India is blessed with many beautiful and relatively unexploited islands known for their virgin beaches, clear blue waters, and natural surroundings. Unlike other crowded tourist destinations, the slow and tranquil pace of life on these islands makes them ideal for tourists seeking solitude or a deeper connection with nature.
These islands are also rich in biodiversity. They are places where nature blooms and local culture is preserved. What makes them truly special is their authenticity — untouched landscapes, and genuine hospitality.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar
Havelock Island is a tropical paradise nestled in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands known for its powdery white-sand beaches, especially the Radhanagar Beach with coral reefs, lush green forests and palm trees. The turquoise crystal-clear water surrounding the island makes them — ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides to view the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Dense mangroves and serene lagoons add to the island’s natural beauty. The golden sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. A paradise for scuba divers and beach lovers, Havelock offers a soothing, unforgettable escape into nature.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Andaman and Nicobar
Smaller and quieter than Havelock Island — its neighbour–Neil Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its natural beauty with golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green tropical vegetation. The island’s unspoiled calm and laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking solitude and peace away from commercial tourism.
Its shallow coral reefs are perfect for snorkelling and offer stunning views of marine life in calm, warm waters. The sunsets and sunrises here are breathtaking, especially from secluded beaches surrounded by swaying palms and limestone cliffs. A quieter alternative to Havelock, Neil Island with its beautiful beaches like Laxmanpur and Bharatpur — is perfect for a laid-back vacation.
Majuli Island, Assam
Majuli Island, located in Brahmaputra the world’s largest river offers breathtaking views of rural Assam’s beauty with golden rice fields, bamboo cottages, and endless stretches of wetlands. The island is a vibrant centre of Assamese culture, famous for its satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) that preserve centuries-old dance, music, and art traditions and lively festivals.
Unlike commercial tourist spots, Majuli has retained its simplicity and soul, where life moves at a gentle, rhythmic pace. The people here live in harmony with nature, and the island is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during winter months. The absence of large-scale development adds to its charm, offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature and heritage.
Diu Island, Daman and Diu
Diu Island off the coast of Gujarat, boasts clean, quiet Nagoa and Ghoghla beaches, with golden sands and calm waters – the perfect setting for relaxation and water sports. Unlike other beaches in India, Diu is less commercialized and less crowded.
Once a Portuguese colony, Diu is a charming blend of coastal beauty and colonial history, featuring old-world forts, churches, and Portuguese-style architecture. The warm hospitality, fresh seafood, and laid-back lifestyle make Diu a perfect offbeat getaway for history lovers and beach seekers alike.
Divar Island, Goa
Divar Island, in the Mandovi River near Panaji, is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse of Goa’s rich heritage and traditional life. Dotted with quaint Portuguese-era homes, the Island is full of lush paddy fields, and serene churches that reflect its colonial past. The quiet, narrow roads shaded by dense trees make it a haven for people looking for peaceful walks or bicycle rides.
There are no flashy resorts or commercial establishments here — just authentic Goan village life surrounded by nature. Life on Divar Island moves at a slow, comforting pace, and the air carries the scent of blooming flowers and river breeze. Accessible only by ferry, Divar feels like a world away from modern chaos, offering a soulful retreat that blends culture, history, and natural beauty.
St. Mary’s Islands, Karnataka
Known for their unique basaltic lava formations, St. Mary’s group of four small islands off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka are renowned for their unique geological formations and serene natural beauty. The historic significance of St. Mary’s Islands is that this is where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is believed to have first landed in India in 1498. He named one of the islands “O Padrão de Santa Maria” in honour of Mother Mary, which eventually led to the collective name of St. Mary’s Islands.
The uninhabited islands with their untouched white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and tranquil environment are an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking solitude. The absence of commercial establishments ensures that the island retains its natural charm. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shores, explore the unique rock formations, and collect seashells scattered across the beaches. St. Mary’s Islands offer a unique blend of geological wonder and natural serenity, making them a must-visit destination for those exploring the coastal beauty of Karnataka.
Munroe Island, Kerala
Munroe Island, also known as Munrothuruthu, is a cluster of eight islets nestled at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River in Kerala’s Kollam district. Named after Colonel John Munro, a British Resident of the erstwhile Travancore state, the island offer offers a glimpse of Kerala’s backwaters – narrow canals, lush coconut groves, and traditional village life.
Munroe Island is ideal for canal cruises, bird watching, and experiencing rural Kerala life. The island is renowned for its canoe tours, navigating through its complex waterways. Visitors can also explore the historic Dutch Church, built in 1878, showcasing a blend of Dutch and Kerala architectural styles.
Agatti Island, Lakshadweep
Agatti Island, in the Lakshadweep, is a beautiful island known for its natural beauty and pristine beaches. Spread over an area of approximately 3.3 square kilometres, Agatti is a tropical haven with pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs. The island’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity make it a paradise for snorkelling, kayaking, and eco-tourism. Visitors can also indulge in scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides to explore the colourful coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. The pristine beaches, lined with coconut palms, provide the perfect setting for relaxation and sunbathing.
This slender island – encircled by a 25 square kilometre lagoon, offers breathtaking vistas and a tranquil atmosphere. Agatti’s untouched beauty, rich marine life and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquillity and a close connection with nature.
Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
Nestled in the Lakshadweep archipelago, Bangaram Island is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and tranquil ambience. This teardrop-shaped island, spread over approximately 2.3 square kilometres area, is encircled by a shallow lagoon and vibrant coral reefs, making it ideally suited for beach lovers and marine enthusiasts alike.
The island boasts powdery white sandy beaches, coral reefs and crystal-clear turquoise waters with colourful fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic species, offering opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving and thrilling water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and deep-sea fishing. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is enchanting. Thinnakara and Parali – two small islands close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon with their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
Little Andaman Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Little Andaman Island remains one of the lesser-explored gems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a tranquil environment for those seeking an offbeat travel experience. Little Andaman the fourth largest in the Andaman archipelago, is a secluded paradise located approximately 120 km south of Port Blair. Spanning around 707 square kilometres, it offers a blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Butler Bay Beach is becoming popular among surfers because of its ideal waves. The island’s clear waters and vibrant coral reefs provide excellent opportunities for underwater exploration. Numerous trails lead through the island’s dense forests to waterfalls and other natural attractions. Home to over 150 bird species, including the endemic Andaman Crake and Andaman Scops Owl, the island is a heaven for bird enthusiasts.
India is home to some of the most picturesque islands, which offer a mix of serene beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant marine life. These islands offer a range of experiences — from tropical beach bliss to cultural immersion and backwater serenity — making them perfect for all kinds of travellers. Far from the rush of commercial tourism, these islands remain sanctuaries of peace, where turquoise waters meet quiet shores, and traditions live in harmony with nature. Whether it’s the coral-fringed coasts of Lakshadweep, the cultural heartland of Majuli, or the emerald backwaters of Kerala’s islands, these hidden gems not only showcase India’s breathtaking natural beauty but also remind us of the value of preserving such pristine places for generations to come.
