Hidden Islands

7 Hidden Islands Of India

Life is all about finding your own Paradise. The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul. The Ocean and her tides, the Island lifestyle, a place of pure serenity. Your life is an Island separated from all other Islands and continents. Regardless of how many boats you send to other shores or how many ships arrive upon your shores, you yourself are an island separated by its own pains, secluded in its happiness. Here are the seven hidden Islands of India.

1.Grand Island

The Divar Island lies in the state of Goa in India. The name of Divar Island is derived from the word Dipavati or “Small Island” in Konkani. Divar Island is located approximately 10 km from Panaji (Panjim), and is approachable by ferry. The drive to the Divar Island is scenic, with paddy fields and wooded hills lacing the roadway, very typical of the Goan countryside. Though in a manner equally typical of modern Goa, of late the paddy fields lie fallow and overrun with weeds. The Divar Island was a famous site of Hindu pilgrimage and hosted the ancient temples of Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh and Shree Dwarkeshwar besides others. Portuguese zealots irreversibly destroyed these in the 16th century in their drive for Christianisation of Goa. The Current Cemetery near Church at hilltop once housed at Ganesh Temple, which was razed by the Portuguese and the Hindus had to take the Ganesh Idol and rehabilitate it in village of Khandola near Marcel. The ancient site of Hindu pilgrimage is called Porne Tirth (Old pilgrim spot-in Konkani) even today.

2.St. Mary’s Island

The St. Mary’s Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Karnataka, a mere 20 minutes journey by boat from Malpe Beach, with one of these islands being famous for the curious basalt rock formations which dot its shore. This island is known by the locals as Saint Mary’s Island or Coconut Island, and is a serene island to which daily ferries come to and fro. The basalt on this island has been shown by scientific study to have formed by volcanic activity, a completely rare occurrence, proving that India was at one point of time attached to Madagascar. The rift between India and Madagascar took place around 88 Million years ago. Famous in geological circles and among locals living near Malpe and Udupi, the Saint Mary Island is a relatively lesser-known holiday destination.

3.Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka, also known as Bet Shankhodhar, is a small island and was the main port in the region before the development of Okha. It offers opportunities to spot dolphins, marine excursions, camping and picnicking. Most of the archaelogical ruins excavated here and religious manuscripts correspond with Bet Dwarka as the original abode of Lord Krishna. Bet Dwarka, popularly known as the “kingdom of Lord Krishna” is a small island situated some 30 miles away from Dwarka. It is a wonderful place for a trip with friends and family as well as for a pilgrimage. The ride to Bet Dwarka from Dwarka is fun-filled and full of excitement as one can reach the place either through motor boat or rowing boat. The journey by boat is enriching and filled with scenic beauty. take your camera along to catch a glimpse of rare and beautiful birds while sailing through the sea.

4.Quibble Island

Quibble Island is a river island in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is formed by the Adyar River and one of its tributaries. It is situated between the Chennai neighborhoods of Mylapore and Adyar. During British rule, a European cemetery was located here.

5.Kavvayi Island

Kavvayi is a small island, near Payyannur in the Kannur district of Kerala state in India.The island is connected to Payyannur by a small bridge on the Kavvayi River.  The Kavvayi Kayal is dotted with several small and large islands. Valiyaparamba island is the largest among them and stretches over 16 kms. Located north to Payyannur, Kavvayi is the largest backwater stretch in North Kerala. It stretches from Kavvayi near Payyannur in Kannur district to Neeleshwar in Kasargod district. There are several small and large islands in the backwater adding to its enchanting beauty. The backwaters is fed by four rivers. Kavvayi backwater is named after the Kavvayi island close to payyannur. Kavvayi used to be an inland port and a major administrative center during the past centuries. Now the importance of Kavvayi island has diminished but still there are several educational institutions in this small island as a remnant of its years pride and glory.

6.Majuli Island

The biggest river island in the world, Majuli is located on the river Brahmaputra in Assam and is formed by Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the river Subansiri in the north. Making you feel at peace with nature, it is home to many migratory birds. Located 1100 km away from the mouth of the Brahmaputra, Majuli had an area of 1256 sq km in 1991 but due to soil erosion, it has now reduced to 875 sq km. Majuli has been the cultural capital of the Assamese civilization since the 16th century and its main village, Naghmar, hosts all the important events, festivals and prayers. A good learning center for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy, there are 22 Vaishnava Satras in the city, the first of which was established in the 15th century by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese culture. These attract a lot of tourists.

 7.Diu Island

Diu, a part of Daman & Diu – a Union Territory, is a small island near the coast of Gujarat and up until a year ago, it was relatively unknown beyond the residents of Gujarat who frequented it not because of its quiet, serene beaches but for the easy access to alcohol which is otherwise banned in the state. But however, for the urban youth stressed with the battle of everyday modern hectic-life and dying to get out of the mundane routine, Diu is the ideal getaway from the noises and commotion of the city. An “Ilha de Calma” (Island of Calm) seems apt and it is no less than an exotic international destination right here in India.