5 Unknown Islands in India Most People Don’t Know Exist (One Has India’s Only Active Volcano)
When people think about the islands of India, places like Andaman or Lakshadweep usually come to mind. These destinations are well-known and often seen across travel plans. But beyond these popular names, there is another side to India’s coastline, quieter, less talked about, and often overlooked.
These Unknown islands in India are not always highlighted in travel guides, yet they hold something special. Some are remote, some are protected, and some are simply not marketed widely. What makes them interesting is not just their location, but the stories and natural features they carry, including one island that is home to the only active volcano in India.
For those looking beyond common routes, these hidden islands in India present a different kind of experience. They are not about luxury or crowd-heavy activities, but about simplicity, natural surroundings, and a slower pace.
Quick Answer: India has several unexplored islands that remain less visited. From Barren Island, with the only active volcano in India, to places like Agatti and Divar, these hidden islands in India provide unique experiences without large crowds, making them ideal alternatives to more popular coastal destinations.
In this Blog
Why Unknown Islands in India Feel Different from the Best Islands in India
The well-known Islands in India are popular for a reason: they are accessible, well-developed, and widely promoted. However, the Unexplored Islands of India feel different because they are less influenced by tourism.
These places often maintain a more natural rhythm of life. The surroundings are quieter, and the experience feels more personal.
5 Hidden Islands in India You Should Know About
- Barren Island
Barren Island stands out among all the unknown islands in India for one reason: it has the only active volcano in India and the entire South Asian region. Its volcanic history dates back nearly 1.8 million years, with the first recorded eruption in 1787. After remaining dormant for over a century, the volcano roared back to life in 1991, followed by several significant eruptive episodes in 2005 and as recently as 2017, consistently reshaping the island’s stark landscape with fresh lava flows.
Located approximately 135 km northeast of Port Blair in the Andaman Sea, the island is strictly a protected area under the jurisdiction of the Indian government. Due to its status as a critical biodiversity zone and the inherent dangers posed by volcanic activity, it remains completely uninhabited by humans. The surrounding waters are a protected marine sanctuary, home to a unique ecosystem that has adapted to the geothermal conditions.
The viewing experience is highly regulated; visitors are strictly prohibited from setting foot on the island. Instead, exploration is limited to viewing from the deck of authorised charter boats or ferries. From a safe distance, visitors can witness the dramatic sight of the 354-meter-high cinder cone, often billowing plumes of smoke and ash against the backdrop of the deep blue Andaman Sea. The island’s dark, basaltic slopes, devoid of most vegetation, offer a haunting contrast to the vibrant marine life visible in the crystal-clear waters nearby.
Things to do near Barren Island include specialised scuba diving and snorkelling trips in the surrounding waters, which are renowned for their incredible visibility, underwater lava tunnels, and black sand seabeds. While there are no villas or accommodations on Barren Island itself, travellers typically organise day-long expeditions from Havelock Island or Port Blair, which provide the necessary hospitality infrastructure for such remote adventures.
- Agatti Island
Agatti Island is one of the most serene and least crowded islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Spanning about 5.6 km in length, it serves as a gateway to the region due to its airstrip, yet it maintains a quiet, untouched atmosphere that is rare for primary entry points.
The island is characterised by its mesmerising turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and a calm, crystal-clear aquatic environment. Because it is less commercialised than other tropical hotspots, Agatti offers visitors the chance to experience the raw beauty of the Arabian Sea without the noise of mass tourism.
Popular activities include glass-bottom boat rides, deep-sea fishing, and exploring the thriving marine life through snorkelling and scuba diving. For those seeking rest, simple beach walks and staying in local beachfront villas provide a grounded, budget-friendly way to enjoy a tropical escape.
- Divar Island
Divar Island is quite different from other hidden islands in India. Located on the Mandovi River in Goa, it is a place where time seems to have slowed down, remaining largely untouched by the heavy commercialisation found in the rest of the state. Its history is deeply rooted in the pre-colonial era, having once been a significant Hindu pilgrimage site before the arrival of the Portuguese.
The cultural identity of Divar is best represented by its elegant Indo-Portuguese villas and the hilltop Church of Our Lady of Compassion, which offers sweeping views of the river. One of its most unique cultural highlights is the Bonderam festival, celebrated with colourful floats and music, echoing the island’s history of land disputes settled by the use of flags.
Things to do in Divar Island include cycling through its scenic paddy fields, visiting the ancient ruins of Piedade, and experiencing the slow-paced village life. A villa in Divar Island provides a comfortable stay with a strong local touch, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a Goa that feels authentic and historical.
- St. Mary’s Island
St. Mary’s Island, situated off the coast of Udupi in Karnataka, is a geological marvel known for its distinctive columnar basaltic rock formations. These striking vertical structures are a result of subaerial subvolcanic activity that occurred over 88 million years ago when Madagascar was still attached to India.
The rocks are hexagonal in shape, forming a majestic natural pavement and towering pillars that rise directly from the Arabian Sea. This rare geological phenomenon has led to the island being declared a National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Things to do in St. Mary’s Island include exploring these ancient rock structures, walking along the shell-covered shore, and enjoying short day visits via ferry. Since the island is protected, there are no villas in St. Mary’s Island, so visitors typically base themselves in the nearby town of Malpe.
- Kadmat Island
Kadmat Island is a quiet and elongated emerald in the Lakshadweep archipelago, known for being one of the most secluded destinations in the region. Its long, narrow shape creates a unique landscape where visitors are never more than a few hundred meters away from the ocean on either side.
As a quiet alternative to popular spots, Kadmat features massive lagoons with shallow, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and beginners in water sports. The island is particularly famous for its rich coral life and seagrass meadows, which attract a variety of marine species, including green sea turtles, often visible from the shore.
Things to do in Kadmat Island include kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving at its world-class dive centres. A villa in Kadmat Island is available through government-run resorts that focus on eco-friendly tourism and simple comfort, ensuring the island remains a peaceful sanctuary for travellers.
India’s Secret Islands Compared to the Maldives
The idea of India’s secret islands compared to the Maldives often comes up when discussing island travel.
| Maldives | Indian Islands |
|---|---|
| Known for luxury staysHighly structured tourismExpensive overall | More affordableLess commercialMore connected to local life |
The difference is not about which is better. It is about what kind of experience one prefers.
What Makes the Unexplored Islands of India Worth Visiting
The Unexplored Islands of India are not about crowded beaches or high-end resorts. They are about experiencing something different.
- Fewer crowds
- Natural surroundings
- Unique features like volcanic activity or rare rock formations
- A slower and more relaxed pace
These factors make them appealing for those looking beyond typical travel options.
Conclusion: Unknown Islands in India That Deserve Attention
The idea of visiting Unknown islands in India brings a fresh perspective to travel. These places are not widely talked about, yet they hold unique features that are difficult to find elsewhere.
From the rare sight of the active volcano in India at Barren Island to the quiet charm of Divar and Kadmat, each island has its own identity. They may not be as famous as the Best Islands in India, but they provide experiences that feel more personal and less rushed.
For those willing to look beyond popular destinations, these hidden islands in India can turn into some of the most memorable travel experiences.
FAQs
1. Which island holds India’s only active volcano, and what is its history?
Barren Island is home to India’s only active volcano. Its volcanic history dates back nearly 1.8 million years, with recorded eruptions starting in 1787 and resuming in 1991, 2005, and as recently as 2017.
2. Is landing on Barren Island permitted for visitors?
No, landing on Barren Island is strictly prohibited as it is a government-protected area and remains completely uninhabited. Visitors can only view the island and its 354-meter-high cinder cone from the deck of authorised charter boats or ferries from a safe distance.
3. What unique geological feature makes St. Mary’s Island a National Geological Monument?
St. Mary’s Island is known for its distinctive hexagonal columnar basaltic rock formations. These structures were formed by subaerial subvolcanic activity approximately 88 million years ago, when Madagascar was still attached to India.
4. Where is Divar Island located, and what is its main cultural attraction?
Divar Island is located on the Mandovi River in Goa, separate from the mainland. Its unique cultural highlight is the Bonderam festival, featuring colourful floats and music, which commemorates the island’s history of land disputes.
5. What activities are popular on Agatti Island, and how do people typically get there?
Agatti Island serves as a gateway to the Lakshadweep archipelago because it has an airstrip. Popular activities focus on the quiet aquatic environment, including glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling, and scuba diving in its turquoise lagoons.
6. Why is Kadmat Island considered a secluded and eco-friendly destination?
Kadmat is an elongated, secluded island in Lakshadweep, known for its massive, shallow lagoons perfect for water sports beginners. Accommodation options are government-run resorts that prioritise eco-friendly tourism and simple comfort.
7. What is the key difference between these lesser-known Indian islands and the Maldives?
The Maldives are known for their expensive, highly structured luxury stays. Whereas India’s secret islands are more affordable, less commercialised, and offer a simpler, more grounded experience connected to local life and natural surroundings.
8. Are all activities on these islands focused on beaches and resorts?
No. While some islands like Agatti and Kadmat offer marine activities, Divar Island focuses on slow-paced village life, historical sites, and cycling. St. Mary’s Island is primarily a site for geological exploration and photography.
Written By: Ruben Saha
