8 Indian River Islands To Beat the Heat This Summer

Summer is not all about wilting in the heat in concrete buildings. It may be natural for you then to think of escaping to the cooling Himalayas. But how about you change your route and go to the river islands, lake side or quiet beaches instead? Yes, the ones where it’s not too crowded but definitely tranquil.

With no further ado, here are 8 river islands and lakes you can go to for a peaceful getaway this summer that replaces the stresses of everyday life with the serenity of the ocean's presence. These river islands are quietly exquisite and mostly remain remarkably under-travelled, yet offer world-class beauty, elite privacy, and impeccable stay experiences. If you love boating, camping, and star-gazing, the list might just be a goldmine for you!

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Dawki River, Meghalaya

Crystal-clear riverbanks with white pebbled “beaches”

Near the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki’s Umngot River is famed for its glass-clear water, flanked by smooth rock beaches and lush cliffs. It's a natural swimming pool with mountain air.

Chandubi Lake, Assam

Calm waters, thick forests, and cool evenings, Chandubi Lake in Assam is just an hour from Guwahati, Chandubi feels worlds away. Fringed by dense forest, its pebbled shorelines serve serious beachy seclusion. Summer nights here can dip below 20°C.

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Shonga-Tser Lake, Arunachal Pradesh (Madhuri Lake)

High-altitude drama at 12,000 ft, Shonga-Tser Lake, Arunachal Pradesh is this glacial lake near Tawang is snow-fed and icy cold year-round. Its shores are stark, cinematic, and soul stirring. In early summer, the frozen edges begin to melt, revealing cobalt waters and haunting silence.

Mechuka River Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

If you love a riverside meadow that feel like alpine beaches, go to Mechuka River valley in Arunachal Pradesh this summer. Located in a high-altitude valley near the Indo-Tibet border, Mechuka has broad riverside “beaches” with stones, pine forests, and glacier-fed waters. You can dip your feet in — but only if you dare.

Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim

Just two hours from Gangtok, Tsomgo, the Alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is like stepping into a Himalayan postcard. Snow remains into early summer, and yaks wander the periphery like extras in a Wes Anderson film. The lake shore mimics a wintry beach — only colder. 

Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Words come to mind when I think about the serene Sangestar Lake are: untouched, icy, and ethereal.

This lesser-known lake lies north of Tawang and remains cold, remote, and deeply photogenic even in June. Surrounded by ghost trees submerged in its clear waters, Sangetsar is as haunting as it is beautiful.

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Nongkhnum River Island

The biggest river island in Meghalaya, and the second biggest in Asia, Nongkhnum River Island. The island boasts a beautiful sandy beach, scenic landscapes, and is surrounded by numerous waterfalls, including Weinia Falls, Thum Falls, and Lyngshiang Falls.

And guess what it’s one of the best locations for camping, boating, fishing, sunbathing, and even trekking to nearby waterfalls. 

Majuli Island, Assam

One of the largest river islands Majuli is in the northeastern state of Assam. Nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River, Majuli is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and spiritual significance.

The island is home to a rich Assamese cultural heritage and a unique blend of traditional practices and environmental significance.