East India

East India comprises of the states West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and the 7 northeastern states. While East India may not always be in the limelight compared to its more popular western and southern counterparts, this region holds a secret: a collection of islands, each with its own special charm and attraction. From the lively cityscape of Kolkata to the peaceful shores of Puri, East India’s islands showcase beauty and culture that never ceases to amaze.

Are you planning to visit some of the best unexplored islands in the country? Then East India islands are certainly the right choice for you. These islands are full of incredible beauty, from lush landscapes to vibrant wildlife and serene shores.

Given below are some of the top islands in East India that you must add to your travel bucket-list.

Majuli is a river island situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is the largest river island in the world and covers an area of 352 Square km. The island is located at a distance of around 300 km from Guwahati. The nearest airport to Majuli is Jorhat Airport. From the airport, you’ll need to take a cab or taxi to Nimati Ghat, which is approximately a 30-40 minute drive. The nearest major railway station is Jorhat Town Railway Station in Jorhat. From there, you can hire a cab or take a bud to reach Nimati Ghat. From Nimati Ghat, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Majuli. The ferry ride takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the weather and water conditions.

Majuli, being the largest river island in the world, is rich in culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Majuli’s main attraction are the Satras which are Vaishnavite monasteries. They are integral to the cultural fabric of Assam. These monastic institutions trace their origins back to the 15th century, with the advent of the saint, Srimanta Sankardev. These satras are not only place of worship, but also a center for displaying Assamese culture and showcasing traditional dance, music, and art forms. Some prominent Satras to visit are Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and Dakhinpat Satra.

Another popular tourist attraction in Majuli are the Mishing villages. The Mishing villages, also known as Miri villages, are indigenous settlements primarily inhabited by the Mishing community, an ethnic group native to the northeastern region of India, particularly Assam. These villages are known for their unique lifestyle, culture, and traditions. Trying rice beer made by the Mishing tribals is a unique and cultural experience that allows tourists to connect with the local traditions and flavors of the region. Rice beer is deeply ingrained in Mishing customs and rituals. It plays a pivotal role in various ceremonies, festivals, and community gatherings.

While in Majuli, do try the famous Majuli thali. A Majuli Thali offers a delicious variety of traditional Assamese dishes and typically includes an assortment of rice, lentils, vegetables, assorted chutneys, and various side dishes

Henry’s Island is a serene and relatively unexplored island located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is situated around 112 kilometer from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. The island is believed to have been named after a British explorer or administrator named Henry. The exact historical details regarding the naming of the island might not be widely documented, but it’s not uncommon for places in colonial-era India to bear names that were influenced by British officials or settlers.

The most common way to reach Henry’s Island is by road. From Kolkata, you can hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. You can also take a train from Kolkata to Namkhana, which is the nearest railway station to Henry’s Island. From Namkhana, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the island. The train journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. If you’re flying into Kolkata, you can rent a car at the airport or hire a taxi to take you to Henry’s Island. The drive from the airport to Henry’s Island takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

One of the main attractions on Henry’s island is the Bakkhali beach. It is known for its scenic beauty and pristine shoreline, making it a favorite spot of beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. While Bakkhali is relatively quieter compared to some other beaches, visitors can still engage in activities like swimming and beach sports. The watchtower in Henry’s Island serves as an excellent vantage point, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding natural landscape. It also offers an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the mangrove ecosystem.

Mousuni Island is a beautiful and serene island located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The Island is situated in the deltaic region of the Bay of Bengal, near the larger islands of Sagar and Frasergunj. It is part of the Sundarbans region, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Mousuni Island is located approximately 120 kilometers from Kolkata. The most common way to reach Mousuni Island is by road. From Kolkata, you can drive or hire a taxi to reach Namkhana, which is the nearest ferry point to Mousuni. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. You can also take a train from Kolkata to Namkhana railway station. From Namkhana, you’ll need to take a short ferry ride to reach Mousuni Island. The train journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. If you’re flying into Kolkata, you can rent a car at the airport or hire a taxi to take you to Namkhana. From there, you’ll continue your journey to Mousuni Island by ferry.

Mousuni Island, with its serene and unspoiled beauty, offers a range of natural attractions and activities for tourists to explore and enjoy. The Island is particularly known for its stunning beaches with soft sands and calm waters. You can take leisurely walks on the shore, relax by the beach or engage in water sports activities like kayaking and boating. The island is surrounded by mangrove forests that add to the beauty of this place. These lush and biodiverse ecosystems are home to various species of flora and fauna and also attract a variety of bird species, hence, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You can also take boat rides around the island and explore its waterways and be amazed by its natural beauty.

Sagar Island, also known as Sagar or Gangasagar, is a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. This island is situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Hooghly River. It’s part of the Sundarbans Delta and holds immense religious and cultural importance. Sagar Island is located approximately 135 kilometer away from Kolkata. The most common way to reach Sagar Island is by a combination of road and ferry. From Kolkata, you can drive or hire a taxi to reach Lot No. 8, which serves as the ferry point for Sagar Island. The road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. From there, you can take a ferry to reach the island. You can take a train from Kolkata to Namkhana railway station. From Namkhana, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Sagar Island. The train journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Sagar Island is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It is believed that taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganges River (known as the Hooghly River in this region) and the Bay of Bengal during the Makar Sankranti festival cleanses one’s sins and bestows spiritual blessings. The annual Makar Sankranti festival that takes place in January is a major attraction here. Thousands of devotees from different parts of India come to Sagar Island to take a holy dip in the waters and offer prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun God). The Gangasagar Mela which is held annually during Makar Sankranti, is one of the largest religious gatherings in India. Devotees, sadhus, and pilgrims congregate to take the holy dip, seek blessings, and participate in various religious ceremonies.

The island is also home to the Kapil Muni Temple, dedicated to the sage Kapil Muni, who is believed to have meditated here. The temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world seeking blessings from the sage. Apart from its religious significance, Sagar Island is also known for its natural beauty. The beautiful beaches and peaceful surroundings here provide an atmosphere for relaxation and spiritual contemplation.

Jambu Dwip is an uninhabited island situated in the southern part of the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It is part of the Sundarbans archipelago, known for its unique and rich biodiversity. The island is situated approximately 90 kilometers away from Kolkata. The primary mode of reaching Jambudwip Island is by boat. Tourists usually embark on boat journeys from Namkhana or other nearby ferry points in the South 24 Parganas district such as Bakkhali. Regular ferry services also operate from Namkhana and other nearby locations to Jambudwip Island. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions and tides. Please note that while tourists are not allowed on this island, tour operators in the region offer guided tours around Jambudwip Island on boats, providing information about the area’s ecology and wildlife.

Jambu Dwip’s primary attraction lies in the island itself, as the island is home to a wide variety of bird species and reptiles. Additionally, the island’s marine ecosystem boasts an astonishing variety of marine life. This rich biodiversity offers a captivating experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can explore the surrounding waters and observe the unique flora and fauna of the Sundarbans delta with guided boat tours. Don’t forget to capture the natural beauty of the island while visiting Jambu Dwip. The unique beauty of the island offers great photo opportunities.

Kalijai Island is situated in the Chilka Lake, which is the largest coastal lagoon in India, situated along the eastern coast of the state of Odisha. The Island is positioned within the Chilika Lake, near the town of Barkul in the Khallikote Tehsil of Ganjam district, Odisha. It is located at a distance of 105 km from Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha. The most common way to reach Kalijai Island is by road. From Bhubaneswar or Puri, you can hire a taxi, drive, or use public buses to reach Barkul, which is the nearest point on the mainland to the island. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Bhubaneswar. The nearest railway station is at Balugaon, which is well-connected to major cities in Odisha. From Balugaon, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Barkul. Once you reach Barkul, you can hire a boat to reach Kalijai Island. The boat ride across Chilika Lake to the island takes about 30 minutes.

The Kalijai temple is one of the main attractions of the island. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalijai, an incarnation of God Kali and was built in 1717 by the King of Bankad, Sri Jagannath Mansingh. Devotees believe the goddess to be a protector of fishermen who blesses them with safe voyages and plenty of fish catches. The temple is situated atop a small hill on Kalijai Island, offering panoramic views of Chilika Lake and the surrounding area. The temple sees a surge in devotees, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival, which is a significant time for pilgrims.

Tourists can also enjoy boat rides on Chilika Lake, which offer opportunities to witness the rich biodiversity of the lake, including dolphins and migratory birds. One should also take in the besutidul views of the lake, islands, and surrounding villages from various viewpoints on Kalijai Island.

Marjakud Island is a serene island located in the Boudh District of Odisha. The island is situated around 260 km from Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha. The most common way to reach Marjakud Island is by road. From Bhubaneswar or other major cities in Odisha, you can drive or hire a taxi to reach Boudh. The journey usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. The nearest railway station is at Rairakhol, which is well-connected to major cities in Odisha. From Rairakhol, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Boudh, which is the nearest town to Marjakud Island. From Boudh, you may need to arrange local transportation options like a boat or other watercraft to reach Marjakud Island, as it is located in the Mahanadi River.

Pitadei Mandir is situated on Marjakud Island in the Mahanadi River and is the major tourist attraction of the island. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Pitadei, who according to the locals is considered a guardian and protector of the people in the region. Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and protection. Apart from the Pitadei temple, you can also visit Marjakud island to appreciate its natural and untouched beauty. If available, you should consider taking a boat ride on the Mahanadi River to explore the area and enjoy the scenic beauty. The island is also a great place for a leisurely picnic amidst nature with friends and family.

Ghoramara Island is a small island located in the Sundarbans delta region of West Bengal. The island is situated in the South 24 Parganas district and is part of the Sundarbans archipelago. It is located at a distance of around 90 km from Kolkata. The most common way to reach Ghoramara Island is by a combination of road and ferry. From Kolkata, you can drive or take public transportation to Namkhana, a town in South 24 Parganas district. From Namkhana, you can take a ferry to reach Ghoramara Island. The nearest railway station is Namkhana, which is well-connected to Kolkata. From Namkhana, you can take a ferry to Ghoramara Island. Once on Ghoramara Island, you can explore the area on foot or by hiring a local guide.

Ghormara island was once a large island but has reduced significantly in size due to the rising sea levels. The island although small, offers tourists a unique experience to explore the Sundarbans delta region. Here, you can explore the dense mangrove forests that are rich in biodiversity and are home to various species of flora and fauna. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife such as spotted deer, monkeys, and various species of reptiles. While sightings of larger mammals like tigers are less common, the area is part of the larger Sundarbans ecosystem, which is known for its unique wildlife. You can also interact with the local communities and gain insights into their way of life, traditions, and daily activities

Dhabaleswar Island is situated in the Mahanadi River, near the town of Athagarh in the Cuttack district of Odisha. It is located at a distance of around 40 km from Bhubaneswar. The most common way to reach Dhabaleswar Island is by road. From Bhubaneswar, you can drive or take a bus to reach Athagarh. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The nearest major railway station is at Cuttack, which is well-connected to major cities in Odisha. From Cuttack, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Athagarh. Once you reach Athagarh, you can hire a boat to reach Dhabaleswar Island.

Dhabaleswar island which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is a major attraction here. According to local beliefs, Lord Shiva had once appeared in the form of Dhabaleswar to bless a devotee. Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great fervor at the temple, attracting a large number of devotees. The occasion is marked by special prayers and festivities. Apart from the temple, there are several other things you can do on the island. You can enjoy the scenic views of the Mahanadi River from the island. Also, Dhabaleswar Island is an excellent place for a picnic. The lush surroundings and river views provide a relaxing setting for a day out. You can also take a boat ride on the Mahanadi river and enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Birds Island is situated within the Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is in the Rambha town of the Ganjam district of Odisha. It is located at a distance of about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. The most common way to reach Birds Island is by road. From Bhubaneswar, you can drive or take a bus to reach the Chilika Lake area. The journey will usually take around 2 to 3 hours. The nearest railway station is at Balugaon, which is well-connected to major cities in Odisha. From Balugaon, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the Chilika Lake area. Once you reach the Chilika Lake area, you can arrange for a boat ride to Birds Island within the Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary.

As the name of the island clearly suggests, you can enjoy a rich birdwatching experience on Birds Island. The island is known for hosting a diverse range of bird species, both migratory and resident. Keep an eye out for various waterfowl, waders, and other avian species. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of Chilika Lake, with its running water and lush green surroundings.

Though not as famous as some other islands in the country, the East India islands hold a distinct charm for those who seek a more intimate and authentic experience. Each island here tells its own story, leaving a lasting impression on those who are lucky enough to visit.