For many travellers, an island holiday feels like a luxury reserved for destinations such as Lakshadweep or the Andaman - dreamy blue waters, but with prices that stretch far beyond the budget. The truth is, you do not need a passport or a fortune to experience island life. Across India, there are hidden islands - along rivers, backwaters, and coasts - where ferry rides replace flights, homestays replace resorts, and the entire trip can cost less than ₹10,000. From Assam's Majuli with its cultural heartbeat to Kerala's shaded backwaters and Wayanad's bamboo groves, these islands prove that a tropical holiday in India can still be both magical and affordable.
Also Read: Radhanagar Beach In 12 Hours: A Complete Day Guide To India's Favourite Beach
6 Hidden Indian Islands Where You Can Holiday Under ₹10,000
For Culture And Old-World Charm
1. Majuli, Assam
Floating on the Brahmaputra, Majuli is the world's largest river island and the cultural heartbeat of Assam. Its Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), mask-making traditions, and eco-cottages in bamboo huts make it more than just a place to stay - it is a way to live like the locals. Check out @manojthawani's Instagram post to get the feeling.
Getting There
Start at Jorhat, which is well connected by air and rail. From Nimati Ghat, ferries carry you across to Majuli in under an hour.
What To Do
Watch the mystical Sattriya dance, go fishing with locals, or drift along on a boat tour. Life here moves with the river, slow and grounding.
Budget
Eco-huts/homestays: ₹800–₹1,200 per night
Local meals: ₹200–₹300 per person
Ferry: under ₹50 one way
2. Divar Island, Goa
Photo: Pexels
If Majuli is about heritage, Divar is about nostalgia. Just minutes away from the buzz of Goa, Divar feels untouched by time. Portuguese-era homes line leafy streets, village feasts brighten the calendar, and the pace is refreshingly slow. Unlike the crowded resorts along Goa's coast, Divar offers budget-friendly homestays that bring you into the rhythm of local life.
Getting There
Hop on a free ferry from Old Goa or Ribandar.
What To Do
Rent a cycle and explore winding lanes, peek into centuries-old churches, and tuck into Goan thalis at family-run taverns. Visit in August for the colourful Bonderam festival, when the island comes alive with music and processions.
Budget
Homestays: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per night
Meals: ₹300–₹500 per person
Ferry: Free
For Nature And Geology Lovers
3. St. Mary's Island, Karnataka
From the culture of Divar, head south to Karnataka's coast, where St. Mary's Island looks like something carved by an artist. Famous for its hexagonal basalt rock columns, this small cluster of islands is surreal and photogenic. With no overnight stays, it works perfectly as a budget day trip.
Getting There
Catch a ferry from Malpe Beach.
What To Do
Stroll along rocky shores, take a swim, pack a picnic, and fill your gallery with postcard-worthy photos.
Budget
Boat ride: ₹300–₹500 per person (round trip)
Snacks at Malpe Beach: ₹200–₹400
Stay: Not available (Udupi hotels ₹800–₹1,200)
4. Kuruvadweep, Kerala
From the rocks of St. Mary's to the shaded forests of Wayanad, Kuruvadweep feels like stepping into a natural sanctuary. This protected river delta is alive with orchids, medicinal plants, and bamboo groves. Entry is restricted to preserve its fragile ecosystem, but once inside, bamboo rafting and nature walks turn the island into your private jungle retreat. Check out @nikkivision__'s post.
Getting There
Located 17 km from Mananthavady and 45 km from Kalpetta, it is accessible by road. Kozhikode is the nearest railway station, while Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport.
What To Do
Go rafting on calm waters, take shaded forest trails, and spot rare birds. This is an island for those who want the sound of the river instead of crowds.
Budget
Entry: ₹80–₹100 per person
Bamboo rafting: ₹500–₹800
Nearby stays: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per night
For Backwater Seekers
5. Munroe Island, Kerala
Photo: Unsplash
Kerala is famous for its backwaters, but houseboats in Alleppey can quickly add up. Munroe Island in the Ashtamudi backwaters offers the same tranquillity at a fraction of the cost. Here, canoe rides, village walks, and homestays make for an intimate experience that feels authentic and light on the wallet.
Getting There
Just 27 km from Kollam, Munroe is connected by both road and rail. Trivandrum International Airport is about 80 km away.
What To Do
Glide through narrow canals on canoe rides, spot migratory birds, and watch locals weaving coir. A backwater cruise here shows you a slower side of Kerala.
Budget
Homestays: ₹1,000–₹1,200 per night (including meals)
Canoe tours: ₹400–₹600 per person
Local meals: ₹150–₹300
Also Read: This Vietnamese Cave Is So Big It Has Clouds, Rain And A Jungle Inside
For Families On A Budget
6. Bhavani Island, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: vijayawadatourism.com
Not every island holiday needs beaches or backwaters. On the Krishna River near Vijayawada, Bhavani Island blends manicured gardens, cottages, and water sports—making it perfect for family trips. Surrounded by mangroves, it feels like a riverside resort without the price tag.
Getting There
Take a ferry from Punnami Ghat or Berm Park, a short ride of 5 to 15 minutes.
What To Do
Families can try ziplining and rope courses, enjoy boat rides, or simply picnic in green spaces. Eco-cottages provide budget-friendly stays right on the island.
Budget
Cottages: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night
Meals: ₹200–₹400 per person
Water activities: ₹300–₹800
Tips For Exploring These Hidden Islands
Photo: Unsplash
Opt for homestays or government cottages to keep costs low
Carry cash since ATMs may be limited
Check ferry timings in advance, especially during the monsoon season
Travel light, as boat transfers are common
Follow eco-guidelines, especially in protected areas like Kuruvadweep
Best Time To Visit
Majuli, Assam: October to March
Divar Island, Goa: November to February
St. Mary's Island, Karnataka: October to January
Munroe Island, Kerala: November to February
Bhavani Island, Andhra Pradesh: October to March
Kuruvadweep, Kerala: December to May
From Assam's monasteries to Wayanad's bamboo groves, these islands remind us that paradise is not always far-flung. Sometimes, the most memorable tropical escapes are right here in India, and they cost far less than you expect.
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