5 fascinating abandoned islands: Tales of lost worlds and haunting beauty

New Delhi: From battles with nature to economic hardship and human conflicts, various events have led to the abandonment of islands around the world. Some stories are rooted in understandable circumstances, while others hold darker and more sinister histories. 

In this collection of 5 abandoned islands, we delve into the allure of their deserted landscapes and uncover the intriguing tales behind their desertion.

Houtouwan Village (Shengshan Island, China)

Once a bustling fishing village with over 2,000 inhabitants, Houtouwan was abandoned in the 1990s as residents sought better opportunities elsewhere. Today, the village stands engulfed by nature, its crumbling stone houses overrun by lush vegetation. Despite its eerie ambiance, tourists flock to the island to catch a glimpse of the deserted homes.

King Island (Alaska, USA) 

Situated approximately 40 miles off mainland Alaska, King Island was once home to the Inupiat community of Ukivok. Relying on the sea for sustenance, the inhabitants thrived by hunting crabs and seals during winter and fishing in the summer. Tragically, the village had to be deserted in 1959 when the Bureau of Indian Affairs closed its only school. Today, the remains of the village, including deteriorating homes on stilts, serve as a ghostly reminder of its past.

Spinalonga Island (Greece): 

With a history dating back to the late 16th century, Spinalonga Island was fortified by the Venetians to protect trade routes from pirates and Ottoman Turks. However, it later served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, becoming one of Europe’s last such colonies. The island bore the weight of stigma for years, but Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island” helped humanize the experiences of its residents, shedding light on their struggles.

Hashima Island (Gunkanjima, Japan):

Named “Battleship Island” due to its shape, Hashima was a bustling island near Nagasaki, known for its coal mines that symbolized Japanese industrialization. In its heyday, over 5,000 inhabitants thrived there in 1959. However, as petroleum replaced coal, the population dwindled, leaving the island in decay. Recently, tourists gained access to explore the island’s ruins featured in the film “Skyfall.”

Ross Island (India)

Originally known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Ross Island was a British settlement housing a penal colony for nearly a century. Devastated by a major earthquake in 1941 and occupied by the Japanese, the island’s infrastructure suffered. In 1979, the Indian Navy reclaimed it, establishing a small military base. Today, tourists can visit the remnants of the former penal colony and souvenir shops.

The captivating allure of these abandoned islands lies not only in their striking natural beauty but also in the intriguing narratives that echo through their desolate landscapes.