakinada port from ocean waves
Tadpole-shaped island	Formed by sediment from the Godavari River
Mangrove forests	Rich biodiversity and ecological importance
Fishing villages	Local livelihood and coastal culture

5. Little Andaman Island, Andaman & Nicobar

The Little Andaman Island is notable for its remarkable waterfalls, thick tropical jungles, and vast, vacant shores. Little Andaman is host to captivating Butler Bay Beach and Whisper Wave Waterfall.

Andaman is also famous for its elephant safaris, surfing, and rainforest trekking. In contrast to the more commercial Havelock and Neil Islands, Little Andaman is relatively low profile, providing tourists with simple island peace.

With its limited approachability and few visitors, it is perfect for tourists looking for an unusual island holiday, far from the crowd and with beautiful scenery for nature lovers to enjoy.

Famous For	Details
Surfing and adventure sports	One of India’s best surfing spots
White sand beaches	Butler Bay Beach is a major attraction
Waterfalls	Whisper Wave and White Surf waterfalls
Tribal culture	Home to the Onge tribe

6. Munroe Island, Kerala

Munroe island is a cluster of eight islets situated in the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, within the Kollam district of Kerala. It’s distinguished for its beautiful and teeming with life pulp and backwater villages.

Locals also offer canoeing for visitors, where you can enjoy the island and its beauty, lush with palms.

Guests to the island also enjoy the boat races in the Kallada and the exquisite views of the island in the early hours of the day.

Accommodating in Munroe island homestays enables tourists to enjoy a simple and slow Kerala lifestyle.

Munroe island is perfect for any one seeking the beautiful backwaters and is also a perfect spot for bird watchers and photographers.

Famous For	Details
Canal cruises	Explore narrow backwater canals by canoe
Coir industry	Traditional rope-making from coconut husk
Village homestays	Authentic local hospitality
Kallada Boat Race	Annual snake boat race event

7. Netrani Island, Karnataka

Off the coast of Murudeshwar in Karnataka lies Netrani Island, one of India’s best scuba diving destinations.

Commonly known as the Heart-Shaped Island, Netrani Island is nestled in the best of the Arabian Sea.

With stunning coral reefs, Netrani Island is home to a diverse range of exotic sea creatures including angelfish, barracudas, and turtle. The island is uninhabited, which helps preserve the unspoiled beauty of the island.

Most unforgettable diving and snorkeling experiences can be arranged in Murudeshwar. With breathtaking sea views and wonderful marine life

Netrani Island is ideal for those seeking quiet, uninhabited islands as well as for the adventure-seeking crowd.

Famous For	Details
Scuba diving	Coral reefs, turtles, and exotic marine life
Heart-shaped island	Aerial view reveals a heart-like shape
Clear waters	Ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography
Remote location	Accessible via boat from Murudeshwar

8. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Andaman

Swaraj Dweep is one of the most picturesque islands in the Andaman and Nicobar islands but it still has quiet, lesser explored parts.

The Andaman islands boasts of some of the best coastlines in the world and this is no different with Radhanagar Beach which is frequently ranked among the best in Asia.

The island also features lesser known but equally stunning beaches such as Kaipathar and Elephant Beach.

Visitors can indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling, and night bioluminescent tours, in addition to amphibious kayaking.

The island is abundantly blessed with stunning coral reefs and tropical forests, as well as ecologically sensitive rest and recreational facilities, allowing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Though still highly regarded for ecotourism, the island has maintained its remarkable beauty, which is a testimony to the charm of nature and tropical hill settlements.

Famous For	Details
Radhanagar Beach	Frequently ranked among Asia’s best beaches
Snorkeling and diving	Rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity
Mangrove forests	Kayaking through dense mangrove channels
Eco-tourism	Sustainable travel and nature conservation

9. Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu

Pamban Island (Rameswaram Island) forms part of Pamban bridge, the connecting link of India to Sri Lanka.

This religiously, and culturally, and naturally beautiful Island offers sacred temples, turquoise waters, and multilayered fishing villages.

The beautiful haunting ruins and a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean can be seen from the Dhanushkodi area at the Southeastern tip of the island.

The spiritually motivated, and doubly beautiful, coastal charm, is the reason for the slow pilgrimage to the island.

Cycling to the island to see the fishermen at work, the beautiful coral reefs and drowning in the coastal charm is a truly rewarding experience. Pamban Island is Tamil Nadu’s heritage.

Famous For	Details
Pamban Bridge	India’s first sea bridge, a marvel of engineering
Rameswaram Temple	Sacred Hindu pilgrimage site
Coastal beauty	Scenic views of the Gulf of Mannar
Historical significance	Linked to the Ramayana epic

10. Barren Island, Andaman Sea

Barren Island is located about 135 km from the Port Blair, and is the only place in the country with an active volcano.

The beautiful stark landscape made up of black volcanic rocks and turquoise waters is something to behold.

There is no direct way to land, but boat and air view of the volcanic land are allowed. Every adventurous photographer, and the self volcanologist, dream of the raw land and beautiful captivating lava in the volcano.

This is the only area in the country which is a live volcanic area and land. This makes it an unforgettable beautiful exploitable destination.

Famous For	Details
Active volcano	India’s only active volcano
Volcanic landscape	Dramatic terrain with black sand and lava rocks
Scuba diving nearby	Rich marine life around the island
Remote and uninhabited	Accessible only by boat with special permits

Conclusion

To conclude, India’s lesser-known islands are defined by peace, breathtaking views, and cultural beauty.

These hidden pieces of paradise offer unforgettable crowd-less experiences, from the volcanic marvels of the Andaman Sea to the quiet Kerala backwaters.

These islands and their unique offerings showcase the country’s diverse coastal treasures, perfect for the adventurous traveler in search of tranquility and the true essence of island life.

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