10 Beautiful Indian Islands For Quieter Holidays Before Peak Winter Tourism Begins

If you want a break from crowded hill stations and busy tourist places, an island holiday could be a very good option to choose. India has several islands where you can spend time by the sea, take a boat ride through quiet backwaters or explore places that are rich in history and culture. To do all this, October and November are generally good months to start planning a winter getaway before the holiday season rush begins. From the beaches of the Andamans to the backwaters of Kerala, here are 10 Indian islands worth exploring.

Havelock Island now officially named Swaraj Dweep is famous for clean blue water and beautiful beaches. You can view the sunset at Radhanagar Beach. Elephant Beach is a popular spot for snorkelling and other water sports. You can also scuba dive or kayak through mangrove.

If you are looking for a holiday by the sea, then Lakshadweep with its white-sand beaches, clear lagoons and reefs of coral is a good choice. The archipelago is made up of 36 islands and its waters contain a variety of marine life. You can snorkel, try scuba diving, or just spend some time enjoying the beaches. It does require some planning to get there as there are entry permits and access rules to consider.

Not every island holiday is about beaches. Majuli, on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, has lush landscapes, village life and an opportunity to experience Assamese culture. The island is known for its satras, or Vaishnavite monasteries, where traditional dance, theatre and art are still practised. It is also a good place for birdwatching during the cooler months when migratory birds arrive.

Diu is a good option if you want to combine a beach holiday with a little sightseeing. The island's Portuguese past can still be seen in its architecture, old churches and historic buildings. Diu Fort is worth visiting, while the Naida Caves offer a chance to explore unusual rock formations. Nagoa Beach is a popular place to spend time by the sea.

Off the coast of Udupi, St Mary's Islands are known for their unusual rock formations. The hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and make the islands stand out from typical beach destinations. The islands are uninhabited, so there are no towns or resorts to explore. Most people visit to see the rocks, walk around the permitted areas and enjoy the sea views.

Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, is best known for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is a spot for pilgrims from across India but there is more to see here than the temple. You can visit the Pamban Bridge, spend time along the coast and explore Dhanushkodi, which is known for its sea views and historic remains.

This is a place for which you do not have to travel far from Mumbai to visit an island. A ferry ride from the Gateway of India takes you to Elephanta Island, home to the famous Elephanta Caves. The rock-cut caves contain sculptures dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, including the striking three-faced Shiva carving. It’s a good place for a day’s escape from the city to explore India’s artistic and religious history.

If you prefer quiet waterways to busy beaches, try Kavvayi, in the Kannur district of Kerala. The place is famous for its backwaters, coconut trees and small islands dotted over the waterways. Boat rides are good to enjoy the scenery and view fishing villages along the banks. You can spend your time watching local life, enjoying the views or just having a break from a packed travel schedule.

The backwaters, sandy beaches and coconut groves in the vicinity of Poovar, near Thiruvananthapuram, are famous. One of the best ways to explore the region is by boat, as the waterways wind through mangroves and stretches of greenery. It’s a good option for couples, families or solo travellers who want to rest for a few days without too much sightseeing. There are also beachside resorts and wellness facilities in the area.

Jumadi Islands Off Udupi The Jumadi Islands are a peaceful coastal getaway surrounded by water and nature. A short boat ride from the mainland brings visitors to a place to get away from the crowd of tourist destinations. The islands are an option for travellers looking for a more private stay, with a homestay experience reportedly costing as much as Rs 5,000 per night.