India's 10 Top Islands In The Sun

An island holiday is a package deal -- sun, sand, pristine beaches, isolation. Their location makes them off the beaten track. And their distance from the mainland ensures that the pace of life is slower or different. Go island hopping with Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com as he shows you some of the prettiest isles of India.

Havelock Island, Andaman Islands

Sparkling Havelock Island, with its clear greeny-blue waters is a dream isle. Recently rechristened Swaraj Dweep to honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, it is one of the islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago accessible to tourists -- most are protected. Home to popular spots like Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, a ticket to Havelock is your passport to tranquillity. Also read: Visit India's Finest Beach At Havelock

St Mary's Island, Karnataka

Off the coast of Malpe in Karnataka's Udupi, are the picturesque St Mary's Island/s adorned with white sand, shining blue waters, and of course, the swaying coconut trees. Another attraction at St Mary's, named by Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, are the geological wonders -- the unique rock formations which are said to be a result of ancient volcanic activity.

Poovar Island, Kerala

Mesmerising palm-fringed Poovar in the backwaters of Kerala, tucked away in the furthest coastal corner near Trivandrum, is 25 or so acres of ultimate beauty. Take a boat ride on the Neyyar river through the Kuttanad around there and experience local charm and beauty. If your budget permits, stay at one of the floating cottages at Poovar Island Resort that offer a luxurious stay.

Elephanta Island, Maharashtra 

Mumbai, once a city that came up on islands, has a most famous island of its own -- you can't leave the city without journeying across the bay to see the 5th-6th c AD rock-cut temples at Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site houses many cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Be careful of the monkeys and avoid carrying bags of food.

Pirotan Island, Gujarat

An ideal site for nature and marine enthusiasts, Pirotan is a small isle in the Marine National Park close to Jamnagar. Other key attractions include a lighthouse, which was built in 1867 and a shrine dedicated to Saint Khwaja Khizer Rahmatullahi Alaih.

Kankon Island, Goa

Located in the southernmost tip of Goa near Palolem Beach, and also called Canacona, is a skerry known for its seclusion/isolation and a bands of monkeys! Kankon is referred to as Monkey Island because of monkey sanctuary inside the Palolem Island Reserve.

Mousuni Island, West Bengal

One of the offbeat tourist spots of West Bengal, Mousuni is a stunning deltaic island located within the more famous Sundarbans. It's a paradise for bird watchers and the tourists searching for rustic beauty.

Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu

The largest island in Tamil Nadu, Pamban is a favourite with tourist and devotees alike. Its alternate name is Rameswaram Island and pilgrims traipse here from all over India to pay their respects at the towering Lord Shiva temple. Famed Pamban Bridge, that connects with the mainland, is one of the longest railway bridges in India.

Ross And Smith Islands, Andaman Islands

Imagine walking along a white sandy pathway with crystal-clear turquoise waters on both sides. You can do that at Ross & Smith Islands! The twin islands are connected by a sand bar. After that spend a few hours exploring the ruins at Ross. Also read: Ross Island, Where History Rests.

Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

Lakshwadeep's glorious, sun-dappled southern coral atoll island of Kalpeni is paradise on earth, all 2.5 sq km of it. People number just 4,000 plus and exotic marine life many more. There's plenty of adventurous watersport activities to keep you entertained. A massive perk: It is not as busy as the islands tourists frequent in the Andamans, because it’s far less commercial.