Lakshadweep - General Information

About Lakshadweep Islands

The coral islands of Lakshadweep, a total of 36 of which 10 are inhabited, have in recent years become one of the country's popular tourist destinations. One of the very last places in the world where little has changed in the face of rapid development. The Lakshadweep lies in the Arabian Sea.

It is surrounded by lagoons and known for their pristine beauty. Coconut trees abound, the beaches are silver crescents and the sea is a crystal clear endless blueness. Tourism is restricted to ensure that the delicate environment is not ecologically damaged. Only five islands are open for tourism- four to domestic tourists and one to international tourists. Visitors can arrive here by ship from Kochi, enjoy a wide range of water sports, explore marine life, and relax. Lakshadweep has an airstrip Agatti through which it is connected to Kochi on a flight that originates from Chennai. Ship cruises are available as packages designed for the tourists. You can go for Scuba Diving- Laccadives (Kadmat). An eight to ten day course is conducted by trained instructors and dive masters.

To introduce you to the wonders of life under the sea, untouched, unspoilt with average visibility of 150ft. All equipment provided by Laccadives. Swimming skills are mandatory and the minimum age for diving is 14 years. A doctor's certificate clearing the candidate to be fit for diving is necessary.
 

Kavaratti Island

Kavaratti is the Headquarters of the Administration and the most developed island. Fifty-two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. Water from a well near the mosque is believed to have curative powers. The beautiful and calm lagoon offers an ideal spot for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. Sunbathing or just lazing around on the beach can be a heady experience. Marine life enthusiasts can visit the marine aquarium, which has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The multicoloured underwater life in the lagoons can be viewed through glass-bottomed boats. Kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats are available on hire. The Dolphin Dive Centre is an attraction for those who love scuba dive. 'Coral reef 'and 'Taratashi' tourist packages can be availed to visit this coral paradise.
 

Kalpeni Island

Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni is a huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is believed that a violent storm in 1847 threw up huge coral boulders along these shores. It is a socially progressive island and it was here that girls first went to school when women's education was considered taboo. You can swim, snorkel or reef-walk in the vast lagoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats. Two bathing huts with change rooms are available at Koomel Beach Resort. Four tourist cottages are available for overnight stay. Visit to Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef and Coconut Grove packages.
 

Minicoy Island

Minicoy is, in a sense, isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group. It is 10.6 kms long and is the second largest island after Andrott. Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet Viringili on its southern side. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in its culture. It has a cluster of 11 villages, which are called "Ava'h" each presided over by an elected village elder called Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully maintained and decorated. Minicoy is renowned for its tradition dance - the Lava performed on festive occasions. Colourful race boats called "Jahadhoni" are a feast to the eye of any tourist. A large number of men from this island are employed as seamen in ships all over the world. Mahl is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna-canning factory on the island processes the catch. A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is a majestic landmark. The beaches have bathing huts with change rooms and facilities for water sports are available. 3 tourist cottages and one 20-bedded tourist home have been constructed for staying tourists. Visit to Minicoy is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages.
 

Kadmat Island

Kadmat is 8 km long and only 550 metres wide at its broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west, which is ideal for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The main attractions are the long sandy beaches and sand banks on the southern tip for sun bathing. Tourist huts built amidst palm groves facing the lagoon allow you to soak in the pristine beauty of the coral ecosystem. Kayaks, sailing boats, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass-bottomed boats are available on hire. A Water Sports Institute functions on the island. Marine Wealth Awareness Package allows you to spend 2-4 days on the island enjoying the rich bounty of nature. Kadmat has emerged as one of the most beautiful dive centers in India. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive destination for scuba divers.
 

Agatti Island

Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as you approach for a landing, you get a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines operates daily (except Sunday) flights to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep
 

Bangaram Island

Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Two small islands of Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting. Guests to this resort can either avail of the boat transfer or helicopter transfer from Agatti. Being the only uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep it has got its own charm. An ideal destination for discerning exclusive tourists, Bangaram has carved its presence in the international tourist map.
 

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