Best River Islands of India to Visit
River islands are one of the most beautiful creations of the natural world. They are formed when sediment from the river accumulates and creates a landmass in the middle of the river. India has some of the most scenic river islands in the world and is also home to the largest and smallest river islands, which are both located in Assam. River islands provide a unique glimpse into the natural world, offering a tranquil and beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Munroe Island, Kerala: Located near the city of Kollam in the southern part of the state, Munroe Island is a cluster of about 7-8 islands. These islands are formed right at the place where the Kallada river joins the mammoth Ashtamudi lake. Some of the waterways that crisscross the islands are not wide enough and only a small boat can fit in. This offers a great opportunity for tourists to sail in a slow-moving boat enjoying the rural life and the scenery around. Boats also can be hired to go around the islands and enjoy the sunset from vantage points. A church built by the Dutch in 1878 can be seen on one of the islands. Tourists will have the opportunity to visit the coir netting factories for which the island is well known. An overnight stay in one of the few staying options would enrich the island vacation.
Majuli, Assam: It is the largest river island in the world, and it is so large that it is one of the assembly constituents of Assam. The picturesque island is created by the Brahmaputra River and one of its branches which speeds off from the mother river to join the Subansiri River, which then joins the Brahmaputra. The rich and fertile land is home to many varieties of rice. Inhabited by a large number of tribes and native people, the island is a favoured destination for tourists looking for a pristine atmosphere and no pollution. The island has no bridges and is approached only by boats. The ravaging Brahmaputra and Subansiri rivers have caused havoc in the topography of the island and experts believe that it will submerge by 2030. Many residents have lost land to Brahmaputra and have left. So, before it disappears, it deserves a visit.
Bhavani Island, Andhra Pradesh: Surrounded by the Krishna River, Bhavani Island is one of the largest river islands. It is a land mass of nearly 130 acres that has been developed into a good tourist centre with plenty of parks, resorts, museums, gardens, and other facilities. The boats from the mainland drop the tourists off on the island. The tourism ecosystem has helped the place to attain importance on the tourist map of the state.
Divar Island, Goa: Located about 10-15 kilometres from the state capital Panaji, the island is in the middle of the Mandovi river. It is one of the quietest places that you would encounter as a traveller. The island leaves you with mixed feelings as there are many vast farms with gates locked, no people on the roads, people not willing to talk and some stunning landscape visuals. The most vantage point on the island is a small hilltop from where a panoramic view of the island and the Mandovi river can be enjoyed. An old church of the 18th century with an attractive front portion still stands. The island has a great history. The original residents of Goa lived here and the ancient 12th-century temple of Saptakoteshwar existed here. The temple was relocated to Narona village as the Portuguese atrocities increased.
Srirangam, Tamil Nadu: The famous Ranganatha Swamy temple is located on this island formed by the Kaveri River. The river branches off into 3 different branches with each branch going its own way till merging with the sea. Known as one of the revered pilgrimage towns for the Vaishnavas, it received the UNESCO award for cultural heritage conservation. With a perimeter close to 4 kilometres, it is one of the largest temples in the world. Culture, heritage, architecture, history, and location all play an important role in making Srirangam a well-known and most-visited river island.
