India is a country of amazing contrasts which include snow capped peaks, one of the longest beaches, indolently spread deserts and evergreen forests.
India is surrounded by bodies of waters from three sides and there is no dearth of islands as well. Here is a list of 10 island destinations for tourists in India.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar are a group of 572 picturesque islands in the south eastern part of the Bay of Bengal. The islands may be described as a veritable Garden of Eden and a naturalist heaven.
The uniqueness of the islands lies in its beautiful silvery beaches, marine life flourishing with rare species of plants, animals and corals, serpentine mangrove-lines creeks and the tropical evergreen rain forests. All these provide a memorable experience for the tourists. Nature lovers can enjoy adventure trekking, water sports, island camping, scuba diving and nature trail amidst the varied landscape of the region.
The islands are well connected to mainland India by air and sea. Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Jet lite ply innumerable flights to Port Blair from Kolkata and Chennai. There are also frequent passenger ship services from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.

Munroe Islands

Munroe consists of a cluster of eight small islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district of Kerala.
The Ashtamudi Lake is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala teeming with aquatic life. While staying at Munroe you can watch coir retting process, coir weaving, fishing and prawns feeding. One can also go for a migratory bird watch, and enjoy narrow canals and waterways, lagoons, coconut farms on the lake shore, Kandal plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.
The island is well connected by road and inland water navigation and is about 25 kilometres from Kollam town.

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands covering an area of 32 Sq. Kilometers and surrounded by 4200 sq. Kilometers of lagoon in the Arabian Sea. The island is endowed with the beauty of sandy beaches and coral reef which are a delightful treat to the eyes of a naturalist.
The islands are among the world's best tropical island systems with rich marine wealth. There are many varieties of living corals, sea urchins, sea weeds, sea birds, eels, swordfish, octopus and numerous types of trigger fish which will be a source of delight for any tourist. The Marine Museum is also a major attraction here.
The islands are well connected by cruises. Lakshadweep can be reached using a passenger cruise from Cochin harbor. Further, Agatti and Bangaram islands of Lakshadweep are connected by air to Cochin which is well connected to other major Indian, and international cities.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Island is located between peninsular India and Sri Lanka in the Gulf of Mannar. It is basically a pilgrimage centre and a corridor of faith.
Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and installed a lingam before crossing over to Lanka by building a bridge to Lanka from here. There is a principal temple here where the deity, Rameshwara lingam is installed. The place is, therefore, sacred to the Hindus and is visited by people from all over the country.
Rameshwaram is connected to mainland via the Pamban Bridge and also has a Railway station.

Cochin Island

Cochin has always been one of the striking destinations of India. The tourists are not supposed to be missing the islands, the backwaters, monuments and rich heritage of this truly delightful destination.
Cherai is another wonderful place to visit and is located on Vipin island which forms a part of the Cochin city. Its main attraction is the Cherai beach. The place is also famous for the ancient Cherai Gowreeshwara temple.
Traveling to Cochin is not difficult as the city is well connected by air, rail, sea and road to all major Indian cities and international destinations.

Islands of the Cauvery River

The Cauvery River leaves the Kodagu hills and flows onto the Deccan plateau, forming three islands, Srirangapatnam, Shivanasamudram and Nisargadhama.
Nisargadhama is a beautiful island formed by the Cauvery River in the plains and is about two kilometers from Kushalnagar in Coorg district. It is about 95 kilometers from Mysore. It has to be reached via a hanging bridge. Nisargadhama abounds with thick bamboo groves, lush foliage, rose wood and teak. The island has a sprawling 64-acre nature resort with a deer park, orchidarium and elephant and boat rides. The sandy beds of the river are also a good picnic spot.

Chorao

Chorao is a beautiful island on Mandovi River. The island is around five kilometers from Panaji and is one of the largest islands in Goa. There is a thick mangrove hedge covering a part of the island giving it a mystical look.
The island was first inhabited by the Portuguese who found it a perfect place for relaxation. The Portuguese influence can stilled be found in the island's many whitewashed churches.

Elephanta Island

Elephanta Island is one among the islands in Mumbai harbour. It is an important tourist destination for a single day trip and is well known for its cave temples that have been carved from rocks.
The trip to the island is a journey back to the times when mysticism and art reigned supreme and the task of carving out statues and caves from monoliths was a blessing, and is a testimony to the skills of our ancestors.

Diu Island

Diu is one of the calmest islands of India. It forms a part of the union territory of Daman and Diu in the Western coast of India beside Gujarat. Diu is famous for its sunny beaches and breathtaking sunsets.
Diu is well connected by Rail, Road and Air. It has an operational airport belonging to the Jet Airways and a bi- weekly flight plies between Mumbai and Diu. The nearest Railway station is 90 kilometers away at Veraval and is connected to major cities like Ahmadabad and Mumbai. The Gujarat State bus service operates regular buses from places in Gujarat to the island.

Majuli Island

Majuli is an island located on Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It is the largest mid river deltaic island in the world. Extinct species of various migratory birds are found in Majuli which creates an environment of bird sanctuary.
Garamur Satra, Auniati Satra, Dakhinpat Satra, Kamalabari Satra, Bengenaati Satra, and Samaguri Satra are major tourist attractions of this place.
The place is best approached from Jorhat which has an airport and a railway station. Jorhat is connected by road to Guwahati. State and Private run buses ply everyday in early morning and evening between Jorhat and Guwahati.