Lakshadweep –Nature at its Best

Lakshadweep is an island which is a union territory under India. Although the literal translation of the word Lakshadweep means “hundred thousand islands” in Malayalam, a total of 36 isles exist in this archipelago and only 10 are inhabited. These islands filled coral reefs and laden with exotic palms, have been popular with tourists for quite some time. Some excellent and developed diving is mostly the reason for this. Water sports are dominant over here.

Lakshadweep spectacular tropical island [source]

The inhabited islands in Lakshadweep are Agatti, Amini, Kalpeni, Chetlat, Andrott, Kadmat, Kiltan, Kavaratti, Bitra and Minicoy. Out of all the islands, only Bangaram and Kadamat are open for tourists. The islands are covered with pristine coral sand. These are the only coral islands in India, and are formed by the process of gradual taking in of calcium from the water by corals and building reefs.

Kadmat Island

source

Kadmat Island is 8km long and 550 m wide at its widest point. In the western side, there is an excellent lagoon that is ideal for all kinds of water sports. There is a water sports school here and water skiing apparatus, kayaks, glass bottomed and pedal boats are available on rent. The scuba diving center is much visited by water sports aficionados throughout the world. There is a good variety of fishes like sharks and rays, and excellent clear water with visibility up to 20-50 m visibility.

Bangaram Island

Bangaram Island is a small island situated next to Kavaratti. Bangaram is not inhabited and this is the only uninhabited island resort in Lakshadweep. Bangaram is the perfect place to recharge your batteries, and get away from the rat race for some time. At night, luminescent plankton that is washed up on the beach gives a light blue glow to the coral sands, creating a totally magnificent effect. To reach this island one has to travel by boat or helicopter from Agatti Island.

Other things to do

There is plenty of yachting, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, pedal boating, canoeing and kayaking in Lakshadweep. Apart from these, there is a light house and a Marine museum.

How to get there

There are two ways of reaching Lakshadweep from the Indian mainland, namely, by air and by sea

By Air

There are flights operating six days a week from Cochin International Airport, Kerala to Agatti, which is the only airport in Lakshadweep. Helicopter transfers have been made available from Agatti to select destinations. It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Agatti from Cochin (also known as Kochi).

By Sea

Currently, there are four passenger ships operating between Cochin and Lakshadweep. The total time duration of the passage is between 14 to 10 hours. These ships do not operate during the Monsoon season (extending from 15th May to October 15th).

Accommodation

There are several resorts and tourist homes managed by SPORTS and several private companies.

Important

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is only allowed in Bangaram. Do not pick up corals as this is punishable by law.

Climate

The climate is variable and is warm most of the year and is mildly warm from November to February.

Best Time to Visit:

November to February.

Clothing

Cotton clothes are suitable throughout the year.

Languages spoken

Malayalam, Mahal and English.